Golden Melody

Chapter 10.4

Zatariel Wov

His pov

Miexha Verra

Just the sight of her, in our outdoor school uniform, her wavy brown hair tied in a ponytail, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief, made my heart skip a beat. 
She was beautiful, even in the mundane setting of a school bus.

I was lost in my admiration, completely oblivious to the world around me. 
Then, Marie, a resident mischief-maker, tapped my shoulder. 
She looked at me, grinning mischievously. 

"Stop staring at her, or she'll melt," she whispered, her voice laced with amusement. 
Asha, Marie's girlfriend, joined in, their laughter echoing through the bus.

The other students, sensing the drama, turned to look at us. 
Heat crept up my cheeks, and I tried to shush the two girls. 
They were embarrassing me.

Just then, Mimi joined them, her smile as bright as the sun.
I reached out for her hand, gently squeezing it, and helped her onto the bus.

But before I could even think of claiming the seat next to her, Thyron, my arch-rival and self-proclaimed "protector" of Miexha, swooped in and grabbed her hand, pulling her towards him. 
"Come sit with me, Exy," he said, his voice dripping with false charm.

Miexha, ever the peacemaker, decided to play it safe.  She grabbed my hand, pulling me towards her. 
"Riel, sit with me," she said, her voice soft but firm.

And so, we were stuck. 

The three of us, crammed into a single row on the bus, Thyron on one side, me on the other, both holding Mimi's hands. 
It was a scene straight out of a bad rom-com, a comedy of errors fueled by teenage hormones and a healthy dose of awkwardness.

I glanced at my side, where Marie and Asha were seated. 
Marie was leaning against Damian, a freshman with dark hair and green eyes, who was playing with Ofreigha's scarlet hair without her noticing. 
In front of them sat Ofreigha, Jayson, and another male student.

On our front was the back of my cousin Aleanna and Kyliah.

The bus was filled with a soft chatter of students, a symphony of teenage anxieties and hopes.  Thyron and I, however, were locked in a silent battle of wills, our eyes locked on Miexha, both wanting her to lean her head on our shoulders. 
It was a ridiculous competition, but it was a competition nonetheless.

This was our last school field trip, a bittersweet reminder that we were graduating in April.
I hoped this trip would be a pleasant memory, a final chapter in our school lives.
I would enjoy the ride, even if it meant playing a game of cat and mouse with Thyron, all for a chance to hold Miexha's hand and feel her warmth against mine.

The bus finally screeched to a halt, its groaning brakes and a sound of relief for my weary bones.
Twelve hours on a bus, even with pit stops for food and bathroom breaks, was a test of endurance.
But here we were, at the Wayne Academy Botanical Garden in Green City.

My fellow students, armed with exhausted expressions, shuffled off the bus, their backpacks heavy with the weight of three days' worth of supplies. 
I, however, felt a surge of excitement.
This trip was a chance to escape the confines of school, to breathe in fresh air, and maybe, just maybe, to steal a few moments with Mimi.

Ms. Davis, our young and enthusiastic teacher, led us 25 students towards the dorms.

"Alright, everyone, gather 'round!" she called, her voice echoing through the lush surroundings.
The students, a mix of sleepy teenagers and genuine nature enthusiasts, shuffled closer, our backpacks bumping against each other.

"Welcome," Ms. Davis began, her voice bright with anticipation,
"we're going to explore the world of carnivorous plants! But first, we have to rest. Go to your dorms, and we'll have a proper orientation later."

We scattered to search for our rooms.
I was holding Miexha's hand, her fingers intertwined with mine. She looked up at me, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, and whispered,
"I want to be in a room with you." I felt a warmth spread through my cheeks.

I led her to her room, where my cousin Aleanna, the senior with the short blonde hair, was already unpacking. I left Miexha to settle in with her three other roommates, then set off to find my own room.

I finally found it, and the tension was palpable.
There was Jay, my best friend, Damian, Jay's rival in love, and another guy, Axel, who was also vying for Jay's affections and, Thyron my Rival.
The room had five beds and five individual cabinets for personal space.

I unpacked my things, changed into pajamas, and joined the others in the dining room for dinner.
Ms. Davis led the prayers, then discussed the itinerary for the next day.

After dinner, I saw Jay and Ofreigha, his girlfriend, having their usual romantic moments on the balcony.
Marie and Damian were talking seriously in the hallway, their voices hushed and their expressions intense.

"Guest who?" a voice purred, blocking my view. I turned to see Miexha, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"My love, of course," I replied, reaching for her hand.
I pulled her close, kissing her forehead softly.

We walked out, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the heat of the dorm.
We stood on the steps, the city lights twinkling in the distance.

"I love you," she whispered, her eyes filled with a depth of emotion that took my breath away.

"I love you too, Mimi," I whispered back, leaning down and kissing her softly.

As I watched her leave, her yellow pajamas and fleeting vision in the night, I went back to my room.
Jay and Damian were locked in a silent war, their gazes locked in a fierce duel. 
I tapped Jay's shoulder, trying to calm him down.

Across the room, Thyron was holding Miexha's picture, his lips pressed against it.
I felt a wave of disgust wash over me.
I was about to confront him, but Jay stopped me.

The whole night, Jay and I couldn't sleep. We sat on the sofa, the room dark and the others asleep.
"I really wanted to contain my jealousy, but Ofreigha's too lovely," Jay sighed, his voice laced with frustration.
"The other guys can't stop falling for her."

I nodded, understanding his pain. It was hard having a girlfriend as beautiful and charming as Ofreigha.
"I just wish I could hide her in my pocket," he muttered.

I chuckled, feeling the same way about Miexha. 
"I know, man. But we just have to understand the consequences of loving such beautiful girls."

He just silently nodded.