The Boy From Everywhere

Ch. 26: The Confession

"So, uhm... that... that wasn't a dream?"

"Well... it wasn't, I guess?"

It was weird... It never even crossed my mind that the reason Hannah never mentioned that was simply because she thought it was all a dream. I figured it brought bad memories. That's why I always hesitated, held back even though I wanted to try and tell her how I felt again. But as it turns out, maybe we were both just confused about what to do.

Hannah breathed out a laugh, a mix of relief and humor. Sitting outside on the stairs of the library under a sea of lamplights and stars, she glowed despite the obvious confusion still lingering in her eyes. Suddenly, I had another reason to have my heart start racing.

"I-I mean, of course, not that I'm confessing to you to demand an answer or anything. I-I just wanted to let you know, that, well..." I rambled, suddenly feeling hotter than the cold night air would usually allow. My words soon trailed off just as I realized what I was about to say, all silly and maybe a bit too embarrassing. But then again, when did I ever care so much about what I had to say to Hannah? "... I like being with you, Hannah... You make my world light up more than anyone ever could." A smile formed naturally on my lips, as I mulled those words over like they weren't even mine.

Exactly. They were my heart's. And I looked at Hannah to admire her glow all over again. She didn't look so confused anymore. If anything, she looked surprised, flustered, and perhaps just as red as I was as she continued to stare at me. She looked adorable, and I wanted to kiss her.

And then she finally spoke, turning away from me as her hand went up to her nape. "Oh, uhm... thanks." She chuckled awkwardly, the same awkwardness being reflected in her smile. For a moment, I felt a tinge of disappointment, thinking that was the end of it. But then she continued. "... You took the words right out of my mouth actually," she paused, and then she looked at me, meeting my eyes as her smile grew and her glow returned. "I feel the same way about you, too, Eli... I like you, too."

I think, that was it.

That was all it took for me to make my next move. Moving faster than my thoughts, I leaned in, bringing my face closer and closer to Hannah's as my heart began to race all over again. The smile that remained on her face reflected on mine as soon as I saw it. And right as my eyes fluttered close just inches away from her own, I felt our lips touch.

Strange. I never thought I'd get to have my first kiss so soon, nor did I ever think that I'd be the one to initiate it. Maybe this was just what it really was like to fall in love. You forget so many things, and you let your emotions lead you on, and suddenly, no matter whatever you had to deal with to make it up to this point - all the troubles, the pain - it wouldn't really matter anymore. You were, after all, with the one you love.

I was with Hannah. I was with the one who could no doubt pull me away from all my troubles. I felt safe.

And... I hoped she felt the same. As I pulled away, the first thing I saw were her eyes, sparkling as she looked up at me. Maybe it was just the way I felt, but they suddenly seemed so much brighter now than I've ever seen them. She giggled, startling me for a moment as I blinked. And then I felt heat rushing up to my face all over again as I turned away all flustered.

She really was adorable. But more importantly... I actually kissed Hannah?!

"I-I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. T-that must have shocked you-" I started rambling again, the temperature of my face not at all going down as I turned away. What a way to make things awkward between us. I suddenly felt so ashamed and embarrassed and unable to face Hannah, but then...

I stopped and froze when I suddenly felt her take my hand and hold it gently in her own. Like she was protecting it. And then, she intertwined our fingers.

It took a few more seconds before I managed to calm down. The calm quiet of the night filled the silence that could have between me and Hannah. It didn't really feel awkward anymore, nor that I feel embarrassed. Still, my face remained hot as I minded our hands, and I felt a question nagging at me, begging to be asked. I finally let it out to let my heart rest.

"So, uh... Are we...?" I began, but my voice began trailing off before I could even reach the word.

But Hannah seemed to understand regardless. "Yeah. We are."

That was the only confirmation I needed. I smiled as I squeezed her hand, looking ahead with a pleased smile on my face and even slightly swaying in my contained joy.

Who knew life could be so beautiful?

~•~

When I got to school the next day, I felt all the more excited knowing I'd get to see Hannah again so soon. It's still quite the miracle to me. When she suddenly disappeared that day her aunt pulled her away, I thought I'd never see her again. But now, not only did she end up in the same school I go to, but she ended up in the same class as me, too!

It was definitely a pleasant surprise to see her again, but...

I wonder how she's been with her aunt lately. Surely, she doesn't even know that she sent Hannah to the same school I go to. She definitely didn't like me... I doubt she ever really liked Hannah either.

After all, what exactly did she mean when she said it should have been Hannah in that fire instead? Is Hannah actually better these days?

Arriving to the classroom meant that the first thing I would do was, clearly, search the room for Hannah. I wasn't as early as usual today, so the room had already been filled with bustling students doing their own things. It took me just a few seconds to adjust and look around a bit better, but a few seconds more and I furrowed my brows.

"Wait... is Hannah not here yet?"

I searched a second time, all the while walking slowly to my desk and dodging the other students that were in my way. Even that search wasn't successful, and I huffed out a quiet sigh after realizing that. Maybe she was just going to be running late today. I hoped so, at least, that it wasn't because of something urgent.

The bell rang, and I turned my eyes away from her seat towards the ceiling. That startled me. And for some reason, it made me nervous...

Hannah... where exactly was she...?

"Oh!" A soft grunt escaped me when someone suddenly ran past me, sending me stumbling back and then turning to see who it was.

It was a girl around my age, a flowery headband holding back her bangs and curious eyes that looked quite a lot like Hannah's. She looked familiar, but it still felt wrong seeing her around here. I'm sure I've seen her around, but what was she doing in this classroom?

But then she spoke, and the words she uttered froze me to my core.

This girl, this stranger who came out of nowhere, asked me if it was really me, Hannah's boyfriend...

Now who in the world is she to ask that?