Facsimile

7

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Still Fleur's POV

It's 7:43pm, I'm walking back to my house with River right now. We're talking animatedly about almost everything, and teasing each other while we're at it.

"And that's why I ended up doing a backflip in front of my sister." River finished.

"I'm sure she was just kidding, you didn't really have to do that." I pointedly replied.

He snorts and pulls me closer to him. It's raining again and the umbrella he has isn't enough for the both of us.

That single tiny gesture he did sent millions of butterflies fluttering inside me. It might've meant nothing to him, maybe it was just to protect an underclassman but I can't help but feel that there's something more to it.

Wow, ladies really do overthink about everything.

"It sure as hell surprised her anyway, besides.. I did it in front of boyfriend which made her even 100x more embarrassed."

I laugh, and laugh until I have a hard time breathing. Walking with River right now made me realize that even the most trivial moments can be the best memories, I'll cherish this. I know he doesn't like me back, but I'm glad he doesn't think it's weird anymore.

"You're so mean!" I exclaimed.

He smiles at me dazzlingly, "Would it make it better if I tell you that my cousins were there too?" he teased.

"I don't think so.. Your family seems really fun to be around with." I smile at him sincerely.

He scratches his head, "Well then, you should meet them." and smiles at ne sheepishly.

I stare at River with wide eyes, he also mirrors my expression. Is he surprised about what he said too?

The rest of the trip back home was silent, not a word was uttered.

Finally, we arrive at my doorstep and as expected.. it's empty and lonely.

I sigh to myself, and glance at River. He looks at my house with a content smile on his pretty face.

"There's so many flowers here. I'm guessing this is where you got your name, Fleur."

I blush at what he said, he guessed it correctly. Dad was very proud of the name he gave me.

I'm proud of it too. A name is very important thing after all. It is our identity.

"Thank you for taking me back home, River." I thanked him sincerely.

His hand reaches cautiously for my cheek, I stop breathing. I flinch and close my eyes. What is he doing? Instead of doing something suspicious, he rubs it softly. It feels hot where he's touching me. I wonder if he feels it too.

"You're welcome, Fleur." he murmured a reply.

I exhale the breath I was holding in. I honestly don't know how long we lasted like that.

I pull River's hand away and glance up at him, "Y-You should go now. It's dark already." I stuttered out.

He chuckles and pats my head, "Alright, kid. See ya at school." he smiles again and slowly backs out of my house's driveway. He waves at me before finally leaving.

As he was leaving, I felt a sense of longing. I want to hug him, I want to ruffle his dark brown hair lovingly, I want to tell him how his eyes shine brightly, I want to tell him his smile reminded of the stars, I want more, I want to kiss-

No.

I can't.

He's not interested in me, he never took my confession seriously.

I'm too young for him and he's the kind of person that shines brightly. I'm no one. I'm a person full of self-hatred and insolence.

He views the world with hope and has the desire to fight for everything. I view the world as something harsh and hopeless, a battle field.

I sigh again to myself.

Dad, what have I gotten myself into?