Pastel Punk [Phan] ♡ HIATUS

Chapter Six

❀ Chapter Six ❀

Ah, there it was.

My one true love.

I gazed longingly, licking my lips and moistening them. I couldn't peel my eyes away, they were just looking so delicious, so alluring, so tantalizing, sitting there, practically whispering in my ear and calling out to me.

"I'm getting the Maltesers," I announced immediately when my eyes fell upon the rectangular-shaped box of heaven. As cheesy as it sounded, when the thin cardboard fell into my hands, it felt right. You wouldn't understand unless you have an addiction like me. I scrunched up my face determinedly and set them on the small check out center next to the other chocolate candies.

I tapped my foot patiently, staring intently as the cashier swiped them with a price scanner gun and tacked in some numbers in a clunky monitor. The first moment after Vinnie paid the man, I swiped the box back and popped three Maltesers at once in my mouth. I crunched down happily, feeling my addiction being satisfied for the time being.

Vinnie looked at me skeptically as we exited the push doors and loitered on the sidewalk next to the entrance. "Guess you really like those, hmm?" He asked bemusedly. I nodded, not really looking at him and chewing two more.

"Like is an understatement," I said through an occupied, chocolatey mouth. "Maltesers are a lifestyle."

Phil snorted. I whipped my head around and narrowed my eyes at him. I shouldn't have done that, however, because he was directly behind me with what could only be total smugness in his expression. When I twirled around, I wasn't exactly ready to find him that close to my face. My cheeks immediately heated up and I flattened my lips in an awkward grimace. He bit on his lip ring, not taking his eyes off of me. "Why Maltesers?"

"Everyone has their own snack they love. Mine just so happens to be these," I held up the box and shook it near his face. He twitched, seemingly holding himself back from smacking the box out of my hand. I pulled them back to my chest protectively.

"When you two are done making gooey eyes at each other, we're going to the park," Nolan deadpanned, glancing at us out of the corner of his eyes. I stifled a gasp and averted my eyes rapidly, shuffling away to stand next to Jesse, who was munching on a Twix bar and seemingly enjoying the entire charade.

The entire twenty-minute walk to the public parks consisted of me staring straight ahead and pretending I couldn't feel Phil's eyes boring into the back of my head. I felt like he was staring into the depths of my soul or something demonic like that.

I guess it must've looked weird to onlookers, four punk boys and one pastel-loving boy stalking down the sidewalk, talking like old friends. I had already cleared out my box of malt balls two minutes after we left the gas station, and I was left to fidget with the ends of my baby duck yellow argyle sweater.

The public park was free access, which was nice. It was owned by the local college, who I guess had enough money to flaunt that they opened up a vast garden and park area for everyone to enjoy. I had heard of the place, but I had never gotten around to going to check it out.

I looked at the flowers near the entrance with glee, admiring the beauty all around me. All the designs of the flora was so symmetrical and gorgeous, with matching colors, being organized and wild at the same time. The roses bloomed with vivacious hues, the rosemary plants gave off a wonderful, fresh smell, and the topiaries were snipped in gorgeous geometrical designs. In the distance, I could hear the soothing sounds of

rushing river water.

"It's pretty, isn't it?" Phil commented, nodding at the scenery surrounding us. I managed a nod, but I smiled widely. Without a proper warning or any form of consent, he grabbed my hand, tugging me down some stone stairs. "Come on, I'll show you a secret spot."