Bench Buddies

xiii.

"hey, bench buddy," Leo greeted, sitting beside Winter.

"hi Leo," she greeted back. "why do you keep calling me 'bench buddy'?"

he shrugged. "i find it cute."

he turned to face her, giving her one plug of his earphones.

"like you."

her cheeks flamed, again. what was he doing to her?

"L-Leo!"

he chuckled. "what? i'm being honest here, bench buddy. you're cute."

"th-then...you're cute too?" she stated, although it sounded more like a question.

"don't force it, bench buddy. besides, i already know I'm cute," he winked. oh God, what was he doing?

she buried her face in her hands to prevent him from seeing her tomato-colored face. what is this effect he has on her?

"hey, bench buddy. don't cover your face...," he gently pried off her fingers slowly.

"sorry if i made you uncomfortable," he apologized.

"its not that! i...i'm just not used to receiving compliments. it's not your fault, don't apologize, Leo," she said, giving him the most reassuring smile she could muster. she knew she looked just like a messed up zombie of some sort.

"well..., get used to it starting from now, bench buddy."