Being Next to You

Chapter 39: Love is what?

The cold weather is still with us.

Carefully delivering and carrying this large table to the lab, just the two of us; Julian and me, Harrison.

Classrooms were taking their classes, and thank goodness they were making sounds.

Since it was quiet, it was supposed to be yet I felt an awkward gap. Especially, he's the guy that Rina likes...!-- I don't know what to say, but I know he is better than his twin, he's the person whom Pal really likes. And that's also the reason I can't talk, if I did say something, it might just get wors--

BUMP.

"Julian, did we hit something?" I asked I can't see properly since I was holding the lower back, but I saw Julian Bridge holding out his head.

"It's nothing..," he answered but his eyes were teary.

"S-Sure..." I was smugging, I pretended I did not see anything; Funny in every aspect.

"Umm...you got a haircut....and glasses too..." And now, he's changing the topic?!

"A-Ah, I tried to change my image, but I really wear glasses.." Holding back my chortle-- Julian shook his head, fighting to put the best smile he could muster.

"You're a funny guy, Julian Bridge." I spurt-- I mean, I can't take it anymore.

"I don't see anything funny." He was clueless.

"T-That makes you a joke." I grinned. I was snickering at him even until we reached the lab.

"Thanks for your hard work, Julian, Harry," said Mr. Clinton, as we placed the table inside. "By the way, did Harry ate something bad?"

I was still snickering.

"P-Please...don't mind me..pfft.!" I was laughing like an idiot next to the culprit.

And Julian was reflecting, "I think it was my fault," he said.

It is your fault-- Mr. Clinton sighed on us in a relieved way. Exiting the room, we're walking away. I was still snickering, giggling, tittering and all sort of annoyance that made poor little Julian pink and blue.

"I'm sorry..," he said.

I smiled, "For what?"

And he answered, "I don't know." He was clueless but he's looking straightforward. His serious eyes stopped the twittering inside of me, realizing that it was a chance to spit some answers.

"Julian.." I called out his name, as my eyes narrowly pierced like a sharp blade, "do you like Rina Bookman?"

And his eyed widen for a second, "I like her, she's my friend."

"Okay. Let me rephrased that, are you in love with Rina? Because I am, you see." Fidgeting my own short hair, feeling the heat on my cheeks.

If eyes could speak, it would be easier for me that way. One look will say how serious I am than words that stumble and pretend.

"Changing my image was for her. I like Rina for a long time so I want to take her attention, but the attention I'm receiving is different. And so as yours, and I hate that. I hate that part of you, Julian Bridge. That's why I'm asking, do you like her as the same way I do? Or different?"

I want my eyes to speak, "I love Rina longer before you, so I'm gonna take her."