strangers.

c h a p t e r | 1 0

"The Maze Runner or Twilight?" She asked, but it wasn't really a question. Ian sensed as he was being tested, his every movement observed, seeing whether or not he would make the right choice. He pondered a moment, going over each option in his mind before answering carefully. He didn't really like Twilight (hated it actually), and she didn't seem like the kind of girl to choose that either.

"The Maze Runner?" He said, though it came out more like question.

"Was that a question?" She inquired, her head tilted a bit to the right. If Ian thought her gaze was sharp and analyzing before, it had worsened tenfold now. He swallowed nervously.

"The Maze Runner." He said, this time hopefully sounding more certain.

Her stoic expression morphed into one great happiness, a huge smile stretching her pink lips. Ian could've sworn his heart skipped a beat when he saw that smile; he vowed to himself that if he had the power to make her smile like that, he would do whatever it took.

Sofia settled in happily, satisfied with his answer. Remote in hand, she clicked the buttons until she found the film she was looking for. She shifted the comforter draped on her legs as she positioned herself on the couch.

Ian got up to get himself something to eat, and was halfway down the hallway when he remembered his guest.

"I'm going to the kitchen. Do you want anything?" His head peeked out from the corner of the corridor.

Sofia paid him no mind, waving her hand at him dismissively. The processing of finding their desired movie had her full attention.

Ian shrugged, before walking off into the kitchen. He opened up the cupboard and pulled out a loaf of bread, and extracted two slices from it. He took the cheese out of the fridge, spreading it evenly between the two slices. Then, finally, he took his sandwich and placed it on the heated stove. The wonderful aroma of grilled cheese sandwich filled the air.

Once done, the boy returned to the common room, plate in hand. Just as he sat down on the couch, he suddenly felt a quick movement to his right. Ever so casually, Sofia had swiped the plate from right beside him, now casually biting into the sandwich. His sandwich.

Ian humphed in disagreement, a pout on his lips."I asked if you wanted any! That was mine!" he whined, sounding more like a disappointed toddler than the 19 year old he actually was.

She simply shrugged, before speaking an excuse. She waited until she was done chewing, swallowed, and then spoke. "I like triangles." She resumed facing towards the television in front of her.

Ian confused, looked at her with an expression that could only be described as, 'What the fuck?' It took a full minute, but the realization finally dawned on him. She was talking about the sandwich. Before leaving the kitchen, Ian had split the sandwich horizontally, making triangles, the way his mother had done for him when he was a child.

He chuckled softly to himself, before getting up (again) and making himself another sandwich. A small smile adorned his face as he thought of Sofia and her little quirks. His thinking was rudely interrupted when he heard a shout from the other room.

"Red!" she yelled, trying to call for his attention.

"Yeah?" he answered, but in his normal voice, seeing as though no one else was home, so she would be able to hear him perfectly. The boys had gone out together, to go busking, they said.

Ian had offered for them to join him and Sofia's hangout, but they refused, with a wink from Chris, and a whisper of, 'good luck' from Leo as they left.

"The movie's starting! Hurry!" She said, the excitement evident in her voice.

He made his way back to couch, mock jogging, to which she laughed. He settled into couch, this time for the final time. He placed his plate on the arm of the couch to his left, and gestured for Sof to come closer. She immediately obeyed, taking her place in his side, nice and comfy, and pressed play on the movie.

It was evident how happy she was. Throughout the movie, as Ian observed, she would mouth the words to almost all the lines. He watched as her face lit up whenever her favorite character was on screen.

He was genuinely interested in the movie, but the girl beside him did take up a fair share of his mind.

The pair spent the evening, laughing and crying (almost), goofing off like the children they were at heart. The evening was spent in pure bliss, two friends make the most of each others' company. It was one of the best memories the two would ever keep; something beautiful to cherish indeed. 

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hey!

i just wanted to say, thank so much for all the positive feedback! i appreciate each and every single read, comment, and votes! keep it up!

and also. . . 250+ reads ?!?!? holy shit

ily <3

forever and always,

~ s.