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03

~~After school~

I can still feel the light, pink on my cheeks accompanied by the rising and falling of my chest as I walk out into the cool autumn air, stressed out of my mind. Thoughts of that stupid fiery haired boy are still swimming in my mind and I can feel a headache start to develop as I grit my teeth slightly. I stop under a small tree, avoiding the autumn sun under it's orange and yellow leaves.

Usually nobody is behind the school during eighth hour except me, (I was fortunate enough to score 8th off so I get to go home early) it's nice that way, peaceful even. My thoughts are cleared as I breath in the scent of autumn fairy dust and distant pumpkin spice.

My house isn't fair from school so I've always just walked. Right now I live with my aunt in a small, yet cozy, apartment complex. Life is actually pretty good, minus the few annoying butterflies in my stomach for a certain drama king.

My black Converse tap lightly on the sidewalk as I make my way home.

As I round the corner I notice..—Julian?!
What the hell's he doing here?! Doesn't he have a class eighth hour? Wait a second...
A white cloud of white vapor hovers on the edges of his pale lips, trailing off into the crisp air, leaving a fruity scent behind as it dissipates.
Is he..vaping..on school property?? And skipping??? I don't want anything to do with this. I look to the ground as I feel the tips of my ears heat up. I try to pass by as naturally as possible but...I am not match for anxiety and awkwardness.

.....don'tmakeeyecontactdont'tmakeeyecontact-DAMMIT!

The slightest glance sets me directly in the spotlight and I can feel the tension build in the thick air between us. His eyes are wide, as are mine as we share what feels like an eternity of awkwardness.

"Uhm..I cant explain!" Julian almost jumps out of his frozen position, shoving the vape pen into his pocket. There's nothing to really 'explain' here, everything is explicitly set out.

"Look I was just—um—" He racks his brain for a clever excuse, only to end his thought with a defeated sigh.

"There's nothing to explain, just please-!" The tall boy is almost in his knees before me, pleading for his life like I'm some kind of warlord about to take it.
"Please! Be a sweetheart and don't bust me?"

A 'sweetheart'? 'sweetheart'...the word races in my head for quick second as a process the sentence and oppress the warm glow creeping onto my cheeks. I'm feeling a bit more confident now, enough to tease the guy..

"Why shouldn't I?" I cock my head to the side a bit and I can see the mildly panicked expression Julian now wears.

"Please..? I-If I get caught vaping again I'll get expelled..," there's an obvious tone of fear laced in his words. What's he so afraid of? Mr.bad-boy drama king is scared of getting expelled?
I kinda feel bad for messing with him now and the shy touch to my voice returns.

"I-I'll do anything! Anything you say!"

'Anything'? I can feel a hitch in my breath and a slight smile creeps across my lip. I don't know what comes over me but my mind goes blank and my 'craving' speaks for me.

"Anything?" My desires carry my voice now and a warm blush covers my cheeks as well as I re-inform myself of the possibilities.

"Yes! If you won't spill my secret"

"A kiss"

"What?"