The Bird That Couldn't Sing (GBFF)

Chapter 15 - Sang

"So, you're new here, Sang?" Nathan asks, breaking the comfortable silence that had washed between us. Though, it was more of a statement than a question.

I nod.

With a chuckle, he continues. "There aren't very many kids that live in our neighborhood, so it's always nice to see a new face. I actually have a friend that lives in our neighborhood," he informs with a smile, and it's clear to see this friend means very much to him.

I turn to glance up at him sideways with a grin, easing him to continue, and he does.

"His name is Kota, and we've been friends for like... ever. But he's honestly more like a brother to me, along with the other friends in our group..." the voice to his rant slowly dies out when he notices my expression: one of shock and excitement and maybe a little embarrassment.

I honestly don't know how I didn't see it before, considering all of them are so alike yet so completely different at the same time. And despite the sudden spark of nerves that grows within me due to the thought of all of them being friends... brothers... I can't help the giddiness that grows within me. All of my friends are friends, and that means we can all best friends. At least, that's what I'm hoping for.

I unconsciously let out a giggle of excitement at the thought and turn to look at Nathan who is still looking down at me in confusion, throwing him off guard when I wrap my small arms around his large torso.

"Woah," he chuckles, not unkindly. "What has you so happy, peanut?" He asks, reciprocating the embrace.

I decide that if I can't answer, then I can at least use it to my advantage, and I'll let that be a surprise for later. So, I lean my head back from his chest and bring my hand up to my lips, pretending to zip them shut, lock them, and throw the key away over my shoulder. His beautiful blue eyes light up in mirth, a smile stretching across his handsome face.

"Fine then, don't tell me. But rest assured, I will find out eventually, peanut," he declares, and at that, I slowly let my arms unwrap themselves from around his clearly muscular build and step back. Now suddenly shy again, my head falls a little to hide my blush with my hair as I begin to walk forward. Nathan falls into close step behind me.

"So, do you go on walks this early by yourself often, Sang?" He asks, drawling a shrug from me. He chuckles quietly.

"I have a pool!" He immediately clamps his hand over his mouth like he's just accidently shared the code to a nuclear bomb with me. "Shit, that was weird, wasn't it? I don't know why I said that. I guess I was just nervous. You're not talking and I didn't know what to say..." His rambling is soon cut off by my wild giggling, unable to control myself. He's just too cute.

The slight flush on his face instantly deepens at my laughter, so I try my hardest to reign it in, not wanting to embarrass him further. But I can't help it! His nervous rambling was just so adorable!

Eventually, my laughter dies down, leaving a slight ache in my stomach. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard.

Nathan looks absolutely mortified, and I can't help the guilty feeling that washes over me at the sight. Darn it, I didn't mean to make him feel so embarrassed!

I bring my hand up to rest it on his (very strong and muscular) bicep, smiling up at him reassuringly. The shocks run up my hand as I shake my head slightly to try and convey that it's alright and he shouldn't be embarrassed, which slowly makes him ease up a little, a small sigh escaping his lips.

"I'm so sorry, peanut. I swear I'm not usually like that. It's just that you-" he stops himself and looks past me for a brief moment, then brings his attention back to me. "Never mind, but do you maybe... wanna see it?" He sounds so unsure, so I immediately nod my head yes. "Great," he sighs, appearing relieved. "That's great. Um... let's go."