Always

fourteen

KYLER

My head felt like it might split into two.

The first half of the school day was just over and I was already rushing to get to the music room and take out all the pent up frustration. I couldn't care enough to even grab a bite.

I twisted towards the stairway, thanking everything that there weren't any students crowding the halls or the stairs. There was no way in hell that I could deal with anyone right now.

Just as I stepped down the first two steps, a movement caught my eye at the bottom and I nearly groaned. Before I had the chance to turn around and head for the other stairway, my eyes adjusted on the figure who stood there and I froze.

Jade green eyes met mine.

"Luna." I breathed out.

Her white blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail at her nape. She wore some sort of lipgloss and eyeliner. Her blue sweater was tucked into her white skirt that came just at her knees. Damn.

"Hey." She shuffled, walking up the steps slightly. Her gaze flickered around the hallways and I frowned. I didn't like the insecure thoughts bombarding my head. "Where are you off to?"

"The music room." I shrugged, scratching my cheek slightly. She smiled slightly. "What about you?"

"The library." I smiled. Of course. "Just need to catch up on some stuff."

"Do you need any help?" I moved to the side as someone walked past. I was shit at studying but I could give her some company, maybe.

She simply shook her head. "No, it's fine. It's just soem reading."

I had no idea what it meant that I was slightly disappointed that she had said that.

"So," I drawled, rubbing the back of my neck. "I'll..."

"I'll see you later." She smiled, brushing past me as she moved up the stairs.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. Do something, dumbass.

"Do you want to go to the dance with me on Friday?"

She turned around, blinking in shock. I tucked my lips between my teeth to fight back my laughter. She was too damn cute.

"What?" She voiced.

My heart slammed against my chest and I rubbed my sweaty palms on my jeans as I walked up the steps so I was standing right in front of her. "The dance. This Friday." I clarified. "I want you to go with me."

"The dance?" She repeated. I couldn't help it. I smiled.

"Yeah."

She stood there, contemplating. A flash of panic went through me. Was it a bad idea to ask her? Did she even want to go? Did someone already ask her?

She laughed slightly. It was my turn to be confused.

"You could have made it at least a little romantic, you know?"

Jesus. Fuck.

I could have made it a little more romantic, that was true. But I really didn't want to overdo it and make her uncomfortable. I could have at least gotten her flowers.

My eyes met hers again and I took in the glint in them.

I sighed. Alright, then.

Slowly, I lowered down to one knee. Reaching for both of her hands, I took them in mine as I looked up at her. "Luna Hudson." Her eyes widened, flickering up and down the empty hallway before they landed back on mine.

"What are you doing?" She hissed, trying to pull me up but I stayed where I was.

"Will you do me the honour of going to the dance with me?" I finished, smirking at her shocked and horrified state. I was asking her to a dance in the middle of the stairway afterall.

"Kyler." She laughed slightly, still trying to pull my back to my feet.

"Will you?" I was grinning now.

"Yes! Now get up!"

I laughed, finally giving in and getting back to my feet. I pulled her to my chest, wrapping my arms around her as she settled into the hug.

I rested my chin atop her head and just to mess with her, I added. "You know this doesn't mean I like you, right?"

Who the hell was I kidding? Luna and I were the same. We were two halves of each other. How could I be around her and not be fascinated by her? Not fall for her? I couldn't. I just couldn't.

She was my best friend. And I liked her.

Just a little.

She moved away, stepping back just a little. I let my arms drop from around her.

"I'll see you later. I have to go." She turned around but before she could move away, I reached out and grasped her wrist.

"Wait." She paused. I swallowed, tipping my head to the direction of the stairs. "Come with me."

She stopped for a moment, contemplating. I held my breath. Slowly, she smiled and nodded.

I pulled her along with me, taking her hand in mine as we headed for the music room.

I let the door slide shut behind us and reluctantly let go of her hand.

I felt her move behind me and heard the off-key piano. Turning around, I bit my lip and watched her mess with the piano keys.

She had a gentle smile on her lips as she looked up and searched the room. The feeling of nostalgia and familiarity washed over me. This was the place we had first met--actually met.

"Luna?"

She turned around. "Yeah?"

"Thank you for being my friend." I paused, swallowing. "My best friend."

Her face softened, her shoulder dropping slightly. I continued before she could reply.

"Anyone could have gotten to know me. Anyone could have wanted to get to know me but...they didn't. It was always you. It was always just you."

I stiffened as her arms wrapped around me. And then, my shoulder sagged as I let out a breath, pulling her closer to me.

She smelled like vanilla. Like she had just stepped out of a bakery. I smiled.

"You're my best friend, Ky." She murmured into my shoulder. "I'm always here."

"Always?" My voice broke.

"Always."