Virlaq Kingdom

17

"No, you hang up first," Klara cringed, "Oh my god, we've turned into one of those couples." Angie's laugh could be heard from the receiver of Klara's cellphone.

"Alright, alright," the werewolf couldn't hold back her grin, "I'll see you when I get back to the dorm." Angie squeaked her reply and then hung up. Looking back down at her empty Starbucks cup, Klara realized maybe it was time to head back and see her girlfriend afterall, when a familiar scent ran through her nose.

He head snapped to the right where a tall figure stood watching her with dry eyes.

She squinted, seeing if her scent prediction was true. "Darius?"

The boy in question blinked and then started walking toward her. It was a painfully awkward process, as he didn't break eye contact with her until he plopped himself into the swing next to her and immediately stared at his hands.

Klara raised an eyebrow warily, "Are you... okay?" she questioned, "Are you high?"

"Not right now," he said slowly, "I'm just... upset."

"Upset? About what?" she frowned.

He turned to her slowly and sighed, "Have you ever been in an unrequited love?"

Klara's face flushed a bright red.

Oh crap, he's talking about me, her thoughts ran wild. He's really beating himself up about me not liking him back. I should probably tell him that I'm with Angie now. Oh god, I don't wanna add insult to injury.

She gave him a sad smile, "You know... Angie and I are dating now." and braced for the impact.

His eyes widened, but he said nothing. With him lips tucked firmly in his mouth already he just nodded, slowly at first and then faster as it seemed to sink in.

"I think everybody saw that coming," he said, a smile slowly forming on his face, "I'm happy for you, Klara, really."

"You are?" she straightened up in her seat. "Oh my god, I'm so glad to hear that."

"Of course, you're one of my friends," he said and then the smile left his mouth. He put his head in his hands and sighed.

Klara felt her heart sink. She suddenly felt the need to apologize.

"Darius," She bit her lips, fumbling for the right words, "I swear, it's not like I intentionally don't like you. I think I've liked Angie all this time but just haven't been able to see."

"I think you've liked Angie this whole time as well," Darius's muffled voice said through his hands, "Which is why I felt really bad whenever my dad would try to marry us off to each other."

"Exactly, you're such a sweetheart, Darius. Really, at first I thought you were a bit shady, but now I see you're just a shy guy," Klara explained, "I'm sorry that I can't return your feelings-"

Darius's hands twitched for a second and then his head shot up, eyebrow raised.

"-I really am," Klara confessed, "If I could feel the same way I would, but-"

"Hold on," He furrowed his brows, turning back to her, "No offense, Klara, but when I was talking about unrequited love, I wasn't talking about you."

Now it was Klara's time to be shocked. She gawked at the boy for a second, before he broke into a chuckle.

"Honestly," he shook his head, "Aren't we a little full of ourselves?" he said, earning himself a playful punch on the arm. Klara turned bright red.

"W-well, it's not my fault you've acted like you liked me since for-freaking-ever!" she said, in a shrill voice, "Shut up!"

"Nah, I'm just playing. In truth, I haven't been a good friend to you at all, Klara." He said, smile fading again, "And I'm about to be so much worse."