Academic Romance

2

"Yo! I was just about to knock!" The boy said with a chuckle. I looked at him blankly for a second before smiling and tilting my head with a small giggle.

"Hello! I was just leaving, what a coincidence!"

"Aw, leaving? Didn't you just move in?"

"Huh? How'd you know?" I asked.

"I'm your neighbor, Meliodas. I live right next door!" He said, pointing to the house next door. I poked my head out of the doorframe to look at his house. From what I saw, which was just the side of the house, it was fairly large. About the same size as mine! Except instead of the usual neutral tan and eggshell colors, his house was painted a nice grayish-blue with the shutters and door frames painted white for accent, making it stand out from the rest of the neighborhood. Along the lining of the front yard had white picket fences with a nice gate at the front, and the actual yard was littered with different rose bushes and small trees.

"Wow, your house is so well-cared for!" I exclaimed.

"We try. I'd love to show you around sometime!"

"Like, in your house or-"

"Well, only if you really want to. I have two younger brothers and they're both a pain. I was thinking more around the city, and the school assuming you and I are going to the same one."

"Well, that sounds lovely and I'd love to! I was actually just heading out to go explore." I said, looking back at my family who were just staring at me in absolute awe. I can see why, I'm usually very antisocial and awkward. But this boy is different, he makes me feel less.. well, aware of everyone else. I don't know if that makes sense at all, I don't really understand it myself. I just feel like I've known him my entire life.

"Father, do you mind?" I asked with a smile. Veronica nudged him with her elbow and nodded towards the door as if in a way to say "introduce yourself before she goes." He stood up and walked over to us, shook his hand and said "Hello, I'm Bartra Liones. This is my daughter Elizabeth."

"Oh! I'm so sorry! I forgot to introduce myself!" I said with a bow, mentally cursing myself for being so dumb. I got so sidetracked that I didn't even tell him my name! So irresponsible..

"No biggie!" Meliodas said as he folded his arms behind his head casually.

My sisters both showed up at the door and introduced themselves, while I just stood there flustered. Like an idiot. Why was I so nervous? I couldn't possibly have already grown feelings for this boy. We just met! My father would forbid it if I started dating someone I had just met that day.

"Okayyy, well, we're gonna go now!" I said, shaking away my thoughts and emotions. "I'll be back by dinner!"

"Have fun, sweetie!" My father said happily. My sisters snickered and gave me teasing looks. I knew they were basically saying "not too much fun!" so I gave them a frustrated look before they closed the door.

"I'm so sorry about my family. They just get excited when I make new friends." I explained.

"Why's that? I would assume they'd be used to it."

"How presumptuous of you!" I teased with a smile.

We walked in silence for a few minutes. But it was a good silence! A comfortable one. It's not like the type of awkward silence you get when you're sitting in a car with someone you rarely talk to, like a family member and whatnot. I finally thought of something to say.

"So, what's our first stop?" I asked.

"I'm glad you asked. I'll be treating you to some of the best ice cream in the city!" He exclaimed with such excitement. He's like a kid! I giggled, causing him to turn to me in confusion.

"What's so funny?" He asked.

"Nothing, nothing. I've just never seen someone so excited over ice cream, it's kinda cute!" I blurted out. I covered my mouth instantly. I just said that! Why me? He didn't say anything, he just gave a toothy grin and snickered.

Once we arrived to the ice cream shop, he asked me what my favorite flavor was. To which I responded "brownie fudge." He then told me to find a seat and that he'll order it for us. He came back with two bowls of ice cream and sat down as he placed one in front of me.

"Thank you so much! How can I repay you?" I asked with a smile.

"No need! I'm just glad to be the first to befriend the new girl!" He said as he ate a bite of his ice cream.

We spent the rest of the night like that; talking about nonsensical topics and even opening up to each other about our personal issues. I can't explain it, but I just feel like my life has been aligned specifically so I could meet him.

My new best friend!