The Popularity Project » l.h.

8. Tyler's Bathroom Floor

S T E L L A

"You're a funny guy, Hemmings."

"I'll have you know, Stella Summers, that I'm really not."

"Why's that?"

"I think I'm just drunk."

I was sitting on the tiled floor of Tyler's bathroom, leaning against the wall of his bathtub with a wet rag soaking the stain out of my shirt. Luke was sitting right beside me with a goofy smile and a cup of alcohol. Never in my life did I think I would like sitting on a bathroom floor at a house party, cracking jokes and bumping shoulders with Luke because we're laughing so hard. It was weird but I was actually enjoying a party. Ironically, I was away from it all and sitting eye-level to a toilet.

I looked at Luke with a grin on my face, observing all his facial features. From his soft eyes to the stubble on his chin, it was hard not to stare at him. He was a sight for sore eyes and watching a smile form on his face was so organic and satisfying. He was like any other guy, but so different at the same time.

"So," I began as Luke's intrigued eyes meet mine, "this is what I've been missing out on for the past 3 years?"

I watched him laugh lightly, bumping my shoulder yet again. "Yeah, this is it alright."

"It's fun, for sure," I nudge him back, looking down at my hands in my lap. "I just don't think that this is my type of scene."

"Well everyone loves a good party every once in a while. To let loose and have fun." Luke insisted, taking another sip from the mysterious alcohol in his cup.

"If being well liked and constantly surrounded by people is your definition of fun, then parties like this are perfect for that," I pace my words thoughtfully before looking back up to the blonde boy that was already focused on me. "But I'm not that kind of girl, y'know."

I couldn't make out the look on his face but I could tell that Luke was thinking about something. His eyes never left my face, as I watched his gaze travel across to look at every feature. He held a small grin and his intoxication was clear in his tired eyes, but it made them look more blue than ever. He always left me guessing, never knowing what's going to come out of his mouth next.

"W-what?" I questioned him with a smile, shoving his shoulder in hopes of getting an explanation for his long gaze.

"You're just so-" Luke paused, tilting his head a little for the sake of trying to find the right word. "You're just so refreshing."

"Refreshing?"

"Yeah," he hiccuped with a small grin, "you're simple- but definitely not in a boring way."

"Wow, you really know how to make a girl swoon with your words." I laughed, rolling my eyes before looking into his somber gaze.

"It sounded better in my head," his laughter echoed in the bathroom along with mine, "but I don't take it back. Simple is really nice these days. I mean what I say, I really do." 

I could see Luke's hand moving in my peripheral vision as I locked my gaze with his. His eyes diverted up, as his lips parted slightly before I felt his warm fingertips graze the side of my face. He slowly brushed a strand of my hair behind my ear, his fingers trailing softly along my skin. My lips involuntarily parted, blinking at the boy that was sitting closer to me than I previously remembered. Luke was the last person I ever expected to be so gentle, especially while he's drunk. His eyes were soft and glossy, as they met mine for the hundredth time that night. His fingers were still touching my hair as they silently played with the ends. I didn't understand why but I wanted to stay in that moment forever. The sound of music thumping softly in the background as I let Luke play with my hair was a type of peace I could never explain.

I waited, expecting him to say something or do something; anything. My nerves only continued to build as he began to lean closer and closer to me. It was the same type of tension I felt when I tutor Luke and try to review French terms but he just stares at me with a smile. The same tension I felt while he waved at me from the soccer field after scoring, or when he touched my lower back after sinking the ball in during beer pong. It was just another scenario that added to the pile of tension I felt in Luke's presence. The most challenging part of the feeling was that I didn't understand what it meant.

My mind was racing about all the scenarios that were yet to come. It's only been a handful of weeks of getting to know Luke and spending so much time with him has been quite the adventure already, but it scared me to think that this was only the beginning. A few weeks ago, Luke didn't even know my name and now he is so close to me that I can feel the warmth of his face radiating on mine.

He's going to kiss you, Stella. What are you going to do?

I could hear the booming of all the blood that was rushing in my head as my mouth went dry. I felt like I knew what he was going to do but at the same time my thoughts were definitely not foolproof. 

Stel, he's drunk. Drunk people do weird things all the time.

I watched Luke close his eyes as his lips formed a smile while his hand rested on neck. His thumb was slowly moving back and forth as he continued to lean toward me. Life in that moment felt like slow motion, as I was trying to prepare for anything Luke was about to do. I had to be ready for everything. 

I really think he's about to kiss you, like 99.99% sure.

I closed my eyes because I honestly could not bear to watch in anticipation of what was to happen next. It didn't help very much because I could now feel Luke's breath on my neck, making my breath hitch. I didn't want to open my eyes but I knew I had to eventually. It was just Luke. The Luke I tutor, the Luke that plays soccer, and the Luke that is dating psycho Heather. 

He wouldn't do that to Heather, Stel.

Finally, I mustered up the courage to open my eyes and at that exact moment, Luke laid his head on my shoulder with his hand still rested on my neck. I hear him sigh, feeling his hot breath on my neck as he giggles quietly. 

"Are we best friends, Stella? I'd love it if we were best friends." 

I exhale the breath that I forgot I was holding, letting out a small laugh, "Yeah, Luke, I think were are." 

In the corner of my eye, I could see him smile as he continued to cling onto me. 

I smiled too, knowing that he didn't kiss me. The feeling of relief washed through my body, knowing that it would have jeopardized the dynamic we have. We've become best friends and I really liked that idea. Luke didn't want to kiss me, he's now my best friend.

Unfortunately, it was also evident that a part of me was wishing that he wanted to.

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my god, it had been over 2 months since i last updated. i had half of this chapter in my drafts for a while but didnt know where to take it bc im kinda stuck at this point in the story tbh but i felt inspired today and basically wrote a thousand words in like an hour

omg i wish i was always this inspired lol. i think it was bc no shame came out last night and i was listening to it on repeat all day ahaha 

anyways i hope people still read this 

cheers 

xo