Ben

Chapter Seven: With Ben

We as humans, intentional and unintentional draw lines either for us or for the people we care about. These lines are boundaries that we thought would keep them safe from us or us from them.

We create limits for them hoping that this would stand as a barricade. We thought it would help them realize how important they are for us.

But sadly, some lines never work and some lines can cause damage.

When we create lines without their consent, it's just the same as looking down on them. They might feel disrespected, unvalued, the exact opposite of what we want them to feel.

And when we create lines for ourselves, it hinders us from doing new things. It also makes us sensitive, bordered and it's just the same as building a wall around us.

It's not bad to create lines too, this way we would know how to cut ties, who to cut ties with and also who to choose.

There are individuals who cross the line in a bad way. There are also a few souls who cross the line which made them connect to you even more.

Whatever the reason we have from creating lines it falls down to the fact if it worked or not, if we are happy or not, if the lines were suffocating or not.

I have built lines for myself. I've surrounded myself with them. With the help of these lines I thought I would not be hurt, I thought I would be safe whenever I am behind the lines. It was a great move for me to let anyone enter these lines. With these I felt protected it felt like a cocoon, a haven for a fragile soul like mine.

It has been weeks since Ben asked me to go out. The way he treated me had not been different since then which I was thankful of. Most of the guys who I rejected stopped acting all chummy afterwards. They become distant just because I couldn't give them what they wanted, even if I offer friendship. I always become the bad person.

With Ben being patient, he still continued on pursuing me. I didn't know why he was acting like this but I was somewhat happy. I was happy that he didn't turn out like the fallen few. I was happy to know he's different.

We were getting along pretty well too. I might have actually started liking him more.

One day when we were both sat on a bench he suddenly asked me out again and I was taken by surprise. He laughed when he saw how taken aback I was and said it was only a joke.

"Don't joke around like that."

I said while my cheeks turn red.

"I'm sorry; you just look cute when you're being teased."

He said with a smile.

There's that smile again, that smile that I keep falling for.

Wait... falling for? Since when did I started falling for him?!

I covered my mouth as realization hit me. I looked at Ben who just greeted a friend passing by.

Is this for real? Am I falling?

Days passed and Ben as a senior had been busy. We seldom talk personally and only get to share how our days went through texts.

It's not that I'm complaining but talking to him just makes everything better.

"I miss you."

I said out of the blue and at that exact time I spotted Ben. He was walking towards the back of the gym and he wasn't alone. There was someone with him, a girl?