Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter Twenty Nine

Weeks passed, and the season was already turning. Graduation and the ball were only a week away, and the whole campus was buzzing with chaos.

But Merida noticed something that gnawed at her heart: Leo was avoiding her more than before. She told herself it was nothing, but the distance stung.

One afternoon, she finally found him where she guessed he'd be — under the great Narra tree by the third bench. Sure enough, Leo was stretched out, half-asleep. Merida sat beside him and leaned back against the bark.

Without opening his eyes, he asked, "Why are you here? Class started?"

She smiled faintly. "I should be asking you that. Tell me... are you mad because I've been spending more time with Jacob?"

Leo cracked one eye open, turning to her with a crooked smile. "I'm jealous... but I'm glad you forgave him."

"If you don't like me being too close, say it. I don't like how you're avoiding me." Her voice cracked, betraying the sadness she'd been hiding.

Instead of answering, Leo pinched her cheek.

"Ow!" she yelped, rubbing it.

He laughed, and she tried hiding her grin with a pout.

"You're adorable," he teased.

"I'm serious!" she snapped, but he only pulled her into a hug.

For a while, they just lay there, ditching class together. Then Leo murmured, "Don't stop befriending him. It's a good thing."

Merida tilted her face up toward him. "You're becoming more handsome and handsome, you know that?" She giggled.

A spark lit in his eyes. "Want to go sailing tomorrow?"

Her face brightened. "Yes! I miss the lion cub! I'll make egg rolls."

He chuckled. "That's gonna be yummy."

•••

Saturday came fast. Merida was finishing her things when someone knocked. She thought it was Leo, but it was Jacob.

"You going somewhere?" he asked.

"Y-Yeah... Leo and I are going sailing."

The moment she said his name, she saw Jacob's expression falter before he forced a smile. "Well, you two have fun." He turned toward the gate.

Impulsively, Merida called out, "There's nothing between me and Leo. We just... care for each other."

Jacob looked back with a faint smile. "I know." And he walked away.

Merida closed the door slowly, her heart twisting. Why did I even say that?

Soon after, Leo arrived, carrying her things. The drive to the coast was quiet. He didn't speak, and she didn't push.

At the docks, Leo prepared their small sailboat while Merida snapped pictures. "Come on," he called, "we gotta set sail!"

She ran to him. "Wait—selfie first!"

He rolled his eyes, but when it came to her, he always gave in. With his arm draped over her shoulder, they smiled into the phone. The photo froze their moment in time.

On the water, the breeze rushed through her hair, cool and sharp. Merida spread her arms wide. "This feels amazing!" she shouted.

Leo steered, eyes on the horizon. Once they were far enough, he lowered the sail, letting the boat drift. His voice turned serious. "I want to ask you a few things. And I need honest answers."

Her heart skipped. "O-Okay."

"How do you feel now?"

Merida hesitated. "I feel good... not scared anymore. Because you're always here for me."

"How do you feel about Jacob?"

She dropped her gaze. Her silence was answer enough.

"Do I make you uncomfortable when I ask about him?"

She forced a smile and shook her head.

His final question cut the deepest. "What do you feel about me?"

She froze. For the first time, she saw his emotions slip through — pain, longing, raw sadness. It lasted only seconds before he masked it with a smile.

"No need to answer that," he said gently. "There are some chips in the bag. Potatoes."

Merida blinked hard, swallowing tears. She took the chips, pretending to enjoy them, but her chest ached. She'd seen too much — and it hurt.

The ride home was heavy with silence. When they reached her gate, she moved to go inside, but Leo suddenly hugged her.

"I hope you had fun," he murmured, ruffling her hair. "Don't worry about the questions. Like you said... we just care for each other."

Her breath caught. He heard... when I told Jacob.

Before he could leave, she ran after him, hugging him from behind. "I'm sorry if I'm hurting you, Leo," she sobbed.

He turned, lifting her chin. Her tears shimmered in the moonlight. He leaned closer, and she closed her eyes, ready—

But he pulled back, smiling softly.

"It's late. Go get some rest."

She nodded, wiped her face, and forced a smile. "Goodnight." Then she slipped inside.

Leo staggered to his car, slammed his forehead against the wheel, and let the tears fall.
"It's fucking too late," he choked.