Naked (Wattys 2022)

Part 19

It was Sunday and Emily suggested  that we go shopping. I tried my best to refuse, but spoiling me seemed to bring her utmost joy and who was I to take that away from her.

I smiled caringly at her as we entered a store. I liked all colours so it didn't really matter what we ended up taking. Despite have tons of new clothes and presents at home Emily still wanted to give me more.

I didn't care about the items she bought. I was thankful that she came back to me.

"Do you like this?" Emily asked as she handed me a pastel green jersey and I nodded. Once she got the rest of the outfit I pretty much zoned out. I didn't mean to, all I could think about was Kai.

Friends? The term bothered me so much but if it meant that I could be alongside him, why not.

The day pretty much went as planned. I stared at my phone hoping  he'd call, but nothing. I wasnt brave enough to dial his number.

What happened Friday night bothered me so much and I needed to apologise before it drove me over the edge.

I bit my lip, hesitantly looking at Kais name on my phone.

I switched off my cellphone and did the work I was assigned to do. The lecturer told us to have fun for the first few weeks. We could draw anything we liked.

I decided to draw a pair of eyes. They were bright and filled with nothing but golden warmth. The background was, however a contrast. A dark forest which loomed over, creating a shadow. I found the shadow to be beautiful and the darkness to be gentle and caring.

As I stared at it, my pencil dropped.

Then my phone rang. I gripped it without looking at the caller ID. I was greatful for the disturbance.

"Hello." I greeted in a sigh.

"Are you okay?" K-kai? I pursed my lips as I stared at the painting in front of me, not sure whether to tell him the truth or not.

"Yes. Oh Kai... I'm so sorry for leaving you like that i-I didn't mean to." I said quieting down towards the end.

"Why are you so cute?" I bit my lip as I clutched my hoody in hand.

"You don't have to apologise for anything Eli. I understand. Oh, I'm having my first swimming competition tomorrow. I don't really have any friends. You're the only one so far. Would you wa-"

"YES!" Kai laughed as I screamed out my answer.

"What time?" I asked grinning from ear to ear. This type of excitement was new to me. The thought of being in the same room as Kai made me feel giddy.

"At 3." I sighed in relief. My class ended around the same time.

"I don't really know where the pool is, but I'll try to find out. My class ends at three but I will be there."

"Ill show you tomorrow." what if Calhoun wanted to steal me away again? I sighed. Why was I trying to protect kais non-existant feelings.

He didn't like me that way and I was more than okay with that, but my heart seemed to be feeling quite achy as of late.

"Yes. Please." Kai chuckled and I grinned at my phone. Even his laugh made me smile with glee.

"Are you busy?" I looked at my half painting.

"No." I was afraid that Kai would ended the call if I said I was busy with a project. I was bad at multitasking but I just wanted to hear his voice. Even if it was for a few minutes.

"I want to play you something. I think you'd like it." i gripped my paint brush and as Kai played music stroked my canvas.

I kept complimenting him as I finished the eyes. He was really talented. I never really took note of music until now. I liked they way it gave me goosebumps.

Was it because Kai was playing? I gripped my cheeks with both hands trying my utmost best not to read too much into things.

"I've added lyrics but I'm not ready to share it with anyone yet." He sounded very insecure about his song and I didn't know why.

"Kai, it's beautiful. It's something I haven't heard before. I don't know what story you are telling but it seems to be sad. I feel every chord you play. It takes talent to do so. So please don't be so hard on yourself. You're perf-" I coughed uncontrollably.

"You're really really good." I hit my mouth. Surely I was being way too obvious.

"Eli. Do you want to go for a walk?" I checked the clock and it was almost midnight.

"Yes." Even though I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer I wanted to see him.

I yawned as I walked towards the bathroom in order to wake myself up. I barely opened my eyes as water landed on my face.

I walked towards the door like a zombie and saw Kai waiting with hands in his pockets.

My eyes widened. His black hair blew in the wind and his features seemed to be illuminated.

Kai smiled at me and I couldn't help but look away. He walked towards me since I was rooted to my spot.

"Why did you agree when you're so tired." Kai chuckled as he swiped my hair to the side.

"You're really red." He chuckled sofly and I groaned. He was the cause of this.

"Do you like daisies?" He asked and i stared at him with embarrassment etched on my face.

"I don't know what they are."

"Let me show you." Kai pulled out a bunch of daisies. He handed me the bouquet and took one out.

He placed it behind my left ear and then stared at me.

"You're so cute." He took out his phone and snapped a picture of me. I groaned and he chuckled as I ran after him, telling him to delete it immediately.

We sat and spoke for a while and I realised I'd been holding the bouquet in my hand.

"Here you go." I held it up to him.

"It's for you." his hand wrapped around mine.

"Also you look beau- i mean handsome today." Kai smiled towards the ground. I stared at my lylac hoody and dark blue jeans with matching lylac socks.

"Thank you." I wanted to give a compliment to him as well but I didn't know how to. He was perfect. He was cute and sexy at the same time. I had problems breathing around him from time to time.

He had a cute nose and a fair complexion. His eyes were my favourite. The deep pools of honey which made me fall over my own feet.

"You look sleepy."

He held his hand out for me and I gripped it trying my best not to blush. He never let go as he walked me towards the door. His thumb rubbed circles on mine, making my knees weak.

Suddenly kais arms wrapped around my shoulders pulling me close.

"Thank you." before he could pull away my arms wrapped around his midsection. The warmth that radiated from him made me feel better.

I was blushing profusely. What in the world was I doing? Kai pulled away slightly as my arms sat around his waist.

He pushed my hair out of my face as he stared at me with nothing but kindness. Was I mistaking something else for friendliness? I smiled sadly at Him. Before I could leave Kai pulled me back into his arms.

"Eli, I, need to tell you something." I looked up. He placed both hands on either side of my face. The contact made me nervous. He was so close to me that I was afraid he'd hear the chaos in my chest.

The door opened pushing me further into Kai.

"Emily!" I pushed Kai so hard that he twirled around and fell on his knees.

Kai waved awkwardly and I wanted to drown in my own tears.