Just Friends

Chapter Seven

The next day Gulf woke up with the worst of headaches. It took him some minutes to remember he wasn't in his bedroom and that explained why that bed was much more comfortable than his. He also noticed Mew was not on the couch anymore. He filled his glass with some water and the aspirin Mew had prepared for him the night before. Just when he found some strength the get up, Mew came back to his room, fixing a bed tray for him. Gulf blushed, not expecting to receive such a treatment. "Oh, you didn't have to". Mew smiled, sitting next to him. "No worries, I love cooking when I have time". He handed him a mug. "This is for the hangover". Then he bit a chocolate cookie, while Gulf was sipping his herbal tea, or at least he was trying. "How you feelin'?". Gulf ran a hand through his hair, still feeling like sh*t. "As if a truck had hit me, repeatedly". Mew giggled, handing him a cookie. "You were the life of the party, who would have guessed". Gulf took the cookie from his hand, their fingers brushing for a second. "I'm trying to forget all about it". Flashes from the night before were coming back to his mind and it was all extremely embarassing. He remembered the hugs, the victory dances and, oh my God, also about him asking Mew about the kiss. The hell, Gulf? "I don't think any of us will forget it, though. I've been tagged all morning in several Instagram stories". Gulf sighed. "Ok, maybe I can still move to another town". Mew started clearing the bed table, putting it back to its place. "That's a little extreme. Actually it's a good thing, they all adored you". Gulf sneered. "Yeah, because I made a fool of myself". Now it was Mew pulling a face. "Would you stop? You should give yourself more credit".

He leaned in, putting his glasses back on his face. Gulf held his breath while Mew was taking his time. He also looked down on him, a smug smile crossing his face before pulling back a little. "That's better". Gulf stared back at him, taken by surprise. "Wow, that's a first". Mew shrugged. "Don't take it the wrong way. I mean, yesterday you looked really...". They looked at each other at the same time, and Gulf didn't know if he wanted him to continue or not. Mew cleared his throat. "Well, you're a good-looking guy. It's not like the glasses make you any less attractive or whatever". Gulf could feel his ears heating up, no matter how hard he was trying to stop his own body. "In fact, they make you you". Gulf swallowed, his hands clinging to the bed sheets while Mew was patting him on the head. "What happened to the non-flirting rule?". Gulf wasn't really bothered but he needed to regain the control of the situation if he didn't want to implode at any moment. "I told you, I'll stop when you'll stop being cute". He winked at him but then changed the subject, not wanting to push his luck. "How about a walk? So you can get some fresh air". Gulf nodded, he desperately needed to stretch his legs. "Ok, you can use my shower right there, I'll leave you a change of clothes here on the couch.

Not long after Gulf came down the stairs, feeling brand new. Mew's clothes were also super comfy, especially compared to his outfit from the night before. "You look way better than me in these". Gulf gave him a nudge, avoiding his eyes. "Let's go". Mew laughed at his embarassment but didn't say anything. "At your command". Gulf tried not to pay attention to the deep tone he had just used. For a few minuted they just walked side by side, their hands occasionally brushing against each other. Then Mew led him to a country road not too far away from his house. Gulf found himself smiling with no particular reason, the sun's rays shining brightly on their faces. "This is nice". Gulf was the first one to break the silence. "I'm glad you're feeling better". They smiled at each other, the kind of smile that could melt the heart of any man.T hen Mew glanced over his shoulder. "Wait here, no peeking". Gulf just stood there, confused. "What are you doing?". Suddenly a sunflower popped out from behind him, Mew's warm breath against his cheek. "To what do I owe this honour?". Gulf turned his face slightly, giggling. "I don't know, it just reminded me of you". Gulf looked at the flower like he was trying to understand it. "Really? I'm not usually a very cheerful person". Mew remained silent for a few seconds, trying to find the right words. "Here's the thing. The sunflower takes its time to open up to the sun. But when it happens, they share a special bonding". Guld nodded, paying close attention to his words while smelling the flower. "So what you're saying is that you're my sun?". 

Mew blinked twice, that guy was taking him by surprise day by day. He tried to collect his thoughts but Gulf stopped him before he could. "I should really go home now, I don't want my parents to worry". Mew nodded and they started following the path in reverse. Once in front of Gulf's house – Mew had insisted on accompanying him – the younger played with his house keys, suddenly feeling a little nervous. "Well, see you tomorrow at school?". Mew waved at him, starting to walk away. "Wait". Gulf stopped him by the wrist and Mew slowly turned to look at him. The younger leaned closer and kissed his cheek very sweetly. For a moment both of them remained dangerously close to each other's face. "Thank you. For taking care of me. And also for the flower". Gulf loosened his hold on his wrist and Mew took this opportunity to run his fingers on the back of his hand. "You don't have to thank me for this. I care about you". Gulf's throat started to dry up, the words echoing in his head. "Yeah, me too". He shyly pulled away, waving at him. "See you tomorrow". Mew winked at him. "Goodbye sunflower".