Just Friends

Chapter Eight

These days Gulf was so busy with rehearsals for the play he almost forgot about astronomy club. He was still not as confident as Mew but he had to admit he was pretty decent so far. Still, he could not stay behind with the other extra credits, especially since he enjoyed the club activities and it was something he could do alone. He didn't mind being around Mew's friends – he got used to having them around all the time, especially Mild and Malai – but some habits are hard to break and he still felt the need to do something alone, just to remind himself he didn't necessarily need them. However, with each day passing, he found himself missing Mew's engaging smile and even his flirting – no matter how noisy – to start his day on the right foot. "Gulf! Is this seat taken?". The female voice snapped him back into reality. He tried to keep a straight face when he recognised the owner of that voice, Phailin, the girl currently crushing on Mew, who also seemed to haunt him. Funny how she never spoke to him before knowing he was a friend of Mew. "Mmh, sure". He made room for her, removing his backpack from the chair. "Thanks". She sat next him and Gulf tried to keep himself busy because he wasn't really interested in small talks in general and with her specifically. But of course he could not have a day of peace: "So, we didn't really had a chance to talk since Mew's party".

Gulf didn't turn to look at her, pretending to write something really important in his notebook. "Maybe your mouth was too busy somewhere else". Gulf didn't realise those words were coming out of his mouth until it happened. She didn't seem to take it the wrong way, though. "Oh, you saw that? What do you think?". Why this girl kept asking him his opinion when it came to Mew. "What I think? Why should it matter?". He didn't know why but this conversation was making him nervous and cranky. "Well, because...". She paused for a second. "You don't like him, do you?". Gulf finally turned to her, blowzy. "What? Of course not". He realized his voice was like an octave higher than usual. He cleared his throat, hoping to be convincing enough. She sighed in relief. "Ok, good. Because I think we clicked that night and I wanted to ask him out because I don't think he's seeing anyone right now". Gulf completely ignored the discomfort suddenly going through him. He just nodded and was glad when the teacher scolded them for not focusing on her lesson. Now he had an excuse to completely ignore Phailin until the end of the period.

The rest of the day went by slowly: Mew and his friends were busy with the music club, so he took the bus alone, something he'd done his whole life, which now seemed a little strange. After dinner he looked out of the window, not feeling tired yet. He noticed how starry the sky was, so he decided to do something he hadn't done in a while. "Mom, Dad. I'm going star gazing at the park for a little while". His dad nodded, checking the time. "Don't stay out too late, it's a school night".

The street was quieter than usual, only the sound of his footsteps on the grass. Or so he thought. "Hey, stranger". He could recognize that voice and that smile everywhere. "What are you doing here?". Mew came closer, taking off his ear buds. "I couldn't sleep, so I thought I could do some workout maybe. "What are you doing here?". He looked down at his telescope, intrigued. "Couldn't sleep either. So I thought I could take a look at the stars. Or if I'm lucky, some shooting star". Gulf opened his backpack, laying a blanket on the ground and pulling an extra one to keep himself warm. "Well, I don't want to keep you". Gulf thought he wanted to be alone but bumping into him made him want to have some company. His company, specifically. "There's room for you here, if you want". 

Mew was surprised and Gulf couldn't blame him. He wasn't usually the kind of guy who took initiative. "I can't miss this chance to see you in your  element". Mew sat down and slowly laid down next to him. After a minute or so, he also put an arm around him and Gulf let him. "So, how was your day?". Gulf smiled slightly at him, the warmth of Mew's body making him feel a little sleepy. But he didn't want to sleep yet. "A little boring. Well, except for...". He stopped, he really wanted to talk about her? Mew, on the contrary, was now more intrigued than ever. He laid his chin on Gulf's shoulder and Gulf did his best to remain still and play it cool. "What?". Gulf couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Today my astronomy partner was Phailin". Mew's expression didn't change one bit. "Why that face?". Gulf regretted bringing up the subject in the first place but now it was too late to choke on his words. "She won't shut up about you two sharing a moment at your party". Gulf didn't know why but his tone was angrier than usual, the frustration of the conversation with Phailin taking him over. "I wouldn't call it a moment, it was just a stupid game". Now Mew was pulling him closer, completely wrapping his arms around him. Again, Gulf let him against his better judgement, absorbing his warmth in the cool night air. "Well, clearly it wasn't so stupid for her". Luckily Mew couldn't fully see his face, which was resting on his chest. From that position, Gulf could hear his heart pounding. "I usually want the kiss to mean something. And for this to happen I should do it with someone I like".

When Gulf looked up to meet his eyes, he suddenly spotted a shooting star and ran to the telescope, gesturing for him to lean closer. Mew quickly got up and looked through the lens, listening to a very excited Gulf. He had never seen him so happy. "I can't believe it, I haven't seen one in months because I always fall asleep. Look, it's beautiful". However, it was difficult for Mew to focus on the words, having him so near. Gulf's eyes were on the sky but Mew's were on him. Gulf turned to look at him, feeling Mew's fingers on his chin. The next second Mew's lips were on Gulf's, so warm and smooth that Gulf's body seemed to melt against him. He reached out to brush Gulf's hair away from his face, his hand sliding down to caress his cheek. Then he ran his hands along his body,  making his way to the hips to pull him a little closer. Electricity zipped down Gulf's spine, making him feel overwhelmed. He broke apart with a gasp, a little shocked. Their eyes met and Mew could clearly recognize the fear in his eyes. "Gulf, I...". Gulf pulled away completely, needing more space to think straight. "Why did you do that?". Gulf didn't want to make him feel bad but he was freaking out and the fact he could still feel the sweet taste of his lips wasn't helping him. "I just felt like...I'm sorry". Gulf grabbed his telescope, leaving most of the other things there. "Wait". Mew tried to reach him but Gulf moved faster, stepping up the pace. "Please just...don't follow me".