"Just close your eyes, you and I, will go out of space and time." —Natalia Lesz.

Chapter Theme Song: 'Fire In The Sky' by Natalia Lesz.

••

Harmony

I have no idea when we arrived at the school's back section, away from the concert. I can hear the faint sound of the loud music as we sit on a seat situated under a massive tree.

The chirping birds are melodies to my ears, and the wind feels cool and refreshing as it dances through the leaves. As the sun slowly sets, it releases slim rays of yellow lights on the bench we're sitting on.

This is more like it. Being alone, away from everyone, with the person I love is the most priceless feeling.

"The school feels a lot better when no one is around." I smile.

Blaze nods. "It does. Imagine if it were just us two in the world...it'd be great. At least then, I'd feel like I am 'living' and not just 'existing.'"

I look at him. "You feel like you're just existing?"

He shrugs lightly. "Yeah. A few weeks ago, I couldn't find the purpose of life. I mean, what's all this for? It's like we're in this game, against our will, fighting to survive in a world that makes us feel pain. It just sucks."

I gaze at the ground. Blaze has a point, but it's so sad for him to view life that way. I want to be the one to change his outlook.

"Well...have you found something now? Like a purpose for life?"

He looks at me and smiles a little. "Yeah. I have."

"Well, what's that?"

His eyes soften, and an intense emotion washes over his face. He hesitates for a second, and I tilt my head to the side.

"What is it, Blaze?"

He pushes his hair back, and his eyes search mine.

"It's you, Harmony."

My heart melts at his response, and I stare at him.

I am his purpose? I have never seen myself being of such importance to anyone. I mean, I know my family loves me, but I never thought I could be someone's purpose. It gives me overwhelming joy to know that I can do that for him.

"I am happy, Blaze."

He gives me a lopsided smile, then looks away as he leans back against the seat with a tired sigh. That's his hint that he wants to finish the conversation. I think he feels himself getting a little too vulnerable, so he figures it's best to break eye-contact, and that's okay with me. There is a small silence for a while, but I speak first.

"You want some?" I stretch the bottle of lemonade to him, but he shakes his head with a smile. "No thanks, I'd have bought one if I was thirsty."

"Okay." I raise it to my mouth again, totally oblivious to his eyes, watching my lips as they enclose on the rim of the bottle.

"On second thought...a taste doesn't sound so bad." He comments, and I bring my eyes to him, removing the bottle from my mouth. "Huh?"

He reaches over in no time and plants his lips on mine for a brief second.

My eyes tear open, but I am not given enough time to close them since he moves away so quickly.

He sweeps his tongue across his lower lip and smirk. "Tasty but kind of sour."

I glance around the area to see if anyone saw that, and Blaze laughs. "Why do you need to survey the area whenever I kiss you?"

"Because..." I lower my eyes. "I don't want to ruin your reputation."

He tilts his head to the side and splays his arm over the edge of the seat as he shifts to face me. "What?"

"I know I am not your cup of tea, and everyone here probably knows that."

"Cup of tea? Harmony, you're not just a 'cup of tea.'" He answers. "You're my cup of coffee; you keep me awake at night just thinking about you. You keep me energized."

I cannot suppress the giggle that leaves my lips. "That's kind of the lamest pick-up line ever."

He laughs. "It's not a pick-up line; it's truth."

I wrinkle my nose and shake my head. "But I don't really like coffee so..."

"Well then, you're my hamburger and bag of Doritos."

I laugh even harder, and he joins me.

"That's even worse." I chuckle.

"How is it?" He titters, his chest jerking while he laughs. "I am being honest; you're spicy just like they are."

I shake my head with a smile. "You're the worst flirter."

"Oh...am I?" He raises his brow, and I regret saying that but partially also secretly happy that I did. He smiles and pulls me by my arm closer to him.

I gaze up into his eyes while he does the same. His signature smile still dancing on his lips.

He pulls his bottom flesh between his teeth, and the action earns a thrill throughout my body.

"You haven't even seen me when I am flirting yet, green eyes," he whispers, his eyes focusing on my lips.

I swallow and close my eyes, hoping he will take that as a message to kiss me. I can feel him drawing near and can almost already feel his flesh on mine when his phone begins to ring in his jeans.

Ugh! No!

He retrieves it, raising his index finger to indicate that I give him a minute. I nod my head, while inside I am livid at whoever decided to make cellphones in history.

"Why is this asshole calling me," he mutters, and I look at him.

He chuckles. "Sorry for the indecency."

I smile, and he swipes the answer icon.

"What?" He speaks. I hear indistinct chatter from the person on the opposite end before Blaze rolls his eyes.

"Yeah, whatever, I am coming."

He hangs up and slides it back into his pocket. The small tattoo reveals on his waist and catches my attention for a bit.

"I am sorry, Harmony, one of the guys in my class needs help with locating one of the CDs for the sound system. I don't get why he can't just play something else."

"It's okay," I reply. "You should go help him. I'll wait for you."

He narrows his eyes. "Here?"

I shrug. "Yeah..."

"No, I don't like the idea of you being here alone. Come with me. I'll find April and the girls." He takes my hand in his, and we get up and make our way back to the event.

Blaze is searching the area for his cousin with my hand tightly clutched in his. I notice a few girls giving me unpleasant glares, and it makes me insecure and uncomfortable. Unconsciously, I strengthen my hold on his hand, and he looks over at me. My eyes are on the group of females by the beverage section, and Blaze follows my gaze before he hisses. "Don't mind them; they are just jealous of you."

I smile up at him, and he returns one before pulling off his hat and ruffling his hair. "I can't find, April. Where are they?"

"Have you tried texting her?"

"Yeah, I even tried calling."

"Oh...well, try texting Yuna and Tia." I propose, and he nods and pulls his cell back out.

The fact that he has their numbers brings my mind back to the fact that maybe, just maybe, he slept with them.

Maybe I should ask him?

He's tapping away when I clear my throat. "Um..."

"Mhm?"

"Have you ever...like...slept with them?" I say it under my breath, so I am certain he didn't hear.

His head is still in his phone, which confirms that he didn't. "What? I didn't hear you, Harmony."

I shake my head. "Nothing."

"They are at the mall's food-stop, and Yuna is asking if you prefer fried chicken or hamburger." He reads from his cell.

"No, I'm fine; tell them I'm okay," I answer, and he nods and types a reply.

He pushes it back into his pocket and turns to me. "I'll wait here with you until they get here."

"No, go ahead. That guy must be waiting."

"No, Harmony, I will—"

"Blaze, go ahead."

His phone begins ringing again, and he frowns. "Are you sure?"

I smile. "I am sure. I am not five, Blaze."

"Okay, well I will be right back."

I smile, and he reaches over and kisses my cheek before he walks away quickly.

I sigh and push my hands in my sweater. The air is getting chillier, and the night is falling faster than I thought it would. My eyes glimpse the girls at the stand again, and the glare they are giving me is way past detest.

"Harmony." A voice comes from behind me, and I whirl around to see none other than Kite.