==== Chapter 15   [ Part 5 ] ====

Giving the 1/4 piece of paper to the teacher, you're startled when Mrs. Belle suddenly asked you about your classmate Xander's whereabouts. You shrug, not caring. Though you already have an idea what happened to your classmate, it's not pretty much the whole of it as you are not aware of the damage that your described-to-be sweet Kielle has done to Xander's mental state.

Accomplishing your task, you walk back to Kielle who is currently gazing at you with a heart-fluttering smile. You do of course notice that those gazes of his are much more different than usual.

Oh, how his eyes sparkle than ever... And how his golden eyes easily carry genuine bliss and tender warmth. Those emotions are then solely focused on you— for you. Your cheeks dust red. Those gazes do not feel like strangers to you, but you ignore the signs. Instead, you respond back with a smile and give him a gesture.. telling him that it is alright to leave now.

"Let me carry your bag."

He doesn't even bother to wait for your response. Instantly taking your bag from your hands, he later adoringly smiles at you. Wide-eyed, you look at him for a second, blushing; but since there's really nothing wrong with a friend giving you a helping hand, you accept his help. "Um thank you," you shyly say.

The young guy almost wants to give your soft red-stained cheeks a squish but prevents himself. It's enough that you think of him as someone worthless; he does not want you to view him much more worse than that like a creep. He's scared that if he ever did something wrong, you'll resolve throwing him away like what his uncle did.

Golden eyes goes dull as he recalls the past, but the light returns when he remembers your presence before him. A sigh filled with content is let go; he takes your hand then proceeds to lead the way for both you guys, ignoring the commotion that is suddenly happening inside your room.

You do not really care about that commotion as you focus your (E/C) eyes on your hands. You're of course flustered. Sure it isn't the first time that you held hands; but to have him also carry your bag, isn't that a familiar sight? It is— since this is how couples usually act! In movies, in books, and even in real life.

You bite the insides of your cheek and try to suppress this warm feeling within you. Yes you kinda crush Kielle, but he's still your friend. You can't let your feelings run wild because of those feelings. It is barely even a month since you know him.

But why?

Your eyes meet his. Your heart suddenly goes crazy in an instant. "Kie—kielle," you awkwardly whisper, trying to take your hand from his grip. Although it's kinda strange since you also want him to hold your hand. You're crazy. You're crazy, (Y/N), you scold yourself.

That is why even when Kielle refuses to let go your hand, you feel happy and satisfied to be by his side. You almost begin to wish that this moment with him will last forever. You aren't the only one though.

Kielle wishes for that too.

He wishes to have you beside him forever. He lovingly smiles at the sight of your hands wrapped together. This feeling; he won't ever trade it for something else. Never. Kielle squishes your hand, and you squish it back with a sweet, shy smile.

"(Y/N), I—"

Your heart suddenly pauses for a second; and you stare at him with expectant (E/C) eyes. Is he planning to..? Is he? Kielle dreamily gazes at you, taking in of the beauty that he's only able to perceive.. Slowly letting go of the hand that he wishes to hold forever, he then decides to rest his hand on your cheek.

He carresses it, so gently, like he's your lover.

(Y/N), I like you..