It was a hot, dusty day—the sort that made skin damp and your shirt stick to your back from sweat. It was nothing unique, in such a country that was positioned near the equator, the heat was as normal as breathing. She was panting slightly as she waited underneath a large palm tree, beads of sweat forming on her forehead as she slipped on her favorite yellow headphones to the beat of "Sweet Escape".

The sun was setting, she noticed dully, watching as the sky---previously purple---changed into a dark fiery red, with yellow-orange streaks bathing the horizon in color. Her school, with its dull gray buildings and dark blue roof was awash in the light cast by the sun, slightly tinted with red, yellow and orange. Good, she thought, staring at it. A little color always helps, it cheers things up. Her legs were beginning to feel numb, so she shifted her position, her short navy blue skirt rusting slightly as she did so. Biting her bottom lip, she glanced at her watch nervously. Tearing her eyes away from her watch, she scanned the grounds impatiently.

Silence.

There was nothing to see---or hear—except for her petite form and the mechanical tick her watch emitted.

Frowning, (for her legs still felt numb) she slid down into a cross-legged position, her hand on her chin. A car drove past, loud rap music blaring from it. Little children walked past, chattering loudly. A couple of stray dogs passed by, barking at random objects. The light, which previously swamped the entire sky, was now reduced to tiny patches; speedily vanishing as a thick cloak of darkness gloomily wrapped the sky. She tore her gaze away from the sight of a butterfly fluttering towards a daisy, and glanced at her watch once more—its digits glowing yellow in the fading light.

Waiting again? You must like him that much.

Her body stiffened slightly, eyes widening, blinking rapidly. Her mouth, which earlier was slightly open from boredom, was now a thin, tight line. This wasn't the first time this happened. It usually happened at times when her mind was bored and empty, where thoughts would squirm its way into her cranium, determined to harass. Truthfully, it was a thought she had always shoved at the back of her mind, never entertaining or acknowledging its existence. Lately, it had been popping up more often than she would like, despite attempts to avoid it. She had always disregarded it, treating it as nothing more than a momentary notion, sweeping it under layers of rugs, carpets and doormats. Deep down, she knew that it was inevitable that a day would come where she had to answer that thought, to stare it straight in the---thoughts didn't have eyes, so she supposed staring into its brain would be an acceptable metaphor. She knew such a day would come, but to her displeasure, it had come much sooner than expected.

As I said, you must like him that much.

No. I don't. We're friends. I like being his friend.

Friends. How sweet. The both of you are quite good friends, I assume?

I suppose so; considering we share a lot in common, talk a lot about our interests, laugh…that's what friends do.

When did all this start, exactly? Refresh my memory.

I---I'm not sure, exactly. We've been friends for a pretty long time now, and then we shared some moments and I started to think weirdly and ever since…I-I don't know, things have been…different.

Different? Change is often considered a good thing.

To some, yes, but not to me. I don't like it. I don't like what I feel.

What is it that you feel?

I just….don't like it. Period.

….what?

That I like him, I don't like it, I don't like it that I like him.

You so admit it.

I guess I do now. I can't help it, it's so…frustrating.

Frustrating?

Yeah. Frustrating. Annoying. That he can tell me things like "thanks for cheering me up" when all I can do is smile, when deep down, my body and brain feel frustrated. It's frustrating that he makes me laugh. It's frustrating that he can be so annoying, and I don't mind---which is weird, because usually I can't stand annoying people. It's irritating that I miss him when he's not around, and even more irritating that a part of me feels cheerful whenever he's around. All of it, all frustrating. All annoying.

Ever thought of being "together" in the future?

Together?

Yes. Together. You know what I mean.

No….it would be too complicated. I don't think I see him…as a boyfriend. I like him, yes, but for now---I'm happy being his friend.

But you just said you liked him.

I did. I do. It's rather confusing, like a part of me is happy with the way things are, and another part wants more…

Are you planning to tell him?

NO. Just…NO. NEVER.

You sure about that?

Yeah. I won't tell him. I don't think he feels the same. I don't want to….

To…?

I don't want to lose him. I don't want to risk everything on words, I don't want him to….reject me, avoid me, ignore me. I'd rather stay the way we are now, rather than risk losing what's important to me.

You'll regret it, not telling him.

Maybe I will. Maybe I won't. It all depends.

She was jerked from her half-asleep state from a loud beep from her watch. Looking around, she could see students milling around the grounds, some making plans over the weekend, others meeting up with their friends, or texting away on their cellphones idly. Scanning the grounds nervously, she felt her stomach drop several feet. He's not here. Disappointment sank in her in waves. It was a familiar feeling.

Sighing, she picked up her messenger bag, and slung it over her shoulder, smoothing out her skirt as she stood up. She walked towards the gate, brushing past chattering students and teachers hurrying home, books and papers clutched to their chests protectively. Reaching the Iron gate, she glanced at the sky again. It was a deep, dark purplish-blue. She felt somewhat relaxed despite her confused state. At least the sky matched her mood this time. Shifting the angle of her bag on her shoulder, she felt around it for her yellow headphones. A jolt of panic rushed through her----she left them under the palm tree! Swallowing hard, she ran back into the bustling crowd of students, little children and teachers, muttering a hurried "sorry!" as she pushed past them.

The Palm tree waved gently, its branches sticking up in different directions as the wind blew through it. Panicking, she scanned the area around the tree, searching for her bright yellow headphones which cost her so much, since they were bought online. Bending down and ruffling her hands through the grass seemed to be fruitless, and kicking her away through the weeds was a lost cause, too. It wouldn't be a surprise if they were stolen—it was something to be expected where she lived.

"Looking for something?" called a familiar voice behind her.

Her breath caught in her throat, her body stiffening slightly. She could recognize that voice anywhere, even if she was blindfolded and placed in a room filled with a thousand people chattering away. She ignored the way heat seemed to spread up to her face, and the sudden, rapid heartbeat that escalated at hearing his voice. Fighting to keep her face calm, she wheeled around with a (hopefully) passive expression on her face.

Smiling slightly, he jostled his way through the crowd; she could see her yellow headphones in his hand, her IPod dangling from it. As he drew closer, she noted how tall he grew over the summer---when they were freshmen, they were the same height----but now, he towered several inches above her. Frowning slightly, she kept her eyes glued on the headphones, and not on his dark hair—which was slightly messy from all those hours committed to playing video games---or the glint of his glasses---or the way he smiled in amusement at her ruffled state.

"Seriously, you should pay more attention to your stuff" he teased, waggling a finger at her mockingly as if she were a small child. "If I didn't recognize them as yours, who knows where it could be now---in a pawnshop, on Ebay, being used to plow farms up in some mountain…"

She rolled her eyes, ignoring his odd sense of humor. "Thanks", she muttered, reaching out to take her headphones and tuck them safely into her bag.

"Sorry about being late today, I was assigned to do classroom cleaning. I didn't like the idea of you waiting down here alone, so I was kinda rushed." He yawned, not noticing the way her eyes softened slightly at his apology.

"Not a problem…" she murmured, fiddling with her bag strap. "How's school?"

They walked toward the gate, her listening to his rambling about teachers and homework, pausing occasionally for her to add a comment, or to laugh at a joke. It's better like this, she thought. No awkwardness, no odd moments….just this. She ignored the way her heart lifted at his laugh, or at the way he smiled. She kept her face normal and passive, where no one, not even him, would suspect anything more.

So, are you going to let him know?

She clenched her teeth at the thought, ignoring it.

Timing's good. Seems like an excellent time to spill the beans, if you get my drift.

No.

Got the words worked out in your head? They're very easy, very simple…not much effort to spit 'em out.

Don't play stupid.

It's now, or never. Tell him.

……The only thing that faces me is rejection. Nothing good will come out of it.

But what if something good does come out of it?

She froze at that, her body stiffening slightly in that manner always related to something concerning him. For a brief moment, she visualized the both of them----"together", as the thought would call it. Them, together…talking, laughing, cheering each other up, his arm around her petite body, his smile directed towards her, his expression beaming as she smiled back at him. For a moment, a fleeting moment, her lips parted, as if to tell him the feelings she kept for so long, the terms that she wanted to express on the tip of her tongue….then hesitation, worry, and fear got the better of her. No. She shook her head, trying to get rid of her thoughts. It wouldn't work out. She glanced at him—he was walking beside her, book bag slung over his shoulder casually, humming to some obscure tune she never heard before. Her gaze---usually so stiff and concentrated---relaxed whenever she was around him. He seemed rather tired today, she noted, studying his stance and posture. It was odd, how she liked him so much in such a short time. She knew many guys but never felt even remotely attracted to them, and even when she first met him, she never imagined that one day he would quicken her heartbeat with a mere glance.

Tell him.

I said NO.

"Hey, you there? Spacing out much?" He poked her shoulder in that annoying way she knew so well.

She said nothing, kept her face calm and collected, but gave a curt nod in his direction to show her awareness.

"I've been having a problem lately….care to give a friend some much-needed advice?"

She raised an eyebrow at that, she was used to giving people advice, but giving HIM advice wasn't exactly a common occurrence.

"Sure…what is it about?"

He shifted his stance, discomfort clearly visible on his face. "It's about….a girl. A friend of mine. You know her pretty well."

She inhaled sharply, a numb sensation spreading slowly, making her brain feel frozen, as if she was submerged in ice-cold water. Her heartbeat sped up, and her stomach felt like it had dropped to her navel. Blinking rapidly and trying to see through the haze of shock, she mustered enough brain cells to ask "what about this girl?" in the most casual voice she could manage.

He shrugged at this, his expression unfathomable. "I've been thinking about her way often than I should, but I dunno what to do about it."

Chewing her bottom lip, she inhaled and exhaled slowly. "I-I guess what you could do is first try and see if she likes you back?"

He shook his head. "Nah, it isn't like that. It's harder than you think." He frowned slightly.

"There are lots of ways to tell, especially if you guys are in the same class" she mumbled, ignoring the sinking sensation she felt in her stomach. He likes someone else. Not you.

"These things take time. It's just a matter of waiting for the right moment."

She mentally smacked herself. Here she was, about to tell him her feelings, and yet she gives him advice on going for another girl.

"Yeah, guess so." He muttered, shrugging again.

She said nothing, her eyes not meeting his, her breathing slow. She forced herself to think of other thoughts, and not dwell on the fact that he did not see her in that way---never did, never will. Their footsteps stopped the moment they reached his house, its red-brick glory very familiar to her eyes. Her eyes travelled up to his room, covered in gaming/anime/movie posters and enough gaming consoles to fill a museum. Many times they would call each other up and chat about the most random things. With a pang, she realized that perhaps things wouldn't be the same.

"Guess this is where we part." He grinned, leaning over to ruffle her hair. She squirmed away, looking annoyed, although a part of her secretly liked it. He chuckled at her reaction, and for a moment---their eyes met, and she was sure that there was more to his actions than she thought. Dark Black eyes stared into her Brown ones, and for a second---it seemed like hours to her----she felt an overwhelming urge to lean in and press her lips against his. His face was so open and cheerful, his dark hair framed his pale face beautifully, and his glasses only seemed to enhance his features, rather than diminish it. Her lips were slightly parted, and she found herself unconsciously leaning closer, every heartbeat echoing in her ears, her blood rushing through her veins with muted urgency.

Then, as quickly as it had started, the spell was broken. Her eyes widened in shock as he leaned back briskly, the expression on his face unreadable. He leaned back, muttering a hurried "See you tomorrow", walking to his doorstep, leaving her there with nothing more but a deep pink face from blushing. She turned around, her back to his retreating figure, feeling frustrated tears spring up in her eyelids. It didn't matter, did it? It wasn't meant to be.

Despite everything---even if it wasn't meant to be---she wouldn't give up. She wouldn't—couldn't---hate him for liking another girl. It wasn't his fault, nor was it hers. Despite the silent tears that flowed, her heart still swelled with love for him. He, who made her laugh when no-one else could. He, who cheered her up, who lifted her spirits---how she not love him? It didn't make sense to not love him. Even though it seemed like there was no hope, and no-one to speak to, she decided to at least confess her feelings to the sky.

"I know it may not make much sense to you right now, "she whispered, "Because you like someone else….but I need to let my feelings show, I've been keeping them locked up for too long, in denial for ages, constantly overlooked. Although today was important for me, it made me realize how much you mean to me. I loved how cheerful you always were, and how you helped me out of my pessimistic shell, I loved your smile and your humor, and how geeky you looked when you'd talk about your hobbies. You brightened my day, and made me smile in more ways than one. I never imagined I would fall helplessly in love with you, but I did…and I find it impossible not to understand why. Being with you feels right. It feels right in a way I've never felt before. You have your quirks, and to me, you're brilliant and I"--- she paused to inhale---"I love you for you, how could you see it any different? Don't you understand?"

The tears continue to flow, feeling nothing but emotional exhaustion from letting everything out. At least the sky knows, and that thought calms her, that despite this emotional hurricane, she was able to confess to something too beautiful for the human mind to understand. The sky, with its twinkling stars and deep darkness seemed to understand her emotions, for rain began to fall lightly.

"I do."

Her brain freezes at the words, uttered by a voice she recognizes only too well. All the blood drains out of her face upon hearing that voice. Only one thing is clear: He heard everything. Her brain is numbed, wanting to melt into nothing, and the familiar feeling of panic rises up in her, her hands feel limp, her body like lead. She would have given anything---be it selling her soul, or selling her organs to the black market, anything---ANYTHING---to vanish on the spot, to avoid turning around and seeing his face, his reaction---his rejection.

She felt his hand on her, those long, pale fingers that caressed her shoulder gently, sending shivers up her back. For a brief moment, she considers pushing him away, lying, hiding the truth, but she's reached a line where she is unable to turn back. His grip is gentle, but surprisingly strong, as he tenderly wheels her around to face him. Her tear-streaked eyes stare into his, and she feels her stomach lurch in regret, anger, and fear. His hand reaches upwards, and gently brushes back tears, his thumb stroking her cheekbone. She closed her eyes, preparing herself for the "just friends" speech, knowing that's what he feels…..

…not expecting to feel her lips touch his, grasped into his arms in a dizzying embrace. She gasped into his mouth, her head feeling dizzy from the way his hands grazed her arms and back, pulling her deeper into the kiss. She shivered from his touch, her hands snaking their away around his neck, her mind spinning as she fought for air, his hands stroking her face firmly, yet gently, as though she was fragile glass. His lips made her giddy and she wound her fingers through his hair, her body twisting against his.

Whether it was a few seconds, hours, or days—they didn't know which—they gradually pulled apart, but only to look into each other's eyes. He was shivering slightly, perhaps from the intensity of the kiss they shared, staring at her with an expression that made her shudder. "It was you" he gasped. "What were you thinking that I would fall for any other girl? It's you, it always has been. There's never been anyone else but you and I've had hell admitting that to myself…..I was confused. You didn't seem to be giving out any hints that you liked me back." He kissed her lightly on her forehead. "I was standing behind you, trying to work up the courage to tell you—and then I hear your confession, and God, it was---I can't describe it---"he pulled her tighter into his arms, his hands caressing her back. "I love you, too."

For the first time in her life, she was rendered incoherent. Everything seemed so surreal; never in her most bizarre delusions would she imagine this to happen. To find herself in his arms, with him professing his feelings to her----it was dreamlike. She couldn't think, only…feel. She hugged him with all the strength she could muster, pouring every emotion she felt into that hug. For the first time in weeks—she smiled. He smiled.

It had happened. They were one.

She never noticed that in the midst of their kiss, the Rain had stopped.

- The End -