Lexie's words stabbed Ben directly in the heart, it seemed like the world had stopped revolving around, for him. But all he yearned for was Lexie's happiness, which lied in Ethan, so he did not wait any longer to make it any more uncomfortable for himself, or for Lexie. He called out Ethan and asked him to join them.
"So, is it done?", Ethan asked exhilaratingly. Ethan was genuinely happy for both of them, he had been watching Ben passing all his high school years without any partner, neither did he have any- still Ethan and Ben were opposite in nature, so it was normal to expect the opposite outcomes from them.
Ben: Umm Ethan, Lexie wants to say something to you!
Ethan could constantly see the distress behind Ben's phony happy face.
Ethan: Yes Lexie?
Lexie: Ethan..so listen, this might sound very surprising or shocking- depends on the way you take it- it's been a long time since I've fallen in love with you. I've been admiring you since the day I realized how affectionate and superintend you can be when it comes to the people you care- the time when Ben got hospitalized, you were there the whole time, also the night when I had no escort, you cared to drop me off even though I wasn't your friend. I couldn't wait any longer, high school is almost over, you won't be here the next year, I want to spend as much time as possible with you...So yeah that's it Ethan- I am head over heels in love with you!
Another series of wind waves hit them, Lexie's soft brown hair made her look even more engaging than before. Her skin was glowing brighter than before as she was in the same alignment with the Sun. She was a simple-minded high school girl who did not think much before saying something. She was almost like Ben in terms of nature.
Ben's heart was getting heavier with every word that came from Lexie. Ethan was completely blank, he never thought things would turn out this way.
Ethan: Lexie listen, I respect both you and your feelings a lot, but the reason why Ben called you today was to-
Ben squeezed Ethan's shirt from the back, indicating him not to reveal anything, as they were standing side by side- Lexie could not see it. Ethan looked right into his eyes and he could clearly read the words written on those teary eyes pointing downwards. Ethan did not want to keep Lexie in the dark about this but he did not also want to make things go any more unmanageable by not doing what Ben wished him to.
Ethan: Lexie I appreciate the fact that you built up the courage to tell me that, I really do. But as far as love is concerned, I already have someone in my life. I am very sorry if any of my words have hurt you, please try and understand the situation, I am sure you're mature enough to do that. Also, look around you, you have people who admire you more than you think!
At this point Lexie and Ben were in the same boat, the agony they both were in was devastating.
Lexie: So what's her name? How does she look like? Is she in this school too?
Lexie was now talking with a smile again, she was perfect in hiding emotions.
Ethan: No she uh....she lives in Kanagawa. And yes she's very beautiful!
Lexie: So does she love you too?
Ethan: Uh I don't know about that yet.
Ben: Alright fellas let's head home before it's too late!
Ethan's non-reasonable guilt was growing every second, he was blaming himself constantly for everything that happened today, but deep down he did not really find a reason to actually blame himself. He, himself, knew that he was an introvert and he had barely ever talked to Lexie. Trying to impress her was the last thing he'd do. Later that evening the three of them headed home and Lexie wished to hang out with them sometime.
Ethan couldn't concentrate on studying that night, he did not even have dinner. The fact that his favorite time of the day had just arrived, didn't even cross his mind. He slept with all the discomfort lingering in his head.
PORTAL LAND
Hana: And we meet again!
Ethan: Hm
Hana: Somebody's in an awful mood today, what happened?
They were again on the bridge, preparing to head over to the summer side of the portal.
Ethan: Hana won't we be able to meet after this ends? tell me honestly!
Hana: Oh boy you sure are on the wrong side of the tracks today, aren't you?! Tell me the reason why people still love their close ones even after they die. You see if you truly cherish someone, every moment you spend together, becomes an inmate in your heart and memory forever! I might sound cliché but, if you really miss me- just remember me with pure intent and then, I'll appear as the wind teasing your hair.
Hana did not realize that she was falling for Ethan too. She had intentions that were far beyond Ethan's mind to decipher. Whatever her intention was, everything she told to Ethan was genuine.
Ethan caught Hana off-guard, he kept looking at her with his classic half-opened eyes. He could not believe the beauty he was witnessing, all he wanted was for the dreams to never end, no matter where it went.
Later Hana noticed Ethan's gaze, and she could not resist it. Both stared at each other for a second or two. It was not just the connection of two different species or two different worlds- it was the intimacy of some different extent.
Hana broke the deafening silence by asking Ethan how his day went while sitting on dewy grass, embracing her folded knees. Ethan was lying on the ground with one hand underneath his head and the other on his belly whilst he moved his eyes from Hana to back to the sky.
Ethan: Today was a very unfateful day, I feel guilty for some reason I don't even know. Mortals never truly achieve what they desire for, it's always compromise, even if a little bit. You must already know what happened.
Hana: No I didn't go through your mind today, so I don't. Have you ever compromised?
Hana already knew what happened, she even knew about the little indirect confession Ethan did, unintentionally, while talking to Lexie. But admitting it would lead to a whole differently complicated situation, which of course she did not want to face right now.
It was a mysteriously beautiful summer day, the environment was the reflection of Hana's beauty. Clear blue sky with flocks of clouds, an undisturbed ambiance with purely green trees and white and red camellias. The dewy grass ground was filled with daisies in various colors, and a little sweet breeze just contributed a little more to the whole scenery. All this serenity was disrupted by a very disturbing and alarming sound, the blue sky instantly turned into red and the portal looked like it is in the same neighborhood as hell.