[Mandy's Diary At Senior Grade]
Justin raised his eyebrows, ignoring the high-pitched tone that I used at unexpected times. I was worried that using that tone around elderly people, might die suddenly from shock.
"Would you like to accompany me for a walk?" Justin asked, practically sending the liquid in my stomach back up into my throat.
No, Mandy. He had mocked you, you'd better not wait and get out of that place! Or if necessary, slapped the other cheek, continuing Daisy's slap earlier. I silently shook my head. No matter what, my heart still melted in the face of his gaze. Gee, I was so stupid.
"You're embarrassed to walk with me, so..." I pursed my lips inward, shaking my head faintly. "No, you don't have to."
"No, Mandy." Justin snorted softly. "I did not mean it. Well, about the show night, I'm sorry, okay? Being in an environment of friends like them is not easy. I have to adapt—"
"So why are you talking to me and now taking me out for a walk? An escape from your girlfriend who slapped you earlier?" An eyebrow raised in skepticism. Dared to swear, I never had the balls to say something like that. The devil on my shoulder helped me reverse Justin's words and counterattack.
"You're naive."
I tilted my head to one side, difficult to grasp what he meant.
"You don't want me to take you out for a walk, but in your heart, you're very happy. Isn't it?"
My mouth suddenly went dry. I blinked my eyes unable to say anything.
"You like me, Mandy," he continued. "Oh, nope. More precisely… You love me. Right?"
Both the devil and the angel on my shoulders opened their mouths in surprise, while I froze on the spot like an idiot. I scratched my head that wasn't itching, making the hair that I had tied up a little stick out. My heart stopped beating seconds after he said that. I pressed my lips into a thin line, lowering my head to hide the blush on my cheeks. Damn, he knew all this time!
"Y-yes," I finally let out such a pathetic reply.
Justin laughed softly, successfully making me lift my head to look at him. He laughed at me because I liked him. Like when he laughed at the girls around him who liked him too. Bury me alive, Hades. Deep into your throne. It felt better than embarrassing myself in front of Justin.
"It's quite easy to feel it." Justin took a deep breath. "Though it might be difficult for you, I hope you forget what I told you back then. I am sorry. I am sorry. I swear, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Can we be friends?"
There was a loud thump in my broken heart. He considered me just a friend. I bit my lower lip, holding back the sadness. But, at least it's better than if he hates me, like when he hates his fanatical fans.
I nodded faintly, cracking a smile to cover the sound of my heartbreaking.
"Come on." His head moved to give a code. He walked ahead in front of me, while I was still staring at him in silence. Until finally I followed behind him while putting my hands in my jacket pockets, then matching his steps on the side.
The afternoon air at Long Beach was indeed refreshing. Because the city was surrounded by beaches. I used to go to the beach with Candice, watched the boys sunbathe and played volleyball, watched the sun go down, and burried our bodies in white sand. The little fun we often did when summer vacation arrived.
"Why did you get slapped by the redhead girl?" After mustering up the courage, the words managed to escape my lips.
"Just usual problem," Justin replied wistfully. He didn't look at me, but more interested in looking straight ahead. "She said I was too busy with my duties as the Head of Student Council, busy with the basketball club, busy with various things that we rarely saw each other. She betrayed me. She's cheating on me with another guy." Justin sneered wryly. "And I caught him kissing someone else. We fought, and she slapped me for no reason, saying our relationship was over. Well, I didn't need a partner like that either."
The angel and devil on my shoulders jumped with joy and high-fived each other. In my heart, I cried out happily with these two creatures on my shoulders. He just dumped his girlfriend, but I was happy. This was inhumane. I might sound rude but I was so delighted that he was free!
Wait, being free didn't mean he's going to choose me to be his girlfriend, right? Pfft. I responded to his story with a smile on my lips, spreading across my face. "I forgive you."
Justin turned to me, finally, until our eyes met. I could see my reflection in his clear eyes. For the sake of Magneto's gray hair, his eyes were very beautiful. There was a glint in his eyes, like the gleam of seawater in the sun.
"Mandy," he called my name in a half-whisper. His whisper sounded seductive.
"Hmm?" I widened my eyes, raising both my eyebrows in question.
"I want to ask you out on a date."
Spontaneously, my heart fell under my feet hearing the last sentence that slipped smoothly from his lips.
"A… date?"