Bryan's Point of View
I walked peacefully into Building-2 after teasing Luna. I told her that it was a prank—our move to Japan. As much as I wanted to bid Luna a proper farewell, I couldn't. I couldn't leave her. I would miss her and everything about her. She had become my world. And most likely, this act of martyrdom would lead me into a complicated life.
No, Bryan. Let her have her life. Don't interfere too much.
Today, I will get my withdrawal slip from this school. My parents have found an opportunity in Japan. They will continue my father's family business there. Since I have supported them all my life, why not? This could be a chance for me to get rid of my feelings for Luna.
I almost fell to the ground when someone bumped into me.
"What the heck, Zoe?"
Zoe stood in front of me. I couldn't complain before she suddenly pulled me into the art studio.
My brows furrowed. "What are we doing here?"
"Why did you stop pursuing me? I waited, Bryan. Then I see you and Luna kissing on the way?" she said.
"I stopped because you were being rude to me! Ever since I courted you, I became a pest to you. Am I a nuisance in your life?" I said, irritated.
"I know. I'm sorry. I just wanted to see if you really decided to court me," she sighed.
She bit her lower lip and looked at me. "And if you're pursuing me, it's not because you want to move on from Luna."
Slowly, she moved closer and faced me.
"I like you. Sorry for being stupid," she whispered.
My eyes widened as I felt her lips on mine.
Her lips...
Tasted bitterly sweet.
I responded to her kiss.
Why was it like that? There seemed to be something missing in her kiss. Her kiss lasted for five minutes. I found myself holding onto her waist because she was too short to stand on her tiptoes for a long time.
It really wasn't like Luna's kiss to me earlier. Zoe's kiss felt different. It seemed to convey a lot, unlike Luna's closed-lip kiss.
I pushed Zoe away to end this situation. It seemed like she didn't want to stop.
She looked at me, confused.
"Why?"
"You're an amazing kisser," I said.
"Move on, Bryan. Please."
"I'll help you forget her," she added.
No way. I don't want that. If I forget her, what about our friendship? Should I just forget about it like that?
"Correction. My feelings for her, not her," I emphasized.
This felt wrong. I confessed to Luna, and now this? I'm getting confused. I want to move on, but I can't because we're friends. With our friendship, my affection for Luna will continue. I tried to court Zoe to forget. Damn! This is driving me insane.
***
I spent the whole afternoon hanging out in the garden. I was waiting for the end of the school day to talk to Luna and say my goodbyes properly. I didn't have a chance to talk to Luna about my move.
The bell rang, and students started pouring out of their rooms. After a while, I spotted Luna walking lifelessly towards the exit.
I ran towards her.
"Luna!" I shouted. She turned in my direction.
"I'm almost done with Volume 2 of my story—I'm almost fin--" A loud, crisp slap landed on my left cheek. I looked at her, puzzled. Her eyebrows remained furrowed as she stared at me.
"How dare you?! After you kissed me earlier, I see you kissing someone else?!" Damn! How did she find out? Did she see us?
"Look, Luna, I didn't—I wasn't the one who initiated it." Another strong slap hit my left cheek.
"You're playing with me too? Fuck, Bryan. That's not how I know you," she said.
"I'm sorry." I lowered my head.
"I can't handle this friendship anymore. I don't want to be a martyr, a fool, blind, or a cover-up," I said in a trembling voice.
I looked at her again and saw her face, which was filled with anger earlier, now mixed with sadness.
"Goodbye, Luna. Forget about me." I turned around and walked away. I couldn't stop the tears from falling. This wasn't what I had planned. But, this is for my own good. Our own good. Her life and mine will finally find peace.
Even though it hurts, I need to let go. It's for the best for both of us. If we keep spending time with each other, my foolishness regarding her will only worsen. I know I'm not the one Luna wants. It's Sky. She deserves Sky more than me. Who am I anyway? I'm just her ultimate sidekick. I'm just her friend. That won't change because she has proven it to me several times.
Goodbye for now, Luna. When we meet again someday, I'll be okay. I've accepted it and moved on. Thank you for nine years of friendship.
Goodbye, my first love.