"What do you suggest we do, Mel?" Pen asked as the girls sat together discussing their plans for the upcoming school festival during lunch. However, Mel was lost in her thoughts and had no idea what the girls were talking about.
"I don't know, really," she replied absentmindedly.
"Let me guess, you weren't paying attention again?" Pheebs chimed in, casting a concerned look on Mel's way. She couldn't help but wonder if Mel was still troubled by the incident in Kiris.
"Look, you've got to stop worrying about that incident okay? What happened in Kiris won't happen again," Pheebs reassured Mel.
But that wasn't what was occupying Mel's mind at that very moment. She couldn't shake off the eerie feeling that the new boy at school was strangely similar to the one who had been following her, only to vanish without a trace.
"That's not it, Pheebs," Mel replied with a thoughtful look, her gaze drifting momentarily to the bustling cafeteria around them. "I'm not worried about the incident anymore, just a little curious, you know"
Pheebs leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "So, what's the problem?"
Mel was about to respond, but their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the sight of Mal. He had just collected his tray of food from the bustling cafeteria servers and was now scanning the room for a place to sit.
"Yo, Curly hair, come sit with us," Pen called out to Mal, her warm smile inviting him over. Pheebs and Mel exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of Pen's sudden enthusiasm, but she seemed insistent.
Mal approached their table, a friendly grin on his face. "Hello, girls. My name is—"
Before Mal could finish his introduction, Pheebs cut in, her tone somewhere between casual and disinterested. "Malone! Yes, we know that. We're in the same class."
Pen took the initiative to properly introduce everyone. "Well, Mal, my name is Penelope, but you can just call me Pen. And this is Melanie, though we call her Mel, and Phoebe, known as Pheebs."
As Mal settled in, Mel continued to observe him closely. She wasn't entirely sure what she was expecting him to do – perhaps say something to her, give her some kind of reaction, or reveal a hint of recognition. However, Mal remained composed, and the air around the table seemed charged with an unspoken tension that left Mel even more intrigued.
"Pen, you do know that we can introduce ourselves just fine, right?" Pheebs stated, her tone still maintaining its neutrality, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes.
"Oh, Pheebs, you don't have to be tensed all the time," Pen replied with a chuckle, her ever-friendly demeanour undeterred.
As the conversation flowed, Twelve, with his charismatic flair, approached the table, a playful grin on his face, and his eyes locked on Mal. "Hey, ladies! Ouuu, who do we have here?" Twelve asked, gesturing theatrically toward Mal as he smoothly took a seat.
Mal greeted Twelve with a warm smile and introduced himself, saying, "Hi, I'm Malone, but you can call me Mal."
"Mal as in Post Malone?" Twelve quipped, attempting to inject some humour into the conversation and garner some chuckles from the group.
Mal laughed along with the others and clarified, "No, just Malone." Laughter rippled through the group, though Mel remained noticeably silent, her gaze still fixated on Mal.
Amidst the shared laughter, Twelve chimed in, extending a friendly hand towards Mal. "It's nice to meet you, 'Just Malone.' I'm Twelve."
Mal couldn't help but chuckle at the peculiar name. "Twelve, as in the number 12?" he asked with genuine curiosity, prompting another round of infectious laughter from their group.
Twelve, clearly amused by Mal's reaction, grinned widely. "Ouuu, I like this guy! Yes, Twelve, as in the number 12."
Mal's attention shifted as Twelve directed a question at him. "You are a transfer student, right?" Twelve inquired, eager to learn more about the newcomer to their circle.
Mal nodded and engaged in a few more minutes of conversation, sharing stories and getting to know each other better through proper introductions and light banter.
Throughout their exchange, Melanie couldn't help but keep her eyes on Mal, her hopes pinned on the possibility of some meaningful eye contact that might break the silence between them. However, despite her anticipation, it seemed that Mal's attention continued to elude her, leaving her with a growing sense of both frustration and heightened curiosity.
"You good, Elsher? You're gonna tear the poor boy apart with your gaze," Pheebs whispered to Mel, her voice filled with playful concern, and she flashed a mischievous grin.
Mel responded with a small, reassuring smile. "Oh, I'm okay. Don't mind me. I'll see you guys later. I've got to see Mrs. Anderson concerning my biology," she said, gracefully excusing herself from the table.
As she walked away, her thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions. She contemplated the idea of confronting Mal but quickly realized it might not be the best course of action. If he was going to pretend not to know her, she could do the same. After all, they didn't exactly know each other – he had been stalking her and then abruptly stopped, leaving her with a confusing mix of feelings.
As Mel made her exit, Pheebs couldn't help but voice her concerns. "Guys, don't y'all think that Melanie has been acting weird?" she asked, her brow furrowing in genuine worry.
Twelve, always one to provide a balanced perspective, chimed in thoughtfully, "Well, I won't say I have not noticed it too, but I'm not surprised. What happened at Kiris must have really gotten to her no matter how hard she tried to hide it. Let's give her some time; she still needs to process everything."
Pen nodded in agreement, showing her understanding of the situation. However, Pheebs was not entirely satisfied with this explanation. She had been observing Mel's behavior long before the Kiris incident, and her curiosity about her friend's changing demeanor continued to nag at her.
"Hi, Mel, right?" A voice from behind called out to Mel as she was getting her books from her locker. It was Mal, she realized when she turned around.
Mel chuckled for a few seconds and then replied, her tone quickly changing to a firmer one. "So, someone finally decides to talk to me. What the hell are you trying to do?"
Mel noticed a smile on Mal's face, appreciating the way she could switch her demeanour so quickly. "Well, you weren't exactly chatty at lunch either. Did you manage to speak with Mrs. Anderson? Is she going to give you another chance to improve your grade?" Mal inquired.
Mel raised an eyebrow, her scepticism apparent. "You must think we're friends? Listen carefully, I don't like you, okay? There's something off about you, so just stay away from me, alright?"
"Ouch! That hurts," Mal responded with a touch of sarcasm. "Okay, I admit my initial approach was a bit weird, and I'm sorry about that. But I genuinely want us to be friends."
Mel couldn't help but be curious. "Why? And how do you even know me? Why have you been following me? Are you ready to answer these questions?"
Mal sighed, realizing he had some explaining to do. He didn't want to lose the opportunity to make amends. "Wow, that's a lot of questions," Mal replied, stopping Mel from walking away. "Alright, alright, I'll answer your questions. Just ask me one at a time, okay? Is that fair?"
Mel hesitated for a few moments before responding, "Where did you first see me?"
"It was during summer when you were volunteering at the park and you were selling plum juice," he replied with a smile.
Mel couldn't help but be surprised by his answer. She had never expected him to remember such a seemingly ordinary encounter. "Oh, really?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. She had thought of all the places he could have first noticed her, but nothing as unremarkable as her time volunteering at the park had crossed her mind. She felt a tinge of embarrassment, thinking of how unkempt she had appeared during summer.
Across the room, Pen noticed Mel and Mal conversing and turned to Pheebs, asking, "Does Melanie know Mal from somewhere?"
Pheebs furrowed her brow in thought. "I don't think so. Why do you ask?" she inquired, following Pen's gaze to the other side of the hall.
As their conversation continued, Mel couldn't help but address something that had been on her mind. "Why have you been following me? I'm quite certain I saw you on my street one night," she admitted, her tone cautious.
Mal sighed gently, his expression sincere. "I understand how it might seem that way, but truly, I recently moved here and at that time I wasn't so familiar with the town. I genuinely first noticed you at the park, and as it turns out, we're neighbours. It's just a strange coincidence that we keep bumping into each other," he explained, offering a warm smile. "But aside from that, I really would like us to be friends."
Mel's eyes widened in surprise as she put the pieces together. "Neighbors? Wait, are you the new tenant at the former Greyworms house?" she asked, her voice filled with astonishment.
Mal nodded with a chuckle. "I guess so," he replied, not knowing who the "Greyworms" were but since Melanie raised it he assumed those were the former tenants of his new home.
**********************************************************************
"Melanie, Chubby, the twins are waiting outside! Don't keep them waiting," Kate called out urgently, her voice carrying a hint of motherly concern.
"Yes, Mom! We're on our way," Melanie replied, her footsteps echoing through the hallway as she hurried out of her room. Chubby quickly followed suit, his youthful enthusiasm matched only by Melanie's fun personality. They made their way outside, where the warm rays of the afternoon sun greeted them.
Twelve, with an air of confidence, was behind the wheel of his shiny red jeep, the vehicle was spacious enough to comfortably accommodate their entire group including Chubby.
He had assumed the role of the designated driver, determined to ensure a safe journey to the festival grounds. Today, he wasn't about to let Pheebs take the wheel, not with the excitement coursing through their veins.
"Malone is your neighbor?" Pen asked, sounding genuinely surprised when Mel announced it as they settled into the cozy confines of the jeep.
"Oh, you know him from around here?" Pen added, her curiosity piqued as she looked towards Melanie for an explanation.
"Who's Mal?" Chubby inquired his expression a mixture of bewilderment and intrigue. The question hung in the air for a moment before the realization dawned, causing the entire group to burst into laughter.
Chubby had often found himself somewhat reluctant to hang out with Melanie's friends, not because they were unkind or unpleasant, but because of their doting nature. They had watched him grow up, and he couldn't help but feel a bit like the center of attention when they were around. However, today was different. The Mayhill High annual festival, the most anticipated extra-curricular activity of the year, was beckoning, and Chubby's mom insisted that he couldn't attend alone so he had no choice but to stick with his sister's friend group for a few minutes, determined to lose them once they arrive at the festival grounds.
As they approached the festival grounds, the scene before them came to life in vibrant detail. A sea of people moved in every direction, their voices blending into a harmonious buzz of excitement. Stalls and attractions lined the walkways, offering an array of tantalizing sights and sounds. The aroma of delectable festival food filled the air, competing with the vibrant colors of the games and rides that stretched out in front of them. The annual festival had drawn people from all corners of Mayhill, creating a lively atmosphere that was impossible to resist.
With the anticipation building, the group of friends couldn't help but smile at the prospect of a memorable day ahead.
"Okay people let's go have fun" Pen yelled. and they joined the crowd.
"Stay where I can see you!" Mel cautioned Chubby. "And keep your phone near you okay!"
"Oh, whatever!" Chubby blurted rolling his eyes and disappearing into the crowd.
"I'm very serious Clinton!" she yelled out.
"Go easy on the young boy!" a voice from behind said to her.
She already knew who it was.
"This is becoming a habit isn't it?" Mel replied as she turned to see Mal.
"What is?" Mal asked feigning ignorance, Mell tilted her head in sarcasm.
Mal chuckled and skillfully changed the topic of conversation. "Melanie, you look absolutely stunning today."
Melanie beamed and responded, "Well, you don't look too shabby yourself."
A mischievous glint sparkled in Mal's eyes as he replied, "Oh, I'll take that as a compliment."
Curiosity got the best of Mel as she examined Mal's attire: a casual ensemble of a grey hoodie and sweatpants. She couldn't help but ask, "So, what exactly are you dressed as?"
Mal shrugged playfully. "Honestly, I didn't dress up at all. I was utterly clueless about what costume to choose. And you, Mel? Who's your character?"
Melanie struck a pose, attempting to convey her costume without words, but Mal appeared perplexed.
"Can't you tell?" she asked with a hint of playful exasperation. She then stated proudly, "I'm Tanjiro!"
Mal's confusion deepened. "Tanjiro? Is that from a movie?"
Mel gasped, her surprise evident. "You haven't seen Demon Slayer?"
Mal confessed, "Well, I don't really watch movies."
Pheebs, who had just returned with drinks for both Mel and herself, couldn't contain her reaction. "What? Did he just say he doesn't watch movies?"
Both girls turned their attention back to Mal, awaiting an explanation. He couldn't help but notice their expectant expressions.
"Is that unusual?" Mal inquired, detecting their incredulous reactions.
"Did you top your class in your previous school or something?" Pheebs asked, genuine curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
Mal chuckled softly. "Well, something along those lines."
Pheebs exclaimed with newfound certainty, "I knew it! You're a nerd, aren't you? No offense!"
Mal offered a good-natured smile. "None taken. So, Phoebe, what's your costume?"
Mal wanted to keep the conversation flowing, realizing that Pheebs was closer to Mel and could be an invaluable ally in winning Mel's affection.
"I'm dressed as Inosuke," Pheebs explained enthusiastically. "He's this incredibly funny character who wears a wild pig's mask to hide his surprisingly feminine face."
Mel chimed in, "We are huge anime fans."
Mel continued, "By the way, Twelve and Pen are dressed as Zenitsu and Nezuko, respectively."
Pheebs took it upon herself to enlighten Mal about these characters, their quirks, and their roles in the anime.
Mal, showing genuine interest despite his unfamiliarity with anime, asked, "Speaking of Twelve and Pen, I don't see them around. Where are they?"
Pheebs grinned mischievously. "Oh, they're probably lost in the crowd somewhere, or maybe they're off somewhere sucking each other's tongues."
Laughter erupted among the trio at the thought of their friends getting lost.
Pheebs noticed that their drinks had gone lukewarm. "Oops! Our drinks got warm," she exclaimed, referencing the beverages she had brought earlier for Melanie and herself.
Mal, ever the gentleman, offered to fetch a fresh set of drinks, asking for their preferences before heading off.
Pheebs couldn't help but comment, "You've been smiling a lot more since Mal arrived, Mel."
Caught off guard, Mel blushed and stammered, "Wha-what do you mean?"
Pheebs grinned knowingly. "It's written all over your face."
"Oh, please, Pheebs! It's not like that at all. I barely even know this guy," Mel asserted in her defense.
Pheebs flashed a mischievous grin, her playful persistence unwavering. "Well, there's always room to try to get to know him better, especially when he seems to have a soft spot for you."
Mel rolled her eyes playfully. "No, nothing of the sort, trust me. I mean, maybe later on, but for now, we're just friends."
Pheebs leaned in with a knowing look. "Just know that I'm in full support of whatever might happen."
Just as their conversation took a brief pause, Mal returned with their drinks in hand. Pheebs wasted no time in suggesting they join in some of the lively games happening around them.
The festival night was alive with energy and excitement. Pen and Twelve soon joined their group, adding to the fun. They played more games, danced to the haunting beats of the music, and even ventured onto the carnival rides.
As the evening progressed, conversations flowed effortlessly, and they engaged in one entertaining game after another. Mal couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Though not entirely certain, he knew he was making progress in getting closer to Mel, and the thought of it filled him with excitement and anticipation.
Hours passed, and the festivity continued to fill the night with excitement. Mel decided to excuse herself from her friends momentarily to search for Chubby. Mal, ever the considerate escort, offered to accompany her, but she declined, assuring him that she could manage on her own.
Mel ventured into the lively crowd, her eyes scanning for Chubby. It didn't take long before she spotted him, engaged in a heated dispute with a group of kids. Concerned for her friend's safety, Mel approached swiftly, just in time to intervene as one of the kids threatened to strike Chubby. However, before Mel could step in, a young boy with long, blonde, curly hair intervened, preventing the altercation from escalating.
Relieved, Chubby turned to the blonde-haired boy with gratitude in his eyes the boy then asked, "Are you good, boy?"
Mel observed the scene from the side, silently appreciating the stranger's timely assistance. Chubby acknowledged the help, saying, "Thank you for the save; it really wasn't my fault."
Overcome with relief and concern, Mel couldn't help herself and rushed to hug Chubby. "It's okay, Chubby. I'm just glad you're okay."
Chubby, always a bit tight-lipped about such matters, brushed off the incident. "It's nothing, Melanie. I'm all good."
Mel decided not to press further; she had witnessed enough to understand that Chubby might not be forthcoming with details. Instead, she playfully scolded him, saying, "Alright, now go get some ice cream over there, okay? Consider it a reward for making me search for you!"
Chubby, wearing a bemused expression, replied, "Wait, the ice cream isn't for me?"
Mel laughed, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Of course, it's for you, silly!"
Chubby's savior, seemingly about to leave, was stopped by Mel's grateful voice.
"Hi, I saw what you did there. Thank you so much. My brother, well, he can be a bit clumsy sometimes," Mel expressed her gratitude.
The boy, appearing to be around Mel's age, responded kindly, "Don't mention it. Those other kids were obviously picking on him."
Mel couldn't help but inquire further, her curiosity piqued. "Anyways, thank you very much. Do you go to Mayhill High? I don't think I've seen you around before."
The boy's voice, soothing and appealing, matched his calm demeanor as he replied, "Well, I just moved here and was thinking of enrolling, but I'm not sure yet. A friend invited me to this festival."
Mel nodded, offering a warm smile. "Oh, that's nice. I'm Melanie Elsher, by the way, in case you eventually decide to enroll."
The boy returned her smile, introducing himself. "Nice to meet you, Melanie. I'm Phil Hugo."