Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through their conversation, shattering the peaceful atmosphere. "Who's Collin?" Matthew stood awkwardly at the entrance to the rooftop, a confused frown etched on his face.
Cereus' heart skipped a beat. How much did he hear?
Her mind raced, desperately searching for an explanation. She stiffened for a moment before relaxing her posture. "Just a lovely ex of mine," she muttered, a hint of sarcasm lacing her voice.
Matthew, bless his oblivious heart, didn't seem to pick up on the sarcasm. "An ex, huh? Didn't know you dated anyone, Cereus."
Cereus snorted. "Like you'd know anything about my dating life, Matthew." A blush crept up Matthew's neck, a sight that made Cereus feel a strange warmth bloom in her chest.
He fumbled with the hem of his shirt. "Well, I, uh... I just wanted to say..." Matthew stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Cereus, you..." He trailed off, his eyes pleading with hers. Cereus' heart hammered against her ribs. Could he be...? As she leaned forward, anticipation thrumming through her veins, Matthew choked out, "You have a really cool way of, uh, being clumsy. You forgot your math notes on your desk."
Cereus' jaw dropped. The warmth in her chest morphed into a glacier of disappointment. Molly, on the other hand, barely managed to stifle a laugh."Oh, Matthew, thank you so much," Cereus deadpanned, a hint of amusement creeping into her voice despite herself.
But Matthew, oblivious once again, seemed emboldened. He took a hesitant step closer, his eyes searching hers. "No, seriously," he continued, his voice low and firm this time. " The way in which you are so clumsy, in such a cute way that makes my heart race each time I see you, how your little embarrassing moments make me laugh. It shows you're real, Cereus. It shows you're not afraid to be yourself, even if it means tripping over your own shoelaces or blurting out confessions in dusty corners." He reached out, his hand hovering just above hers. Cereus felt a jolt course through her.
This wasn't the awkward Matthew she knew. This was someone new, someone who saw her truly saw her, even the messy, sometimes clumsy parts. Suddenly, a memory surfaced in Cereus' mind. It was from freshman year, the day she'd tripped spectacularly in the crowded cafeteria, spilling her entire tray onto the unsuspecting figure of none other than Matthew. Back then, he'd just looked mortified, his face turning the same shade of red as the spilt tomato sauce. Now, he was telling her it made him laugh.
A genuine smile bloomed on Cereus' face, chasing away the disappointment. "You find that endearing?" she asked, her voice soft. "Absolutely," Matthew replied, his gaze unwavering. "It's one of the things I like most about you. "Before Cereus could respond, a loud groan erupted from behind them.
Molly, who had been discreetly watching the exchange, emerged, "Ugh, get a room, you two!" she said, her voice laced with mock disgust. She held her hands up, shielding her eyes dramatically. "This is just too much sweetness for one evening."
Cereus flushed, about to retort, when Matthew surprised her again. He lunged forward, his hand snaking around her waist, and pulled her close. "Don't listen to her," he mumbled against her ear, his voice husky. Cereus' breath hitched. At that moment, bathed in the soft glow of the city lights, she could only see Matthew, his eyes reflecting the same desire burning in hers.
She tilted her head up, closing the distance between them. Their lips met in a kiss, hesitant at first, then deepening with a sudden urgency. It was a kiss born of unspoken emotions, of a connection they hadn't even realised existed. Molly's gagging noises were a distant echo as Cereus lost herself in the kiss, the taste of Matthew, the feel of his strong arms around her. It was a world away from the numbness that usually consumed her, a world filled with a strange, exhilarating light. Finally, they broke apart, both breathless and flushed. Cereus leaned her forehead against Matthew's chest, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Maybe," she whispered, "we can find a more private rooftop next time." Matthew chuckled, the sound warm and genuine, which filled her heart with warmth. "Definitely." He replied as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.
They stood there, gazing out at the city lights, beneath the twinkling sky, looking for something hopeful, amidst the darkness. In the corner, Molly, with a theatrical groan, pulled her jacket over her head and headed towards the exit.