Chapter 72: You’re My Purpose

~“Just close your eyes, you and I, will go out of space and time.” —Natalia Lesz.~

Chapter Theme Song: “Fire In The Sky” by Natalia Lesz.

HARMONY

I’m not sure when we ended up at the secluded part of the school, far from the concert. The music is a distant hum as we sit on a bench under a towering tree.

The birds are singing their evening songs, and the wind is a cool caress, rustling the leaves overhead. The setting sun casts thin rays of golden light on our bench.

This is perfect. Just Blaze and me, away from the crowd. It’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything.

“The school’s a lot nicer when it’s empty,” I say, smiling.

Blaze nods. “It is. Imagine if it was just us in the world... That would be something. Then, I’d feel like I was really ‘living,’ not just ‘existing.’”

I turn to him. “You feel like you’re just existing?”

He shrugs a little. “Yeah. A few weeks ago, I couldn’t see the point of life. What’s it all for? It’s like we’re stuck in this game, forced to fight for survival in a world that only brings us pain. It’s just...it sucks.”

I look down. Blaze has a point, but it’s heartbreaking to hear him talk about life like that. I want to be the one to change his perspective.

“So...have you found something now? A purpose for life?”

He looks at me and smiles faintly. “Yeah. I have.”

“And what’s that?”

His eyes soften, and a wave of emotion washes over his face. He hesitates for a moment, and I tilt my head.

“What is it, Blaze?”

He runs a hand through his hair, his eyes meeting mine.

“It’s you, Harmony.”

My heart swells at his words, and I just stare at him.

I’m his purpose? I’ve never thought of myself as being that important to anyone.

Sure, I know my family loves me, but I never imagined I could be someone’s purpose. It’s an overwhelming feeling, knowing I can be that for him.

“I’m happy, Blaze.”

He gives me a crooked smile, then looks away, leaning back against the bench with a sigh.

That’s his way of ending the conversation. I think he’s feeling a bit too exposed, so he breaks eye contact. And that’s okay.

We sit in silence for a while, but I’m the one to break it.

“Want some?” I offer him the bottle of lemonade, but he shakes his head, smiling.

“No thanks, I would’ve gotten one if I was thirsty.”

“Okay.” I lift the bottle to my lips again, completely unaware of his gaze on me as I drink.

“Actually...a taste doesn’t sound so bad,” he says, and I look at him, pulling the bottle away from my mouth. “Huh?”

In an instant, he leans over and kisses me briefly.

My eyes widen, but he pulls away before I can even close them.

He licks his lower lip and smirks. “Tasty, but a bit sour.”

I glance around to see if anyone saw us, and Blaze laughs. “Why do you always look around when I kiss you?”

“Because...” I look down. “I don’t want to ruin your reputation.”

He tilts his head and drapes his arm over the back of the bench, turning to face me. “What?”

“I know I’m not your type, and everyone here probably knows that.”

“Type? Harmony, you’re not just a ‘type,’” he says. “You’re my coffee; you keep me awake at night, just thinking about you. You keep me going.”

I can’t help but giggle. “That’s probably the cheesiest pickup line ever.”

He laughs. “It’s not a pickup line; it’s the truth.”

I scrunch up my nose and shake my head. “But I don’t really like coffee, so...”

“Well then, you’re my hamburger and bag of Doritos.”

I laugh even harder, and he joins in.

“That’s even worse.” I chuckle.

“How so?” He laughs, his chest shaking. “I’m being honest; you’re spicy just like they are.”

I shake my head, smiling. “You’re terrible at flirting.”

“Oh...am I?” He raises an eyebrow, and I instantly regret saying that, but at the same time, I’m glad I did. He grins and pulls me closer by my arm.

I look up into his eyes as he looks down at me. His signature smile is still there.

He bites his lower lip, and a thrill runs through me.

“You haven’t seen me flirt yet, green eyes,” he whispers, his gaze dropping to my lips.

I swallow and close my eyes, hoping he’ll take the hint and kiss me. I can feel him leaning in, and I can almost feel his lips on mine when his phone starts ringing in his pocket.

~Ugh! No!~

He pulls it out, holding up a finger to ask for a moment. I nod, inwardly cursing whoever invented cell phones.

“Why is this jerk calling me,” he mutters, and I look at him.

He chuckles. “Sorry for the language.”

I smile, and he answers the call.

“What?” he says. I hear muffled talking from the other end before Blaze rolls his eyes.

“Yeah, whatever, I’m coming.”

He ends the call and tucks his phone back into his pocket. A small tattoo peeks out from his waistband, drawing my attention for a moment.

“Sorry, Harmony. One of the guys in my class can’t find a CD for the sound system. I don’t know why he can’t just play something else.”

“It’s fine,” I assure him. “Go help him. I’ll wait here.”

He squints at me. “Here?”

I shrug. “Yeah...”

“No, I don’t like the idea of you waiting here alone. Come with me. We’ll find April and the others.” He takes my hand, and we rise to rejoin the event.

Blaze scans the crowd for his cousin, my hand firmly in his. I notice a few girls shooting me dirty looks, and it makes me feel self-conscious and uneasy.

Without thinking, I tighten my grip on his hand, and he glances at me.

My gaze is fixed on the group of girls near the drinks, and Blaze follows my line of sight before he mutters, “Ignore them. They’re just jealous.”

I smile up at him, and he returns it before removing his hat and running his fingers through his hair. “I can’t find April. Where could they be?”

“Did you try texting her?”

“Yeah, I even called.”

“Oh...well, maybe try texting Yuna and Tia,” I suggest, and he nods, pulling out his phone again.

The fact that he has their numbers brings me back to the possibility that he might have slept with them.

Should I ask him?

He’s busy texting when I clear my throat. “Um...”

“Yeah?”

“Have you ever...you know...slept with them?” I mumble the question, so I’m pretty sure he didn’t hear me.

His attention is still on his phone, confirming my suspicion. “What? I didn’t catch that, Harmony.”

I shake my head. “Never mind.”

“They’re at the food court in the mall. Yuna wants to know if you want fried chicken or a hamburger,” he reads from his phone.

“No, I’m good. Tell them not to worry about me,” I respond, and he nods, typing out a reply.

He slips his phone back into his pocket and turns to me. “I’ll stay here with you until they get here.”

“No, go on. That guy must be waiting.”

“No, Harmony, I should—”

“Blaze, it’s fine.”

His phone starts ringing again, and he frowns. “Are you sure?”

I smile. “I’m sure. I’m not a child, Blaze.”

“Alright, I’ll be right back.”

I smile, and he leans in to kiss my cheek before hurrying off.

I sigh and shove my hands into my sweater pockets. The air is growing colder, and night is falling faster than I expected.

I glance over at the girls by the drink stand again, and their glares have escalated from mere dislike to outright hostility.

“Harmony.” A voice comes from behind me, and I spin around to find none other than Kite.