9.

Stage 4: Acceptance.

A good week had passed since Aether had helped me in the nurse's office, as well as the tiny thank you kiss. Such a small gesture would have been forgotten by now, right? Wrong. I was having literal sleepless nights because of it. Every time I remember it my face lights up in a not so subtle way, which leads to me cowering into anything I can, to avoid anyone asking about it.

Today I find myself in the library. Not really studying, but more like soaking up the sun and I watch people walk around campus, all while pretending i'm in a music video, a very familiar scene to me. Leaning back in my chair, I close my eyes and breathe in the air around me. Even if i'm not much of a book nerd, I can always appreciate the smell of books and libraries. Warm and safe, the smell of old and new books, with hints of coffee from other students who bring it in while having a study session.

Staring out the window again, I watch people pass, silently judging most of them as they walk pass. I recognise people I remember walking by minutes ago, classmates who never bothered to even remember my name, when I know just about everything about them. I'm enjoying the time i'm having to myself when I see her.

Eternity. She must have gained some sort of popularity from when we was banging Aether because she was with a good handful of people. They where all smiling, laughing at one another jokes while I sat from afar and hesitantly watched. I remember when it was just her and I against it all, but she threw it all away for a quick fuck and attention. Slamming my head on the open but unread book, my eyes brimming with angry tears.

As much as I hated her now, part of me still wants to be friends. I remember all of out good times, and when she was with me at my lowest. I guess as we got older, the knot between us loosened, until it finally unravelled. Obviously Eternity took the chance to run free as soon as she could.

Silently sulking at my desk, I don't hear anyone move around until someone cleared their throat. My head snapped up, startled by the new company. I immediately regret it as I can feel the blotchy mess around my eyes, and also because it was Aether. He was looking down at me with concern. Gently, he asks,

"Can I sit?"

His voice was kind and warm, like a warm blanket. I rest my head in my arms as I nod for him to sit. He plopped down as wriggled around to find the right position before awkwardly placing his hands down and breathing deep breaths. Finally, he speaks.

"Were you crying?"

"And if I was? It's not really any of your business."

"Right right, but still..."

Frustrated at his lousy attempt at small talk, I spit,

"I know that's not why you're here. Tell me the truth. What do you want?

Aether chuckled and gave me a sheepish grin. Closing his mouth and stretching his lips into a thin line, he muttered,

"We need to talk."

In all honesty, I wasn't in the mood for a serious conversation, but I knew the only way to let the awkwardness pass is to outwardly talk about it.

"That, we do."

We stare into each others eyes for a bit, silently communicating before Aether looks away, covering his face and mumbling incoherent words. He removes his hand and starts fiddling with his fingers, showing me the pink tint spreading across his face. I stare up at him, admiring my effect on him, then instantly cringing. Aren't I supposed to hate his guy?

"Alright, let's talk. What do you have to say?"

He looked nervous, very different from what he is normally like. Chill and always seeming to know what do say, but here we was, looking like he was choking on his words to me.

"You know i've said it before, many times actually, but I... Like you. A lot."

"And...?"

I knew he had more to say, so I was trying to make him spit it all out to me this moment.

"Okay okay, I was thinking maybe we could...give it a shot? Us, I mean."

I was expecting a confession, yes but not a 'I want to be in a relationship' confession too. I was so torn. My head was spinning, telling me no, that it could never work and that i'd only get hurt. But my heart on the other hand, was doing flips in happiness. It'd been waiting for this day for what seemed like forever, but now is the chance. It was determined to seize the moment. And who am I to argue with my heart? Opening my mouth, I pictured my brain rattling in the corner of my skull at my decision. But, my word is final.

"I'm... Willing to. How should we start this?"

I watching a big grin zap onto Aether's face, eyes gleaming and teeth blindingly white.

I really hope I don't regret this.