44

Edward could be so hopeless.

Three-fourths—yes, I counted every single one of them—of the salt bread I had brought were all massacred by him, the man who sent all pastries trembling in his wake. And even with that, he was still wolfing down on the last remaining loaf as though he had never seen food for the past few days.

Our friends were also watching from the sidelines as well; Lynn's brows were twitching, but a large smirk ripped across Seb's face, like it was some amusement. Heck, he willingly donated the loaves I have saved for him to Edward, and of course he took them into his loving hands. I don't know if I should be happy about him enjoying my food or concerned about his giant appetite.

Perhaps the latter, to be honest.

"It's almost lunch time, but you're inhaling all of that bread like Kirby... it's basically brunch for you," mumbled Lynn as she slouched back, rubbing her eyes before she let her arms dangling on her sides. Meanwhile, Aly's spot remained vacant, her chair shoved to the side and nearly toppled over.

"I've not been eating much lately," Edward huffed once he swallowed the remains. "Rena's bread is rich in flavor, but it doesn't feel so heavy for me. I can't help myself."

I chose not to participate in the conversation. Well, as much as I focused on adding more information for my research paper, my ears scorched red and my heart performed more glorious stunts. Seeking shelter behind my mere laptop screen, I promptly licked my withdrawn lips, feeling their dryness.

Okay, I have to admit, the fact he kept on throwing compliments made me want to try even more recipes that I have pondered on the back of my head.

"Good for you, but practice some self-control, dude." Lynn sighed heavily. "It's unhealthy to gorge all of those bread in one go."

Sounds like what a mother would say.

"As if that will stop him, so let my guy here eat in peace." Seb hopped in, draping his arm over Edward and ignoring his friend's scowl. And here I thought he came to his defense, but then the subsequent thing he said was certainly far from helpful. "What else can you do, this guy's a bread maniac! This guy can survive on bread alone and that's why his stomach bulged and his cheeks chubby!"

Are you trying to help him or are you provoking him?

Edward suddenly stopped typing as he smacked the space bar with his thumb. There were exactly five seconds of tauted silence before he whirled his whole body at his chuckling best friend, and gently dragged his chair towards him. Before Seb could induce a remark, Edward pinched both of his best friend's cheeks, before he forcefully stretched them apart.

"OW OW!!! Okay, I'll stop!!!" Seb shrieked, his voice on the verge of cracking and his hand slamming on the table continuously. "I give, you win! I surrender!!"

He should have seen that coming...

Lynn shook her head and returned to her business—it was certainly an average occurrence and she could not do anything to stop it. Edward fortunately did release him out of such torture, leaving him to cope with his flaccid cheeks. Fire continued spitting out of his eye as he returned to his report.

"Do your part if you don't want your cheeks to be bloated like mine," he barked.

"Yes, yes, Your Majesty..." he moaned, massaging his face.

Aly gradually showed up, her expression had loosened while she rubbed her abdomen. When she hovered over the grimacing Seb, her brow arched at the three of us, to which Lynn shrugged, silence being Edward's response and me smiling sheepishly. Actions spoke a thousand words and that was why she subsequently smirked at him.

Because... of course she does.

***

For lunch, Adelynn ordered 2 boxes of pizzas and as all of our energy was depleted by this long assignment, we devoured all the slices without any problems.

Myla had fallen asleep on Edward's lap, so he placed the puppy on its bed. We strived to continue with our assignments, despite the girls' determination slowly disappearing into the void, their vision strained from glowering at their screens. Of course I helped sort them out, while also answering Edward and Seb's arrays of questions.

My time to shine has come and I can finally reciprocate what they have done for me.

Well, our endless grapples against this research paper were not futile, because at last, we finished up with conclusions.

"FINALLY, I'M DONE, WOOHOO!! I'm done with all of this bullshit too!" Aly exploded as she shot up from her seat, raising her arms up in the air. She then brushed her eyes as though wiping a tear. "Thank you so much, you're our lord and savior, Rena!"

"No problem..." I beamed, clapping my hands. "Good work, Aly."

"If it wasn't for you, we're all hopeless and doomed, and I know I'll be doing it at the last minute," Adelynn croaked, her tone heavy.

"Hey, let's hang out at the mall to clear off our stress!" Aly suggested, checking out the clock. "There's still so much free time!"

"Hmm, I don't think that's a good idea..." I beckoned towards the group.

Lynn collapsed her head into her bed of arms. Her short black hair was a tangled mess as she had been constantly combing through her strands. Seb was in the same boat; his body plummeted to the couch with limbs sprawled, he incessantly yawned—contagious enough for me.

Edward might at least be the better one of the group; but even fatigue got the best of him. Assuming a spot beside Seb and with his head inclining, he folded his arms with one of his earphones plugged into his ears.

"I guess you're right, I'm also so sleepy..." she groaned, slumping back to her chair and closing her laptop. "That paper made me lose my mind! Only if that demon of a teacher gives us an easier assignment to do!"

You were so pumped up a few seconds ago, Aly... I inwardly sighed.

"Are you free tomorrow, though?"

I froze, my hand stopping midair when I was about to plug out my charger as chills flashed across my spine. Shit, I haven't had the chance to tell her yet!

Considering my best friend, she would obviously make a scene if she discovered my hunt for Lynn's gifts alongside Seb. As much as lying was the perfect choice, I had been quiet for way too long that she could read through my lies. Screw this, what should I say without making one of them upset?

"Well, I already have plans tomorrow..." I murmured.

"Oh, what are you doing?"

I desperately wished she could accept my response and go on about her day, but if I were her, I would be asking the same too. Everything started accelerating: my heart, my train of thoughts, my blood, everything. I folded my fingers together, trying to hide the fact that they were trembling. I have to come up with an answer fast, before suspicions befell.

Think, Rena, think!

"Oh, I'm just going out with Ed..."

Technically, I was not lying. After all, Edward was going to join us even though it was supposed to be only Seb. Perhaps in some way or another, Edward indirectly helped me get through such a sticky situation.

"Ah, okay then—" she paused as realization dawned upon her. She then clamped on my shoulders as she bared her teeth. "Wait, what... with Ed?! Seriously?!"

Unfortunately, luck was not siding with me; her declaration had Seb hauling himself up and gazing straight at both of us while Edward pulled out his earphone. Meanwhile, Lynn didn't budge an inch and remained perfectly still in her position. Deep slumber had caught up to her, but who knows she could be listening in?

I decided to approach the boys while Aly followed behind, exclaiming, "Is it finally the time?! You guys are going on a—"

"They're looking for presents for Lynn's birthday and I'm coming with them too," Seb cut her off before she could exclaim that one word that had my stomach fluttering. As he approached us, his volume totally watered down than usual, perhaps not wanting to rouse Lynn. "It's not what you imagine."

While Edward remained motionless, I was so sure I saw his furrowed brow twitched.

"I wasn't imagining anything, but you're right... her birthday is near." While Aly did not bother facing Seb, she nodded as she rubbed her chin, before she smacked her fist on her palm. "Maybe I should go looking for it too... Can I come?"

Well, this is becoming complicated...

Seb was momentarily quiet at first, his jaw gripped and his typical smile looked so blatantly strained, but a huge amount of breath escaped his nostrils as he said, "I was about to say no, but yeah, yeah, go ahead. It's not like you are excluded though." He snickered, waving the back of his hand. "I just prefer it if you don't."

That was unexpected. And here I thought he was going to reject her so harshly. So all of my contemplation on how to avoid the conflict between us was all for nothing...

Aly gradually peered over her shoulder, confronting Seb as she simpered. "Well, well, too bad for you."

As he strode back to his place, Aly cast off her scowling face as soon as she faced me, the corner of her mouth curled upwards as she whispered, "I'll also drag that dude away and you'll have some time with Edward. How's that sound?"

So that's her plan all along.

"T-Thanks Aly..." A couple of laughs subconsciously spilled out of me, before I found myself stepping back. "By the way um... I probably need to go out for a walk."

With all kinds of pressures weighing down against me for the past few days, a stroll filled with fresh, cool air was all I sought for. Not only that, but some private time from the others would be nice too, where I could... recharge and prepare ahead. All of those trespassing thoughts that had been clogging my brain could be alleviated at least. And then, I could be more honest with myself.

"Uh, where are you going? Don't you wanna rest, too?" Aly asked.

"Just around the area..." I stammered. "D-Don't worry, I won't be too far."

"Should I accompany you?"

"No... I-I'm fine." I shook my hands.

"Are you sure you're okay?" I felt her hand on my shoulder. "You looked... off."

"I'm good, I just need some time. Maybe you can watch over my things..." I reasoned.

Aly's green eyes tightened, glinting with pure concern. I did expect her to nag even more; she was never a fan of me isolating myself and being withdrawn. Maybe it was due to all the experiences I had gone through dating back to our childhood, where my brain would prefer blocking them out.

I was eternally grateful for her, but right now I... really have to cool off without anyone.

"Fine..." She reluctantly agreed. "Just be careful, okay?"

"I will," I promised and gave her a thin smile, reassuring her, or at least I tried to, of my safety.

***

Today, the sun concealed itself behind the billowing clouds, rolling ominously through the heavens rather than appearing like fluffy cotton candies. Not even a speck of blue hues was provided a chance to flaunt themselves. Downpour was predicted in the evening, but we should all be back by then.

Regardless, the vicinity around Lynn's house was the epitome of panacea. There were barely any passing, honking cars on the street that could disturb the tranquility. All residence on each side of the roads rested in silence, while trees swayed, shedding more of their yellowing leaves.

The breeze whizzed against my ears and murmured the arrival of autumn, but it prickled against my skin, forming some goosebumps. My body consequently quivered, so I instinctively wrapped my arms around my chest. Who thought it was a great idea to be wearing a dress today and not bringing a sweater?

"It's not even November yet, it wasn't even cold in the morning..." I mumbled to no one in particular, but there was not much I could do other than adjusting to this stupid weather. As I was rubbing my arms in a futile attempt to warm myself up, something felt peculiar when the wind managed to blow through my entire head... all naked and bare.

Peering behind me, my beret decided to tag itself along with the breeze, spinning through the sidewalk. Thankfully it was not far when I caught sight of it, but it soon would be if I did not make haste and pursue after it. However, the moment I propelled after it, my hat's escapade was foiled when its brim was clutched tight by just one hand.

Regaining my momentum, I glanced up at this outstanding person. As I was about to say my thanks, my heart dropped at the sight of an unmistakable blue eye with the other being shielded by his golden bangs, belonging to none other than...

"E-E-Ed...?!" I sounded like a deer in headlights. The cold evaporated in a snap of a finger, replaced by an ignition from deep inside of me. I gulped as I squeaked out, "Um, why are you here...?"

"I was walking around for fresh air... but I found you," he said, lending me the hat. Guess we shared the same sentiment. Well, he had always enjoyed nature in solitude.

"I see... Um, thanks..."

Gingerly taking the beret, I shoved it down my head so that it would not detach so easily. I carried on with my mindless excursion—I was kind of unfamiliar with the streets—but not without stealing glances at Edward as he trailed beside me, harmonizing with my speed. I placed my hands on my back, my fingers fidgeting against one another.

Somehow, I don't mind him here...

"The artists you recommended... I've been listening to them," he initiated. "I really liked The Script so far. Similar vibes and catchy music too."

"Nice, you broaden your horizons!" I exclaimed. "D-Do you have some favorites?"

"I can't choose," came his response. "Breakeven and Science & Faith are amazing, but so are The Man Who Can't Be Moved and the rest of their songs. "I'm definitely buying their entire album. I finally have something new I can listen to."

"Coldplay might be one of a kind, but there are bands with equally awesome music. You just need to dig in more," I said all of that so easily, as though nothing bounded me. "I'll let you know if I got any more!"

Edward hummed lowly while the crunching leaves underneath our feet escorted our ongoing conversation. "How about you, what music do you usually listen to?"

"I don't have a particularly favorite artist honestly... I listen to pretty much everything." I chuckled. "Kinda boring, am I?"

"It's not, and it's fine," he said. "At least you got more knowledge than I do."

I nodded, my gaze gravitated to the two sparrows hopping from the curb. They chirped at each other, their heads sharply bobbing, before our giant presence had them rattling their wings to the other side.

"Have you decided what you wanna get for Lynn's birthday?" Edward brought up another topic—the fact he have been starting these interactions without my signal seriously lifted my spirits.

"Not yet... maybe it will come up to me once we are at the mall tomorrow. You're still sticking with the blue hoodie?"

Edward sighed heavily as he scratched his head. "If I found it, yes, but if not... then I'll find something else. It looks good on Lynn, I don't care what that idiot says."

"Seb is always so passionate about clothes... it's something he would never change." I giggled slightly. "Time has passed, but at the end of the day, you really are all the same to me."

Edward halted without warning, and it was a few steps before I no longer felt his presence beside me. My chest leaped when a rather long look was all he cast at me, his forelocks dancing with the wind. His lips hung open before he immediately shut it—no words thus deciphered his thought process.

Actually, what the heck was I saying before? Did I say something offensive...? Was he going to be upset? However, being upset was the last in the list, especially when his typical scowl... vanished, causing me to gulp even more. What is he thinking about?

And that was when a trickle of cold water prickled my nose. My first instinct was to crane up at the sky, darker shades of gray having taken charge. Raising up my hand, I captured another minuscule drop, but another one arrived shortly. Yikes, that prediction I saw this morning was a complete dud... this was way too early!

I gyrated on my heels. "It's gonna rain! We gotta hurry back before it gets worse—"

While he never uttered a comment, he suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards him, my back colliding against his hard chest. I never knew butterflies could be so vicious as they violently beat against my gut walls, especially when instead of taking the route back, he dragged me to the opposite direction.

"I know a place," he announced.