" Just a friend to you " | CH. EIGHT

---christmas day, Asteria took a deep breath before sighing and walking out of her bathroom.

This was it! The day she'd see Louis again. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't excited. She really missed him. And although her friends in Hogwarts were amazing, there will always be a special place in her heart for the brunette.

She sighed as she held on to his letter. The only constant reminder that he will come for her. Delusional, of course. Considering the current situation. She was so close to finally meeting her soulmate. She already kind of knew who he is, all she needs to do now was to confront him about it.

Yet, here she was hopelessly crushing on her best friend. It was pathetic to say the least. After years of self-control, this is what she was left with. Bottled up emotions just waiting to burst out of her. If it wasn't for that one moment.

"Why do you have so many scars?" The little boy asked, eyeing the new one she got just right by her chin.

"My soulmate," she answered with a grin, the boy mindlessly nodded his head as his eyes turned to the tattoo imprinted on his skin. "What about you, Louis?"

The boy snapped his head to her before smiling as well. He slowly lifted up his hand with the words; You look lonely.

"You know," he started, causing the girl to look back at him, "I once thought you were my soulmate." He said, voice laced with disappointment yet he tried to cover it up with a smile.

"Better luck next time, I suppose."

Asteria furiously shook her head. Stupid! She yelled in her mind. She then tried to compose herself. Deep breaths.

She turned her face to her mirror, smiling idly at her reflection. She began to eye her vibrant Christmas sweater and plain pajama bottoms. It was a bit of tradition for the Williams to wear their pajamas on Christmas Eve.

Asteria turned back to the letter in her hands once again. Scrutinizing one particular sentence; "I'm also bringing someone very dear to me, a new friend."

She couldn't help but wonder who it was. Nonetheless, she was happy he was doing okay without her.

Suddenly, a knock was heard from her door. Asteria put the piece of parchment down on her nighstand before walking towards her door. There, her mom stood with a smile.

"Louis's here," she said. Asteria smiled before walking by her mother's side.

Once they made it to the living room, Asteria frowned when she saw a girl by Louis' side. It made her stomach churn and she felt a small twinge of uneasiness as the scene unfold.

Louis then turned to her and smiled wider almost instantly. Asteria couldn't help but smile back. Ignoring the small tug that kept pulling down her heart. When she was close enough, he didn't hesitate to engulf her in a hug.

"I'd like you to meet someone," Louis said before pulling away. "This is Imogen," he said, gesturing to the girl with him, "my soulmate," he whispered so only Asteria would hear.

And boy did she wished she didn't. Because at that instant, the small tug she felt, suddenly felt like a huge yank to her heart, almost ripping it in half.

"Hello!" Imogen exclaimed walking towards her with a smile, causing Asteria to snap out of her daze. "It's nice to meet you, Louis's told me a lot about you."

"I hope it's all good things," she muttered awkwardly. She seems nice, she thought to herself.

"Don't worry," Louis said wrapping his arm around Asteria's shoulders. "Most of them were." He smirked.

Asteria only chuckled at him as her eyes trailed down his hands.

You look lonely.

Did she told him that too?

Suddenly a loud ring erupted from the Kitchen, making Asteria pull her eyes away from the small tattoo.

"That must be the lasagna!" Her mother exclaimed from beside her.

"Oh, is it okay if I helped Mrs. Williams?" Imogen asked politely. Flashing yet another charming grin. One that would make any heart melt at the sight of it.

"Oh are you sure?" She asked cautiously.

"Of course, what kind of guest would I be if I won't help around the house a little?" She said.

"How lovely!" Her mom exclaimed loudly, whilst slightly clapping her hands. "Asteria never helps me when it comes to cooking."

Asteria furrowed her eyes at her mom whilst Imogen awkwardly chuckled before following Mrs. Williams to the kitchen. Way to boost my confidence, mom.

"Asteria!" Louis called out to her. "Let's go to your room, I have something to talk to you about." He said rather childishly, causing the girl to giggle at his behavior.

Once they arrived, Louis automatically sat on her bed. Bouncing up and down like how he used to back in America.

"What did you want to talk about?" Asteria asked awkwardly.

Louis abruptly stopped bouncing as he turned to her with a sincere look, "I want to ask you on what you think about Imogen."

Oh. She thought to herself before answering, "she seems nice. I don't really know why you're asking me tho. I just met her."

"Well you're my best friend, of course I'll need your opinion on girls I like!" Yank. "Besides, I'm completely whipped by this one if I'm being honest." Yank. "When we both found out we were soulmates, she told me that it's okay if we just remain friends for a while. To get to know each other more. And to fall in love naturally. Not because we have to." Yank. "And I'm starting to feel it Asteria!" He exclaimed, laying down the bed as he stared up the ceiling with a dreamy look in his eyes. "It's just. . . Everything about her you know. Her eyes, smile, personality. . . All of it! Merlin, I sound cheesy don't I?" He sighed. "Maybe this is what it feels like to be in love?"

Rip. Asteria looked at him, eyes brimming with tears as Louis turned to her. His boisterous smile turning to a frown when he saw her.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

Asteria sniffed as she gave him a smile. "My best friend's in love!"

Louis chuckled, "you got me worried for a sec."

"I sure did," Asteria said lazily. "You should confess," she said, ignoring the sinking feeling she had.

"I will. Later at midnight," he said. "To be honest, if you didn't approve of her I would've panicked!" He chuckled again before sighing. He slowly made way to Asteria, his hand holding on to her shoulders. "I'm glad you liked her though."

She only nodded her head, not really knowing what to say. He smiled gratefully before engulfing her in a hug.

"Louis, Asteria, Dinner's ready!" The booming voice of Asteria's mother interrupted the two, causing Louis to pull away.

"Race ya to the dinner table!" He grinned before dashing down the hall.

Asteria stood there for a moment. Looking out the door he just went through. She looked around her room before sighing.

You look lonely.

··-

Author's Note:
Unedited, please don't hate me.