"I still can't believe you actually chopped off your hair just because I said so," I said in disbelief, "What were you thinking? Or better, were you even thinking at all?"

Nora half skipped, half danced in front of me, eating her ice cream with full concentration and a huge smile on her face like she had just won the lottery.

"Look on the positive side, I saved the money of going to the parlor," She sang.

"You cut off your hair just like that! Do you even realize the intensity of your actions?!" I said, thunderstruck.

"I did it because you were getting irritated by my lateness and I was getting irritated by your ranting. So, I solved the problem," She finished her cone, wiping her fingers on the tissue.

"One day, I am gonna return and see you have set yourself on fire just because you were 'feeling cold'," I said in a dark tone.

"The movie was good today, wasn't it? The climax could have been more intense and shorter but the actor was hot. Still, I can't believe we watched two movies today! I have never seen two movies at one go in theaters! Even the dinner was so good! Thanks for a lovely evening, Dora!" She changed the topic.

"I am going to write a book on you someday," I informed, "Perks of being a mentally retarded girl."

"You already write pieces now," She shrugged.

I stopped in my tracks, "How do you know?"

"I have seen you write and you do a very poor job of hiding it fast when anyone comes. But, I figured I wouldn't read your writings unless you want me to," She explained.

"What else should I know about myself that you know?" I asked, crossing my arms and giving a loud sigh.

"You are the cutest guy I have ever come across," She grinned cheekily.

I felt my cheeks heating up, "I know what you are trying to do and it won't work."

"Also, you have got a fine ass. In fact, dare I say, the finest ass I have ever seen on a guy, more than Axel," She winked.

The blush deepened, "Um... thanks?"

To be honest, the pride inside me just increased ten fold. Take that, Axel Hills. She likes my ass way better. Let me see you beat that.

"I would tap that anyday."

"Alright. I get it," I said quickly, trying to cool myself down.

"You get flustered so easily. You will faint while doing it for the first time. The girl will probably have to finish it," She snickered, "I wish I could be invisible and stay in that room to record her expression."

"The constant insult is highly unappreciated-"

"You mean loved."

"-and unimpressive. I am capable of doing stuff too. I kissed you that night, remember?" I reminded her.

"That was just a part of the bet. You did it because you had to do it and get over with it," She rolled her eyes, "Not because you wanted to."

Wrong, I wanted to. Like I want to now. Maybe I can sneak one when she was unprepared. But, she was unprepared now. I can kiss her now. Or, maybe I should tell her before I actually kiss her.

What should I do?

"Hey Dora, it doesn't matter. You do realize I joke about it, right? You don't need to be bold, rough and tough or be a sex expert for me to consider you masculine. You are already that to me," She said gently in a very un-Nora tone, "A man is much more than that. You are insecure yet you don't hide that, you don't pretend to be the most courageous and brave person and the most important part-"

"Which is?"

"You know how to say sorry and you actually mean it. That takes a lot of fucking guts. My ex boyfriends were too proud and arrogant. They always thought saying sorry would lower their manhood."

"You haven't been with good men then, Nora."

"I know and that's why you, Derek Callingham, you are one of the best persons I have met. I am proud to be your friend," She grinned.

I nodded, disappointed at the "friend" term suddenly, "Thanks."

To my own surprise and before I could lose courage, I grabbed her hand. She looked up in a confused manner as I patted her hand with my left hand.

"Nora, what conclusion have you arrived at?" I cleared my throat, unable to look at her face.

"About?"

"The party and your parents' anniversary," I looked up.

She paused, a frown marring her face, "Well, I think I am gonna stay. Poor Axel persuaded a lot. I can always do my shopping from here and just be there for the party."

I felt my insides bursting in joy as I mentally high fived myself and did few cartwheels. Score for me. Nora was staying till next week. My day just got better.

"Oh," I said, trying to stifle the grin that was threatening to burst out.

"You look like you are having a severe bout of diarrhea," She remarked.

"I am fine," I said, feeling much lighter and happier.

"You are high, that's what it is," She concluded, slowly leaving our joined hands and starting to walk away.

Tell her. Tell her. Tell her. Tell her.

"Nora," I called.

"Yes?" She whipped around with a full blown smile.

For the first time in my life, I was actually a bit startled by that smile. Her eyes were twinkling and creased on the sides as her teeth were on full display. The smile, I realized, had made me stop walking just now. You just don't understand it unless you experience it.

How come I had never seen it before?

For us, there was always something about a girl's smile that struck something inside a guy. Specially, if it was a girl you like.

Her smile was beautiful. I needed to tell her. She didn't have dimples or hazel eyes but I found myself suddenly appreciating brown eyes and no dimples.

She made me laugh and be happy. I wanted a girl like this. I was always overthinking when I was pining over Reina, spinning dreams that were too utopian but now I was genuinely happy and peaceful. She negated darkness. I had stopped whining since past few weeks. For some reason, I was loving the fact that despite knowing she wasn't exactly a flawless goddess, I was happy to see her. I was so happy since the last two years. I belonged back there, with Nora and Kyle and as much as I knew nobody could top Jake, I still couldn't see myself here at Greywall.

I loved watching her skipping away or shooting off the capitals of the countries, I loved how her nose scrunched randomly or how she could make me laugh. There were few people who could genuinely make me laugh heartily. Hell, I had even started loving her odd fascination with hair dyes for some reason despite finding it to be too brightful at times.

I was sinking again but this time, it didn't feel like drowning. I was floating.

Ah shit, I didn't just like her.

"Dora?" She sang again, "What do you want to say?"

It was more than like. It was way more than like.

It felt like someone had punched me in the stomach and was punching continously. I could feel a huge grin threatening to burst out of me with palpitations and a nervous breakdown already coming my way but I had no idea how to react.

With Reina, I always knew this was love. Warm feelings always crept inside me when I was near her and I always wanted to kiss her whenever she was near me. I never bothered about hearing her. I was always concerned with my feelings for her and what I would do when we dated.

With Nora, I found myself wanting to slow down and tell her first. Then, I would listen to her talk and appreciate the small antics she did while speaking and not just how pretty she looked. Maybe we would hold hands and I would get to know her more. Her likes, dislikes.

We could go for walks on the beach. She loved that. She was romantic in that way.

It was more about her than me. The best part was neither of us were perfect. I never saw her as perfect and neither did she ever always point out how nice or sweet I was. It was the contrast, actually.

I didn't know for sure. Everything was uncertain. Everything flew naturally with her, like it was meant to happen. Not a forced one or monologues about love. I was suddenly feeling an overwhelming rush. Energy was pumping inside me to go fucking tell her that this guy, this pathetic docile boy had found what he was actually looking for in this mental girl.

Nora Wright. At first she was my silver lining, now she was the whole sunshine itself.

It wasn't even that she pulled me out of the wormhole of Reina Johnson. I did it all by myself while she stood beside me all the time, supporting me. I had crawled out of it since the day I had walked out of the hospital, apologizing to Axel and moved out. Maybe she sped up the process, indeed but I wasn't ever this happy or relaxed with Reina. I was too conscious. With Nora, I was my most honest self.

You see, this was the most fucked up part about this even more fucked up thing. No matter how many shields or promises you had going, you wouldn't stand a chance against it. It just happened and when it happened, it was huge. I had said it long ago, there was no logic. No explanations, just wonder.

Could you expect someone like Jake with Olivia? Or me and Nora?

I had promised Ma and Nora I wouldn't say anything until I was sure of my feelings. I was sure now. As she stood in front of me, with curiosity and a general soft smile playing on her face, I was fully sure.

"Um...I...uh..." I couldn't believe I was unable to say it.

Usually, Nora did leave me speechless by her talks but this time I was at a loss of words by just staring at her.

Just say it, fool! You have to say it! She loves you! You tell her!

"Dora the explorer, what are you exploring in your head so much? Do share it with me," She snickered.

"You... look good in this hairstyle," I mumbled before mentally slapping myself.

Stupid coward.

"Aww. Thanks! You look the same though. Your hair is longer than mine. Cut it," She made a motion of cutting in air before she turned around and resumed walking, "Or I could shave it for you."

She was just a bit daring, that's all.

Why couldn't I say it? I was chickening out again. I had already made various mistakes before due to my lack of vocal talent. I wouldn't repeat that mistake again. I didn't want her to think I was saying it because she was about to leave and she forced me to. She didn't. Everything I had done in my life, I did it due to me. Even love.

I didn't want Nora to be another Reina.

I didn't realize she was already far ahead when she turned back and looked at me, "Will you stand there like a statue for the rest of your life? You are too heavy for me to carry."

"Don't shout so much. This is a quiet neighbourhood and its night time. I am coming," I put a finger against my lips to indicate.

Of course she did the exact opposite thing.

"Really?! Oh no! What will happen now? Please don't handcuff me and take me to the jail. Do it in the bedroom instead," She shouted at the top of her voice.

"Nora!"

"Oi! Some of us are trying to sleep here," An old man poked his head out of the window, scowling at her.

"I am so sorry, Sir," I replied on behalf of her, looking up at him, "We will just leave."

"Why? Didn't you get a nap in the afternoon? Its only 9!" Nora shouted back, hands on her hips.

"Get out before I call the police. Bloody annoying teenagers," To prove his point, he went back in but I knew it wasn't over yet.

"I am not a teenager! I am twenty one years old!" She screamed.

Uh...yes, this was the girl. No doubts about that. For instance, I felt like laughing my ass off instead of crying in joy. She was actually arguing with a man who was her grandfather's age and the man was arguing back.

"Nora, please lower your voice. I already went to jail once and I don't wanna go back again. You started it. Respect your elders. Say sorry and get it over with," I begged, running towards her, urging the laughter to hide.

No matter our relationship status, I still loathed that place and I would kill her if she again landed me there. I would confess before I killed her, actually.

The old man came out again, this time with a bucket of water. He opened the window and poured it down simply, aiming to hit us.

"Ah!" Nora stepped back as the water missed and fell in front of us with some drops on our head.

Seriously, this old man was fighting like a child. I could control Nora but this old man was not playing easy and angering Nora. I said sorry, but no, he had to aggravate her.

Wait, did I say control Nora? My mistake.

"Just wait. Let me teach him a lesson," She growled in anger, moving forward.

"No, he didn't do anything wrong," I shook my head, grabbing her elbows to stop her.

"He could've scolded us but no, he tried to pour water on us! What if it was hot water? I will teach him a lesson. I might have said sorry if he hadn't done this. Tit for tat, baby," She barked in anger, trying to squirm free.

"No! Listen to me for once and don't-"

She wiggled out, picked up a stone lying on the street and hurled it towards the window of the old guy. The shot was apt as the window cracked with the impact of the rock and broke into pieces while some shards fell off.

Of course. Nora couldn't listen to me.

Again.

"Run, Dora!" She screamed at a high pitch.

Before the old guy could come out, she grabbed my hand and we made a dash for it. I could hear the old man shouting at us and threatening us with police but we were too far gone already.

Another situation I had never seen myself in. Ever.

We ran through small allies and took turns here and there, our feets making uneven flapping noises. I could feel Nora laughing loudly as she didn't leave my hand. I grabbed her hand back as we ran through the deserted road.

"Perks of having an all day trip and watching two movies till late night! Woohoo!" She laughed as we sped down the road.

Shops, trees, silent dark houses zoomed past us as we kept on running without looking back.

By the time we actually stopped near the familiar shopping area closer to my house, we were both out of breath and flustered.

Nora left my hand and leaned against the glass wall of the shop, breathing heavily with her eyes closed.

"Careful there. Don't break that too," I warned, my hands on my knees, panting loudly.

"That was awesome," She said between breaths.

I started laughing this time, unable to hold it back in. I sat on the pavement with my head in my hands and laughed like there was no tomorrow, "God Nora, what else do I have left to do with you that involves almost landing in jail or starting a fight with someone?"

"You enjoyed it, didn't you? Admit it!" She grinned, coming and sitting down beside me.

I looked up to stare at her, "I can't believe I am saying this, but yes," I laughed, "I am going mad," I added as an afterthought.

"You are not going to believe a lot of things with me, yet you will," She nudged my shoulder, "Its surprising how you aren't used to it yet."

"How come I have never done these things with you before?" I asked quietly.

"How much can you do in a university campus without incurring the wrath of fire breathing demonic professors? I did stuff on my own and you wouldn't agree to any of them because you are always immersed in your studies and Kyle would be there to support you," She breathed.

"I am not agreeing now either," I said.

"Yeah, but I can make you do them," She stuck her tongue out at me, "Kyle was always with us and since he is even more boring than you, he wouldn't agree so I would lose by a majority."

"Still..."

"I didn't feel like doing these things with Kyle around, happy? I just wanted to do them with you," She rolled her eyes, "God, you are so slow, you snail."

I felt extremely joyous at what she said. A smile crept on my face, "Thank you."

"When we go back, it's gonna go back to the usual cycle, so I am trying to make use of the time as much as possible now," She replied.

"Why? We can do these back there too. Whenever I take a break, let's do all sorts of adventures, okay?" I nodded, "No, not the jail or breaking windows. Other stuff."

"Really? You will do this stuff? Spare me. Your life is as monotonous as it can be," She snorted.

"I am not joking," I said seriously.

"Do you see me laughing?" She retorted.

"I can do stuff too," I challenged.

"I know you can. But that won't suit you. Once or twice is enough. You don't have to make a habit out of it," She said, "You are Derek. You stay as Derek. If you start behaving like me, then there will be two Noras and I wouldn't like that. Who would be the timid Derek then?"

"You like me like this?"

"I think I have established the fact that I love you like this," She gave a wry smile.

My insides did a flip. I pursed my lips and blinked, "Nora..."

Nora Wright, I, Derek Callingham, more than like you dearly. Give me your hand and company to show you how much.

Shit, it sounded worse than Jake snoring when I slept over at his house and believe me, you wouldn't wanna hear that. I wonder how Olivia did it.

I sounded like a 18th century Lord asking for someone's hand in marriage.

How pathetic it was that one bad experience had rendered me incapabale of expressing what I truly felt towards the girl I cherished and loved.

"I like how you say my name like you are about to get your exam results back. You are so scared of me, aren't you?" She laughed.

I am batshit scared what I am about to say now.

"I... am not scared of you," I said truthfully.

"Sure. What did you want to say?" She asked, her eyes staring at me with a curious look.

I had to tell her what kind of deal she was getting into if she ever stayed with me. I had to be clear about it. I didn't want any false hopes or over expectations.

"I am an old school romantic," I cleared my throat, "The serenade type of guy, letter writing, wine together on the balcony while we stargaze. Not the clubbing or too much eating out or fantasy kinks for that matter. I also spend too much time with my books and research work so I am not available 24*7."

She raised an eyebrow, "I already know all of these though I doubt the kinky fantasies a bit once you get to experience it."

"Of course. Of course you do," I nodded, "Well, that's that, I guess."

"Why are you telling me stuff like this? What has that got to do with anything?"

Alright, here it goes.

"Ilokeyou," I blurted out.

Shit. What did I say? What the fuck did I just say?! Loke?

"Loke?" She raised an eyebrow, "You mean a combo of like and love?"

I looked around. Where was the nearest drain where I could go and bury my face in it?

"I mean..."

I mean I want to confess my feelings for you but as usual, I am about to crap my pants. Some things never change, do they?

She sighed, "Let me relieve you of the tension. We should go home now. Its almost midnight."

She stood up. My head was buzzing with what I said.

Loke? What the stupid shit is loke? I meant to say like. Loke is stupid. It sounds stupid.

"Hey, Dora."

"Mmm?" I got up reluctantly and feeling annoyed at my lack of courage. Man, confessing was hard. I wonder how easily Nora did it.

"Don't worry, I loke you too," She smirked before looping her arm around mine.

I smiled throughout the rest of the walk without realizing it.

*******

Author's note:-

Is it always necessary to say those three "magical words"?

I have made the characters say it in "Futile" and two of my other stories but you realize that when you say it, its game over.

Its done.

People are always interested to know till the confession part because its kind of predictable what happens after that. (Exceptions are there besides happily ever after and fights/breakups). There are good books about it (KITEP) but those are rare.

Derek said it to Reina in the first book and I don't feel like going the same conventional method in case of Nora and him.

They are special to me, you see😜 (along with the comic duo Jake and Olivia)

Anyway, one more chapter and then its the epilogue.