A smirk still graces on his face before he looks away.. and it disappears—replaced by a deep sigh as he rolls his head in exasperation.

"So.. I came to a conclusion that.. all of these.. chaotic thoughts—maybe because.."

You glance at his hand, inches away from yours—and gather the courage to lace your fingers with his. Startled, he reluctantly snaps his head at your intertwined hands.. and to you.. before you finally declare,

"You've always been the boy in my life."

His eyes widen at your confession, and for a moment, he seems lost in thought. Then, he gently grabs a few of your fingers and meets your gaze again.

"And you.. have always been the girl in my life," he responds, his tone contemplative. "Wow, I never thought about it that way—and I guess.. it made perfect sense,"

"Right? So.." you say, mustering a smile. Extending your pinkie to him, you take a leap of faith.. and throw the chant with hope.

"Bestfriends?"

Peering at your pinkie, he lets out a slight scoff before his expression softens into a big, lopsided grin. He envelops your pinkie with his, affirming,

"Forever."

Relieved, you let out a shaky breath before pulling him into a hug, pushing aside all the weird feelings—even though they still linger in the air around you.

"So.. are you going to tell him?"

With reluctance, he asks the question of the year, the one you've been trying to avoid yourself. Not because of anything besides the.. guilt.

"Now that we settled this down—that.. we're good. I think I have to. Keeping them a secret would eat me out alive."

"That's fair." Tyler nods. "As for me. I gotta get ready with some protective balm, I guess," he adds with a hint of humor, "why the hell Wyatt has to do this to us when we're both taken—oh wait—thank God I'm single."

You chuckle at his ability to make heavy things light. "Shut up, playboy. Girlfriend or no girlfriend has no impact on your life while everybody's still gonna hate me if they know," you tease, nudging him playfully. Rolling his eyes at your complaint, he scoffs and lets out a smug smirk.

"Your immunity to loneliness has always been evident. Remember how you've always got chocolates from admirers? Valentines, or no Valentines?"

Slightly retracting his head in confusion, Tyler retorts, "How is that a good thing—wait. Uh.. you too you know,"

"You mean how's that for a hallucination? Oh yes you're damn good," you laugh in his serious retort. Still processing your words in confusion, he narrows his eyes as he rests his chin upon your head.

"Oh man, just got reminded of mid school."

"Hm?" Tyler asks, intrigued.

"Back then.." you begin hesitantly, "I had a preeetty huge crush on you."

"WHAT?!"

His reaction is immediate—pushing you away from him in shock. Startled by the sudden push, you turn back to him, finding him staring back at you with wide eyes.

Obeying to the unspoken demand, you explain, "Well.. you weren't that annoying anymore.. you ceased pranking me the way you did in elementary.. and.. what can I say—" stifling a grin, you add,

"You're hot."

I remember walking down the hallway with the burgers.. and those teddy bear-shaped chocolates I bought secretly back in Moreau. I lied so I don't have to go to school with you that day—I don't remember how I did that—but ok—anyway..

My heart. was racing. Damn, I could even remember how it felt. I was really waiting for that day—you know I love Valentine's day—and—well.. to surprise you.

But there you were.. already surrounded by a group of girls.. all.. dying, for your attention. It's not a rare sight for me though, I mean—I know how popular you were—are.

But—this girl.. dragged my confidence to the ground so much. Remember Chloe? The most beautiful girl in school even gave you this—like—very huge bouquet—I didn't even realize middle school girls could even find that kind of bouquet. I know you didn't like bouquets—but I swear I saw your face light up as you kissed her cheek.

So.. yeah. I thought I.. will never have the chance.

I remember I couldn't even open my locker to shove the chocolate there either—so I turned.. and walked away. Well, you don't have to ask—yeah, tears were falling. hard. Oh! And.. as I walked through the halls I overheard whispers.

"Damn, Ty is so popular, huh," some boy said with amazement—probably wanting to be him as well. However, his friend tilted his head in ponder as he blurted out,

"Yeah, but it's really sad for his friend—"

"Who?"

"You kidding? His bestfriend, idiot! How the hell you didn't know the rabbit teeth, Em?!" Having an aha moment, his friend nodded in realization. Shaking his head, he continued his bewilderment, "Weird, it seems like no one gave her anything—"

After that fucking—I ran as fast as I could. Damn, I remember I cried. like hell. to Tumba back then. And I thought—how the hell am I so pathetic?! Am I that ugly—am I really remembered as just your bestfriend. And I was—am sure as hell I can't compete with them. You're just..

Way out of my league.

As some revelation struck within you, your cries gradually subsided.. your expression hardened in gratefulness. "It's ok. All that matters is I have him as my bestfriend," you whispered to Tutumbaba, clutching the little bulldog tightly to your chest.

"Right, Tumba?"

"That. was sure as hell. Traumatizing." you laugh out loud, shaking your head at the memory. Your body shakes slightly with laughter, and your hands fly to his shoulders as you continue to crack up.

While a huge 180 degree shift felt in the air. Sensing the strange silence, you stop laughing and take a careful glance at your bestfriend in front of you.

Your eyes end up widened in surprise as you finally notice his pale face. His jaw dropped to the ground as you.. reluctantly shut them. He looks like he just saw a ghost—no well, with that look—he's the ghost.

"Stop it—you look so stupid!"

Chuckling at his funny expression, you slap his cheek playfully. It somehow acted like a switch, because now his expression turns serious.

"Why the hell are you telling me this now?"

Cavill asks, his tone different. His intense gaze sends shivers down your spine. You lower your head in reluctance, pondering whether you just did a wrong thing. Gathering courage, finally looking back at him, you explain,

"Well, I mean—since we're cool with this conversation now—"

"What about now?"

His voice lowers. Serious. Alluring.

His gaze intensifies, drawing you in like a moth to a flame. You want to look away—but to break the spell he has over you, you probably should chill in a cave for seven days. You're lost in his hazel eyes, unable to tear yourself away.

Again. And you just fucking hate this feeling. You hate this feeling of helplessness. How can you not? How could he just stare into your eyes.. while that stare alone.. could make you forget the new Wattpad series you've set on your calendar? How could his fluttering gaze.. can make your heart flutter like My Chemical Romance is making a whole charade? How can he have this effect on you?

How could he make you believe.. that those love songs are saying is true?

Despite the turmoil raging within you, with eyes blinking rapidly, you try to fix yourself by responding with a nervous laughter.

"O—of course not! Y—you crazy?!" you stammer out, heart racing. You watch him closely as he tilts his head to say..

"Not.. even a little bit?"

His voice is soft, barely a whisper, yet it echoes through the charged air between you. Your breath catches in your throat as you meet his intense gaze. Your heart pounds in your chest as his eyes hold yours captive. As you hesitate—struggling to find the right words, you finally manage to speak,

"You're my Tyty. You'll always be my best friend."

Tyler's expression shifts. With a Mona Lisa smile, he abruptly stands up.

"I think I should go," he mutters, avoiding your gaze.

"Why—what's wrong?" you ask, also standing up briskly.

"I—remembered there's something I need to—do,"

"Let me walk you home—"

"No."

His tone is firm, causing you to take a step back. Letting out another bitter smile, he assures, "I'll see you—" but he falters, turning on his heel awkwardly, taking long strides away from you. 

Looking down, you drown in a surge of strange emotions welling up within you..

Once again.

"Fuck!"

BHUG!

"FUCK!"

BHUG—BHUG! BHUG!

"FUCK!!! FUCK!"

BHUG! BHUG—BHUG! BHUG!

From downstairs, Greg and Violet stare up at the ceiling, their brows furrowed in confusion. They exchange a glance, silently wondering 'what happened' since Tyler entered the house. Unsure of how to approach him, they quietly retreat to their room—minds filled with unanswered questions.

Meanwhile, Tyler kept punching the walls of his room, venting his frustration with each blow. His anger boils over into an almost primal intensity with the realization dawning on him.. that the situation..

Is far more complicated than he ever imagined.

Thank you for reading! Don't forget to vote, comment, and add to your library!

Check out some additional content on social media💖

Cecylia Costania @rcpcswrites

You can elevate your experience by also listening to songs I added to this story's playlist! Full Playlist on bio💖

The song that matches this Chapter's vibe:

https://youtu.be/IytWDiq9Vwk