"Mendes, go for the goalpost. Pass it now!"

"Harlot halt there! No offense play. Flick Head!" Coach Seth yelled at the seniors once more.

"Yes, good going boys!"

"Yuppy, kick their asses! Yoho, c'mon!" cheered Ivy, bouncing up and down.

Mysie squealed, whistling, "Woo-hoo, my boys rock!"

"One, two, three... four, five, six..." resumed senior Aria's cheerleading training.

"Very good girls, repeat this again!"

"Man, we nailed it dude!"

"Sandra, focus! You're missing the movements. Lily, flex your leg. It's slow cartwheel girls, slow cartwheel. And you two, swift cartwheel. Understood?"

"C'mon, girls again!"

"Gavin, slow it down or you'll run out of energy. Use your energy, focus!"

"No-no, that's wrong. Look at your posture, Cassy. Spine straight, eyes on me, smile on lips. C'mon, once again!"

"Yay, go on Seniors! Last round."

"C'mon, c'mon, hit it, hit it!"

"Legs, boys! Foot trap, foot trap!"

"Hurrah! They did it!"

So, you're probably wondering why we were acting like runaway asylum captives. So, the answer is that we were all cheering on the senior soccer team as they practiced for their last scheduled match against a rival university from the bleachers. They were putting in long hours of practice with Coach Seth by their side. The cheerleaders were also rehearsing their cheering on the side-lines, led by Senior Aria, who was constantly yelling commands after commands to the girls.

"All right boys, relax, but we'll keep practicing," the Coach said as the seniors made their way to the bleachers.

"All right, gals, let's call it a day! But be ready tomorrow, sharp at 9." Senior Aria instructed them for a few more minutes before allowing them to go.

"Where's Eldred, Gavin?"

"No idea, Mendes! He said he'd be here before the end of practice!"

"Ah, look the devil's here!" Senior Aylwin just walked in with his bag slung over his shoulder. His shades were on, and he had one hand in the pocket of his jeans. The boys waved, but a tall blonde lovingly known as itchy witchy halted him in his tracks.

Way to ruin the mood!

The whole scene unfolding in front of my eyes wasn't giving me good vibes. I sat by the girls which included Ivy, Mysie, and Saphy. Senior Ryder waved for Mysie to approach him, and she joyfully stepped up to him. As his arms curled around her waist and her around his neck, he pecked her lips. I sat there and watched them laugh as they parted ways and Mysie returned to her seat.

Ivy was wailing next to me, "I hate her!"

"No, you don't. It's envy, Dumbo!" I chuckled.

"I, too, want a boyfriend. Single life sucks!"

"Agreed!"

"Hey!! What are you complaining about? You already have a man. How much do you want?"

"Only if you knew the truth!"

"By the way, what is Senior Aria doing with him?"

"How the heck would I know?"

"Geez gal, don't be mad at me! She's standing with your man, not I."

"Whatever!"

I found their proximity to be unsettling. Senior Aria put her hand on his shoulder and leaned up close to his ear, whispering something. He nodded at her with a slight smirk skimming his lips. She backed away, laughing, her hand firmly planted on his sculpted arms. I groaned as my hands balled up into fists.

"Hey Mysie, what do you call her?" I blurted out before realizing what I'd said.

"Who?"

"Senior Aria!"

"Itchy witch!"

"What? I can't hear it, please make it a bit louder," I gave her a perplexed look, attempting to maintain my act.

"Itchy Witch!" She yelled out even louder, giving me a dubious look.

"What are you saying? I can't hear it correctly. A little louder." Everyone gave me puzzled looks, yet there was a glint of mirth in their features.

"What's up with you gal? You alright? Ears working?"

"Yeah, everything's fine! Just spell the word a bit louder."

"Dang, Soph! You've heard all those words, but you can't seem to grasp the basic two."

"Uh, Mysie! Just pronounce them, please." I said, knowing I'd angered her sufficiently and that my strategy would succeed.

"Fine! Itchy Witch!"

"A little louder!"

She flashed me an infuriated glare before shrieking like a freaking gorilla, "ITCHY WITCH!" I was convinced the whole campus must have heard those two words, including the person I wanted to hear them.

As the entire emphasis was on Mysie, and boy was she humiliated, I bit back my laughter that was persistent to spill forth from my mouth. So, just to finish off my plan, I yelled out to Senior Aria, "Oh, so she's the Itchy witch!"

I heard gasps and snickers all around me, but I didn't give the tiniest thought to it. My job was done, and her expression had changed from one of happiness to one of rage. Yup, I had definitely exceeded the red zone, which stated— 'Congratulations, you are now on Aria's bad side! Are you ready to deal with the fallout?'

She stormed out, giving me and the girls one last look. Senior Aylwin took off his shades and raised an inquisitive brow at me, a wave of amusement rippling across his orbs that captivated me for a few moments before I shrugged and turned away. I embraced Mysie's unwelcomed glares and angry look as the girls turned to me.

"Dang gal, what the fuck did you do?"

"What? What did I do?"

"Seriously, why the fuck did you point on her?"

"Wasn't she the supposed Itchy-witch? And by the way, I was already on her not-so-favorite-list. Remember the rumors, Mother Mysie?"

"Thanks to you Soph, now we're on Aria's not-so-favorite-list. Already she was an Itchy witch, let's see how long it will take for her to be an Itchy bitch."

"Girls Squad, we'll figure out. The win will be ours. Long live the Lulus!" Ivy retorted, fist bumping in the air.

There goes our melodramatic Ivy!

"Who is Lulus?"

"The name of our Squad team!"

"What!?"

"When!?"

"Why!?"

"Finally, the practice's over!"

"Gavin, got any plan?"

"Nah, man! You?"

"Yeah, we're just planning to crash on Levingston's place."

"Sounds cool to me. Bro, you in?"

"Busy tonight."

"Anything special?"

"Very." Senior Chase raised an eyebrow in response to his remark, to which he reacted with a raised eyebrow of his own. Senior Chase gave a soft chuckle as he tossed him the keys. While the seniors were packing, the girls were debating some sort of program.

Should I go? Or should I leave? Should I? Or Should I not?

Summoning every ounce of fortitude I could muster, I got up, smoothed my outfit, and started going in his way. He was standing along the wall at the last steps, going through his phone. I came to a halt next to him, tapping my feet awkwardly. His gaze fell on me, and he slipped the phone into his pocket.

"I hope I'm not bothering you, am I?" I asked him, hoping to strike up a conversation with him.

He shook his head in denial, as his one hand went inside his pocket. I smiled, then faced the laughing girls behind me who were wiggling at me. I rolled my eyes at them as an uneasy silence descended over us.

Heck, this has turned out to be a lot more awkward than I had imagined!

"Why don't you play soccer? I mean, you were pretty badass at the whole street match." I said, hoping to defuse the Mr.-I'm-Awkwardness dilemma.

"Just never felt like." I hummed back.

"She would have left even without that, you know." Shit! I certainly didn't want to talk about her, especially with him, at that time.

"Blame me for being a girl." As soon as those words left my mouth, those lurking beasts of amusement reigned in those lifeless orbs once again. I told ya' those indirect confessions are invariably heartfelt, and they always strike you right in the core. He made a stride towards me, causing me to take a step back, but he didn't stop there. My back kissed the wall as I stepped back.

Darn you, Mr. Wall!

"You amuse me, Fresher," he said as he put his palm next to me and leaned forward. Our not-so-distance-available position seized my breath. I hadn't heard him say 'Fresher' in a long time. I cast a sidelong glance about our surroundings, which I immediately regretted. Seniors were gawking at us with a mischievous smile dangling on their lips, and the girls were practically snapping our photos. I felt blush seeping through my neck, cheeks, and where not!

"You mystify me, Senior," I admitted honestly. Everything about him perplexed me to the point of insanity. I got the impression that I had known him, that I had solved him, but the next minute I had the feeling that I hadn't known him at all. He was a walking wholesale conundrum factory.

"You don't have any idea, do you?" He spoke those words in such a way that they sent shivers down my spine. It was challenging, intriguing, and voluptuous, a sensual pleading? Yup, I was getting paranoid! I was quite sure I misunderstood everything.

"Wanna tell me?" I inquired cautiously, eager to decipher his words, notably him.

"Wanna hear?" If there hadn't been anybody else in the place, I swear I would have pounced on him without a second thought. He was making things much more difficult for both of us. PDA behind closed doors.

I nodded, intrigued to hear his thoughts, primarily his feelings about me. Instead of replying, he moved in closer, his lips just brushing against my ears. My body was betraying me in every way, and a ticklish sensation exploded inside of me, prompting me to clench my hands.

"Tonight at 8. Be ready." He whispered softly, drawing back with a subtle smirk on his lips before turning around and walking away as if nothing had happened. As if he hadn't just me asked out. As if he hadn't left me breathless. I inhaled deeply, calming my pounding heart and squealing soul.

"Tonight at 8. Be ready."

"What should I wear?"

"Ivy, I have nothing to wear!"

"Sheesh gal, why are you getting all hyper? Just a wait a min, I'm trying to help you."

"Help? Seriously? These clothes look like a monkey's farewell party gown."

"Do monkeys too have farewell?"

"IVY!!"

"Geez woman, simmer down!"

"Oh, my God, I have only two hours left, and I haven't even decided on clothes."

"Exactly, two fucking hours are left."

"Shut up, Iv! You don't get it. It's my first freaking night out."

"Date, sweetheart! We normal humans call it a date."

"Yeah, whatever!"

"You know, you're acting like me, Soph."

"I know, and you're acting like me, Ivy."

"C'mon, now help me!"

"O-kay, Ms. Jasper!"

"So, tell me Ms. Jasper, what do you want to wear?"

"Why in the friggin' hell would I ask you if I knew that?"

"Oh yeah, right! So, um... yeah! Ms. Jasper, what kind of outfit do you think would be best for your night out?"

"Um... I guess, something that is not too heavy, nor too light. Not too showy, nor cheap. It's not too tight nor too loose, but airy, and comfortable. It should be a bit stylish... no, standard... yeah... and well that's all." I exhaled deeply and looked at Ivy, who was looking at me with wide-eyed wonder. She blinked once, twice, and then exhaled deeply.

She dashed inside her closet and began rummaging through her stuff, emerging seconds later hollering, "Gotcha!" and handed me a jute bag? I took it and gave her a quizzical look, while she shrugged casually.

"What the heck, Iv?"

"Don't what me! You asked for it. Not too heavy, not too light. Not too flashy, not too cheap. Not too tight, not too loose. It's 100% airy, and comfy. You'll feel like a walking AC. It's even standard, and all. Go, wear it, all the best for your night out. Only if you're having it with animals!" We were both lying on my bed when we suddenly burst out laughing. That was absurd, to say the very least!

"Let's pick a dress for you, and this time..."

"Seriously!" We both yelled in unison.

"Wow, you're gonna give him hard time controlling." I giggled at her comment.

"Finally, I'm ready."

"Let's take photographs!" We snapped a few photos until Ivy figured it was wise to offer me some mental prep time. I gave myself another full view look, admiring Ivy's magic. Apart from being loud and blunt, the girl possessed a lot of skills. I glammed up in a one-piece black dress with long sleeves that ended just above my knees and a glossy black belt at the waist. I wore black pumps to go with it. I styled my hair in flowing layers that cascaded to my waist. Ivy kept my makeup minimal, opting for mascara, a nude lipstick, and a little blush.

"Soph, hurry! He's here."

"Wish me luck, Iv!"

"Yeah, yeah... go on, have fun, enjoy your night. Don't get too lovey-dovey, and most importantly, don't start making babies. If you tested positive, I'm telling you, Soph, no need to come back here, or else I'll throw your sorry ass out of that very window."

"Geez woman, have some shame. I'll certainly bring a mouth filter for you."

"Yeah, yeah, now go on! Get out! Shoo!"

"I've got one hella crazy friend!" I murmured as I hurried off of campus, a few heads turning in my direction.

I eventually breathed a sigh of relief as I arrived at the main gates, but only for a few moments. As I took in the sight of the godly-creature in front of my naked eyes, my breath got caught in my throat. He was clad in a white t-shirt, black blazer, and matching jeans while standing next to a black Porsche. That was not, however, what sparked my interest. My heart swelled with contentment as I stared at the black pendant. He looked amazing with the pendant on. The dark blue crystal glimmered brilliantly, emphasizing to his alluring appeal. His wavy hair was well styled.

His gaze swept over my frame, taking in my appearance, before lingering on my eyes. He nodded, "Ready?" I offered a hesitant nod, unsure of my own voice.

We entered a mediocre neighborhood after a short drive. There were a few one or two-story buildings with well-kept lawns. The street was neither quiet nor congested. I was a little taken aback by the sight. Kids were running around on the sidewalk, while girls my age were gossiping on one of the lawns. I encountered a bunch of elderly folks sitting in a circle, laughing and singing. I leaned my head against the window and smiled.

We came to a halt near what appeared to be a restaurant. We stepped out of the car. I spun around to take in the entire scene. The wooden restaurant was a modest one, with a picturesque lake on the other side. Its boundary section was embellished with lines of trees, accentuating its magnificence.

"C'mon!" He began heading inside with me following close after. The place's simplicity is unfathomable. Perhaps it was simply one of the most fabulous places I'd seen in a long time. It exuded serenity and elegance, both of which I was enamored with.

"Ah, look Freddie who has decided to bless us with his presence," I heard as soon as I walked in. The wooden floor was immaculately kept. Everything was so close to being flawless.

"Sarah," said Senior Aylwin, greeting a middle-aged woman in an apron with a warm grin on her face.

"My boy, I thought you forgot us." She complained, crossing her arms and glaring fiercely at him, which I found rather endearing. She was a chubby-cheeked woman with auburn hair and slightly puckered lips.

"Sarah," she scowled at him, rolling her somewhat squinty eyes, which I found adorable yet again. She turned away from him and faced me, smiling, "And who maybe you?"

"I? I'm..."

She grinned, cutting me off, "Let me guess... his girlfriend?" I smiled at her exuberance, but then I recalled what she was saying. I was about to correct her when I heard his voice, "Sarah, our table?" Sarah frowned at him again, glaring even harder. The lady was far too lovely for her own good.

"Always the fun spoiler! You confound me whether you're 21 or 81, and even Freddie is joyful than you." I couldn't help myself from giggling, which drew both of their attention. My attention was drawn to a laughing man approaching us, so I hastily covered it up with cough.

"Ah, sweetheart, please stop right now! Where have our manners gone? Sorry, kiddos! Welcome to our little home," the middle-aged man remarked, his lopsided grin cheekily welcoming us.

"No, Freddie! I'm upset with this grown ass boy." Sarah stated, then exited the place. As I heard Senior sighing beside me, the man named Freddie gave us a worried glance. "Freddie, take her to the booth. I'll see Sarah," I nodded and followed him, passing by several tables where couples were having a great time. I sighed and sat down.

"Please don't mind Sarah; she can be very cranky at times," Freddie explained, his voice tinged with concern and sadness. "No problem," I assured, smiling, "it's OK actually."

He nodded, smiling, "It's just she truly cares about Aylwin after his mother..." he couldn't finish the sentence as soon as Senior re-joined us. What happened to his mother? I was curious about his mother's whereabouts.

"Please, Freddie, a regular one," he politely requested, and Freddie promptly left us.

"I hope I'm not boring you, am I?" His words caught me off guard and made me smile heartily.

"No, not at all. It's just... lovely." He nodded.

"What have you ordered?" I inquired after perusing the menu, which featured a wide range of delectable foods.

"Something, I'm sure you'll love."

"So much confidence?" A teasing smile piercing my lips as I arched an eyebrow at him.

"I've faith in my taste." The intensity of his gaze and the depth of his tone overshadowed my ability to think critically, leaving me with a hodgepodge of feelings and thoughts.

I smiled, my eyes gleaming with a few upspoken tales, "Then, I've faith in your taste."

"It feels good." I began strolling down the serene bridge. We were wandering aimlessly, walking without stopping, despite the fact that it was beyond 11 p.m. We decided to go for a long drive after a particularly delicious dinner. With each passing second, the night only got better and better. I wouldn't say we didn't have our awkward moments, or that we did speak fluently and without hesitation, or that we didn't ruin things badly, but we eventually sought to focus on the positive aspects of those moments. We didn't speak when words were not required, and when they were, then our mouths never stopped. Just like that, we found ourselves leaning against a bridge next to one another, and it was pure bliss.

"Aimlessly wandering?" He mused as he faced the starry night.

"Yes, and no!" I replied as I turned to face him, my sight glued on the divine creature. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Well, imagine it this way... Just two strangers, carelessly ambling under the same sky, together with no intention of stopping anytime soon." My eyes meandered throughout the region, from the dazzling skyscrapers to the twinkling stars. Each one was stunning in its own way. Each one acted as if they were their own God. After all, beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, as they say. It's all about perspective, not vision.

"Fresher?"

"Hmm?"