I stare at the red painted door in front of me, anxiously waiting for the door to open once again. «What if Cody doesn't want to talk me at all. Holy shit what if he hates my guts!? What if I really screwed up my chances with him..?!» I let out a long sigh..I wouldn't blame him. I fucked this all up just because I was scared..scared of what others would think and feel. Totally ignoring the feelings of Cody in the process, damn when did I become this selfish? I look down and kick at the pebbles on the front porch, trying to distract my mind.

Should I just leave.. and just give up..? Cody's probably not coming. Before I could think any further the door creeps open. I step back slightly and bite my tongue as I see Cody appear. He steps out and closes the door behind him. He then crosses his arms and raises a brow, awaiting for me to speak. I felt as if I couldn't think or speak, Cody's stare was intense and suffocating. I quickly averted my eyes to the side, feeling ashamed to be even here.

"C-cody..I–", Cody scoffs, "Junior save it.. whatever you have to say won't be necessary..I already got your answer anyways..", I look at Cody and I can clearly see how hurt he was. Man I really am a jerk. I step closer and keep eye contact with him. "Cody, just hear me out a little..and no you haven't gotten my answer..or my real answer at least.." Cody raises a brow but then let's out a long strained sigh. "Okay Junior.. I'll hear you out..", I watch him lean against the doorframe, still crossing his arms patiently.

I shift and look down, where should I even start...? I gulp and look back at Cody, "W-well.. first I want to..I..I want to say sorry.. sorry for everything.. sorry for how bad of a friend I've always been to you..", feeling shame wash over me, I avert my eyes to the ground once more. "I've always been a jerk to you..I don't know how I've just realized that..and I know it's way too late to change or make up for everything I've done... I get that. It's sucks but I get it.."

I hear Cody let out a sigh, "W-Where is this going Junior..?", I bite my lip and felt like bursting into tears, but I'm sick of crying, especially when it's my fault. I swallow the lump in my throat and glance up at Cody. His expression stayed stern and vapid but I could tell he had a lot to say. I huff, "C-cody, what I'm trying to say is.. I..I like you, and I mean it..." I felt my cheeks burn and tingle as the words slip out my mouth so easily. Like the phrase was that easy to say and had no meaning to it. But that wasn't true.. I knew that wasn't true. I meant what I said and if I had the balls I'd go further on about what those words really meant. What Cody meant to me..

I keep a strong gaze on Cody and felt slightly more confident as I watch Cody's stern expression falter slightly. He pushes his glasses further up his nose and turn his head to the side. "J-jun–", I step close to him and grab his shirt, clutching it tightly. I kept my gaze on him as Cody slowly looks down at me. His cheeks tainted with pink, I couldn't help by feel my own burn as well. I felt my words trapped in my throat. I felt so small under Cody's gaze...shit. "C-cody, do you want me to say it 100 times, until you believe me..?" I huff, "Cause I will!"

†Cody's POV†

My throat goes dry as I place my hands on Junior's shoulders. I believed him...I really did, I just need to process everything and so does he. Junior's confident facade falters, clearly taking my silence as another rejection. My heart aches, "Junior, hey.. listen..this has been a very.. stressful day..god I like you. I-i like you a lot..but this is happening so fast..", Junior's face does redden slightly more but his brows furrows in confusion. "B-but.. didn't you wan–", I sigh and quickly shake my head. "No..l-listen I just don't want you to regret this later.. we just need to think about this..you know? I'm not rejecting you..", I let out an airy chuckle. "...you don't know how much I wanna jump into things and just..." I let myself trail off.

As much as it would be nice to think about all the things Junior and I could do, that's not the focus right now. I snap out of my thoughts when I felt Junior against my chest. He looks up at me, his expression soft. "Cody..I uhm.. I think I understand what you're saying.. and you're right..", my heart races against my chest and I couldn't help but smile, enjoying Junior's warmth against my own. We stayed that way for what felt like hours, enjoying each other's company and warmth.

The door soon swings open, and to my surprise Junior doesn't step back from my arms. I turn my head to see my mom standing in the door way. "M-mom..", she only smiles in understandment and then shuts the door once again. Even if she did understand that was cue to wrap things up unfortunately. The night wasn't young and school was tomorrow. I sadly pull away from Junior and sigh. "How 'bout we give it a week..? You know just to let each other think and breathe..if that makes sense..?" Junior nods slowly, seemingly processing what I just said.

After the small mutual agreement, we stand there for a few moments, not 100% sure what to say next. Soon a car pulls up and honks wildly, I only assume it was Chef PeePee by the angry yelling that followed after the aggressive honking. Junior perks up and turns his head and waves at Chef PeePee. He looks back at me and smiles, "Alright Cody..well I'll see you soon, no avoiding each other, okay??", I chuckle and rub the back of my neck. "I should be the one telling you that..", Junior snorts and bashfully looks away. "Whatever nerd.. anyways bye..", I exchange the goodbye back, but Junior doesn't leave quite yet.

He seemed hesitant then grumbles something incoherent. Without saying anything he leaps up on his tippy toes and kisses my cheek before scattering away to Chef PeePee's car. I felt my heart pound hard against my chest and I couldn't help but smile goofily. I could see a red stricken Junior wave as the car drives off. I couldn't feel happier, I hope the week goes by swiftly.