Chapter XVI

Be aware of switching POV's.

Sebastian’s POV

Document R7932 goes into Folder R-Classes, M2308, M1745 and M6421into Folder M-Staff...

I organized the dozens of files littering the Desktop and cluttering the Downloads and Main Folder, trying to busy myself with Council work, trying to...forget.

The girl I was reminded of each day when I opened my eyes to the vastness of the sky beyond my bedroom window.

I sigh. My hand slacks and rests upon the mouse.

This wasn’t working.

I push away from the desk and stack of files next to the computer I had brought to sort.

“So you finally stopped?” says Aria passing by with an armload of papers.

“Yeah,” I mumbled tiredly.

“Good. There’s no point in exhausting yourself with extra work of which is the Council’s. You should go relax and have some fun instead of cooping yourself up with work these past few days.”

I grin appreciatively.

Aria’s been so helpful recently since the incident with Elisa days before. She hasn’t attended any meetings as of late due to music club. They were working on the music for the upcoming dance. The boys’ and girls’ groups were performing for part of it, but unlike the Talent Show wouldn’t be pairing up.

Everyone had said they were amazing, the best the school’s ever heard. Unfortunately, I hadn’t been able to hear them as they were the final act and I had to leave early because of my duties. I really had wanted to see them.

“It’s 4:52; why not you go home Seb?” says Aria after depositing her load, snapping me back to the present.

“Ah, okay,” I say and begin to gather my things up.

She watches me as I turn off the monitor, push in the chair and grab my schoolbag.

“Hm?” I grunt when I catch her blue eyes on me.

They too, reminded me of Elisa’s. Though hers were somewhat turquoise compared to the bright cerulean of Esteire’s younger sister.

“Oh, nothing,” she smiles assuredly and turns to go filing the papers.

“When are you leaving?” I ask, feeling somewhat bad for going before she left. I was the Student Body President after all.

“Soon, don’t worry,” she replies, back still facing me.

“Okay then, see you tomorrow,” I say and start to leave.

“Wait!”

I turn back around. Aria’s hand is out in a stopping motion. She drops it and mumbles, “Umm.”

“Yes...?” I urge questioningly.

“I was just wondering who you’re asking the dance to!” she blurts.

“Oh...” I say, my eyes widening then darkening as I think of Elisa and Andy.

“Ah, ah, I mean,” she says, “Sorry, forget I asked.”

“No, it’s fine,” I murmur, “It’s just...I wanted a certain girl to come with me, but-”

I inhale sharply, “she’s going with someone else.”

Aria casts her eyes down.

“I see. Well, see you then,” she says and goes back to filing.

“Yeah,” I whisper inaudibly and leave.

As I exit the lobby doors I look up at the sky.

“Hello, Sebastian; how’re you today?” “Sebastian, can you help me with this?” “Sebastian, try not to overwork yourself.” “Do you know where this file is Sebastian?” “Hey, look at this book I found.” “See you later Sebastian...”

I could almost hear her voice say those quotidian phrases. That softly sweet and melodic tone that always made me smile. Her very presence was comforting and exuded a calm warmth that eased me.

I missed her and those simple words that we shared. Nothing else more was said between us, nothing more...

I wished I had. Told her that I wanted to be with her, spend the hours away with her, talking, laughing, smiling. 

I doubted she felt anything towards me. Only a friend at most. I was just the President that knows everyone...is friends with everyone. Well, except a red-haired idiot.

Why didn’t I tell her before? Now...now, I’ve lost her.

---

“Sebastian?”

My head jolts up at the voice.

Is it? Can it be?

I turn around. It is.

My mouth automatically curves into a smile.

“Hello, Elisa,” I say softly.

She smiles back. Wow, she’s so cute.

“I was looking for you,” she says.

“Hm?” I grunt, still transfixed by the mere image of her.

“Uh, are you listening?” she asks and waves her hand in front of me.

“Huh?” I start. “Oh. Sorry, what’d you say?”

She smiles and replies cheerfully, “It’s okay. I just wanted to apologize for not coming to the Council Meetings recently; I’ve been so busy with music club.”

“That’s alright,” I say, putting on a fake smile.

“I’m glad you understand; thanks!” And she turns to leave.

“Wait!” I shout and catch her by the shoulder.

She swivels her head to face me.

“Eh?”

That sent sparks throughout my body. It was so cute. I missed that two-letter question.

I slide my hands around her waist, bringing her to my chest.

She’s so petite, I think as I embrace her small form.

“S-S-Sebastian?” she stutters as I nestle into her downy hair.

“Um?” I grunt and hold her closer.

“Ah, ah...” she fumbles, trying to find the words. Just like before. But this time, I’ll tell you how I feel. ...Without words.

I snuggle into the nape of her neck, running my right hand up her side to her shoulder. As I touch the exposed area around her collarbone she tenses. I move my hands slowly along her neck to her chin then check. Ever so gently, I incline her head towards me, her eyes the color of midday.

My face moves gradually closer as the rule-abiding, rational Sebastian kept screaming at me to pull away from someone else’s girlfriend. I stopped right before our noses touched. 

You can still back out right now. He cries out in my head. Leave now, and everything can go back to as it was. Now. Right Now. Move!  

NO! I scream at him. Not now, when I’m so close to showing how I feel, so close to possibly securing real happiness. Sure, I might hurt Andy, but it would hurt me as well if I didn’t. 

Are you that heartless?

I grit my teeth. Stop it Sebastian. Don’t listen to him. The side the prevented me from getting close to anyone, the side that was kind and friendly on the outside but cold and aloof in truth. I can’t let him get to me, not when- You’re better than this. I almost drew back. What was that suppose to mean anyway?! My mind contorts in confusion. Either way, it didn’t matter; this time, I was going to let myself go; otherwise, I’ll regret this moment for the rest of my life.

I tilt my head to hers and draw closer.

Her eyes glimmer and she wavers hesitantly. I tighten my grip on her waist to steady her.

“Se-” she starts to say as my lips collides with hers.

Before my eyes close, I see her eyes grow large with panic.

I close my eyes and kiss her more deeply. My arms wrap further around her waist as I press her back against me, enfolding her slight build completely.

I guess this had been building up in the past days as my hands moved all over from her shoulder blade to lower spine. She gasps when my touch comes hazardously close to passing beyond her hip. I took the chance to take control of her mouth as she had been trying in vain to hold up against me.

Now you’re in trouble, I think and move her towards the wall.

Elisa’s POV

His lips seared mine as I endeavored to stop myself from kissing him back. I so wanted to show that I felt the same way about him.

His hand suddenly reaches down past my waist. I gasp in shock. Was this even Sebastian?!

He takes the opportunity and pounds his lips against mine, now using the whole of his mouth.

My resolve is instantly weakened as I let myself go. Soon, I find myself up against the wall with his legs encircling mine. Startled, I pry my mouth away from his and gulp the air as if I hadn’t been breathing, which, I kind of hadn’t.

I start to wriggle away, but he held me fast. Until now, I didn’t realize the strength of Sebastian’s feelings, making me feel dismayed at my former indecision about him.

Not seeming to stop, he instead kisses my neck. I turn my head away.

This was too much. If he kept this up, I just might give in to everything and forget about Andy’s feelings and the promised dance.

His lips work their way up slowly towards the back of my ear. As he gets closer I creep up on my tiptoes trying to free myself from those dangerous kisses.

Before he reaches, he hits a sweet spot inches from it, sending shockwaves throughout my entire body. I slacken and I see him grin faintly as my eyes close and the warmth of his lips come upon me once more.

No, I think as I return his passionate kisses, this is the one.