“Sorry” I mutter to him, with shades of red flaring upon my cheeks. I hastily scurried away while clutching my backpack, as I wipe off the tears that can’t help but stream.

---

“You see, I told you! You barely know each other, and he’s already treating you like gibberish! Imagine the kind of horrific treatment he’d give you once he acknowledges your massive crush on him!” Jayden says as he bounces himself on my bed.

It’s nearing midnight, and as usual; it’s another heart-venting session with my buddy.

“Perhaps, that’s exactly why I fell for him!” I pipe up. Jay stares at me in perplexity.

“Don’t be excessively pessimistic, Jay! He may be disobedient on the outside; outright bad-boy. Yet truth be told, he may be endearing and loyal in the inside; all his heart and vigilance reserved for just one lucky lady.” I exclaim, prancing all over the room as I drool over the thought of Tristan.

“What a joke, Libbs. Have you even encountered that type of guy before? Listen, life is not a fairytale! Your reasons to cling to a guy are all the same over and over again! Haven’t you taken notice how each your relationships turned out a tragedy? Look, I’m just here to candidly voice a dude’s perspective.” Jay suggests.

“Are you saying that I’m not worthy of him?” I frown.

“No, it’s just that it’s evident how he wants to get rid of everyone in his way-he’s one selfish dude. I still can’t apprehend why you fell for such a douche.” He says, as he stops bouncing.

“You barely even know him, Jay! Stop being so irrationally controlling!” I say, irked. Jayden realizes my dismay and stands up to hold my hand.

“I’ve never seen you so troubled upon a boy before; it’s getting me worried.” He states, kneeling before me.

I pout at him, “At one point, it feels as if he’s just the right lad; yet, now you’re suggesting the opposite, and it baffles me! I thought you’d always cling to my side?”

“I’ll always hang by you, Libby, you know that, right!? I just thoroughly can’t bear to see you devoting your precious time to a relationship that is bound to fail. Promise me you won’t get hurt again?” Jay says, planting a kiss on my hand.

“I can’t promise that. Yet, even if I do get hurt, it’s going to be voluntary.” I wink at him, he returns a straight face. I just hope Tristan is just as cheesy to me as Jay is.

---

Raging noises can be heard from downstairs. My parents must be having a dispute again. I sigh, crestfallen; the midnight quarrels have been going on for at least a month now, and it’s getting additionally irksome every day.

Out of the blue, Jay teasingly tackles me to the ground; which initiated our wrestling match. That got my mind of things instantly. I remember when Jay used to be one tiny monkey, and I used to be larger than him. Now, I’m scarcely the size of his arm.

When we finally settle down, I flump myself on the bed; exhausted. He won, obviously.
An idea lit up in my head.

“You know-I’ve been wondering Jay.” I utter.

“What’s up?” He asks still in pants.

“Assuming you’re incredibly intelligent in interpersonal relations, and you’re relatively affable with anyone and especially the boys in our grade...” I say, already in a sweet pleading tone.

He raises one brow. “If you’re about to ask me to befriend Tristan to somehow get the both of you together, then the answer is an absolute ‘no’” He states knowingly.

“Please Jay….” I implore, tilting my head to look at him with beseeching eyes.