Work Text:
Wednesday
"It's simple, see, you just take x.." His voice faded away in the back of her mind. Alicia couldn't focus on anything he was saying. She had found the ultimate distraction, and it was him. It was always him.
Ever since that first day of college, when they bumped into each other coming in and out of the financial aid office, it was him.
And ever since that day, he was everywhere she was. He stayed in the same dorm building as her, he was in the library the same time she was, and he was always at the same parties. And each time, he would give her that same cocky smile before he approached her. They became friends quickly. Yeah, friends.
Who is he? Well, his name was Lucas. Full name: Lucas Koh. And he sat right beside Alicia, helping her with her math homework. They were seated towards the back of the library. Lucas was still explaining her problem, but how could Alicia focus on anything when he was so close?
Lucas always had a strong presence, but to Alicia, it was overwhelming. He sent tingles down her brain every time he glanced her way. Her heart fluttered when he smiled at her. And butterflies exploded in a frenzy when he sat or stood too close to her. Alicia had a crush, and she was crushing hard. How cliche of her to crush on her friend.
Alicia always blamed Lucas for this situation. If only he-
"Hey, are you even listening?" His voice interrupted her thoughts. She blinked to find Lucas staring at her. She felt her cheeks warm, and she sheepishly smiled back at him.
"Sorry, I got distracted." She admitted. Lucas rolled his eyes, shaking his head.
"Come on, Alicia, focus. How are you going to pass your test if you keep getting distracted?" He asked her.
Oh...I could focus better if you sat at the other side of the table, at least.
"I know." She twirled a braid around her finger. "I'll do better, I promise."
"Is there something on your mind?" He asked. Yes… and it's you.
Alicia could see concern written all over his face. She wished she could reach out and smooth out his furrowed eyebrows and frown, but she wouldn't. She wouldn't dare touch his perfect face.
"No," Alicia instead replied, knowing he wouldn't believe her. "There isn't."
"Ever since the first day, I knew you were a bad liar. So, a penny for your thoughts?" Now, this was something Alicia disliked about him. He could always call her bluff. And he never let things go either. She looked away from him and chewed on her lip. There was no way she was going to reveal her thoughts or feelings to him.
Once again, she replied, "There's nothing wrong, Lucas." She looked back at him with a smile. "I told you, I'm just having trouble focusing today." Which was the truth.
Lucas didn't reply, and Alicia took that as a sign to attempt to flee for a moment. Grabbing her phone, she excused herself to the bathroom.
Lucas watched Alicia's back as she walked away. Once she rounded the corner, only then was Lucas able to let out a sigh of relief. He knew, he knew better than to sit so close to her. Why didn't he just sit across from the table like he usually does? Oh, that's right. They were at the library because Alicia was failing math. Lucas offered to help her, and it worked better to sit next to her so she could see his work better.
But the smell of her cocoa butter lotion was intoxicating, and it always seemed to pull Lucas deeper and deeper into his feelings for her. Ever since that first day, when Lucas was leaving the financial office only to run into a small chocolate woman, Lucas was hypnotized. Lucas stammered, apologizing for not looking where he was going, and Alicia was just as embarrassed. Lucas walked away, cursing himself for not striking up a conversation, but fate had other plans.
Suddenly, she was everywhere he was. The second time, he saw her at the library. She was sitting at a large table, and she looked bored as she flipped through pages of her book. She was alone. It took Lucas all of five seconds to decide if he should talk to her. And he did. She was surprised to see him again, but that was the first time he saw her smile.
It took his breath away...
After numerous times of running into her around campus, Lucas asked for her number. Soon after that, they were friends.
Lucas didn't want to be friends. He wanted to be more than her friend. However, for some reason, when it came to speaking about his feelings, well, he couldn't. His throat would choke up, and no words were able to make it out. Lucas was crushing hard on his best friend. How cliché. The chair moved next to him, and he looked up to see Alicia sitting down.
"Alright, Mr. Koh, let's get back to homework." She said, but Lucas was determined to get whatever was bothering her out in the air. Lucas knew there was something.
"We can, but not until you tell me what's bothering you." Lucas pushed. He ignored her huff and the roll of her eyes. "This is why you're failing because you're letting whatever get to you control your mind."
"No, I'm not." she denied.
"So, there is something then? What is it?" he questioned her.
"Lucas.." She trailed off, sighing as she closed her eyes. "Please don't." It almost sounded like she was begging.
Oh damn… whatever was bothering her was serious.
Lucas could feel his protective nature take ahead of him. Whatever was going on, he wanted to fix it for her, but he knew he couldn't. Alicia would never let him. Her independence was her strong suit, but also her weakness. It took her to get a failing grade for her to ask Lucas for help. But still, he wanted to remind her.
"Hey, Alicia." Lucas moved closer so he could touch her hand. Her eyes were glued to his hand on top of hers before they moved to his face.
Good god, stop looking at me like that.
Alicia knew Lucas in all the months, which were five months; she had never seen him so serious. She wished Lucas had given her a heads up before he touched her; the electric shock she felt when their skin touched was too much.
And his eyes, oh, how his eyes poured into hers. Alicia knew they were trying to invade her soul. But she wouldn't let them; she couldn't.
"You know you can tell me anything, right?" He said.
Curse him for saying such things!
Alicia knew that; he's said that to her several times before. And several times before, just like this time, she felt the courage she once had. All of the fears didn't matter in these moments. She could feel the words building in her stomach and forming around her lips. And all she would get out was while squeezing his hand was:
"Lucas I-"
"GUYS!"
Gone was his hand, and the moment was once again stolen due to one of their friends creeping upon them. The moment was rudely and annoyingly interrupted by no one other than Elisa and Henrik slamming their things on the table. Alicia heard Lucas curse beside her. She took a slow breath before semi-glaring at the pair across from her.
"Elisa, may I remind you that we are in the library?" Alicia whispered.
"Seriously, why are you so loud?" Lucas looked around, smiling in apology for his loud friend.
"Oh, who cares? This place is lame anyway."
"I like the library. You can find all," Henrik began to say but was cut off by Elisa.
"Henrik, please do not start with your love for book reading." Elisa rolled her eyes before flipping her hair. "I have better news." She sat down across from Alicia, closing her notebook.
"Um, excuse me, we were studying here." Alicia sighed, returning her book to the open page.
"That can wait. As I said, this is important!" She was about to speak but noticed Henrik was still standing. "Will you sit down?" Henrik rolled his eyes before taking a seat. Elisa opened her mouth before they were interrupted once again.
"I told you to wait for me!" Hope pointed her finger at Elisa. "Why would you do that?!"
"Hey guys, seriously, we're in the library." Alicia agreed with Lucas on this one.
"You were taking too long! It's already done, right, Henrik?!" Henrik remained silent as Elisa stood out of her chair.
"Elisa, you know damn well she isn't going to do this!!"
"Well, it's taking too long. I'm stepping in now!"
"Hope-" Lucas started to say but was cut off.
"I told you, we were going to do things my way!" Hope growled.
"Yeah, well, now we're doing it my way! What are you going to do about it?!" Elisa poked Hope in her chest. Hope growled before they started arguing.
"Guys, will you stop?!" Alicia butted in to separate the two. "Seriously, everyone is looking at us."
"This is embarrassing." Henrik groaned, hiding his face in the table.
"I can't believe you'd do that to her?!" Hope pointed at Alicia, and now Alicia was confused. Were they fighting about her?
"Wait, what?" Alicia asked, glancing between the two. "What are you two talking about?"
"Tell Alicia right now!" Hope demanded, crossing her arms.
"I was about to before you-"
"HEY!" Everyone quietened as Bobby came running down the aisle. He was out of breath by the time he reached their table. With his hands on his knees, the group stared at him.
"I heard... I came as soon as I heard.." Bobby gasped, standing up.
"What did you hear?" Lucas asked. Bobby took a deep breath before placing his hands on Alicia's shoulders.
"Alicia, how could you?" Bobby whined, shaking his head.
"How could I do what??"
"You know what!?" Bobby snapped, shaking her shoulder. "It's all over the campus!"
"Bobby, wait!" Elisa and Hope shouted for him to stop, but it was too late.
Bobby didn't run all this way for nothing, and he was going to say what he wanted to say, goddammit!
"How could you accept a date with Jakub?!" Bobby yelled out. The entire library went quiet for a moment. Alicia stared at Lucas as if he had grown two heads. Lucas sat next to Alicia, completely stunned. Henrik, hiding his face from embarrassment moments ago, was now looking up, astonished by the news. Hope and Elisa both groaned, slapping their faces in their hands.
Simultaneously at the same time, Alicia and Lucas yelled:
"What?!"
SMACK!
Everyone at the table jumped as the librarian slammed her long yardstick on the table. She glared at every one of them before yelling at them to leave and to not come back until they learned to be quiet. Alicia deeply sighed as she packed up her things.
A couple of minutes later, the group sat themselves down at the local diner. They sat in the back of the restaurant occupying the large enough booth to sit at one table. It was a small diner that served regular food from breakfast to T-bone steak. Your classic American restaurant that opened in the fifties. Alicia sat in the middle between Hope and Elisa. Despite her confusion, she was also trying to keep Hope from biting Elisa's head off. Bobby and Henrik, who occupied seats beside Hope and Elisa, discussed food items off the menu across the table. And Lucas sat at the end next to Henrik, who was very quiet. He stared quietly at his menu, not saying anything. It was weird for him. Trinity made a mental note to check in with him later, but first, she needed to figure out what was going on.
"So, does anyone want to explain what's happening?" Alicia interrupted the small chatter from the table. "What is Bobby talking about?"
"Elisa, are you going to share?" Hope taunted.
"I've been trying to do this since I got to the library. And I would have finished if Hope didn't barge in yelling at me."
"I told you-" Hope started to argue again, but Alicia cut her off.
"Will you two just stop bickering for a moment! Bobby, tell me what you heard?" asked Alicia.
"I heard some of the soccer players talking during class. They said that the football captain had scored a date this Friday. I didn't care at first, but then they mentioned, sorry, but Elisa, your name came up," Elisa winced at the table. Bobby continued.
"He said that Elisa set him up with one of her friends. And then your name was said." Alicia blinked. Elisa, you didn't! Now with him!
Alicia snapped her head towards Elisa, who sat with her arms crossed, not an inch of shame on her face.
"You set me up with the football captain of all people?!"
"Oh, come on, Alicia, he isn't even that bad." Elisa rolled her eyes. "He seems interested, so give him a chance."
"How did this even come about anyway?"
"Jakub is in the same physics class as Henrik and I. I overheard him say that he was tired of being single. So, being the good girlfriend I am, I told him about you. I showed him a picture, and he's interested. Now you guys are going out on Friday!" Elisa spoke as this news was exciting.
"Elisa." Alicia groaned, rubbing her face in her hands. "Why would you do this?"
"To get you a date, duh?!"
"OK, but I don't even like him."
"You don't even know him!"
"I don't think she needs to know him, Elisa," Hope interjected
"Exactly! Cancel this date!"
"No!"
"To be honest, Alicia and Jakub don't even seem like a good couple," Bobby added.
"Agreed," Henrik spoke.
"You don't even know that." Elisa glanced between the two boys. "Jake could be her Prince Charming."
"I'm not going. Cancel it." Alicia groaned.
"Sorry, but I can't do that." Elisa shook her head.
"Why not?"
"Because that would be rude! I already set it up." Alicia groaned, wanting to bang her head on the table.
"I don't want to do this."
"Why not?"
"Maybe because she already has someone she wants to date," Hope growled at Elisa.
"Oh yeah, and just who might that be? Is there someone else you'd like to date, Alicia?"
Lucas couldn't see it, but he could hear Elisa's smirk. Lucas refused to look up from the menu, but his heart stopped moving as he anticipated Alicia's answer. All at the same time, he could feel eyes on him. He didn't know whose they were, but a part of him prayed they belonged to Alicia. But Lucas refused to look up. A moment of pause later, Alicia spoke the words of her lie.
"No, there isn't." She said. Lucas knew she was lying, but why was she?
This must be the reason why she's so distracted these days. There's someone else. Of course.
Alicia did not appreciate the pressure Elisa just threw on her. What was she trying to do asking her something like that? Especially since Elisa knows who Alicia is interested in. What was the gain here? Alicia wasn't a violent person, but for the first time, she wanted to slap Elisa.
"Well then, it looks like everything is settled for me." Elisa flipped her hair. "Don't worry Alicia, I'll make sure Jakub takes you to a nice place."
Alicia sighed, wishing she just opened her mouth and told the truth. There was someone. It's just that, that someone was sitting at the table.
But why was Elisa so adamant about Alicia going on this date? It confused Alicia. Alicia knew that Elisa wanted to cancel this entire scam, but for some reason Elisa wouldn't. Alicia didn't even like Jakub. Of course, she's seen him around campus before. Everyone knew who the football quarterback was. But Alicia was nowhere near attracted to him. He wasn't what she wanted. And what she wanted-
"Hey, I've gotta go." Lucas interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see Lucas slipping on his backpack.
"What, come on? We haven't even ordered yet."
"I've got studying to do. Alicia, we can meet up later to finish your homework." With not even a goodbye, he was gone. The table was silent once more.
Thursday
Alicia and Lucas once again sat in the back of the library. Ignoring the librarian who snuck glances at them every now and then, Alicia couldn't ignore the awkward tension at the table. She ended up not meeting with Lucas last night, Elisa and Hope decided to ramsack her closet to get things ready for Friday. Alicia wasn't intrigued. Elisa seemed really excited for this date, a lot more than Alicia was. Hope seemed rather against it also, but still encouraged Alicia to go through with it.
Lucas texted her this morning asking to help her before class, which Alicia agreed to. She just wasn't expecting so much silence and short answers. He was hardly even helping her.
Alicia bit her lip as she snuck a glance at Lucas who was seated directly across the table. Unlike yesterday, where he sat next to her. She missed his presence.
Come to think of it, he's been very silent on his opinion of her going on this date. Alicia couldn't help but wonder how Lucas felt.
Should she ask him?
"Alicia."
She gazed up at the sound of her name. His eyes were still on his papers in front of him as he finished a sentence. Once he was done, his eyes finally met hers. She couldn't read his face.
"Yes?"
"Are you going to go?" He asked her.
"Go where?" Alicia questioned.
"On your date."
"Oh," Alicia sighed, pulling on one of her braids. "Yeah, I am."
"Do you want to go?" He asked
"To be honest, no."
"Then why are you going?"
"Elisa already set it up-" Alicia started but Lucas never let her finish.
"You lied at the table yesterday." Lucas interrupted. "You said there was no one else you'd like to go out with. But that was a lie."
"It's not a lie."
"It was. You know you can't lie to me." Alicia decided not to reply.
"Tell me who this other guy is?" Lucas asked instead.
"No." Alicia shook her head.
"So, there is another guy." Lucas confirmed.
"Lucas-
"Does he know?"
"What?"
"Does the other guy know about your date?"
"Yes, he does."
"What did he say?"
"He didn't say anything." And that was the truth. He hadn't said anything.
"Who is he?"
"Why do you keep asking me this? I'm not telling you."
"Does he know you like him?"
"No, he doesn't."
"Why don't you just tell him how you feel?"
"I can't do that."
"Why not?"
"Because that would ruin everything. We have a great friendship. Plus I don't even think he likes me back so it doesn't matter."
"You don't know that."
"What does it matter to you Lucas? You don't even know him." Alicia was beginning to feel frustrated with all of his questioning. "Now, stop pestering me on this."
Alicia sighed, deciding to engage her eyes in her notebook. Lucas only allowed a moment of silence before he opened his mouth once again.
"You should tell whoever this guy is how you feel."
"Lucas, please..." she let out a deep sigh.
"I'm just trying to help, Alicia. I am. I just want to put things into perspective for you." Closing his notebook, Lucas leaned on his elbows as he peered at her.
"You said this guy doesn't like you back, but has he said that to you?" Alicia shook her head, refusing to meet his eyes. "No he hasn't and that's only because you haven't said how you feel."
Don't you get it? I can't...
"What if this guy secretly does like you back?" Lucas threw it out there.
"Huh?" Alicia looked up with wide eyes.
"What if he does like you back and you just don't know it? What if he's too scared to tell you how he feels, just like you are?"
Could… that be a possibility?
"And then you come along and say you're going on a date. I bet he feels like he lost his chance with you, and that's probably why he hasn't said anything about it." Alicia cast her eyes down as she thought about what he suggested.
"I think you should tell this guy how you feel. He'd be a fool to turn you down." Tightening her grip on her pencil, Alicia chewed on her lip.
Well then, this makes you a fool, Lucas...
"I gotta go." He sighed, standing up. Alicia watched him gather his things. "I've got to get to go back to the dorm before class, but I'll see you later." Alicia watched his back as he left the library, wondering what the hell she was supposed to do now.
Lucas quickly rushed towards his dorm. Each stop, he imagined himself punching himself in the face time.
How could he be so stupid?
Of course, there was someone else in her life. What bothered him most was that he didn't know. Alicia never spoke about it. At least with him. Maybe Hope and Elisa knew something, but Lucas didn't, and that was the problem.
Just who was this guy?
Lucas never saw Alicia hanging with anyone else. Any time he found her or met up with her, she was always by herself. And if not, it was always either Hope or Elisa keeping her company. Never someone random. It made Lucas wonder how long she's been keeping this unexpected guy secret.
And why from him?
Lucas growled as he slammed open his dorm room and threw himself face-first on his bed. Yelling out a scream in his pillow, Lucas beat up his mattress in frustration.
Why? Why couldn't she just look his way? And why did he say all that stuff to her about confessing?
He was setting his own heart up for heartbreak. Now she would go on a date and confess to someone else all in the same week.
Good job, Lucas.
His Apple Watch buzzed on his wrist, indicating that his class was going to begin soon. Lucas cursed before grabbing his things. Today sucked.
Friday
Lucas sat in the campus gaming center. It had a bowling alley, an area to play pool, and arcade games. It was a fun place to be. However, Lucas was in a sour mood tonight. The football game ended an hour ago, which meant that Alicia was already on her date with Jakub. Lucas didn't want to think about it, but he couldn't help it.
Ever since yesterday, they spoke little to each other. This Jakub/other guy situation had somehow made its way between them. Alicia had been awkward around him, making up random excuses, so she didn't have to be alone with him or study with him. Worrying it was, Lucas didn't mind it either. He didn't want to talk about or hear anything else about this other boy, let alone Jakub.
Currently, he sat in between Henrik and Bobby, who were sharing a plate of nachos. Lucas was trying to include himself in the conversation, but he failed every time he opened his mouth. His mind just wouldn't stop-
"You know you could fix everything, right?" Henrik interrupted his thoughts.
"Huh?"
"You could simply just tell Alicia how you feel, then she wouldn't be on this date," Henrik spoke before munching on a nacho.
"Seriously, bro. I've never seen you act like this before." Bobby added.
"Act like what?"
"Depressed. Confused. Why don't you just tell her, as Henrik said? You guys kiss and live happily ever after. Done." Bobby stated as if things were so simple.
"It's not that simple," Lucas said
"It could be. It's only hard if you make it hard." Henrik said.
"You guys don't understand."
"That's bullshit, and you know it," Henrik called Lucas out.
"Let me try Henrik." Bobby butted in. He wiped his hand on a napkin before staring at Lucas.
"Are you prepared?" Bobby asked.
"For what?" Lucas questioned.
"Are you prepared to see her with someone else?" Bobby's words hit him like a gut punch.
"Because if you are, let her go now, bro. Let her be. But that just means you don't like her as much as you thought." Bobby spoke.
"However, if you do like her like you think you do, you'd go tell her how you feel. Don't let her fall for someone else because you were too scared to admit your feelings." He licked a spot of nacho cheese off his fingers.
"Wise words, Bobby!" Henrik applauded.
"Can you believe I thought of that myself?" Lucas rolled his eyes.
"I'm going back to my dorm," Lucas said, indicating for Henrik to scooch out. He didn't want to hear any more of the truth.
"Think about it, bro.
"Lucas, don't forget, though. We're all going to see the new scary movie tomorrow night." Henrik added.
"Yeah, I won't," Lucas muttered, leaving out the door. Bobby and Henrik continued to munch on their nachos.
"Think we did our job?"
"Hell yeah, when we're done eating, I'll text Elisa."
"Alright," Henrik nodded. "So, did you make that up?"
"Make what up?"
"The stuff about being prepared and all that."
"Oh!" Bobby nodded his head, "Nah, I got that from Google." Henrik rolled his eyes.
Alicia couldn't walk to her dorm fast enough. She'd do anything, anything to get away from Jakub right now. The date started OK. The conversation was great, and Alicia noticed his constant flirting with the waitress and his need to flex his muscles. Alicia was insulted and embarrassed at the same time.
He even attempted to kiss her after walking her to her dorm! Alicia quickly walked away from him, saying she'd see him around.
He wishes.
This was a waste of her time, and she couldn't wait to set Elisa straight when she got back to her dorm room. Hope and Elisa were waiting for her.
Alicia slowed her steps as she began passing Lucas's dorm. She could hear the faint sound of his TV, but Alicia shook her head and kept it moving. She couldn't see him right now, not after yesterday. Going up the last flight of stairs, Alicia unlocked her dorm room door to find Hope and Elisa sitting on her bed watching Netflix. They smiled as Alicia walked inside, shutting the door behind her.
"So, how was it?" Elisa smiled. Alicia glared back at her.
"Judging by her face, it was horrible," Hope murmured.
"Elisa, how could you set me up with that egomaniac?" Alicia asked with her arms crossed.
"What?"
"He flirted with the waitress right in front of me and then tried to kiss me. Also, does he think flexing his muscles will make me fall to my knees for him?" Elisa was silent for a moment before she busted up laughing.
Was this funny to her?
"Jesus, Elisa. She's serious." Hope slapped her friend's arm.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I am." Alicia shook her head, grabbing one of her pillows and slapping Elisa in the face with it.
"Ow! Alright, I'm sorry." Elisa glared at her friend. "I didn't know he was like that, alright?"
"I told you." Hope shook her head.
"OK, so it was bad judgment on my part. What would you like me to do?"
"Never set me up with someone else again." Alicia pointed her finger at her.
"Alright, fine. I won't. But you'll have to do something for me." Elisa evilly smiled.
"What's that?"
"Go tell Lucas how you feel."
Suddenly the temperature in the room increased.
"I can't- I won't- No!"
"Why not?! You two are literally in love with each other!"
"Lucas is not in love with me, OK? Just because I have a crush on him doesn't mean he likes me back, OK? I keep telling you this."
"Ugh, but you are wrong, Alicia. Lucas likes you. I can see it!" Elisa snapped. She was about to say something else before Hope interjected.
"Let me try, hun. You are way too passionate about this, and it's coming off aggressive." Elisa growled before nodding her head.
"Sorry, Alicia." Elisa apologized.
"It's fine."
"What Elisa is trying to say is that you need to open your eyes and see everything for what it is," Hope told her.
"Lucas hasn't done anything to show me that he likes me."
"Are you sure about that?" Hope crossed her arms.
"Yes, I'm sure. I would know if Lucas liked someone." Elisa scoffed but made no reply. Alicia ignored her.
"Are you afraid to tell him?" Hope asked.
"Yes, I am."
"I don't think you have anything to be afraid of." Hope smiled, placing a hand on Alicia's shoulder.
A fool… that was the same thing Lucas said. Huh.
"Yeah..we will see." Alicia stood up and headed to the door.
"I'm going to buy a soda," Alicia said, needing a walk. "I'll be back."
"Alright, we will be here." Alicia closed the door to her dorm and sighed. Hope and Elisa were right. She should just go and tell Lucas how she feels, but…
Alicia growled as she stood in front of the soda machine.
Tonight would be perfect, though. He was in his room, and she was sure he was by himself since he was watching TV. The girls were stuck in her room. This would be the perfect time to tell him. There would be no interruptions. Alicia took a deep breath before heading towards the stairs. Tonight, right now, she'd do it.
She knocked on his door, heart thumping as his TV was paused.
Oh shit...
The sound of the door unlocking caused heavy breathing and tiny beads of sweat to form on her forehead. The door opened… this was it.
Lucas looked surprised to see her, and Alicia was just as surprised to see a shirtless Lucas behind the door. Every function in her body shut down immediately as her eyes zoomed in across his bare muscled chest.
Jesus..he was hot.
"Alicia?"
"Um-nevermind!" Alicia stammered out before running back to her dorm. She ignored the call of her name as she rounded the corner. Opening her dorm room, she slammed it shut behind her.
"Is someone chasing you?" Elisa and Hope were alarmed to see their friend run inside so discombobulated.
"No, I.." Alicia shook her head. "Um, nothing, let's watch movies." Elisa and Hope gave each other odd looks.
What just happened?
Saturday Night
Lucas munched on a couple of pieces of popcorn as he leaned on the theater wall. He stood with Bobby and Henrik as they waited for the girls to show up. Lucas thought back to last night. He was surprised to see Alicia at his door last night, and he was embarrassed that he opened the door with his shirt off.
When he left Bobby and Henrik in the game room, he thought long and hard about what Bobby said. Could he stand and watch as Alicia dated someone else? Would he be able to bear the thought? And the answer was simple. No. No, he couldn't. And he wasn't going to. So, he decided that after the movies, he would get Alicia alone and confess his feelings. He texted Bobby and Henrik that he would tell her.
And then, a couple of minutes later, there was a knock on his door. He thought Bobby or Henrik was coming to offer support, so he didn't bother grabbing a shirt at first. He would have never thought it would be Alicia behind the door.
That made everything worse. All-day, she avoided him, and when he did find the chance to speak with her, she refused to look him in the eye. It was unnerving how their relationship had changed over the last couple of days.
Noticing the three girls finally walk into the theater, Lucas immediately zoomed in on Alicia. She laughed with Elisa as they approached. Lucas's heart skipped as her eyes connected with his for a split second before they looked away. Lucas sighed.
"Do you guys have the tickets?" Hope asked.
"Got it!"
"Elisa, you got the snacks?" Henrik asked.
"Got them!" She smiled as she held out her purse. Sneaking in snacks was always Elisa's expertise. Lucas remembered the first time he tried to buy snacks at the stand. She almost slapped him, saying, "The movies make too much money to charge us snacks at those prices. I got snacks in my bag." And when Lucas sat down, sure enough, she opened her bag, and to Lucas's shock, he found all sorts of snacks. Now she always has a purse full of snacks instead of wasting money at the theater.
Smart.
"Alright, let's head in."
They all walked in and found their seats quickly. Lucas took his seat in the middle next to Bobby and jumped when Alicia was practically shoved in the seat next to him.
"Are you alright?" Lucas asked.
"I'm fine," she replied before shooting an evil glare at Elisa. "When did she get so strong, though?"
Lucas was about to reply when the lights dimmed and voices hushed in the background. The movie started with some families moving into a new house. Lucas rolled his eyes.
Of course, Bobby would pick this.
Twenty minutes into the movie, he noticed Alicia sliding deeper in her seat. It always amused Lucas how she always tagged along to watch these movies knowing she was afraid.
Should he?
Sliding his hand across the armrest in between them, Lucas held out his hand. He kept his eyes on the screen and inwardly smiled a moment later when he felt her fingers slide between his.
Her hand feels nice...
Alicia internally screamed as she held his hand.
I'm holding his hand...
This was new. Usually, when they'd watch movies, she always sat between Hope and Elisa. But today, Elisa decided to throw Alicia into the chair next to Lucas, putting her in yet another position she didn't want to be in. Thankfully, the movie started before Lucas could start a conversation.
Things had been awkward between the two ever since Alicia was introduced to Lucas without a shirt. Alicia didn't know how to look Lucas in the eye. She's been avoiding him on purpose. And now, she was holding his hand.
His hand feels amazing, though...
It was strong. And reassuring. It felt like everything she's dreamed about.
Not that she has...
The entire movie, Alicia gripped his hand, even using it to shield her eyes at one point, to which he laughed. Alicia ignored it, though. When the credits showed on the screen, Alicia sighed in relief but was disappointed that now she'd have to let go of Lucas's hand. When she attempted to let go, he squeezed it tighter, holding on to it.
Huh? What's going on here?
Lucas stood up, following Bobby out of the theater, and Alicia was forced to follow him.
Why won't he let go of her hand? Alicia could hear Hope and Elisa's squealing behind her. Bobby and Henrik decided not to press anything. As they walked towards the lobby, Alicia could feel way too many eyes on her at once.
"Wait!" Alicia stopped walking. The group turned to her with raised eyebrows. "I need to use the restroom."
"Oh, go ahead." Lucas let go of her hand, and Alicia walked towards the bathroom. She sighed as she stood in front of the mirror.
Why was he so casually holding her like this? And why didn't Hope and Elisa follow her into the bathroom? What the hell is going on tonight?
Alicia quickly used the bathroom before walking back into the lobby.
To find everyone gone, except Lucas.
"Where did everyone go?" she asked, confused.
"They went along to the diner already."
"Oh, OK. Well, let's go meet them."
"Sure." Alicia noticed his behavior had changed, and this time, he didn't offer to take her hand. They began their walk in silence. The only sound was cars driving by through the night. Slowly, she could feel the awkwardness between them filling the air.
"So, how did you like the movie?" Lucas broke the silence. Alicia scoffed.
"Really, Lucas? You know damn well how I felt about the movie." Alicia responded. He laughed, slowing down his walk.
"Ahh yeah, you were more entertaining than the movie itself." Lucas appreciated that Alicia adapted to his slow pace. There was silence again.
"So, we never got to talk about your date?"
"Oh, yeah."
"How was it?"
"A disaster," Alicia concluded.
"Really?"
"Yeah, it was bad." Alicia shrugged. "Thank goodness, it's over with."
"Huh," Lucas muttered as they continued to walk. They had another moment of silence before Lucas once again broke it.
"And have you told this mystery guy yet?"
"About the date?"
"No," Lucas stopped walking. "About how you feel."
"Oh, umm, I haven't done that yet." Alicia had her body, so she was facing him. Staring up, Alicia was reminded of their height difference. "Why do you keep insisting I tell him?"
"Well, actually," Lucas sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't think you should anymore."
Say what?
Alicia was confused now.
What the hell?
"But you… Lucas, what?"
"I know, I know. I know what I said."
"You were pushing me to confess, and now you're saying I shouldn't?"
"Yes, that's what I'm saying."
"That's ridiculous, Lucas." Alicia felt anger rise through her.
"So why did you tell me all of that? What was the point, Lucas?"
"Because I.." He trailed off. "I wasn't prepared!"
"Prepared for what?!"
"Prepared for you!" Alicia stepped back in shock.
"What do you mean?"
"Alicia, I meant it when I said you should confess to this guy you like. And me telling you not to is because I'm selfish, and I want you all to myself." Lucas spoke as he stood in front of her. His eyes trailed her face as she stared up at him.
"I don't want you to confess because I don't want to lose you." He heard her soft gasp before he closed his lips on hers.
His lips were soft as they collided with hers. She was surprised by not only his words but his kiss. His kiss that Alicia dreamed about when she'd daydream in her math class. To feel his lips was like receiving the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. How lucky. But all too soon, his lips were gone, and Alicia was now lost in his eyes.
The vulnerability and fear in his eyes were familiar. They reminded her of her own.
And Goddammit, he just confessed and kissed her at the same time! What does she do? Does she run? Tell the truth?
"Alicia.." She heard her name.
No, she has to tell the truth. He just stood there and emptied his soul to her. It was only fitting that she did the same.
Taking a deep breath, Alicia sighed.
"Lucas, I'm sorry, but I have… I have to confess." She watched his eyes close as he sighed.
"I understand," he spoke before turning to walk away, but he was stopped by Alicia holding him by the back of his sleeve.
"I've had the biggest crush on you for months." Lucas twirled his head around so fast it almost snapped in half.
"What?"
"The other guy is you," she said, "You're the guy I have to confess to." Once again, she found his lips on top of hers. This time though, she found the strength to kiss him back.
Across the street, hiding behind a couple of bushes, were none other than Hope, Elisa, Bobby, and Henrik, who all watched the couple from afar. Bobby and Henrik's fist-bumped in excitement.
"That's ma boy!" Bobby proudly smiled, pretending to wipe a tear from his eye. Elisa smirked at Hope while Hope shook her head, rolling her eyes.
"Say it," Elisa demanded.
"Fine," Hope sighed in defeat. "Somehow, someway, your plan worked."
"Told ya." Elisa smiled and beamed.
"All it took was a date with Jakub? Who would've thought." Hope shook her head. "Those two are complete idiots."