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You had just finished up your fair share of classes for today. You were rummaging through your locker, as you gathered your possessions, your eyes dialed to the small mirror you had, in it could see Qiu putting their hair up in a slightly messy bun just across the room, noticing your glance they decided to give you a small wave.
"I look good in a bun, do i?" They giggled, you return their glance - properly this time, instead of doing it on a mirror. You mimic their grin, "hi to you too, Qiu."
As the two shared a laugh you shut your locker tight, giving it a slight budge to double check if it's locked. "So, how's that ballet practice going for you?"
"I've been having alot of fun with it actually," they beamed back, you notice their eyes shimmering slightly more brightly than before the conversation started. The two walked side by side as Qiu went on their rambles on ballet, "everyone's just super nice and patient. And okay, there's this move I really want to do, right? But somehow it always backfires whenever I attempt it in front of people."
You raised your eyebrows, "huh.. Sorta ironic for something that's meant to be viewed by people, huh?"
Qiu stared daggers at you, their eyes showing an unimpressed expression, despite that their lips were tugged into a small smile. They let out an exaggerated sigh, "god i know!! I just feel like, maybe I should just give it more time to practice?"
"Well, I believe in you. I trust that the Qiu Lin could handle this teeny bit of inconvenience," you lift your hand in front of your face, your index and thumb finger inches apart, exaggerating your wording further. "Uh, no pressure, obviously. If you need another set of eyes to judge you on it, you know who to call."
Qiu flashed a satisfied smile, their expression dropping into more of a relaxed one. They hummed in delight, "I like that you always know exactly what to say."
You made a hard left on the hallway, heading towards the music room. If she didn't have any more lessons, by your calculations Tamarack should've been out by now. It was routine for her to wait outside of the music room, just so the three of you could walk back together. Just as you predicted, you saw the familiar shiny hair you grew to love, her glasses fixed onto her face. Noticing the two of you, she stretched out her arm to extend a little wave.
"Yo!" Qiu was the first one to speak up, beaming at the presence of their friend.
"Yo," Tamarack smiled back, but ultimately failed to copy her friend's enthusiastic greeting.
"You're done with cello practice right? Oh speaking of- shouldn't you be bringing your cello back home?" Your eyes linger to her back, your brows stitching together noticing that her cello case was nowhere in sight. She shook her head lightly, "mm, no. I'm having an early practice tomorrow, and the teacher said it would be more convenient to leave it here."
You nod your head, giving her a light hum of understanding. Qiu seemed to mirror your actions, "ah! That makes sense." The three of you were now walking side by side, with you in between the two friends. Qiu continued their mindless chatting, "you know, Franky. It's weird how you're the only one without an afterschool activity."
It didn't take long for Tamarack to spill her own opinions, "you're so talented too! I bet you can join whatever clubs you want."
"Hmm well..” You paused, feeling nervous now that two pairs of eyes are on you. “I've never really been interested in a club as much as you two, it kinda makes me feel bad if i joined one. Like- Everyone is so passionate about their hobbies and I'm just joining for the sake of being a part of something." You rambled, ending your sentence with a heavy sigh. "Not that i don’t respect who does, obviously! It’s just that, I don’t think I should be joining one for the sake of joining one - does that make sense?”
"I sorta get it though.. The way you feel less deserving to be there than other people." Tamarack chimed in, it wasn't hard to see now that she had become more insecure about herself now.
Qiu pouted their lips to think, before parting it to speak up, "I don't think there's anything wrong with that," their voice sounding almost sure of themself. "There's really no rush to figure out what your hobbies are, who knows maybe you'll find out after joining one."
"Maybe," you gave Qiu's words a thought. The idea of you joining a club might be fun, it's not like you could spend your time after school with your friends like you used to when you were younger, they grew to enjoy their own hobbies. Perhaps it really is time to find yours too, "I'll give the clubs a look then."
"Oh- You mean now now?" Qiu questioned you, as you nodded their expression drop. "Aw man, I wouldn't be able to join you two-!"
"Ah right.. Ballet classes?" Tamarack was the one asking questions now, they nodded their head lazily, shoulders slumped. You giggled seeing how excited they were to join you on your little club hunt.
"It's fine, really. If it makes you feel better we can take a look at clubs another time. Like you said, no rush." You mimicked their words from earlier, though you admit it didnt have the same punch that Qiu had when they phrased it, given the context.
"Great! Tomorrow then, after school?" Qiu stopped in front of their clubroom, giving the two of you expectant looks. "I'm fine with that, you Tam?"
"I think I'll be free by then." She returned a warm smile. Qiu beamed, their expression lighting up almost immediately. "Yeah? Then it's settled then!"
With the last few words of parting Qiu waved goodbye to the two of you, their heels clacking as they bolt into the dance room. Subconsciously you return the wave, despite them not being able to see it anymore. You glanced over to Tamarack and she was doing the exact same, you found it funny how in sync the three of you were.
"So Tam," you turned to face her, your head hanging slightly lower to properly make eye contact with the shorter girl. "How does walking home together sound right about now?" The quick topic changed had her giggling, though not without her nodding and muttering a small 'sure'.
Snuggling back into your warm clothing, you stepped outside of the school building, with Tamarack following close behind you. The harsh October breeze tickling your face, though not cold enough to make it a hindrance. Tamarack always loved the autumn leaves, she said it always reminded her of when the two of you first met. You found comfort in her words, your cheeks grow a slight pink whenever you realize how much she cherishes the moment the same way you do.
Not long after you noticed that your hand was intertwined with hers, you hadn't even noticed it until you snapped out of your thoughts. No wonder your right hand was significantly warmer than the other, you secretly wished she held both of it at the same time but that would make it incredibly awkward to walk with. Unfortunately you had to settle for one, but you do admit it's not entirely bad.
You heard a shiver escaping Tamarack's lips, "is it just me or is it colder than usual today..? I mean, the sun isn't even out."
Instinctively your head shot up towards the sky, your free hand shielding the supposed sunlight despite what Tamarack had said. Usually you would've been attacked immediately by the blinding sunlight, but even you were surprised to be faced by gray clouds decorating the sky instead. "Huh you're right.. You'd think it'll rain any time soon?"
"Probably," she shrugged, fixing her gaze up to check again. That's when an idea popped into her head, her lips curling to a smug smile, "wanna bet on it?"
Her words took you aback. With how much she changed, you still forget how she's your usual fun Tamarack. It didn't take that long for you to flash a smile back, "oh yeah? What's on the line?"
"Buy me the chocolate pudding tomorrow at lunch." She said it with utmost certainty, it was as if she had already known about the bet beforehand.
"But you know how fast it's usually sold out!"
Tamarack let out a dry chuckle, "sounds like a you problem then, maybe you should win if you wanna avoid it."
"Oh okay, you're on." You liked this side of Tamarack, you guess Qiu's ways rubbed off of her. Despite that she still feels like the same old neighbor you grew to love. "My money's going to ‘its probably not gonna rain’." It was a fair assumption, it hadn't rained for a good month or so if you had recalled. And even when it did it would be the slightest bit of rain, only bits of raindrops decorating the autumn leaves before it was gone all completely. You were confident in your choice.
"Bold words considering the sun isn't even out." You shook her comments off, it was your gut feeling and you had put your absolute trust on it. Whether it betrays you or not, you'll worry about that later. You would've been even more annoyed if you ignored it and continued to loose the bet.
You continue to walk hand in hand, swinging it back and forth. While you enjoyed the silence, a thought came to your head and you decided to verbalize it. "Hey Tam, is.. Playing the cello difficult?"
"Not really! Well, it is when I first started playing, but since I enjoyed it so much I never really minded," Tamarack's eyes darted towards you, "why'd you ask?"
"Do you think I'll be good at it?"
She shot you a look, giggling while she does so, "I haven't even seen you touch an instrument."
"Well- Fair enough. But i was thinking what Qiu said to me, what if i do grow to love it once i've tried it?"
"Why cello out of everything though? You could try ballet with Qiu instead, or join a sports team, or an art class, the list goes on."
You were the one giggling now, "that's because if i were to find a hobby by joining a club, you would be my first choice." You could've sworn you saw Tamarack's eyes widen, her puffy cheeks flushing a softer pink than usual, and somehow her hair sparkle just a bit brighter. “Plus! It’s just another excuse for me to spend more time with you.”
"C'mon Franky that's not fair.." she looked away in embarrassment, "you can't just join a club because I'm in it."
"But what if i ended up liking it-" your words were cut off by a soft drop of liquid on your nose. Your heart dropped as you realized it was the dreaded rain. You kept a straight face, hoping that Tamarack won't realize it. Though your tactic was immediately countered by Tamarack's hand stretching up, her palms reached for the sky as if she was trying to catch something.
"It's raining, isn't it?"
Before you could even let out a sigh in defeat, the rain started to pick up its pace. Luckily Tamarack was prepared, she reached for her school bag and with a swift motion she opens her umbrella, shielding the two of you from the harsh rain that's only pouring harder by the minute.
"Of course it had to rain when my money's on the line," your shoulders slumped in defeat, you could hear Tamarack chuckling to herself giddily, knowing that she's gonna have a fine dessert for lunch tomorrow. Honestly, you were just glad that Tamarack always had an umbrella with her, it would've been worse if you lost and got wet.
You noticed that Tamarack had difficulty holding up the umbrella to your full height. You were about average for your age, though Tamarack was always the short one in your group. You volunteered to hold the umbrella instead.
The two of you were still walking on the pavement, but you found an unusual expression on Tamarack, she was smiling. You would think that's not an uncommon occurrence, or that she was smiling just for the sake of her winning the bet. But no, her smile was more relaxed, more at peace. She stared at the rain intently as if it was an engaging show. You opened your mouth to question her but your friend had beaten you to it.
"I like it when it rains, it's pretty."
"Says the winner of the bet," your words didn't come off as salty nor annoyed, it was playful banter after all. Though you were surprised that your ear didn't catch even a single giggle from her. Instead her brown orbs still glued to the droplets of water.
"Jokes aside, i think the rain is nice." Especially in the autumn season, you thought. There's just something about bright golden leaves shining ever so brightly just by the pouring rain. Whenever the breeze blows, the leaves would always follow with it, with the rain the leaves could travel just a little bit further away. You wonder what adventures the leaves had seen.
Shaking your thoughts away from the rain and autumn leaves, your eyes linger instead on a white van just further ahead. It was driving towards you with worrying speed, especially since it’s currently raining - pretty harshly you might add. You were about to say something, but the van had zoomed past you, the puddle just beside the pavement had splashed your attire, leaving you absolutely soaked.
Tamarack with frantic eyes let out a loud gasp, "oh my god- Are you okay?"
You stood there blinking, your body trying to adjust to the sudden cold temperature and dampness that is your clothing. After what had felt like a solid minute, you can't help but to laugh it off. "Oh what the hell, that guy was so rude! Could you believe that?"
Tamarack's eyes softened after hearing your laughter, "it really is your unlucky day today, huh?"
The two of you shared a full hearted laugh, you clutching on your stomach. You couldn't decide if it was because you're wet and cold, or that you have been laughing too much. "Well at least I don't need an umbrella anymore."
"Oh, in that case then," the sparkly haired girl folded her umbrella with a swift motion, pushing the handle back until it was much smaller from its original size. You were the one that's gasping now, "Tam what are you-"
"I'm gonna be in so much trouble for this," despite her sentence, she was laughing along too. "good thing my Omi and Opa aren't home."
It didn't take long for her sweater to get all cold and damp too. Even though it's silly, you appreciated the offer that she won't let you be the only one who's absolutely soaked.
"Is that so? Then you wouldn't mind if i did this?" you put your leg on a nearby puddle, and flicked it towards her. She mimicked your move by directly jumping on it instead, making a much bigger splash that had caught both you and herself. Sounds of laughter were ringing in your ears, and it didn't take even a minute for the two of you to have a competition on who could make the biggest splash. Teens your age would probably argue jumping on puddles is too childish, though you couldn't care less. Both of you couldn't. The two were too caught in the moment to realize their surroundings.
After you reach the familiar cul-de-sac, your heart drops, realizing the state you’re in. "Oh my god."
"What's wrong?"
"My mom is gonna kill me if i come back like this."
Tamarack stitched her brows together as she let out another small giggle, impressed how her friend had only realized their dilemma meters away from their home. She pressed her lips together to think, "you should come back to my place first then. Omi and Opa aren't gonna come back for a while, there should be some clothes that you could borrow."
"Is that okay?" You were hesitant, you didn't want to bother her further. Though your worries had been immediately dismissed by the girl, "mhm! Take it as my way to treat you for your horrible luck today." You couldn't argue with that.
The redheaded girl rummaged through the plants decorating the front porch, she muttered something about how her grandparents always leave the house key tucked in there somewhere when they weren't home. After she found the silver key, she pushed it inside the keyhole. With a soft click Tamarack twisted her key back, retrieving it to her pocket. Pushing the door open you could already feel the warmth of her fireplace burning brightly, the house smelled like baked goods. You fiddled with your shoes, prying it open as you slid out your gross wet socks, tucking it back inside your shoes. You decided it would be best to deal with that later.
"Does your home always smell like cookies or is it just me?"
"Omi bakes them alot," she dropped her bag on the living room before making her way to the kitchen counter, though not far enough for her to be out of view. "Also baking in general, sometimes it's pies, other times it's brownies. My personal favorite though, it's the käsekuchen. I uh, think that's how you pronounce it anyway."
You followed her to the kitchen, eyeing the cookie filled jar she grabbed. "Oh yeah? What kind of baked goods is that?"
"It's a cheesecake! Apparently the recipe was passed down for generations, my parents could cook it too but they're not as good as Omi's."
You chuckled hearing her opinions unfold, she hands you a cookie from the cookie jar and you gladly take it. After a short snack break the two of you agreed to just bring the jar to her bedroom, you needed to change anyway and it would be nice to have a snack there while you do so. You'll worry about having a proper meal later.
Her room was a familiar sight. Thanks to being neighbors and classmates, the two of you, along with Qiu, often swap bedrooms to hangout in. Back then it used to be a competition on who gets to be the house master for the day, but nowadays the three of you just agreed on what's more convenient. For today it just so happens to be Tamarack's.
Still in her uncomfortable wet self, she rummaged through her closet, picking her next attire to change in. With her new found clothing in hand, she then turned to you, "I'm gonna change in the bathroom over there. Feel free to pick anything from the closet, oh and if you need a towel it should be in there too."
"Anything, huh? You're giving me way too much power over your closet."
"I trust you won't touch anything valuable," she shrugged her shoulders as she made her way across the room, swinging the bedroom door open, "I'll knock when I'm done changing, okay?"
You shoot her a thumbs up. After the door had shut completely, you began excitedly rummaging in her closet. You were never given this much power to someone's possession in the first place, and you weren't about to waste it. You'll make sure that you check every notable piece of clothing she has in there.
You noticed that she had a wide selection of sweaters, all in different colors. Some you recognize, and some don't. Among the clothing you don't recognize, your eyes landed on a light pink sweater, after running your hand on it you noticed that the material was extra smooth, in fact it looked hand made. You wonder why she hadn't worn it more often, it was a nice sweater.
You decided to move to the pants section from what it looks like. Your hand immediately landed on a pair of overalls. It sorta reminded you of the overalls she would wear back when you were younger, she used to express how much she loved it. Nowadays though she usually just sticks to tights or longer pants, usually covering her whole legs. That's right, she had mentioned that she was more insecure about her looks growing up. It was a shame, you really like when she wears pretty shorts and skirts. You wish Tamarack could see herself the way you see her.
You really should be finding your own attire to wear, but your eyes couldn't help but notice her pajamas. She still kept her white PJs with a small berry pattern on it. When you had your first sleepover you mentioned how cute her pajamas were, and that you were jealous that she could wear it to sleep everyday. You secretly hoped that was the reason she kept her pajamas, but seeing how it still probably fits on her, you gave up quickly on that idea.
Much to your worry earlier, the soft knocking sound could be heard from the other side of the door. "Franky, you done yet?"
You panicked, but still kept your voice stern to avoid any suspicions. "Mhm, in a bit!!"
With great haste, you strip yourself out of the wet clothing, shoving it inside your bag. Scanning her closet, you threw on a shirt and some shorts she had there. The shirt had hung just a tiny bit short for your height, but you didn't mind since it ended up looking like some sort of crop top. Pairing it with some black shorts you were all set to go. "Okay you can come in now!"
"That took you unusually long, hope you didn't wreck my closet or anything."
"I didn't! You can go take a look at yourself." You patted an empty spot on her bed, urging her to take a seat next to you. As she sits you could feel the soft mattress before you shift weights.
"That shirt is a little too short for you, there were other options in there you know."
"I liked this one! The uh-" you scanned the shirt, tugging the fabric away from your body to take a better look at it. "I like the drawing on it."
"Franky, it's backwards."
You flushed, eyes looking back at the shirt. You hadn't even notice the tag that was showing mere inches away from your face, it hadn't even dawned on you that the drawings you viewed was supposed to be for the back, those damn shirt designs. "No wait hold on- Turn back so i could change quickly!"
The second she turns her back on you, you slid out of the shirt. Twisting it back so it was facing the correct way, you made sure of it this time. Sliding it back in place, you let out a pleased hum, "see? Perfectly nice shirt I'm wearing here"
Tamarack didn't look all too convinced, but she was too tired to argue. "Sure, sure." She relaxed her muscles as she lay her head on the bed, her feet steel dangling off of the bed, you decided to join her.
Your head made contact with the soft mattress, even without a pillow it was comfortable enough to lay your head on it. You face Tamarack, "your bed's comfy. Next time we're doing a sleepover, I'm calling dibs on it."
"Do you just like everything in my house, or are you that easily impressed?"
"Maybe both," you shrugged, "though I always liked your home, even growing up."
She hummed, remembering your first visit to her humble home, "that's fair. I remember you didn't wanna leave, you and Qiu ended up in big trouble since the two of you went back way past bedtime."
"Oh man, it's weird how parents did that back then. I keep forgetting how young we were," it was true. Even though it has been four years you still remember your first autumn at Golden Grove like it was yesterday. From the second you found that paper airplane, to finding the two suspects that ultimately ended up being your two best friends. You close your eyes, reminiscing in deep thought, "what's weirder is that it didn't even feel that long ago."
"Right? I can't believe it's been years," she kicked her legs back and forth, her body shifting to the other side of the bed, now facing you directly. "It's okay though, in a way it’s sorta nice to look back at it from time to time. I still remember how the three of us first met at Golden Grove like it was yesterday."
"Oh yeah? Do you remember what I first said to you?"
She paused, her eyes widened upon your words. She instantly fixed her expression to a more subtle one, but the smile still plastered warm and proud on her face. "That I was pretty?"
"Bingo! And for the record, I still remember you calling me pretty back."
She giggled, the soft pink spreading back around her cheeks. "Were we seriously flirting by then too? I gotta hand it to small Tamarack though, she seems to know what she was doing."
"Does this Tamarack not know how to flirt?"
"C'mon Franky, both you and I know the answer to that already."
"Do i, now? Why do you think i asked?"
"You're gonna be the death of me, seriously." Tamarack was a flushed mess, her face as red as a freshly picked tomato. "But well, I do know one thing."
"Mhm, that is..?"
She paused, opening and closing her lips as if she was debating with herself to say something. After some time she took a deep breath, continuing her sentence, "..that I kinda wanna kiss you right now."
Your heart stopped, and it seems that your breathing has too. It didn't take long for a deep crimson color to find its way up towards your cheeks, and your whole face soon after.
"Oh my God okay- Maybe I shouldn't have said that," Tamarack sat back up, her posture unnaturally stiff from embarrassment. She looked away, darting her eyes to anything but you. When she continued it was a soft whisper you could barely make out the words of, "can we just forget i said that, please?"
"But you were serious - As in, uh," you fumbled with your words, throwing a bunch of hand gestures to help her understand it better. "You.. Wanting to kiss me..?"
At this point Tamarack's face had gone beet red. She buried her face in her hands, before mumbling something that only came out as a squeak. "Only if you want to."
You started giggling softly at her antics, she was adorable. You grabbed her wrist and pulled it gently so that she could face you. When your eyes met hers, her expression was still flustered, her brows shifted and her lips pressed together as if it was to prevent anymore unwanted words from coming out of it.
"Well it's a good thing that i want to," you smiled, "to uh, kiss you, I mean."
You leaned in slowly, your heart thumping so hard you didn’t think it was possible. Your face was heating up like it had gone through a fever, you thought it was weird that you were able to gather this much heat in the cold October day, especially after you came out of the rain. Time felt like it stopped as your lips finally reached hers, with a soft peck on her lips you pulled back. Your stomach felt like it was doing summersaults - Also the butterflies people often describe when they’re in love. Or was it the butterflies doing summersaults? Either way, you knew that you didn’t want this feeling to end any time soon.
Without wasting another second she buried back her face in her hands, “oh my god oh my god, okay that was.. I just-”
“Did you like it?”
“Yeah, yeah I think so.”
“Honestly, I'm more surprised that you took the first move - well, technically.”
Tamarack finally faced you for the first time after the kiss, her expression still bashful and embarrassed yet her lips form a soft smile. “I can’t believe it either, and who knew it only took you that for you to kiss me?”
“So what you’re saying you should’ve done it sooner?”
Tamarack’s blush came running back to her cheeks, seeming that it had made its home there at this point. “Yes, well-! It depends! If you liked me for that long anyway.”
You can’t help but laugh at her state yet again, she was so easily flustered now and you’re enjoying every bit of it. “Yes i do, Tam. Since the very moment I called you pretty that day.”
“Wait- Oh my god, okay, does this make me your girlfriend now?”
Tamarack really took this kissing thing seriously, you thought it was cute and very Tamarack of her to do so. It took everything in you to stop yourself from laughing, before you make her all embarrassed again. “Well yes, in theory anyway. But I doubt that my mom would let us, at least not until we’re older.”
“That’s okay though right? It’s not like our relationship would change because of it.”
“Exactly!” You mustered a smile for her, taking her hands in yours, her palms were delicate and smooth. You’ve held her hand more than you can count, but this was the first time you’ve genuinely felt like you’re holding her. Though your thoughts had been quickly interrupted, “hey Franky?”
“Hm?”
“Do you think Qiu would be surprised if we told them we’re dating?”
You let out a huff, you haven't even thought about how your other friend would react. But somehow you could already see the expression on their face when you do so. “No, definitely not.”
“That’s fair.”
The two of you shared another laugh for good measure, though you notice from the tints of her window that the day was starting to go dark. The sun probably already set ages ago, you weren’t exactly keen on leaving but the thought of your mom getting mad at you for coming home late made you think twice.
It’s okay, you didn’t mind, you’re gonna see Tamarack tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, and so on. The thought made you giddy, and for the first time in what had seemed like forever you were truly excited for tomorrow’s school day.