Chapter Text
I-I like you, Charles!” A petite girl trembled as she held a box of chocolate in her small hands. It was at the back of the school, a popular spot for students to confess their crush to someone.
“Hm, I don’t though?” Charles’ lip curled up, as if he was enjoying the situation, eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. The girl hastily bowed to him and left, her friends rushing to her side to comfort her.
Carla coincidentally watched this whole thing. Well, not really coincidentally. Her friends all knew that she had a crush on Charles. Her eyes would naturally follow him all the time. She watched him from the window in the hallway all the time, praying that he rejects the girls who confessed to him.
“Again? Third rejection of the day.” Gina, Carla’s friend, who adorned her brown bob with pins, clicked her tongue and sighed. Carla forced a giggle, but said nothing as Carla’s classmate, Felix, a redhead with a muscular body who was a bit shorter than Charles, slapped Charles on the back. Charles’ contemplating expression quickly turned into a bright sunny smile as he followed Felix back into the school.
“Carla? Earth to Carla!” Carla’s heart skipped a beat, a lot of things has been scaring her these days. “Yeah? What’s up?” Carla replied, feeling a little bad that everything Gina said flew over her head. “I was asking if you did Mr Smith’s homework. I know Neelam and Su Jung finished it.” So you asked me, because I’m not reliable like them? Carla thought, but she quickly shook the thought away, she has to stop thinking like that. “Yeah, I did it.” “That’s good, I heard he was in a bad mood today, no doubt he’s gonna break down in class.” Gina grimaced. “So not looking forward to that.”
Carla sat next to Gina in class, since Su Jung and Neelam were one year their seniors. Gina tells her they have been friends since forever. Even when Su Jung and Neelam had their own respective boyfriends, they put each other first. Carla thought that Su Jung and Alexis, the principal’s son, were very cute. She had sat in on their dates before and they seemed like they had been together for a very long time. However Carla didn’t like Neelam’s current boyfriend, Anubis. She was certain they were going to break up soon because of how fast Neelam dumped her past exes, but they stayed together for a long time. Unlike Alexis who was sweet and kind, Anubis was the complete opposite. Carla had never sat in on their dates, but she was convinced that Neelam was his girlfriend against her will.
Even Gina had a boyfriend, and that was Carla’s older brother, Ciel. They wanted to keep their relationship secret, but could it be anymore obvious? Carla was getting desperate. She starts doodling in her math book, dreaming about the day Charles would share secret winks with her.
“Carla, could you tell me your answer to question 14?” Carla’s train of thought was broken. She stared down at her book. She knew the answer, but her mind went blank, her entire body froze, and the words she was trying to say would not come out. Everyone was staring at her, did everyone think she was stupid if she didn’t speak? But if she spoke and gave the wrong answer…
“Forget it Carla, seems like you were not listening. Go wash your face and come back.” The teacher’s bony finger pointed to the door. Her tone was an order, not a request. Slowly, Carla pushed back her chair and slowly rose. It seemed like everybody was watching her every move. She took slow, purposeful steps towards the door and left the classroom. Her heart was palpitating, her stomach was lurching, she hated attention the most. It made her feel sick, made her disguise herself for years on end. She just didn’t understand why people couldn’t mind their own business.
On her way to the bathroom, Carla bumped into someone hard. She flailed her arms around in the air to steady her. Then she hears a deep, peppy laugh, like a young boy being amused at his toy. She looked up, only to see a pair of crimson eyes staring at her. “Ah! I’m sorry!” She feels her ears turning red and hot. She knew who it was, she thinks everyone in her class would know who he is. Rowdy, rambunctious and always loud. Always had people around him, was an eyesore to teachers especially with how hard it is to control him, and was a league away from Carla. Yet this was a rare occurrence, there was no one with him, not even the friend group he always hangs out with.
“What’s up Carla!” Felix greeted her, like they have been friends for a long time. “What are you doing out here? Class is in session.” Carla could only manage a small stammer, “ Ah um… Mrs Owens told me to wash my face.” Felix laughed, “Mrs Owens! I don’t really like her, and she doesn’t seem to like me very much.” None of the teachers likes you Felix. “S-So why are you not in class?” Carla can’t seem to stop stammering, especially in the presence of a popular guy like Felix.
“Nothing much, I’m just trying to skip class.” Felix confesses, but he looks at her like he doesn’t mind if she tells the whole world about this. He’s so different from her, the complete opposite. He’s the kind who does what he wants even if everyone’s eyes are on him, and Carla envies him for that. As they walk down the hallway, Felix told jokes that made Carla crack up, telling her stories about his day, even though Carla doesn’t know the specifics. It’s no wonder he’s so popular. Carla thought to herself.
In the midst of one of Felix’s bullfighting stories, a fair hand tapped Felix on his shoulder. Carla whirled around and gasped. Charles. It was Charles. She’s been looking at him for so long and now he’s just inches away from her. “Sorry, mind if I take Felix from you?” He asked. Carla could only nod before Charles dragged Felix away.
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“Just great. The weather report lied to me.” Carla murmurs as she watches the raindrops splatter against the ground. Su Jung and Neelam had to stay back for some council meeting, and Gina had rushed home because her brother was sick. Carla, listening to the weather report on the radio that day, had decided she would save a bit of weight for her bag and not bring an umbrella. Now she knows what a huge mistake she made. It was pouring outside, it’s impossible for her to use her bag to cover herself and rush home without the water seeping through.
”Did you forget your umbrella?” Carla turns her head to find Charles, standing there with an umbrella in his hand. “Y-yes I did.” Carla stuttered, and slapped herself after she said that, making Charles jump. Oh my days Carla, you’re such a dork! First you can’t say a word and now this? Gosh, Carla! Charles only chuckled in amusement and took out an umbrella from his bag. “Here, you ca-“ “Charles! What are you doing here? I found you just in time! I need to practice my new Jiujitsu moves on someone.” Felix suddenly interrupted. Carla grumbles and Felix notices her. “Carla! You’re still here? Oh it’s pouring outside. You can take my umbrella! It’s right by my locker.” He gave her a small salute before proceeding to drag Charles away. “Wait!” Carla called out. “Felix, is it possible to speak to you now?” Felix nodded and leans into Charles’s ear, gesturing and pointing at something ahead of them, then followed Carla.
Carla walks to a secluded area in the school’s greenhouse and waved Felix over. Felix, being the airhead that he is, did not seem suspicious. In fact if Carla told him the world was ending tomorrow, he will probably believe it.
”Does Charles like anyone?” Carla didn’t waste any time at all diving into the topic. “Not that I know of.” Felix breaks into a smirk. “Wait, you have a crush on Charles?” Felix teased. Carla shook her head adamantly. “No way! Every girl has a crush on him. I’m just asking for uh…” Carla thinks, all her close friends have boyfriends! She didn’t want to have any of them breaking up. Oh wait, wasn’t there a new girl who was kissing up to Su Jung? “Celeste! Yep that’s right. She has a crush on Charles. Not me. Definitely not me. Celeste. Right.” Carla laughed forcefully. Felix seemed to believe her fortunately. “I can help with that! I am a close friend of Charles. I could tell you what he likes and stuff like that.” Carla fiddled with her bag straps, she definitely khave to tell this to Celeste, whether she likes it or not. “Meet me at the amusement park tomorrow at 10am. See ya Carla!” Carla jerked up and finds Felix already jogging away. She shook her head and laughed. It’s hard to keep up with Felix.
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“You’re early.” Carla looked at her watch, she expected Felix to be the kind of person who would be late to everything. He was late to school almost every day anyways, but here he was, waiting for her at the entrance, and Carla was 30 mins early.
“I was so excited last night, I couldn’t sleep.” Felix shrugged as he pulls out two slips of paper from his pocket. “Here! My friend Alexis works at the amusement park and he gave us tickets, free of charge. We could enjoy the rides all we want!” Carla stares in shock at the tickets, rethinking her opinions on this energetic guy. He’s a force to be reckoned with! “By the way, this is Charles’s favorite theme park. He comes here all the time.” Felix grabbed her hand and rushed ahead. “Cmon Carla! No more time to waste, what kind of rides do you like?” Carla looked around and pointed to the ride that says, “The Hell Drop.” Felix paused for a bit and cautiously followed Carla.
It was a very tall drop tower, and Felix could hear ear-deafening screams as the machine dropped at the speed of light. Felix was ok with thrill rides, but he didn’t expect Carla to like it. As the safety bar dropped, Felix could feel his chest constricting, an urge to break out of the ride and run. He breathed in and out as softly as he can, not wanting to seem like less of a man to Carla. He feels a small, soft hand wrap around his. “It’s ok to be scared Felix, we can just get off right now.” He feels a little flutter, the fear must be really getting to him. He also wants to see the hype about this ride, so he cleared his throat and gave his best grin, in an attempt to assure her.
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“Phew!” Felix was glad he got off that monstrous machine. Carla hesitantly opened the bottle cap and passed it to him, and he drank the whole bottle in one gulp. “Man! That was terrifying! I didn’t know you were into that kind of thing Carla!” Carla smiled sheepishly and tugged on his shirt. “I am actually not into that kind of ride. I thought Charles would like this kind of ride, and I wanted to try it so one day when I- I mean Celeste goes on a date with him, they would enjoy it.” It hurts Carla’s heart for her to think about another girl beside Charles, but she doubts Felix would help her out if she told Felix the truth.
”That’s some dedication Carla! I think after that ride, we should explore somewhere Charles actually likes, hm?” Before Carla can say anything, Felix drags her to a haunted house.
Inside the haunted house, it’s very well made. Fake blood splatter was all around the walls, and ominous music played in the speaker. The room was lit with an eerie green light, and fake, low budget props that looks like they have been bought off the dollar store, were strategically placed around the entire area. Felix guides Carla, gripping her hand because he doesn’t want to lose her in the dark. The air feels thick, a sense of silence filled the room.
”KYAAA!” Carla screams as she clings on to Felix, her whole body trembling from fear. Then realizing what she was doing, she released him just as quickly. “Sorry, I’m not good with scary stuff. How are you so calm? You were scared speechless at The Hell Drop just now.” She asked indignantly, and her eyes brushed over his face, refusing to believe he was not scared of this horrible place.
“Charles brings the group here all the time. He likes horror stuff like this and he spends the whole time fascinated over the type of ghosts they use to scare us. After a while we just get kinda desensitized to it y’know?”
“The group, as in the one my older brother is in? As in The Princes group? That group?” Carla questioned and Felix seemed amused by this.
”Haha! Do you girls really call us that? I think I can get used to it.” Felix chuckled, eyes watering because he just didn’t know what to say. That is such an awesome name! He linked arms with Carla and whispered into her ears “Close your eyes, I’ll bring you to the exit!”
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After traveling around the amusement park and taking notes of rides that Charles would ride, Carla and Felix sits down at a sweets-themed cafe. Carla orders a small latte and Felix orders a parfait and steak.
”So,” Carla says as she takes out her pink notepad decorated with frills, “Charles likes horror stuff, but he also likes rides with scenic views like the Ferris wheel. Any interests I should note?” She can hear that her voice is a bit too high pitched and eager, so she pushes back her excitement and repeats to herself, It’s for Celeste. This is for Celeste. She’s a big fat liar. She knows, and yet. “He likes Star Wars and American Football. What was it called again?” “Rugby?” “Yeah, whatever that is.” Carla smiled inwardly as she notes this down, planning to go home and research about this later.
They start to make small talk. Carla talks about the upcoming exam and how she wanted to raise her grades in math. “I never understand a thing from math.” She grumbled, and Felix shrugged unknowingly. “Well can’t be as bad as me. I almost had to repeat the year.” “YOU DID?” Carla exclaimed, she knew Felix was bad at academics, but almost repeating the year? She can’t help but shake her head and laugh. It feels so comfortable around him, she doesn’t mind if they talk about the grass and sky next. All her worries melt away around him. He’s the sun and everyone is drawn to him, she feels like she orbits around him.
The food arrives and Carla is amazed at the portion, but Felix seems content with it. Maybe because he has a growth spurt. She remembers when Ciel had his growth spurt and he cried when chicken was force fed to him because he wanted to maintain his figure. As she drinks her latte, she looks back at Felix. He finished it when I was taking my latte. What? And now he’s scarfing down his parfait too?
Felix takes a big spoon of parfait and offers it to Carla. “Why are you offering me this?” Carla looks at him skeptically. He raises his eyebrow and jerks his spoon to get her to eat it. “You kept staring at it, so I thought you wanted it. Take one scoop only though!” Carla rolled her eyes but took a bite anyway. It tastes heavenly! The heavy whipped cream seeped into the yogurt, neutralising its sour taste. The strawberry tasted both sweet and refreshing, and the nuts gave the bite a little crunch. Carla can’t help but give a loving sigh.
”It’s delicious right? Every time Charles drags us here, Leon and I stop by this cafe because dude has no stamina. I always order this parfait and I will never stop liking it. Leon always stares at my parfait and I always give him a bite.” Felix howls as he continues scarfing down his parfait like it’s his last meal. Carla laughs along with him as she admires the strong bonds between these two boys. She wished she had someone as close to her as Leon is to Felix.
Suddenly, Felix reaches out to her face. Carla freezes, closing her eyes as she expects his next move. Is he going to be like all other boys, making a move when they assume a girl has a slight interest in them? His thumb reaches out to touch her mouth, and she almost raises her fists to punch him when he quips, “Carla, you are one messy eater.” Carla cheeks grew hot when she saw Felix hold up his thumb, and on it was some cream. How embarrassing! Carla pretends to dig into her handbag to dig her handkerchief out when she just really wants to crawl into a hole and die.
“It’s fun to be with you, Carla! I think I’m ok with being with you everyday.” Maybe because of the sunset, but his smile seems brighter than usual to Carla, and for the first time, she spots his fangs. The mole under his right eye. His cheeks glowing red under the orange painted sky.
Time just seemed to stop for her.
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It was a sweltering day, Carla rolls up her sleeves and fanned herself as Mrs Owens addressed the class, “Class, we need to select representatives for our class! Who wants to volunteer for the events committee?" Felix was sitting opposite the classroom from Carla, but his red hair still manages to catch her attention. He whirls around and looks at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
”Carla and I will do it!” Felix jumps up and raised his hand. Mrs Owens adjusted her cat ear glasses to look at him, but said nothing and wrote their name down with a harrumph, like she has nothing more she wanted to say to them. Felix gave Carla a thumbs up before turning around to talk to Alexis.
Carla is still processing this. Her representing the class? Why did Felix decide this on his own without her consultation? Who does he think he is? Just because they talked for one day doesn’t mean they are friends.
When Felix approached her after class, she walked away from him, ignoring the existence of him.