Chapter Text
Rivercoast, my town. I've lived in this place for my entire life. It's cozy, calm, and united as a community. Usually, I don't think about my neighborhood like this. But, I've got a good reason as to why.
“AJ, dude. He’s moving out after graduation.”
Fuck.
I'm Alan, but I'm called AJ commonly. I'm sitting on the floor of my bedroom, papers skewed around me and the newly abandoned pencil by my feet. The girl who's sitting on my bed with a guitar is my singular friend, Blaine. She's unique in her own way. Blonde teased hair, heterochromia, and also only talks to me.
“What do you mean he's moving out after graduation?”
The guy I'm talking about is Zakary. Your local and stereotypical heartthrob. He's got real fluffy hair, the sunlight perfectly reflects his shade of brown. He has nice eyes… a unique beauty mark he simply ignores, and it looks cool on him too. I love him not only for that. He's helpful with others, I can't spot a moment at school where he isn't helping another student or teacher. It's a big contrast from me. I'm distant and look harsh, boys bursting with ego pick on me at times, and I get impulsive, or that's what Blaine told me. I don't believe I am.
“Yeah? He's goin’ a good amount of states away from us.” Blaine bluntly said, her hands wrapped around the guitar moved to lay it down on my mattress. She looked at me with a look of exasperation and slight worry. “He announced it in his post just last week. And he might be out of touch forever if you don't actually man up.” I rolled my eyes, aware that she was in the right about this. I've always chickened out before, running to her place out of fear. It's shameful.
I lean back and I feel my back hit the floor, staring up at the ceiling to process this new development. Zakary moving out would be the worst case scenario! Going out to the mall without any possibility of seeing Zakary? Heading… I only head to the mall to see him sometimes, really. But I don't want to imagine that in my future!
Blaine seemed to notice my thoughts swirling, and frowned at the sight of me like this. “Look, it's not like he'll be gone forever. But he will be if you don't do anything about it.” Blaine stood up, towering over my laying figure as she unpromptedly lifted me up standing without a problem. I know she's trying to do her best for me, but she didn't need to. I appreciate it though. Her hands on my shoulders as she walked us in front of my mirror, our appearance in view.
I stand taller than her, my usual black side fringe a bit messy and my red highlights blending with the black. Brown eyes stared back at me. Tired, glossy, and contemplative. My band tee was wrinkled and has yet to be ironed, pairing well with the studded belt glimmering from the sunlight and the skinny black jeans I've gotten used to wearing. My hands went to adjust my cuffs while she spoke.
“C'mon, look at yourself. You've got to make him see you as more than just that weird senior at the back of the bleachers during lunch.” She playfully patted my back, smiling widely “Get some confidence in you! Make him remember you at least?” Blaine turned her head to look at me, her smile turning more sympathetic to his emotional turmoil.
As I look at myself in the mirror, ignoring how she's walking to get her bag from the corner of my room as 6pm nears, I… she's totally right this time. I have to try. It's not like he'll remember me because I went to the same school, no! I have to make an impression or a memory! I ignore the door closing shut right by me.
“You’re right, Blaine. I have to try! I can do this!”
… I looked around my room as my hand raised up in the air in a fist out of pure excitement, hoping to lock eyes with her but she was gone. Right, she has a curfew.
But her advice won't go to waste! I'll make sure he'll remember me at the very least! Even if… even if he has a girlfriend already.