A few minutes passed in complete silence. No sound but the rustling of the trees and bushes. Wallflower stared blankly at the forget-me-nots beside her. Just from looking at her eyes, you could tell a lot was going on in her head, and she would have a lot to say.

In your mind, you were scolding yourself for putting her in this position. If you’d just been more careful, this wouldn’t be necessary. But you couldn’t change the past, and now your friendship hanged in the balance.

In your mind, you could only imagine the scenarios. What would she say? How would she say it? Would you still be friends when it was over? You were at her mercy, and every minute that passed made you more and more anxious.

Nevertheless, you didn’t dare rush her. No matter how long she took, and no matter how tumultuous the impending conversation was, if she gave you another chance, it would all be worth it.

Patiently, quietly, you waited. Wallflower had barely moved. However long she needed, she would get it. You waited... and waited... and waited...

...

...

...

...

...

“...I missed you.”

Your ears perked up. Of all the things you expected to hear, that was not one of them.

“Really?” you asked.

Wallflower nodded. Her lips were trembling.

“I-I know it sounds weird. We haven’t known each other for that long... but I had so many photos of the garden I wanted to send you, but couldn’t, and it really made me miss you. That’s… weird, right?”

“...not at all,” you said. “I missed you too.”

Her eyes perked up.

“Y-You did?” she asked.

“Of course. I spent the whole weekend thinking of ways to make it up to you. I-I really thought you hated me.”

She pursed her trembling lips. It looked like she was trying really hard not to cry.

“I... I said some things I didn’t mean,” she said.

Wallflower stared ahead for a moment. You stayed quiet. You got the sense that she was trying to find the right words to say.

...

...

...

“...listen,” she said with serious eyes. “On Friday, I was really hurt. I was looking forward to spending time with you. I thought I was finally going to be included in something... but I got shut out... just like with everything else in my life. It really... really hurt me.”

You could feel the icy grip of shame on your heart. Of course, you knew you hurt her, but hearing her say it gave it an extra sting.

“But that’s no excuse for the things I said,” Wallflower said, her voice growing increasingly shaky. “I-I don’t hate you. How could I hate the only person who’s ever bothered to get to know me?”

You saw the glimmer of a tear fall down her cheek. She wiped it away and calmed herself down before continuing.

“I… I think I’ve just gotten so used to people treating me a certain way that I jumped to conclusions when I felt hurt... and then I just... just..."

Wallflower trailed off as more tears fell. Wiping them away, she took the opportunity to breathe and calm down. Only this time, it didn’t seem to work. Her breathing never calmed down, and she looked increasingly frightened.

As if to shield herself, she lifted her knees and held her legs close. Her pained eyes slowly shut. Her eyebrows and forehead furled. Her hands gripped her sleeves so hard her knuckles turned white. You’d never seen her so tense.

She wasn’t just gathering her thoughts. She was fighting a mental war.

Nevertheless, you were quiet through it all.

A moment later, her eyes opened. With a long, shaky breath, she spoke again... and it sounded like every word was choking her.

“…when you started talking to me... I kept hearing this whisper. It told me I couldn’t trust you. That you would forget my like everyone else. For a while, I ignored it. You were so nice to me, I finally felt like I mattered, and the whispering seemed to go away. But on Friday, while I sat outside the practice room... it came back... and I started listening. It said I told you so... I told you so... it made me feel so stupid. And then when I saw you… I was livid. I said so many awful things without a second thought. Things I didn’t mean. This weekend, I kept hearing that whisper. It said this is for your own good... it’s better this way... he wouldn’t like you anyway after what you said… and I believed it, even though I missed you so much I could barely sleep. I thought missing you was just the punishment I deserved for being so stupid. But then today… you gave me flowers... sang me such a beautiful song... and are trying so hard to make it up to me… and now I’m just confused! Why do I feel this way? Why can’t I just be glad that someone finally cares about me? I still hear the whisper right now telling me to push you away... but I don’t want to be alone anymore! Why won’t it shut up?! I don’t want to feel this way! I… I hate this! Wh-Why can’t I just be happy?!!”

Unable to fight anymore, Wallflower buried her face in her knees started sobbing uncontrollably, finally succumbing to her emotions.

You were speechless. Of all the paths you thought this conversation would take, you never thought Wallflower would reveal something as vulnerable as her demons. You couldn’t help but feel guilty, knowing you played a big part in awakening them.

Suddenly, everything about her made sense. Why she was so alone... why she was so cold to you in the beginning... why she lashed out so viciously... everything. Each whimper was full of deep, visceral pain, built up over years of being ignored and forgotten. Yet, just as equally, each whimper carried the venomous, relentless sting of perpetual loneliness.

This wasn’t just about you anymore. This was about the mental war Wallflower’s been fighting her entire life.

Tears began welling up in your eyes. Soon, you felt the warmth of a tear trickle down your cheek, followed by another, and another... each one feeling like a stab in your heart. It hurt... but you deserved it for hurting Wallflower.

A few long, heartrending minutes later, Wallflower’s crying had died down to mere unsteady breathing and sniffling. Her head remained buried in her knees. She didn’t move a muscle. She looked utterly broken.

...but you weren’t going anywhere. Not by a longshot. More than ever, you wanted to be there for her. To help her fight her demons. They’d always been there, and may be forever, but she didn't have to face them on her own.

That’s what you had to say. Whether she accepted you or not… you’d find out shortly.

However, words alone wouldn’t cut it. You needed something more to let her know your words were from the heart. You had an idea of how to do that, but it would be the biggest risk you’ve taken thus far. Even still, you’ve trusted your instincts with Wallflower before, and they haven’t failed you yet.

Taking a deep breath, you hoped this wouldn’t be any different.

Gently... cautiously... you reached out and touched her hand.

Wallflower gasped, immediately glancing up at you. You were expecting her to pull her hand away... but she didn’t. She stayed put, her tear-stained eyes never looking away. Once you knew she was okay with it, you relaxed, trying to channel any ounce of comfort and reassurance through your hand into hers. Offering a smile, you spoke in a soft, gentle voice.

“...you’re not alone.”

There was a faint sparkle in her eye. However, she still looked unsure. She looked away and spoke timidly, her mouth hidden by her knees.

“...I’m crazy,” Wallflower lamented.

“Not even a little. You’re not crazy for having feelings. Besides, this is all my fault. I took you for granted and hurt you again.”

“...but... I was so mean to you. Not just then... but even when we first started talking, I treated you like dirt.”

“Well, now that I know what you were thinking back then, I understand why,” you said. “I mean, I forgot about you even after an entire semester we spent together as lab partners, not to mention sitting next to each other every day this semester. I think anyone would be mad about that. The way I was acting that day didn’t help. And about Friday... I never held that against you. Even if I didn’t mean to, I did the worst thing I could’ve done to you. Frankly, I’m surprised you're still willing to talk to me.”

She remained quiet. She didn’t seem convinced. All you could do was continue reassuring her that she wasn’t crazy.

“...y’know... that was really brave of you to share your feelings,” you said. “I’m honored, and I feel like I understand you a lot better now… so thank you.”

Wallflower still didn’t move or say anything. You were starting to worry. Were you losing her?

Suddenly, the hand you were touching let go of her leg. You thought she was pulling away... until you noticed she was reaching for your hand.

You met her halfway, and just like that... you were holding hands.

You didn’t move for a moment, being too astonished that you were actually holding Wallflower’s hand. Your heart tingled, beating a little faster. Your cheeks heated up as they blushed. Despite Wallflower still avoiding eye contact and hiding her face behind her knees, you could see the tops of her cheeks... and they were bright, strawberry red.

You gave her hand a gentle squeeze. The warmth made you feel so connected to her.

“Y’know something else?” you asked. “You were so cute when you were talking about the school garden. And I loved all the photos you sent me of your home garden. Every plant looked amazing. I also distinctly remember you reassuring me that I was important to my band no matter how much or little attention I got. That meant a lot to me. After I got to know you, you were so sweet and fun to talk to. You may not believe me, but you’re a good person, Wallflower.”

Another pause. Wallflower was still for a moment... and then she closed her eyes. You felt her squeeze your hand, and you noticed a tear escape her eye.

“…I'm sorry,” Wallflower said in a choked voice. “I don’t mean to be like this.”

You smiled, squeezing her hand back.

“I know... I know. But it’s okay. I’m here for you.”

She still refused to look at you… but you did feel her squeeze your hand. That was all you needed to know you were doing the right thing.

“Heh… it’s strange,” you said. “We haven’t known each other for that long... but I already feel so close to you.”

“...y-yeah,” she murmured. You could make out the barest hint of a smile peeking out above her knees.

Even still, you could tell she needed a little more reassurance. Thusly, you brought up your other hand and started stroking the back of her hand. That finally got her to look at you. Looking directly into her beautiful, tear-stained milk chocolate eyes, you spoke gently but directly.

“Wallflower... I’m so sorry for hurting you. I’d give anything to go back and undo it. All I can do now is ask for your forgiveness. I understand if the idea of trusting me again is scary, but I promise up and down that I really do care about you. I knew I couldn’t just say that and have you believe me, so that’s why I brought you flowers and sang you a song. I had to prove that this isn’t out of pity. It’s because you matter to me. You’re not alone. You don’t have to be alone ever again. If you’re willing to give me another chance, just say the word, and I promise… I’ll always be there for you.”

With your plea finally out there, you were in freefall. Wallflower held the fate of your friendship in her hands… and all you could do was wait.

She wasn't looking at you, but rather your hands. You could feel her fingers fidgeting ever so slightly. What was she thinking about? You could only wonder as you enjoyed the warmth of her hand… because it could be the last time.

Then... there was a glimmer in her eye. It was tiny, but still there. And at last... she put her legs down, revealing her beautiful face once more. It was the most relaxed she’s looked in a hot minute.

She squeezed your hand and gazed into your eyes.

“...do you mean that? The part about not being alone?”

Her eyes... they were different. They had a new aura about them. An aura of hope.

With a gentle smile, you spoke in a soft, compassionate voice.

“Every word,” you said.

A moment of silence. Her eyes never wavered from yours.

And then... she smiled. A tiny smile, but a smile nonetheless... and it was beautiful. After witnessing her go to hell and back with her emotions, there was nothing more gratifying to see.

Suddenly, she seemed to have trouble maintaining eye contact with you.

“...your hand feels nice,” she said, blushing.

Those words... it felt like she shot you through the heart… in a good way.

Did you pull it off? Would she really give you another chance?

With a sigh, Wallflower’s smile relaxed into a more neutral face. She didn’t look sad, rather like she was contemplating.

“Um... can I ask you something?” Wallflower said.

“Of course. Anything.”

She turned away for a second, fidgeting a little. You could feel her fingers tensing up. When she looked back, she looked... curious.

“...why me? I-It’s not that I don’t appreciate all the effort, it’s just… someone like you probably has better things to do, right? Friends to hang out with who don’t just complain or cry constantly? Plenty of other girls to talk to. Why waste your time on... well... someone like me?”

That question caused a lump to form in your throat. Your heart started beating faster. It definitely wasn’t because you had a huge crush on her, right? No... of course not...

...it totally was... and you knew it. But you couldn’t just tell her that. It could come off as selfish if it seemed like you had an ulterior motive.

At the same time, these were the most genuine feelings you’ve ever had for someone. Her beauty was so unique and pure that it made your heart feel things it’s never felt before. Someone like her didn’t deserve to live in constant mental anguish. She deserved to smile. To be happy. To matter.

...that’s it. No need to overthink it. Just tell her how you feel. Keep it as genuine as Wallflower herself.

Part of you worried that this could overwhelm her. You were confident you’d won her back as a friend, but to pile your feelings for her on top of that? Would that drive her away?

However, the other part of you didn’t fear. Her eyes faintly glimmered as they looked at you, and you’d been holding her hand this whole time. The warmth you felt from her couldn’t be a coincidence, right?

Trust your instincts. Trust Wallflower.

...funny... when you thought about it that way, it didn’t feel as daunting.

But there was still one problem. You were still sitting across from Wallflower. Sure, you were holding her hand, but she felt too far. If you were going to tell her these things... you needed to get closer.

Mustering up the courage, you let go of Wallflower’s hand and stood up. She seemed surprised at first, until you gestured to the spot next to her. She scooted over, and you sat right next to her. Being so close to each other made both of you blush. Even so, you still wanted more.

You reached over to Wallflower’s hand and touched it. Smiling bashfully, she allowed you to hold it again. But this time, you went a step further. With a small adjustment, you gently interlocked your fingers with hers. Your heart tingled as you did, and you heard Wallflower lightly gasp. For just a second, her arm was tense, but it quickly relaxed as you squeezed her hand. She squeezed your hand in return, and an aura of warmth filled you. It was the most connected you’ve felt to her thus far.

Boldly, you turned your head to look at her. Upon making eye contact, she looked away. She was able to look back after a short second, but only with her hair covering part of her face. Her cheeks were bright red. It was so cute.

Your heart was racing. Squeezing her hand and taking a deep breath, you squeezed her hand and looked right into her eyes.

“...because you’re special.”

Her eyes widened.

“I-I am? No... no no… I’m the furthest thing...”

“That’s not true at all. You’re special to me.”

She stared at you for a moment, messing with her hair.

“...how so?” Wallflower asked.

Smiling and squeezing her hand, you spoke in a gentle, loving voice.

“Well... maybe it’s because I loved getting to know you. Maybe it’s because after we met—or I guess re-met—I couldn’t stop thinking about you. Maybe it’s because you’re really talented and fun to talk to. Or maybe it’s because I’ve never seen a smile as bright as yours, and I want to keep making you smile. But most of all... maybe it’s because you’re the most genuine girl I’ve ever met. You’re just you. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but to me, that’s what makes you so beautiful.”

She gasped. For a moment, she was frozen... and then her lips curled into the cutest, rosiest smile you’ve ever seen. She started playing with her hair, and even giggled to herself a little.

“...b-beautiful? Y-You’re just saying that...”

“Wallflower, I mean it. Your hair, your eyes, your smile, the way you blush... everything about you, inside and out, is beautiful. You’re never a waste of time, because when you smile, it makes every minute I spend with you worth it. Your happiness matters to me, Wallflower. You matter to me. And you make my heart beat a little faster when you’re around... even right now. That’s why, Wallflower. Because to me, you’re more than worth it.”

There. You said it. And Wallflower’s eyes were wide. She looked... apprehensive...

...at least, that’s what you thought... until she used her free hand to bring her hair closer to her face, partly concealing it. You could still see her eyes, but her mouth was hidden. Even so, you could see her heightened strawberry red cheeks, like she was smiling underneath. Though she had trouble looking at you, her eyes had a faint shimmer to them.

As adorable as she looked, you were still worried. Was she hiding because simply because she was shy? Or were your words too much?

Suddenly, you felt her squeeze your hand, and she spoke in a soft, breathy whisper.

“...do… do you mean it?”

You smiled confidently, squeezing her hand in return.

“From the bottom of my heart.”

...

...

...

“...oh my gosh...”

Her voice was so quiet, you barely heard her squeak out those three words. The shimmer in her eyes had brightened, and her grip on her hair was tighter. You could feel how stiff she was through her hand.

“Wallflower?”

She looked at you. Her eyes sparkled like glitter.

“I... um... I...”

Her voice was choked, and so quiet.

“It’s okay,” you whispered. “What is it?”

You could feel her hand shaking. What was going through her head right now?

After a moment, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“...I... I think... y-you’re... really cute too.”

She yelped a little when she said that, squeezing your hand tightly and hiding behind her hair as if afraid of what she just said. But you were elated. So much weight had been lifted from your heart, and you couldn’t stop smiling. Now it was your turn to blush like a strawberry.

“Heh... i-it's alright, Wallflower,” you said. “I mean... you already know how I feel about you, right?

She was frozen for a moment, gazing at you with those bright, glimmering eyes. After a few deep breaths, her arm relaxed, and she let go of her hair, allowing it to fall...

...and the biggest, sweetest smile was revealed. She must’ve been smiling that whole time and her shyness got the best of her.

“S-Sorry...” Wallflower said, fixing her hair. “I-I’ve never done that before. It just felt right, y’know? Because... y-you're special to me, too. Nobody’s ever put so much effort into getting to know me... or even listening to me. When I’m with you... I feel like... I can be myself. I feel like I belong. Like... like...”

“...like you matter?” you said.

She smiled knowingly and giggled a little to herself. So cute.

Then, Wallflower did something you never would’ve seen coming. Not from a timid girl like her. She scooted closer to you...

...and leaned her head on your shoulder.

“...yes,” she whispered, squeezing your hand.

You sat in shock for a moment. Wallflower... wanted to cuddle with you?

Your heart was racing again. This didn’t seem real. This isn’t the first time you’ve cuddled with someone... but this just felt magical.

You let go of Wallflower’s hand, which allowed you to wrap your arm her and pull her even closer. You felt her adjust herself before relaxing her head on your shoulder with a deep sigh. Her now free hand rested on your leg, which gave you chills. In response, you gave her a light squeeze, which made her blush even more than she already was. Her smile was as bright as the sun.

If this was a dream, you never wanted to wake up.

A familiar delightful scent of flowers and strawberries caressed your nose. The scent of her beautiful hair. It looked soft and smooth to the touch.

...you couldn’t resist.

Using your free hand, you started gently stroking her hair.

“Haah... that feels nice,” she whispered.

You chuckled, tickled by Wallflower’s reaction. So cute, and it felt so good to give her some love.

“Your hair is so pretty,” you whispered. “And so soft.”

“Thanks,” she said, snuggling up closer. “You’re so warm...”

You gave her another light squeeze.

For the next few minutes, nothing was said. But that was okay. Wallflower’s warmth was like a cozy fireplace, and you were content to just bask in it in silence

...

...

...

...although... there was still this ache in your heart. Like... it yearned for something more.

Just then, you felt Wallflower shift, which prompted you to check on her...

...but Wallflower had decided to check on you too... and suddenly your eyes locked.

You froze. The world around you seemed to fade until there was just Wallflower. Her face looked so beautiful... more than ever before. The afternoon sunlight glimmered in her unwavering milk chocolate eyes, her hair delicately danced in the light breeze, and her blushing freckled cheeks looked like plump strawberries. She was breathtaking... and was mere inches away from you. She was so close, you could almost count her freckles. Her sweet aroma enveloped your senses, intoxicating you.

Suddenly, you got a lump in your throat. Your heart started beating like a drum as your eyes drifted down... to her lips.

A dastardly thought entered your mind. A move as risky as it was tantalizing. A move that, just thinking about it, made your heart want to punch out of your chest.

...should you do it? Should you... kiss her?

No... no, that would definitely be too much. You’ve gotten much further with her than you ever expected, but you shouldn’t get greedy. One false move and you could lose her again.

...still... being this close to her... and staring at her lips... the urge to kiss her was practically choking you.

Now, more than ever, you’d give anything to know what Wallflower was thinking. Of course you wanted to kiss her, but you couldn’t purely trust your instincts on this. You needed something more concrete before you did something stupid and ruined the moment.

Wallflower’s eyes were entrancing. They looked so big and luminous from this close up. Honestly... the fact that she was still looking at you so intently could be sign. Normally, her shyness would get the best of her, and she’d be looking all over the place to avoid your gaze. But this time... she was fixated on you.

...was she waiting for you?

No. That wasn’t enough. No matter how much your heart burned, and no matter how pretty she looked, nothing could be left to chance.

...maybe you could give her a hint instead of waiting for one.

With your heart pounding, you gently squeezed her to bring her ever so slightly closer, and held her firmly in place. Then, you just barely moved your face closer to her. Not all the way, but enough to feel her breath on your lips, which only sprinkled gas on the flames.

Wallflower’s eyes widened a little. She could tell you were trying to do something. Your heart pumped lava through your body as you waited for her reaction. Would she pull back? Would she reciprocate? The air between you was intense, and dominated by her warmth and sweet aroma. Her lips looked so tempting... but you had to hold back until you knew this was what she wanted.

...suddenly... you felt her hand on your chest just below your neck. You shuddered at her light, bashful touch. You didn’t feel her pull back at all. Your chest was on fire. Your lips ached. In your head, you were begging Wallflower for some signal to kiss her. Anything.

Please, Wallflower. Please.

...

...

...

...you quietly gasped... when you noticed her chin barely lifting... her eyes slightly closing...

...and instantly… all hesitation was gone.

Heart ablaze, you used your free hand to cup her face before leaning in...

...touching your lips to hers.

Wallflower lightly gasped at first contact, but it didn’t take long for her to melt in your arms... and you melted with her. In an instant, the fire in your heart was extinguished. All tension was gone. All that was left was Wallflower. Her lips were so soft and sweet, and her enrapturing scent dulled your mind. You started moving your lips, but too much to start off. Wallflower didn’t move her lips much at first, but soon began to mirror your movements, and you fell deeper into serenity. Every coalescence of your lips sent shivers of through your body, like all your pent up feelings and emotions were finally being released.

Your body overflowed with pure, divine, gratifying bliss. It felt like you were truly one with Wallflower. Everything you’d gone through with her, good and bad, was worth it because of this one kiss.

Several seconds of euphoria later... you gently pulled away, having to taking some breaths to recover.

You kissed her. It was so hard to believe, but you actually kissed her.

It took a minute for you to come to your senses. When you did, Wallflower’s eyes were still closed. She was frozen in place just as you left her when you pulled away. Her breathing was labored, and her smile was the biggest and brightest it’s ever been.

“Ah... hah... w-wow...”

“You okay, Wallflower?”

“I... I just need... ooh...”

You couldn’t help but chuckle. You hadn’t expected her to be so delirious afterwards.

You gave her a minute to recover. When she opened her eyes, they shimmered like golden sunlight on water.

“That was your first kiss, right?”

“...y-yeah... heh... hehehe…”

Wallflower’s eyes sparkled as she giggled. Before you could say another word, Wallflower wrapped her arms around you and embraced you tightly. Nothing more needed to be said. The sheer warmth of her embrace said everything.

Even so, you knew how to make her hug even better. You pat your lap, inviting her to sit there. She was shy at first, but with an encouraging squeeze, she happily climbed into your lap. Being so close to her, and with newfound confidence, you gave her another tender kiss. As good as your first kiss was, this one was even better, with Wallflower moving her lips with a little more confidence.

When you pulled back, you heard Wallflower sniffle. Tears were falling down her cheek.

“Wallflower… are you alright?” you asked, caressing her cheek.

Her teary eyes glistened as they looked at you. Her smile was as bright as the stars. Her freckled cheeks were as red as strawberries. At that moment, she was the most beautiful girl in the world.

With a blissful sigh, she leaned into your hand.

“…I’m just so happy...”

Your heart melted at those words. You just had to kiss her again. How could you not when she’s being so cute? Besides, her kisses were becoming addicting. Her sweet lips... the feeling of being so intimately connected to her... how could you possibly resist?

When you pulled away, you found yourself staring deeply into Wallflower’s beautiful eyes again. A light breeze came through and caused some of her hair to fall in front of her face. Before she could fix it herself, you reached up and fixed it for her. It was so adorable to watch her blush from that.

“So... um... what does this mean for us?” Wallflower asked.

“What do you mean?” you asked.

She blushed even more than she already was.

“Y’know... are we... a thing, now? I mean, I-I know we just kissed and all, b-but I’ve never done anything like this before, so… I-I just thought I’d ask.”

...this girl... was so unbelievably cute.

You gently rubbed her leg.

“Wallflower... it’s up to you… but I would love to be your boyfriend. In fact... nothing would make me happier.”

Her eyes widened. She looked down at your hand resting on her leg, smiled, and gently placed her own hand on top of yours.

“...boyfriend... hehe... b-boyfriend...”

“Yeah… i-is everything okay?”

Wallflower nodded.

“...I just can’t believe this is really happening.”

You used your hand to gently turn her head back to you. Taking her hand, you looked intently into her eyes.

“You’re not alone anymore,” you said. “From now on, I’m here for you, and that’s a promise.”

Wallflower’s lips began to tremble, and then she threw her arms around you and surprised you with a big kiss of her own. This one was the most passionate you’ve felt from her yet, moving her lips with such assertiveness that you had to keep up with her. It was a kiss of gratitude and joy, and you were left melting in its warmth.

When she pulled away, she leaned her head on your shoulder and embraced you tightly once again. You could feel her trembling in your arms.

“Thank you... thank you... thank you...”

Overcome by her emotions, she began crying on your shoulder... but not out of sadness. These were tears of relief. Every exhale felt like a little bit of her lifelong pain being let go. As her crying intensified, her grip on you became stronger, as if she was desperate to keep you from leaving. In return, you held her tightly, and stayed like that for the entire time she cried. You weren’t going anywhere.

After a while, she calmed down. She lifted her head from your shoulder and wiped her cheek dry.

“Sorry...” Wallflower said. “I-I promise I won’t cry like this all the time. I’m sure you’re tired of it by now. I know I am.”

“Don’t worry about it. You can cry on my shoulder anytime, okay?”

She sniffled and nodded.

“Thank you. But listen... I don't want this to be a one-sided thing. I-I'm here for you too, okay? I don’t know how much I’ll be able to help, but I’ll do everything I can. It’s the least I could do after everything you’ve done for me.”

...wow. Wallflower just kept getting better and better.

You gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks, Wallflower. You're really sweet, y’know that?”

Wallflower twirled her hair, blushing.

“So are you,” she said.

“You’re a great kisser too,” you said, smirking.

Her eyes widened.

“R-Really? You’re not just saying that? I-I’ve never kissed anyone else before.”

You shrugged.

“You’re just naturally good, I guess,” you said.

“Heh… well, thank you,” she said, blushing more. “I… I like your kisses too.”

That cuteness deserved another kiss. Her lips were just as sweet as her. And now that you thought about it, for these being her first few kisses, she was surprisingly good. Maybe it’s natural, or maybe it’s because you already adore her. Either way, every kiss was a trip to heaven.

When you opened your eyes, something behind Wallflower caught your eye. It was the glow of a firefly. Several more followed suit.

That’s when you realized how dark it had become. Was it dusk already?

You looked up, and sure enough the blue sky had begun to darken, with the colored bands of the sunset peeking out of one side.

“Whoa,” you said. “How long have we been out here?”

Wallflower followed your gaze up.

“Oh... I didn’t even notice.” Wallflower said. “Um… I may need to go home soon.”

“Yeah... same,” you said.

Suddenly, your eyes locked. There was a sinking feeling in your heart... like you already missed her.

“...or... we could stay for just a few more minutes...” you suggested.

She beamed, pulling you back into a warm embrace.

“I’d love that,” she said.

You smiled big, wrapping your arms around her once more.

You ended up staying for over half an hour. You never wanted this to end. For once, there wasn’t a single ounce of tension in the air. Holding Wallflower, it felt like the world was at peace, if only for just this moment.

Come to think of it, you never asked why she brought you here in the first place. But at this point, you didn’t care. You were here… and you won Wallflower back. What a relief... and what a roller coaster. But in the end, you weren’t just relieved. You were overjoyed. Wallflower, the most unlikely girl you could’ve imagined yourself with, and the most prettiest girl you’ve ever known, was all yours. Now you could take care of her, help her fight her demons, make her smile every day, and ensure she’d never be alone ever again.

Whatever the future had in store, you looked forward to it... because Wallflower Blush would be right there beside you. With a beautiful girl like her, anything was possible.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading!