Mad_Hatted_Minx
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Something was off. The blonde bad boy was unusually subdued, staring off into the distance with an expression that could only be described as intensely, almost painfully thoughtful. Esme couldn't give a reason for why the sight aroused such fluttering anxiety in her chest, the muted tapping of pencil eraser on her notebook quickening in tempo with each passing moment that his visage remained transfixed on the classroom window. For someone so nonplussed by life and its curveballs, the dark haired darling couldn't even begin to imagine what could possibly have his brows so furrowed, have those beautiful, bright eyes so clouded. Felix had been a bit distracted as of late, but this appeared to be the climaxing culmination of whatever was troubling him. She had opened her mouth countless times, questions burning on the tip of her tongue, yet still had not summoned enough courage to actually voice her concern. What if it was a personal issue he was facing, what if he thought she was being rude and nosy by asking him about it? What if he became upset with her and decided to end their study sessions? The timid girl's gaze dropped down to the now smudged page on her desk, her own delicate brows knitting together slightly at the unsettling possibility. The boy terrified her, yet it was in a thrilling way, one that urged her to step out of the shadows and stand up tall. He lended her his courage by his presence, simultaneously making her feel comfortable and safe while causing her heart to do wild flips. She already was feeling starved for his company, as if she could never get enough of it to satisfy her yearning soul; missing even a single day of what seemed to be increasingly fleeting time together was simply unthinkable. A silly notion, she was sure. After all, why would a free flying, world at his fingertips bird of paradise want anything to do with a caged, plain, unvibrantly ordinary sparrow?
Completely unaware of the intense gaze that had been refocused on her seemingly studious figure, she started in surprise as a familiar voice exclaimed in loud frustration, wide doe eyes snapping up along with those of everyone else in the classroom. Though the others treated the outburst jokingly, Esme's concern only grew. It was time for her to step up and speak out if she truly wanted to consider herself a caring friend--even if he perchance did not consider in the same manner. As the wallflower listened to the short and unusually mild interchange, her typically shy countenance remained brazenly affixed on the colorfully dressed teen, her own thoughts beginning to consume her. In that moment she resolved to ask him what was wrong, the very first chance she got. Screw the consequences!
With the sounding of the bell, Esme took her time packing up her things. It was a special knack she possessed: always the first to arrive in class, and always the last to leave. The trick was walking fast and keeping her head down; though, as of late, her eyes had been creeping upwards for chance glimpses of Felix. It also helped that she kept all her necessary books and other miscellaneous items in the large messenger bag that never seemed to leave her side, making it bulky yet practical. As a pair of shoes entered her peripheral, bringing their owner to a stop by her desk, the shy girl's pulse quickened and she straightened slowly, tucking her short hair behind her ear. Big blue eyes blinked in surprise as they were met with the completely unexpected sight of the school's bad boy contemplating her with the same intensity with which the window had been subject to earlier, a pale rosy tint rising to dust across her cheeks. Before the dainty girl had time to react, the rest of her things were away and slung over his shoulder with a large, warm hand clasping hers. The blush immediately deepened and her gaze averted from his teasing grin, contagiously causing one to blossom on her pink lips. All she could manage was a small nod in agreement, every nerve in her body being on high alert as they buzzed about the firm touch engulfing her tiny hand.
Her heart and mind were both racing as he led her out of the classroom and down the hall, right into the thick throng of fellow students who all parted with incredulous looks to let the odd pair through. She kept her head down, focusing on his long strides. Esme could only imagine what sort of rumors would be circulating after this: the Gray Thunder walking hand in hand with the mousiest girl in school! And carrying her bag, no less! Not allowing herself to jump to any conclusions, though she knew everyone else would do so, confusion crossed her delicate features as they took a wrong turn. The question of where they were going rose to her throat as she finally raised her head, only to see their direct path taking them toward the double doored exit. He had often threatened to scoop her up and carry her off to one of his exciting sounding parties, but it had always just been to provoke her stuttering, blushing reaction, so what was going through that devious mind of his?
Remaining silent and obediently following, despite the slight panic that began to rise, unbidden, into her chest, the chilly air hit the underdressed teens abruptly as they left the school grounds. The farther they got from the building, the faster Esme's breaths came, creating little puffs of visible vapor as hot met cold. At this rate, they were sure to be late to class, which would be a black mark on her perfect record. What if it was reported back to her parents? She shuddered to think of their reaction--or perhaps it was just due to the winter atmosphere, as her only source of heat let go. The released hand flexed slowly, now feeling mournfully empty, as it returned to nestle in the safety of her skirt pleats, sapphire gems peeking up at the tall smoker through the thick dark lashes framing them...only to then avert as his attention turned to her. Unlike most silences between herself and others, this one was comfortable, a normality that had developed over the past couple of months.
"A-ah! T-thank you," she murmured softly, gifting the boy with a surprised smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes. The hat was much too big for her, looking almost comical atop her head as the bright colors contrasted with her otherwise dull outfit, but the expression that lit up her face as a result made it an utterly endearing sight. In the final moments before the bell rang, echoing on the crisp air, she had sidled closer by a step or two while formulating an opening sentence in her head, though the sudden sound had her tossing a frantic glance back toward the brick building. And she probably would have made a mad dash for it, in hopes that her first ever tardy marking could be waived, if Felix hadn't again caught up her hand. What is going on? Questioningly curious orbs looked from their linked hands to his earnest face in confusion, with an underlying panicn unsure of what was happening. Why did the sound of her name on his lips send thrills through her so? Mesmerized, she remained motionless in his grip, waiting for him to continue, not realzing that her breathing had paused in anticipation as well.
"S..skip?" It took a full moment for the gravity of his request to sink in, her brain freezing like a doe caught in headlights before restarting at triple speed. Skip class? With him?? To talk??? What could he possibly want to talk to her about that couldn't wait for their allotted time after school? What kind of trouble would she get in for missing--deliberately skipping? And, worst of all, what if her parents found out about it?
Esme stared at him as her mind whirred with all the 'what if's, a complex array of emotions easily read in her eyes, before she finally reached a conclusion. After all, hadn't she just been resolving to be more like Felix, to take some risks? Heart pounding so loud she was sure he could hear it too, she nodded hesitantly in agreement.
"Ok, I will," she whispered, fearful and simultaneously excited by the power those words held, as she gave his broad hand a slight squeeze. It was easy to see that the tiny girl was terrified of taking such a bold step, but, much like an animal that had been caged its whole life and then unexpectedly freed, also cautiously optimistic.
"Where, uhm...where do we go?" A shiver of exhilaration skittered down the straight A student's spine as her completely trusting face looked to him for guidance, pearly whites biting nervously at her plump bottom lip.
OOC
Omg i am so sorry this post took so long!! >~<;;
Warau-san
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