BEST FRIENDS OR BOYFRIEND

Next  Morning

I woke up feeling like the air in my room was heavier than usual, like something was off. My eyes instinctively flicked to my phone.

Nothing.

No ridiculous good-morning texts with stupid emojis, no poorly timed voice notes meant to make me laugh. Just silence.

I tossed my phone onto the bed, trying to ignore the tightening in my chest. He's sulking.* It's his fault anyway, always brushing things off like they don't matter. I shouldn't have to reach out first.*

"Good." I muttered to myself. "Maybe he'll learn to take things seriously for once."

But the more I repeated it, the less convincing it sounded. Still, the silence from his end gnawed at me as I dragged myself through the morning routine.

.

.

At The School

By the time I got to school, my irritation had transformed into something else. Guilt? No, I refused to call it that.

When I walked into class, I spotted him immediately. He was slouched over his desk, his face turned away from me.

Normally, he'd be the first to greet me with some annoying comment, like how my hair looked like a bird's nest or how I was late again.

But today? Nothing.

I tried to ignore it, telling myself it was fine. He was fine. I sit down at my desk and glancing over. *He's sulking. He'll snap out of it soon. * I thought but visibly frowning.

But throughout the morning, my eyes kept drifting back to him. His movements were slow, his head resting on the desk more often than not. He didn't speak unless called on, didn't crack jokes during class, and didn't even glance my way or tried to make up with me.When lunchtime came, I couldn't help but notice he didn't sit with our usual group.
Instead, he found some corner and sat alone.

*Is he sulking because of our argument?* I wondered, but the thought didn't bring me the satisfaction I expected.

I watched him like an idiot, my chopsticks frozen mid-air. Saint had his head down, picking at his food without eating.

"Why is Saint acting so weird?" Chadjen asked, plopping down beside me.

"How should I know?" I snapped.

Chadjen raised an eyebrow sighing. "You guys fought again, didn't you?"

I didn't answer, shoving a piece of food into my mouth to avoid saying something stupid. My fingers clenched my chopsticks tightly as I  watched Saint from a distance.

.

.

From across the cafeteria, Peeta's concerned gaze lingered on Saint.

She finally approached me, her voice low but probing. "Shin, is something going on with Saint? He looks… not himself."

I bristled, the jealousy I didn't want to name flaring up. "Why don't you go ask him? You two seem to be getting along great these days." I shot back, sharper than I  intended.

Peeta frowned, clearly taken aback.  Her concern shifting to confusion. "I was just asking. Forget it." She walked away, leaving me alone with my spiraling thoughts.

.

.

Later In Evening

By the time the gym rolled around, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

I watched Saint stumble during warm-ups, his movements sluggish. My stomach churned as Ms.Jan walked over to him, concern on her face.

"You should go to the nurse, Saint" Ms.Jan said .

Saint nodded weakly, shuffling out of the gym. Peeta followed him.

That was the last straw. I felt something snap inside me. *What was she doing, acting like his babysitter? Was she his new best friend now?*

I spent the rest of gym class pacing the sidelines, my heart racing with anger and worry. *Is Saint sick... ? Why don't he come to me* I'm sick worried.

So When class was finally over, I headed toward the nurse's office quickly, but voices from the lockers stopped me in my tracks.

.

By the lockers, a group of older boys was harassing a  younger kid who looked terrified. And in front of them stood Saint, looking like he could barely hold himself upright. Despite his pale face and trembling legs, Saint's voice was steady.

"Leave him alone." Saint said, his voice steady but weak.

The leader sneered. "What are you gonna do about it, huh?"

Saint stepped closer, his movements sluggish. "Back off."

The guy shoved him, and Saint stumbled, barely catching himself on the wall.

I didn't think— My body moved on its own.

"Touch him again, and you'll regret it." I said, my voice low and dangerous as I stepped between them.

The fight was messy. Fists flew in every direction, I didn't hesitate to throw myself into the fray,  and I took more hits than I landed. Saint tried to help, but his strength gave out quickly. By the time the bullies finally retreated, muttering curses under their breath. As they walked away, I turned to Saint, my chest heaving with a mix of anger and fear.

"What the hell were you thinking?" I demanded.

He leaned against the wall, his breath coming in ragged gasps, but his lips quirked into that familiar, infuriating grin. "I had it under control."

"Like hell you did." I grabbed his arm to steady him as he swayed. "You can't even stand."

Let's Go.....Saint.....!!

.

He didn’t argue when I dragged him back to my house. I don't think he had the strength to.

"Shin, I'm fine, Don't you know I'm made of steel"  he mumbled as I pushed him onto the bed.

"Shut up idiot and sit down." I snapped, went to grab a wet cloth from the bathroom.

When I came back, he was slouched over, barely keeping his eyes open. I knelt in front of him, dabbing at the cuts on his face.

"Why didn't you tell me you were sick?" I demanded.

"Didn't think it was a big deal." he muttered, wincing as I pressed too hard.

"You're an idiot!" I said, my hands shaking slightly as I worked.

"You've said that already." he replied, his lips twitching into the faintest smile.

"And I'll keep saying it until you stop proving me right." I snapped back.

.

.

When I came back into the room with a damp cloth in hand, I paused in the doorway. Saint's voice, muffled and broken, caught my attention.

"Shin…" His fever-addled murmurs were soft, almost like a dream. "Shin…"

I rushed to his side, kneeling by the bed and placing a hand on his forehead. He was burning so badly.

"You're burning up, idiot." I muttered, brushing his damp hair back. "Just sleep, okay?"

But instead of settling down, his fingers reached out, clinging to my hand with surprising strength despite how weak he looked. His eyes fluttered open, glassy and unfocused, but his voice—fragile and raw—cut straight through me." I didn't want to leave…"

I froze, my heart lurching. "What are you talking about, Saint?"

"Last night…" His words came in broken whispers. "I was outside… waiting.  Didn't want to leave you, but… you didn't want to talk to me."

It felt like the ground beneath me shifted. My stomach twisted painfully. He waited outside all night?

"You waited… outside? All night?"

He nodded weakly, his face pale and drawn. His eyes glassy with fever. "Didn't know what to say… didn't know how to fix us…"

His voice cracked, the guilt and desperation in his tone hitting me like a freight train. "I didn't mean to make you mad. I'm sorry..… Please.. don't be mad at me. I didn't want to leave you."

My chest tightened, and guilt crashed over me in waves. He'd been out there all night—because of me. He was sick, burning up with a fever, and it was my fault.

I set the cloth aside and grabbed his hand, holding it firmly. His skin was too warm, his grip trembling.

"Are you still mad at me?" he asked, his voice so quiet I had to lean closer to hear. His fingers brushed against my wrist, as if afraid I'd pull away.

I hesitated, my throat thick with emotion. "No" I said softly. " I'm not mad, Saint.” My voice faltered, but I kept going. "I can't ever… not when you're like this."

His lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile, but his exhaustion was evident. "Please... Don't go." he murmured, his voice barely audible. "I don't want to sleep alone."

My resolve crumbled completely. How could I even think of leaving him ? I sighed, my voice gentle. "I'm not going anywhere." His grip on my hand relaxed slightly, but he didn't let go entirely.

I climbed onto the bed, lying down beside him. He didn't waste a second, curling into my side, his head resting against my chest like a puppy seeking warmth.

My heart raced so fast it felt like it might break free from my chest. His soft breaths tickled my neck, and I couldn't bring myself to move.

I glanced down at him. Even pale and feverish, he looked… beautiful. His bangs were messy, and his lips were slightly parted as he breathed softly.

I reached out before I could stop myself, brushing his hair back. My fingers lingered against his skin.

My eyes dropped to his lips, and for one terrifying moment, I thought about leaning in. Just to see what it would be feel like to kiss him.... But I stopped, swallowing hard.

*We're best friends. I reminded myself.
That's all this is. That's all he sees me.*

With a shaky breath, I settled back, forcing my heart to calm down. His soft snores filled the room, and despite everything, I felt my chest ache with something I couldn't name.

"I'm sorry, too." I whispered, though I knew he couldn't hear me.

Even now, with him right here, the weight of my feelings pressed heavily against my chest. And for the first time, I wondered if I'd ever be able to carry them alone.

I let my eyes close, though sleep didn't come easily. Eventually, sleep take over. But even as I drifted off, I couldn't shake the thought that I'm in love with him deeply..... Madly....

.

.

Next Day Morning

I woke up to an unfamiliar warmth pressing against me, a firm grip locking me in place. My first thought was confusion, but then the faint scent of Saint's cologne brought everything back.

My eyes fluttered open, and I froze. Saint's arm was draped across my chest, his face mere inches from mine. His grip on me was tight, as if I might disappear if he let go. His breathing was slow and even, his feverish complexion from the night before now replaced with a healthy flush.

I stared at him, my heart racing. His messy hair fell over his forehead, and his slightly parted lips looked so soft—too soft.

What is wrong with me? I thought, swallowing hard. My gaze lingered a moment too long, tracing the curve of his jaw and the subtle smirk forming there. *Wait… smirk?*

"Am I that good-looking, Shin?" Saint's teasing voice broke through my thoughts, his eyes now half-open and sparkling with mischief.

Heat rushed to my face, and I quickly looked away, pushing at his chest. "Saint, you idiot! Don't flatter yourself."

He chuckled, his voice still raspy from sleep. "Come on, you were totally staring. Admit it."

I scowled, but my heart betrayed me, pounding so loudly . I was sure he could hear it. Ignoring his taunts, I placed my hand on his forehead, checking for any signs of a lingering fever.

"You're still a little warm." I said, frowning. "Are you feeling okay?"

"I'm fine." He replied, though his smirk softened into something more genuine. "Thanks for taking care of me last night, Shin."

The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard, and I didn't know how to respond. Instead, I reached for the damp cloth from earlier, but before I could stand, Saint grabbed my wrist.

"Where do you think you're going....Shin??"  Saint's teasing grin didn't falter as he tightened his hold on me pulling me into his arms.
" You know, you're kind of cute when you're embarrassed." he said, his voice low and smug.

"Let me go, you idiot!" I growled, pushing against him, but his grip only tightened.

"Why would I? You're so warm." he murmured, nuzzling closer like some oversized puppy.

My face heated at the unexpected closeness, and my mind raced to find a way out. "Saint, I swear—"

Before I could finish, his fingers darted to my sides, and he started tickling me mercilessly.

"Saint! Stop!" I gasped, laughter spilling out despite myself.

"You're not getting away that easily." He said with a grin, pulling me back down onto the bed under him.

"Saint, stop! You're acting like a kid." I protested, trying to wriggle free.

"What? You don't want to have a little fun?" he teased, tickling my sides until I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Cut it out!" I gasped between fits of laughter, swatting at his hands.

"Not until you admit you were staring!" he declared triumphantly, his grin widening as I writhed under his touch.

"I wasn't staring! You're delusional!" I managed to choke out between fits of laughter.

His hands finally stilled, but he didn't let go. Instead, he hovered over me, his face just inches from mine. His usual playful glint softened, and for a moment, his gaze lingered on my lips.

The air between us shifted, heavy and electric. My chest tightened as his fingers brushed my cheek, his touch lingering just a second too long.

"Shin" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

My breath caught in my throat. Was he about to—

I panicked. My hands shot up, shoving him off of me as I scrambled to the edge of the bed. "Breakfast!" I blurted, my voice too loud and too high. "I-I need to make breakfast!"

Saint blinked, clearly startled, before his lips curled into a sly smirk because we both know I don't know how to make breakfast at all. "Running away, huh?"

"Shut up!" I snapped, my face burning as I bolted out of the room, his laughter following me down the hall.

.

.

The day passed in a haze of awkward silences and stolen glances. I couldn't shake the memory of Saint's face, the way he'd looked at me like… like I was someone important . Like I was more than just his best friend. *Am I  hallucinating??*

When evening came, I was late to our usual meeting spot.  My heart raced as I rehearsed what I'd say. I'd make a joke, something light to break the tension, and then we'd go back to normal.

But as I approached, my steps faltered.

Peeta stood close to Saint, her expression soft and serious. I ducked behind the corner instinctively, my chest tightening as I strained to hear their conversation.

"I've been meaning to tell you this for a while, Saint” she said, her voice steady. "I like you, Saint. I think we'd be good together. What do you think?"

My heart dropped. The world around me seemed to blur as her words sank in.

Saint's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to respond, but I didn't stay to hear what he said. I turned on my heel, my legs moving on their own as I walked away. I can't hear it now....

Anger bubbled in my chest, hot and suffocating. *Why does this hurt so much? Why does the thought of someone else claiming him feel like a knife to my heart?*

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I forced myself to keep walking.

* I think now on Saint didn't belong to me. He was my best friend, nothing more. I'll only be his best friend.... Why does this hurt so much?? *

.

.

To Be Continued.....