Fate, Strings and a Scissors | ✓

Draft 6: And Thus, She's Invited Over

I stared at him in shock as he sighed. ''I'm sorry. It's just... I could swear I've never seen any girl as pretty as you.'' He finally said like it was a confession.

Was it?

Whatever it was, he had managed to make the both of us feel embarrassed as I could feel my ears reddening like his cheeks. Even worse, he could see them since my hair was braided behind me. I didn't even know what to say to his words but, it felt different to be complemented.

Now I wasn't the type of person to be in denial about my looks. I really thought I looked alright on a good day. But living life daily with mother constantly hitting me and reminding me just how monstrous I supposedly looked, his compliment was well, alien to me. Especially when it's not from Jordan. He complements everyone. No way for me to know if he was just being nice.

''Oh, umm... thanks?'' I offered awkwardly for lack of better words. Was I supposed to compliment him back? I hadn't been in proper human company for six years so I was practically out of practice.

He covered his face with his palm. ''Shit.'' He muttered to himself. Then he looked up at me. ''Please, never tell your dad. Or Jay. Or- just don't tell that terrible friendship triangle. They'd never let me live out me liking a girl older than me.'' He begged.

I couldn't help the little laughter that tore out of my throat. ''Sure, I won't.'' I promised. I'm definitely telling Dad this.

"You're lying." He smiled although he was still so obviously embarrassed. "This is going to be the first thing you'll speak of when you see them."

"No seriously, I won't." I smiled. "Except maybe Jordan."

He groaned. "That's it. I'm dead." He stated making me laugh some more. He was like Zane in this aspect. Easily making me smile. They were both dramatic, although Zane seemed to be the true queen of that.

"Nice to know my sorrows bring someone joy." He said with a smile. "I guess I'll be leaving now then." He stared at me for a while. "You look much better when you're happy than when you're tense.'' He said and turning around, he quickly left while closing the door behind him.

So he knew I was scared. Well, I guess I wasn't even really hiding it from him.

I smiled a little. More progress to tell Jordan and my journal 'Peter' about.

** ** **

''Hey Jin. You don't mind me being your partner today, do you?'' Zane said coming to a stop beside me as I arranged the baking ingredients on the table.

''Yeah, I guess.'' I replied before adding. ''You can bake?'' I really didn't want a liability. If he couldn't, I could just make it myself and give it to him to show the lecturer.

He grinned widely. ''Come on Jin, do you really think so lowly of me? I'm a boss at this.'' He said bumping me with his elbow making me automatically stiffen at his touch and making his eyes widen in realization.

''Shit, I'm sorry. I... forgot?'' He gave me a guilty smile as he took a small sideways step away from me.

I gave him a small smile at the action. ''Its fine.'' Was all I said as I separated the wet and dry ingredients. We were having cooking class as a general course.

Now I know I didn't wanna go for any other class initially but I found myself there and the lecturer had ordered everyone to partner up and make anything. He was lazy, I was hungry. It worked out well enough for me.

It also meant I could stick around school with Jordan, Jayden and Zane until evening before I unfortunately had to go back home.

''What are we making?'' He finally asked and I brought out the baking pan. ''Cupcakes.'' I revealed. ''I'll take care of the wet ingredients. Could you do the dry ones?'' I requested to which he took action immediately measuring the flour. ''Yeah.'' He answered.