The Neko Named Noel [Short Story]

One

３ｒｄ person

Noel casually laid sprawled out on an empty park bench, sleeping soundly, not being aware of the surroundings around him. He mewled in his sleep, replaying the dream about his crush over and over again.

~~~~~

She was making pancakes in his abode, humming softly. He yawned as he walked downstairs, the smell instantly hitting his nose.

"What are you making that smells so good?" Noel asked, making his way over to the red head.

She grinned, blushing slightly, and replied, "Pancakes, since I know that's you're favorite food..."

Noel grinned and wrapped his arms around the petite girl, making her jump is surprise.

"H-Hey," She stuttered, "let me concentrate?"

He simply ignored her request and pecked her cheek, "I love you, Estelle."

She blushed and glanced at him before saying, "Wake up."

"Hm?"

~~~~~

"Wake up."

The ears on top of his head twitched inside his red beanie when he felt someone poke his forearm. His eyes fluttered open to see the figure before him.

"Wake up, Noel."

Noel's eyes widened as pink dusted his cheeks.

"E-Estelle?"

She grinned as her name ran off his tongue.

"What are you doing here?" Noel asked curiously, groaning as he sat up.

"I was on my way to school and saw you here, you twit," She laughed, pulling out her phone. "It's 7:26 am. If we don't get a move on, we'll be late."

Noel groaned and laid back down on the bench, yawning, "I'm skipping."

Estelle's smiling face soon turned into a cold stare. "Again? It's the 5th time that you've skipped school! Something's up."

Noel looked up at her, eyebrows narrowed as he sighed. "I just don't want to go, alright?"

"Stop lying to me." She snapped, gently taking his face in her hands, eyes full of worry.

His expression softened when he took glance into her eyes. He blushed and averted eye gaze, "Don't look at me like that."

"I wouldn't have to if you would tell me why you aren't going to school."

Noel eventually got annoyed with the girl and stood, "Just forget it."

She narrowed her eyebrows and reached out to him, tugging on his sweatshirt sleeve, "I was only doing that because I care about you. I care about you a lot, Noel. There has to be a reason why you haven't gone to school for the past few days."

Noel stared at the girl in shock. He quickly looked down, being freed from her grasp.

"I'm afraid, Estelle."

The girl's eyes soon clouded with curiosity, "Why are you afraid?"

Noel gulped, tears welling up in his eyes, "Because I fear that if I tell everyone my secret, everyone will hate me and look down on me as if I were a burden. I don't want that Estelle! I don't!" Tears began streaming down his cheeks.

Estelle instantly wrapped her arms around the sobbing boy, cooing softly in his ear. His cries soon drifted to calm sniffles.

"If it makes you feel better," She stated in a calm tone, "I'll skip school with you."

His lips formed a kind smile before laying his head on her shoulder.

"Thank you."