but my love (Wattys2014 Talk of the Town Winner)

➵veintiocho

despite your noticeable efforts

to speak to me, i avoid you as much as possible

because, my love, you hurt my feelings

and i just-

i don't even know anymore

i am in English class, doing nothing but

 bobbing my head to

ed sheeran playing in my ears,

you come to sit next to me

i look at the book i'm supposed to read, blankly

"cherry,please look at me."

the thing is, mi amor,

i don't even know if i'm still mad at you,

for i am not one to hold grudges.

i guess i just wanted some time.

"cherry, i'm sorry."

i sigh, "for what? I'm not mad at you." 

you scoff: " really? Then why is this the first time you talk to me all week?"

"because i'm tired."

"of what?"

"of being seen as the opposite of beautiful"

"were you deaf last friday night? i think you're beautiful, cherry. doesn't that matter?"

i let out an exasperated breath

"i-i just don't know, Austin"

i feel eyes on us and i put my head down

"i thought you liked me," you whisper

"i do, but-"

you stomp your foot on the ground

"then what's the fucking problem? I like you too, cherry, and you know it"

i lift my head and look at you straight in the eyes

"i need to learn to like myself first, austin."

"i'll help."

and i don't know if it was the determination in your eyes,

or the way your eyes sparkled like an ocean,

or just the way you looked at me as if i was the only human

in the entire universe,

but right in the middle of English class,

i leaned towards you,

and kissed you with all my might