Suggested song: ily by Lauren Spencer Smith

It is safe to say that the environment around them changed like a flick of a switch. Matreya had stomped her way out of the auditorium with the hoots of the entire basketball team. After her exit, their eyes were now on the newly announced "couple."

Crystal and Royce were equally flushed. Both of them had many unanswered questions. Royce was over the moon but Crystal looked...confused.

"Royce," she says, looking down, "if you are completely against this, I completely understand." She looks at his eyes and examines his face. "I knew how she treated you, and I know that you wanted to be away from her, that is why I spoke for you. I know my words will hurt her and if you didn't like it, I take it all back. I'll speak to her and make amendments."

She looks away, focusing her gaze on two birds sitting near a window. "I don't know the current relationship between the two of you but, by any chance, if I'm interfering you, please tell me and I will step aside." Her face was flushed with embarrassment. She hadn't known him long enough to take a decision which needed the consent of both parties. This decision was taken just to anger another and that troubles Crystal deeply.

Royce smiles. He cups her gentle, innocent face. "Look at me, Crystal." His eyes searched her attention. "Does this face show you any sign of regret? If anything, I am overjoyed." His face was glistening with happiness. "I wanted to ask you out the day you stepped into this school, but there were many obstacles. I didn't want to look like a freak or a player. I knew I wasn't the person with the picture-perfect record in school and I knew you would reject me without thinking twice."

Crystal's tensed face softens at his confession. "Now the real question is, do you want this? You told it to her just to keep her off my tracks, but if you want to take your time to observe around and find your person, it is completely fine by me." Benji makes a soft "pftt" in the background, and some of the others sniggers. Royce rolls his eyes and concludes, "don't make it that serious guys. It is not completely fine but, I will stay out of your way and accept your decision."

Crystal slightly tip-toes and gives him a light kiss on the cheek. Royce becomes blood red. "I'm happy that you are not offended by me." She gives him a soft smile. "Yes, I want this Royce."

The boys cheered and clapped. "LET'S GO!" announced Benji. He turns to Royce and Crystal. "Congratulations to the new couple." He gives them both two odd looking cookies. "I officially announce you boyfriend and girlfriend. You may now eat." The "couple" giggled and the team cheered. No teachers interfered them as they took permission to be engaged in this activity the entire day. They enjoyed their little party with all the left overs and each other's company. That day, Royce felt seen and so did Crystal. He loved her selflessness and she loved that he had feelings for her...just like she did.

...

The news had spread like wild fire. There were ten missed calls and an incoming call from Sarah even before she had reached home. Crystal laughs at the sight and sends her a message that she will answer after she goes to the comfort of her room. She knew that everyone at home would keep their work aside and fix their ears on her call. She hated it. She didn't have the freedom many people thought she had...and even if she tried to communicate with others, people would say that it was normal, which made her feel lost.

As Crystal plopped to her bed, she hears the doorbell ring. "Ah Sarah, it's you!" Crystal's mothers gestures her into the house. "Crystal is in her room," she hears her mother say. Within seconds Sarah reaches her room and they start spilling tea.

"CRYSTAL! This news is hotter than the hottest thing out there!" Sarah was clearly more pumped than Crystal herself. "Shh, shh, Mom will hear." None of her parents liked things of this sort; these were none existent in their lives. Crystal stretches her legs and observes the stars and moons on the ceiling. A blush along with a smile creeps on her face. She tells Sarah each and every detail and Crystal gives out a hearty laugh whenever Sarah's chin fell to the floor.

The pair enjoyed the evening and completed some of their homework together. Actually, it was only Crystal who did and Sarah just entertained her best friend by making up scenarios of their future wedding and gender reveals. Crystal was all embarrassed but secretly loved how she creatively made them up.

Royce on the other hand, couldn't comprehend anything. This was nothing he expected but he loved it all the same. It was expected that every five to ten minutes that Benji would send him a GIF or a picture of something related to "romance". He had second thoughts to even block him, but he knew that Benji was happy just as he was.

He had to visit his father's construction site in the evening. So he ate as much as he could and drove his way to the site. On his way, a set of gangsters stops him. The driver rolls down the window and asks Royce, "Are you Tara Robinson's son?" Royce was confused, but nods at the strangers. "Why?" he shot back. The man sniggers and tells to the rest of the people in the jeep, "He is the youngest of that slut." They hollered in laughter and drove away. Royce felt he was shot to the chest. He couldn't drive, he couldn't breath. He couldn't decide on who to call, his father or Benji. He finally takes a call to his father. "Father, I am in Westword Street. Could you pick me up? I took my bike, but I cannot drive it."

"I'll be there in 5."

Less than five minutes go by, his father comes with a helper to take his bike. His father takes him in his car and Royce informs him on what happened. His grip on the steering wheel became tighter; it was evident as his knuckles were drained in colour. He ruffles his son's hair and says, "I'll never let anyone embarrass my son. She will face her wrath when the time comes. For now, I'll finish them." Royce observes his father's face and it was clear as daylight that he was plotting something dangerous, very dangerous.

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What was that?!?!?!?

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~psyco_berry12