I never keep secrets from Sophie.

That doesn't mean I don't want to keep secrets from her. For the most part, I don't. But, when I do, Sophie always knows.

That's way Sophie is my best friend. She knows me so well. It is an advantage and a disadvantage.

I knew me and Paul would be a hard secret to keep.

~

I woke up smiling larger than I ever have.

Paul. Mine.

I got dressed, making sure to put on something decent. Sophie and I met at the front doors of the school. I saw her smile when Owen and Paul came to join us.

"Hey," Owen sheepishly greeted.

I waved.

"We're back," Paul said. "And I'm sorry. We'll be here. We're your friends."

"We won't leave again," Owen assured us.

I looked at Paul and smiled. He smiled back.

We hung out, happily talking as if nothing had happened. I was desperate to hold Paul's hand in mine, but I knew I couldn't. We didn't want to make the friend group weird.

It was great to finally have my friends back. Even though things between me and Paul were different, we were back together, and that was enough. We were laughing in class and in lunch, and talking to each other.

Paul and I continued to meet one another's gaze, and it pained me to not be able to do more. Though, it exhilarated me to keep something this big a secret. It was for the greater good, I reasoned.

Whenever we had the chance, the whole group was hanging out. It was great to be together once again.

After school, I went to my locker. I was practically jumping up and down with excitement of seeing Paul. I would finally be able to act like I was more than his friend.

My thoughts paused as my locked slammed shut.

I jumped back, startled. Sophie stood with her hand on my locker, a smug smile on her face. "So," she firmly said, smirking.

I nodded. "So?"

"You and Paul made it official, huh?" I blushed at Sophie's question.

"N-No," I lied—horribly, might I add.

Sophie rolled her eyes.

I sighed. "How'd you know?"

Sophie laughed. "You two aren't as good as hiding it as you think."

"What gave it away?"

Sophie removed her hand from my locker, instead settling on crossing her arms and leaning on it. "Are you kidding me? The loving looks, the longing sighs... I mean, you may as well have told us."

I opened my locker again, putting and taking out the necessary supplies. "Fine. It's true. Now, if you'll let me leave, I have to meet with Paul."

Sophie squealed in excitement. "This is great! I knew you two were perfect for each other."

I rolled my eyes but smiled. I started walking away.

"Oh, Natalie?"

"Yeah, Soph?"

"Don't you ever try to lie to me again."

I laughed. "I won't. Not that it matters, anyway."

I smiled at Sophie, and she smiled back. I walked out of the school, a grin still plastered on my face.

My whole ride back to my house was nerve-racking. I rode my bike because my parents needed to use the car, and I didn't live too far. But, even though the ride would take all of 15 minutes, I couldn't help but worry that it was too hot, and I'd get too sweaty, and then Paul wouldn't want to be around me.

I was able to freshen up once I did reach my house, and made sure I looked presentable.

Barely five minutes later, my doorbell rang. The bell chimes through the house. "Coming!" I called out, my heart pounding with excitement.

I opened the door, and there Paul was, standing with a sheepish smile on his face. "Hi," he greeted.

I smiled. "Hi. Would you like to come in?"

Paul nodded, taking a step into the house. "This is really nice," he commented.

"Thanks."

Neither of us said anything. Paul just looked at me. He shoved his hands in his pockets. He looked great, even though he was being completely casual. It mystified me how he could be so... perfect.

Paul chuckled. "This is a little awkward."

I nodded. "Yeah."

He sighed, letting his hands find mine. "I'm glad we're doing this, Natalie."

"Me too, Paul."

No words. I could see Paul's eyes shift to my lips, and I'd be lying if I said mine didn't shift to his.

"C-Can I kiss you, Natalie?" He asked.

I giggled and grinned. "Of course."

Carefully and gently, he lowered his head. His soft lips met mine for a moment or two longer than they had ever before. But it was enough. I took note of how soft his lips were, though slightly chapped. His lips curved when he kissed me, shifting from their normally straight line. He smiled into the kiss, clearly happy.

I could hear a beating in my ear once he pulled away. My head rested on Paul's chest, and I wasn't sure if the relentless drum in my head was my heartbeat or his. I didn't care. I sighed contently.

And then I remembered.

I pulled away hesitantly. Paul sensed my change in emotion. I could see the concern in his eyes.

I gripped Paul's hands in mine—they, too, were soft. They were bigger than mine, and always warm—and looked into his beautiful eyes. "Sophie knows about us," I admitted.

Paul laughed. "So does Owen."

I smiled. "They're good friends, aren't they?"

He nodded.

"So," I proposed, "how about we do homework?"

Paul nodded, smiling happily.

"Anything is fine," he replied, "as long as I'm with you."