Did I just say that I thanked my best friend that much? Well, I just hated her right at that moment as well.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry. Clem, I'm just here to tell you that the rest of the gang and I will be at the canteen. So, yeah if you need us, we'll be there. See you later!" And just like that, she went of like the Flash. Of course, I didn't miss the quick wink she sent me. As well as that sly smirk of hers. God, I just hated her so much right now! She'll bombard me with questions I'm already expecting later on.

"You know, your friends seem to be cool." Both of us were still looking at the door where Holly appeared and left just seconds ago. He sighed and let out a quiet laugh that seemed oddly unhappy. I looked at him and it was his turn to look down. It's as if destiny won't let us see each other's eyes. Maybe because of the consequences that might happen again? I mentally shrugged it off and decided to ask about his sudden change of mood.

"What's wrong? Don't you have cool friends too?" Oh my goodness, Clem! Stop asking such nonsense. Of course he has cool friends too! Heck, he might even have a lot more–

"I'm not good with people. Not that I hate being around them, it's just– I feel anxious every time I try talking to new people. I'd actually guess you've already heard about the rumors of me. That I ain't good with socializing. It's true. I'm not fond with people. I honestly don't even know how'd I gain the courage to talk to you without panicking." He sniggered. I'd never expected to hear this from a school's sweetheart. He always seemed really popular around students. Even teachers. I never knew he also had some sort of dark cloud forming on top of his head, raindrops waiting to be poured down once he's cracked.

"That's the reason why I usually work alone. Eat alone. Study alone. Every normal highschool student wouldn't do. I may be known by a lot of people in this school, but to be honest- I never asked for that kind of attention. All I ever wished for is to gain enough strength to conquer the fear of talking to others and start to avoid being alone all the ti–"

"You're not alone." We can be alone together all the time you'd want. But, no. I doubt that would happen. What I said came out like a whisper. I simply can't help it anymore! This is too much. He doesn't deserve to feel this way. Not without a single explainable reason. Without any control of my actions, my arm was already reluctantly placed above his shoulders. At first, I felt a look of panic sprawling across my face, scared that he himself might be terrified because of my sudden idiocy. Instead, I felt him lean against my side. He felt warm. His head laid on top of my shoulder as he sighed, feeling more calmed and relaxed.

I was stunned. I definitely did not expect for this scenario to happen. Ever! Neither for it to exist. Due to the shock it created, I didn't get to respond with his actions immediately. Luckily, he didn't notice. So after a little while, I finally squeezed him awkwardly against me. I'm guessing he was smiling warmly as he sighed in content, his head still above my shoulder. I can't seem to find the right words to say, so instead- he did. He continued to talk to me. I felt extremely happy that he's finally letting out things about him without any form of hesitance. And it makes my heart flutter that it's me who he's chosen to chat with.

Though, I can't help but wonder– why me?

"When I was ten, I was riding my bicycle, heading towards home. When suddenly, a huge looking truck drove towards me. I'm guessing the driver hadn't notice me passing by, so it went straight at me- stopping when it was too late. It caused me and my crushed bike flying across the other side of the road. That's what my parents told me. I can't really remember all of those memories. I kind of had a temporary amnesia and didn't get to remember much about my past. Particularly some older events before the accident. I just don't really like strolling back into my past and remembering that horrible scenario."

I felt a tear soak down my shirt where his head was laid, so I rubbed Patrick's back comfortingly. That was in fact, horrible. I can't even get myself to picture that horrifying incident. I'm just glad he's survived and is able to let this out now.

"Don't you remember a little more from your past?" I tried to ask as calm as possible. And I was thankful that he didn't seem to mind about the growing curiosity inside me. His life sounds more interesting than I thought.

All I know about him is that, he's Patrick Martin Vaughn Stumph. Although, his last name was changed to 'Stump' in order to lessen the complication of pronouncing it. And is now popularly known- well, simply as Patrick Stump. He's the same age as me. Only started studying here this school year, but apparently gained a lot of girls' eyes already. Including mine. But I was never the overly confident one, so we never got to talk until now.

Besides the facts about himself that he's telling me now, I also noticed that he has the brains. He's intelligent. Well, that's what I presumed since he was in the list for the participants for the quiz bee on Friday, which I still need his confirmation about. I also noticed how he was pretty active with the classes we both have. I get to see him during Math, Science, and Music. I frequently hear great comments from our teachers about him. Overall, I assumed he was smart as well.

"Well- besides from the important details about myself and family, I can see a little girl in my dreams. I don't think she's even a dream. I really feel like she has something huge to do with my past. Even before the accident. I want to rember who she is, but it's still a blur. I tried asking my parents about her, but they had no idea about the little girl. So, I had to find out myself. I'm not giving up, though. 'Cause I think other than that little girl from my past, there's not much people I've encountered nicely. Even up until now. Except for you, at least."

He finally faced me, a light blush crawling up his soft looking cheeks. Did that just happen? I hadn't even realize how close we were. He was sitting so close to me. I didn't know what to do! I felt like choking. That always happens when I get nervous! The close proximity making it's way. Oh no, oh no! And there it was- I choked. Causing Patrick to gently rub my back, a worried look on his face. Once I stopped, I awkwardly laughed and scratched the back of my neck, trying to find the right words to spill.

"I really hope you'll get to meet this girl someday. I also believe she'll get to help you remember a lot more about your past." I looked at him reassuringly, a small smile plastered on my blushing face. I think both of us were. But I shouldn't be having thoughts like that. It's highly doubtful. Yeah, Clem. Keep telling that to yourself. Wow. Now even my head is pushing me to this man. I can't help but to feel a tinge of jealousy, though. That little girl seemed so special to him. I bet she ain't even a little girl now. Either way, I feel contented like this. I got to talk to him after months of being too shy. And I got to help him too.

"Thanks, Clementine. I honestly don't know why'd I got to tell you all these. But thank you. So much." He placed a hand on my shoulder, looked and smiled at me sincerely. I don't care if it sounds too cliché, but it felt mind blowing! His hand was as warm as the rest of his body, and I don't even know how that is reasonably possible. But, I loved it.

"No problem. Just remember that you're not alone. You could always tell me anything." I smiled back shyly, trying my best not to let the blush take over my cheeks again. He chuckled adorably and nodded his head in agreement. He then, checked his wristwatch as his eyes widened in shock.

"Woah! We've been here for almost half an hour now. We should head over to the canteen already. I'm pretty sure your friends are looking for you. And I wouldn't want you starving for the next class." He laughed. I joined along and felt the familiar heat rush through my cheeks again. Why does this have to keep happening?! After agreeing on what Patrick said, we both headed our way towards the canteen. Also, when I asked him about the quiz bee- he agreed. He was beyond excited to participate. And that, made me extremely ecstatic as well.

Of course, a nerd like me walking with a heartthrob like him includes some consequences. As we passed by people, I don't know if Patrick had notice- but people were throwing away weird glances at us. Like we were being judged, mentally. Which was expected. I took a quick glimpse of Patrick, and smiled as he looked like he was more confident now. I felt like he was still nervous being watched by human beings. Nonetheless, seeing him a little stronger now, somehow made me proud. Knowing that I got to help. Well, good for him.

As we reached the school's canteen, I stopped a good few inches from where my friends sat and tried to offer Patrick to seat with us. I wouldn't want him being alone again. Not after what he had told me about. But then again, he was too shy even if I really insisted him to. He greeted my friends- who were obviously shocked to see who I was with, and quickly said his 'goodbye' as he awkwardly walked away. I absolutely didn't miss the swift look he gave me, which was one of admiration. I guess? I don't wanna sound as if I'm being assuming and all! 'Cause I'm really not. And I hate being called that way. I'm not even sure if that was what his glance meant, but based on psychology–

"Clem?!"

I was uttered out of my thoughts by my friends already staring daggers at me. I felt being stabbed by it already. Not in a way that I'd feel bad or hurt, but in a way where it creates beads of anxious sweat already forming under my thin layer of bangs. Yes, I have bangs. Just like Dora's, but less thick. Perfect way of having the nerdy type of persona. I'm okay with my appearance, no worries. Sighing as I looked down- I knew exactly what was about to come.

"Care to explain why you were with Mr. Patrick Stump?"