(( Star's POV ))

Here we are, the place I always go to whenever I am feeling under the weather. Now, I will be sharing this special place with Marco. I just hope he likes it as much as I do.

"Star, where are we? It's beautiful," he said, as he took a seat next to mine.

And I was glad he liked it.

"This is the place where the gnomes live, but they're deep inside the forest, you should see them if we can, they're super adorable,"

"I bet they're like you then," he smiled. I didn't really get what he said, and instead thought of my impending situation.

No I shouldn't think of it anymore. Otherwise, why did I come here for?

"Marco, I know what we should do! Want to see a gnome?" I whispered, standing up.

His face lighted up.

"Sure that'd be great! Sounds fun too!" He said enthusiastically, "Plus it will help clear your mind too."

---

We were in the forest, hiding behind a big bush, the two of us, side by side, observing the cute little gnomes.

Marco was about to say something, but before he could I quickly placed my hand over his mouth.

His eyes widened as he stared at me alarmed. I placed my index finger over my mouth, before removing my hand from his mouth. He mock glared at me. I laughed at bit to myself.

Gnomes do not like anyone spying on them. Been there, done that.

Looking at the gnomes really made me happy. The little beings were so cute. I also liked the peaceful surroundings of the forest, it seemed so magical.

The soft breeze, rustling of the leaves, little streaks of sunlight peeping through.

---

We had a lot of fun. Trust me, I always have enjoyed my time around Marco. He's so upbeat, hilarious and nice to me. Like all the time.

"Hey Star are you hungry?" He asked.

Like now.

What more could you ask for?

We were now sitting on a mouldy tree trunk that had probably fallen a while back.

"Wait a minute, let me go get the food," I stood up, brushing off any moss behind my skirt.

It was getting late now, the sky was a light purple. A few stars were already sparkling in the dimming light.

"Food? From here?" He asked, unbelieving my words.

"Yeah. Here." I replied, challenging him to come along with me by giving away as little details as possible.

To be honest, although I know this place like the back of my hand, it was getting creepy at night, and I wanted company.

Marco's presence was comforting. Perhaps it is because I felt like I could rely on him a bit, I guess.

As I stepped over branches and twigs, I could hear his steps behind me. I smiled. As he walked beside me, I heard an animal in the forest howling.

Instinctively, I held Marco's hand. I couldn't see his reaction as it was too dark.

"Getting scared, are we?" I could tell that he was smirking from the sound of his voice.

I pinched his hand playfully.

"Just lend me your hand and keep quiet." I smiled.

"Sure, my hand is all yours," he replied, entwining his hand in mine.

I felt as if a barrel of warmth was doused over me and my cheeks got hot.

I walked in front of him, not letting go. Finally we reached the spot where I hid my food. I could recognise the special markings I left behind from the last time.
( breakup with my first ex )

I was sad to let go his hand when I had to lift up the big piece of rock to the food. I couldn't lift it up. It was too heavy.

I felt the warmth of Marco's hands on my hands as he helped me lift up the cover.

Inside, there was a cake, along with a few other snacks, magically preserved. I took the box of food before kicking the lid back in place.

"Whoa that's really a cool way of preserving food."

As we walked, I wanted to hold his hand, and I did. I was delighted when he didn't let go and held onto my hand as well.

And when we sat, I made sure that we were touching. Don't get me wrong, I was quite scared of the dark. But I didn't want to go home. I wanted to spend more to here with Marco.

We ate the food with a comforting silence.

Marco started the conversation, saying, "Hey Star, thanks for bringing me here today, I love this place. And the cute gnomes."

"And thanks to you for accompanying me here!" I replied, smiling. I wonder if he could see me smiling. It was quite dark now, and I could only see the outline of his face. I could only see his face from a certain angle.

I yawned. I was getting tired.

No, I can't sleep. Not yet, I still need to spend more time. Who knows when I will be awake again.

"Let's admire the stars, look!" He pointed, and I looked up.

A shooting star.

"Make a wish Marco! A shooting star!" I grinned foolishly. Marco shook his head, smiling.

"Can't believe the star herself believes all these."

"Make a wish now!" I shushed him as I closed my eyes, making my wish...

When I opened my eyes, I also saw that Marco also made a wish.

"See? You made a wish too didn't you?" I teased.

He laughed as I asked what he wished for.

"I will tell you later. Let's admire the stars first."

We sat there looking up for a while.

"I must say Star, that you look as pretty as the night sky. You're truly my lucky star." He said aloud.

I blushed from the compliment from Marco.

(( Marco's POV ))

"Thanks for the compliment, Marco," I could tell Star felt a bit awkward. That's so cute.

"I said just now that I would tell you what my wish was right?" I asked again, looking at her.

The way she avoided my gaze revealed that she still felt awkward.

Nevertheless, it has to be today.

I have a strong feeling that it has to be today. The future is looking quite bleak anyway.

Go for it, Marco.

"Well my wish has got to do with you. I wished that you will be safe from harm."

"Thanks again, Marco," she smiled up at the night sky, with such an innocent expression.

"And Star..."

I looked at her, waiting for her to return my gaze.

"I wished for something else too," I continued, my voice dropping to a low whisper.

"Star, it has been quite a while, but I guess I only have the courage to say it now."

I looked down, playing with the cake wrapper.

"Star, I like you. A lot. It's true that ever since you came into my life, you are like a star, you brought light into my life. This may or may not sound cheesy, but I really want to spend my days with you. I want to laugh and share happy moments with you. And I am glad that we have created a few for me to look back, like today. You might not know how much your presence means to mean, and you know now. I don't know how it will be like without you around. Unlike Jackie, you are different. I know you know it too."

I took a sharp intake of breath. Phew, I was glad I finally got that out of my head.

I looked at Star. I had to see her reaction to know how she feels.

I don't regret confessing my feelings for her, since I don't see how i can have another perfect chance to say it.

Star looked shocked for a moment before she blushed. She has been blushing a lot these few days... I could tell she was trying to find a reply too, I prayed and hoped that my wish would come true...

"Marco, maybe it might seem weird to say this or maybe it doesn't, and I wanted to tell you something, but it seems that you have beaten me to it. Marco, ever since a few months ago, I also realised that I had fallen for you too." She looked at me as gave me a heart warming grin.

I was more than ecstatic. I was more than overjoyed or over the moon. I was on cloud nine. Or maybe even higher.

I laughed.

It was a genuine laugh. I felt so happy everything turned out perfectly fine. Star looked at me and no longer feeling awkward, laughed too. I laughed for quite a while, our laughters echoing through the woods.

When I finally contained myself, I looked at her, holding her hands.

It felt weird, but I drew closer.

Weird yet right at the same time.

"Guess my wish came true," I whispered as my lip brushed against hers.

Star stole my first kiss, and I stole hers too. So that makes us equal, doesn't it?

---

For the rest of the night, Star leaned on me as we leaned against the comfortable tree trunk.

The grass was cooling and I felt glad to have this private space to ourselves. I really like this place. A lot.

"Marco," she said, playing with the strings on my hoodie, "Things won't get awkward between us right?"

"As long as you don't feel that way, we can always remain as the besties we are now,"

I liked the feel of her soft hair, the feel of her leaning on me, the soft tugging of the strings as she toyed with them.

I felt so contended.

"And also, you know that once I fall asleep now, high chances are I wouldn't wake up tomorrow?"

I nodded.

"Please protect me."

"Don't worry, you know I will. I care for you too much to abandon you."

"You're the best earth turd I could ever have." She sounded tired and I knew she was going to fall asleep.

"Good night Star," I said, looking at her, gazing at her amazing smile for the last time...

She touched my mole affectionately, giving me a kiss on her cheek. I grinned. I probably have to get used to this. (It's a good thing)

I could tell she was really tired and was fast falling asleep. I was touched she stayed up so late till now just for me.

"Star it's alright, just go to sleep," I said, placing an arm around her. She nodded and snuggled against me.

Within seconds, she was fast asleep.
Looks like she was really tired.

Although I might have said it quite a few times, but look at her, so adorable.

I stayed like this for a while, listening to the sounds of her breathing.

---
damn is she going on an eternal sleep?