"Stop doing this to me."

I stared blankly at Brandon as he just sat there on the floor like a helpless person. What was I supposed to do? I stressed him out this much.

But what. What the heck was I doing to him anyway? I wouldn't know, because he's not saying anything.

"Are you mad?" I asked, my voice so tiny I can't believe it came from my own mouth.

He peeled his face off his hands and looked up at me, since I was sitting on the bed while he was on the floor. "What do you think?" He said, in a sarcastic way.

Then he stood right up, and started pacing back and forth again. I quietly pulled my legs up and hugged them against my chest. This wasn't happening.

"You really don't think do you?" He started, a look of disbelief in his face. "No, you don't actually get it! You're a girl Mira! Why would you challenge a bunch of guys you don't know into a fight? Do you think you can do anything alone? You're strong, I get it, but you're just too reckless! You don't think at all!"

That outburst popped my nerves. The guilt I was feeling right now turned into anger. I don't know. Maybe I'm getting it mixed up since I've been so tense since earlier.

"What did you expect me to do?" I said, mirroring his tone and expression. "To just stand there and do nothing while they do whatever they want? Say whatever they want?"

"I wanted you to at least call for help!" His voice was raising, and so was his temper. Needless to say, I was about to do the exact same thing. "You could've called somebody as soon as you felt suspicious of them!"

"I was defending myself!" I said. "Why would I call someone for help when I could've handled it by myself?"

Facepalm. That was not what I was supposed to say. I know I'm wrong, but my mouth just kept going on. My bad habit at trying to win every argument is resurfacing at the worst of times.

"Well you did a great job handling it!" He chuckled in mock laughter, waving his hands in the air to emphasize his point. "What could've happened if I didn't come just in time?!"

"Well I'm sorry for that!" I yelled, not sounding sorry at all. "I wasn't in the right state of mind because of you. So I'm sorry okay?!"

Shut up Mira. Shut up shut up shut up.

"So it's my fault now?" He asked, increduously.

"I'm not saying it's your fault you stupid fuck. I'm saying... What I mean to say is..." I started trailing off my words when I realized how harsh I sounded.

My anger melted for a bit. We weren't supposed to be arguing right now. I shouldn't be hanging on my pride just so I can win this argument. I'm gonna lose him.

But bad habits die hard.

I looked at him, my brows creased and my face - I don't know what the hell I looked like. He was staring intensely at me, waiting. "Why should you care? Why are you getting mad at me? Who gave you the right to yell at me? Seriously you're always pissing me off!"

No! No! Stop it! Shut up!

Stop making everything worse!

"It's not that I... You... Argh!" He jumbled in his words, sounding more and more frustrated. He flipped his hair impatiently as he sent me the same hopeless look from earlier, but this time it had a mixture of anger and sadness. "Stop doing this to me Mira!"

"Stop what?!" I flailed my arms as well. "What did I ever do to you?!"

He didn't say anything, but he just kept looking at me. This wasn't about that fight earlier anymore.

I got off the bed and stood up, to show some bit of strength. Even though my knees were trembling. My hands were trembling. My voice was trembling.

My heart was trembling.

"I was living my life just fine." I said, unintentionally giving him an accusing glare. "And then you came along and everything fell apart!"

I could feel a stinging in my eyes. I was about to cry. Damn it. Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't let him see your weak side again. "I knew that game was trouble. But I still went with it. I went with you. I... I let myself be manipulated. I..."

My eyes left his and I found myself staring at the floor, finding the truth in what I was about to say.

"I wish I never met you."

Brandon stepped closer to me and hesitated to hold my arms. He almost took my hands, but he stopped himself.

"That's not fair," he mumbled, sounding helpless, pained. I'm a complete idiot. And then his voice grew stronger. "That's just not fair Mira. You think you're the only one who got hurt? You think you're the only one who's got issues? You think you carry all the problems in the world? Well guess what, you're not! So why do you keep blaming me?"

He was right. I wanted to apologize. I really did. But my responses were automatic, and they got out of my mouth before I could even think about the consequences.

"I'm not!" My tone was stubborn. But he knew I was cornered.

"Yes you are! You may not be saying it directly, but you are. You blame me for everything."

That's what it sounded like, but the truth was, I didn't blame him for anything at all. All of this was my pride. It was my pride talking and ruining everything.

I'm fully aware of it. So why can't I just shut up?

I never knew there was a pain worse than what my father gave me. But this time, it was self-inflicted. I resent myself so much for acting like this, even when I knew the horrible outcome.

I didn't realize the tears strolling down my cheeks as if they were running a race until my vision got blurry.

I furiously wiped them off and looked away so he won't see. I hate this. I hate myself. "This is impossible. Why are you still talking to me? Just leave me alone."

I was slowly walking backwards but he kept coming forward. "No," he said firmly. "I want us to talk. I want to end this."

My heart shattered.

"You already ended things between us, remember?!" I looked at him again, my eyes burning with either tears or fury. I was so mad. I was so mad at myself. "Game over! No one wins, no one loses! That's what you said! Time to move on with our fucking lives! But what did you do? You texted me! I knew it was you who kept texting me. You really think I'm that stupid? What do you really want Brandon? Make up your God damn mind and stop messing my life!"

"No, I won't stop." He said. I walked away a bit just to keep distance. I can't stand him being so near at the moment. But he kept following me wherever I went in my own room. "You're misunderstanding something here. When I said I wanted to end things, I meant I wanted to end the silence, the let's avoiding each other routine. Mira, I just want to talk."

Then what the fuck were we doing right now? Dancing?

"You don't know just how misleading you are, don't you?" I glared at him. His strong expression was breaking, I could tell. It hurt me just as it did him. "Damn it Brandon, just tell me straight to my face that you don't want anything to do with me anymore. Don't attempt to be a gentleman and comfort me with sweet words just so I won't get hurt. I'm already hurt! Just tell me please! Just end this already!"

I said those words, but I wanted him to do the complete opposite. Such a fool I am.

What I meant to say was, please fight for me.

"No!" He said. I was feeling a bit hopeful. Please, fight for me. The way my dad never did. "I'm not gonna end this the way you think. I'm sorry if I misled you in any way, okay? You weren't the only one confused." He was trailing off his words as well. "You weren't the only one afraid to commit because you were afraid of getting hurt."

I suddenly remembered his text last night. Both of us thought the same thing. Dealt with the worst kinds of pain when we were kids, and are now afraid to take a step forward because of it.

"That's the thing," I told him, sitting on my bed again. My legs can't take it anymore. "Both of us are too damaged for each other. Nothing good is ever gonna come out from this because of our shitty lives. We're better off with other people."

I can't explain the flash of pain in his eyes. Now that I think about it, it was true. He doesn't deserve someone like me. I'm the one responsible for all those sad expressions he keeps making and I don't want that. He deserves someone better.

"You mean you're better off with Sam than with me?" He asked, quietly.

I didn't even think about that. But I have to push him away for his own good. I felt my heart squeeze inside my chest. It's the right thing to do. "It's not such a bad idea."

A heavy silence came, and it weighed heavier than before. Am I doing the right thing? I'm doing this for him. For his happiness.

I just hope I'll still be able to love someone again after this is over.

"You're killing me," he finally said, his voice breaking down. He sunk to the floor again. "You're killing me here Mira. Please. Please don't say that."

"Why the hell not? I can go with anyone I want."

"I just can't win!" He stood up again. He stared at my eyes and groaned in frustration. "Don't say you want to go with Sam!"

"Why are you getting mad again?!" I replied in the same volume. I hate it when he yells at me. "Why are you getting jealous?! Wake up Brandon, we're not together. Why would you tell me that?!"

He looked like he wanted to hold my shoulders but again, he stopped himself and ruffled his hair furiously instead. "Do you have any idea how much I had to restrain myself when I saw him kiss you? Do you have any idea how much I wanted to punch him lifeless for sticking so close to you everyday?"

My temper rose even higher. Funny.

"You think I don't feel that way when I see you with Emma?"

"This is ridiculous," he said in disbelief. "I don't have that kind of relationship with Emma!"

"Then what are you still doing here? Go after her!" I yelled. "You look perfect for each other."

Stupid. Stupid thing to say when we both know she had a boyfriend. I wish the stupid words would just stop falling from my mouth.

I don't even know what I want anymore. I still want him to fight for me, but I want to set him free. I don't understand myself.

"Stop fucking assuming things!" He yelled.

How long had it been since we started yelling at each other? I'm surprised the neighbors weren't complaning yet.

"Well I can't fucking help it!" I replied. "You put on a damn great show right in front of me everyday, and you expect me not to think like this? You! You... You made my mind a complete mess and I don't know what to think anymore!"

I furiously wiped the tears off my eyes as I stood up and faced him directly. Be strong.

He didn't take a step back when I advanced towards him, so our distance was minimal, but none of us cared at the moment. Both of us were so mad, and exhausted from all the shouting. We were both breathing heavily yet keeping our breaths steady.

"Damn you to hell Brandon!" My voice cracked mid-sentence for screaming too loud. I started punching his chest with all my might, but I doubt my punches had any strength left in them. He grabbed both my hands and squeezed it, before looking at me with the same emotions swirling in his eyes. I struggled to break free but I missed his touch. I missed it so much. "Just go away! Leave! I can't stand your face! Stop messing with my life!"

"Well too bad!" He was slowly walking forward, gripping my hands tighter and tighter until my back hit the wall. "I'm not gonna stop messing with your shitty life because I love you!"

"Well I love you too!" I said, unconsciously.

I was surprised with the words that just came out of our mouths. I couldn't make a clear reaction because as soon as I said those words back, he pushed the back of my head to his face and kissed me.

It was the spur of the moment. I clung to his neck for dear life as he deepened the kiss, at the same time pushing my back against the wall.

We pulled away for air every few seconds only to dive right back in like it sustained life.

I missed this so much. I missed him. But I can't think straight right now. What just happened?

The kiss turned into something gentle, and I couldn't help the tears pooling in my eyes. I can't explain it. Is this a dream?

He pulled away when he felt my tears on his face. We were breathing heavily after that, and we felt each other's hot breaths on our faces.

Gently, he pushed the loose strands of my hair away from my face and tucked them behind my ear. Then he looked at me sincerely before wiping my tears with his thumbs.

"I love you," he said, a hopeless grin forming on his face. "I mean it. I love your shitty life because that made you who you are right now, I love your smile, I love your laugh. I love every little thing you hate about yourself."

And then he kissed my nose as he continued to play with my short hair. "Before I met you, I already liked you. I made that game up because I didn't know how to get close to you without Leo's help. I didn't say it before because I was scared you really thought this was all just part of the game. But then we hung out everyday, that made me extremely happy. I thought I was the luckiest guy in the world. I told you my past, which I never told anyone before, and then you told me about yours. I got to know the real you, and just like that, I fell for you. Fell hard."

I just stared at him. His thumb was brushing my cheek slightly, his hand cupping half my face. It was warm.

"I'm a loser." He chuckled shortly. "I lost the game before it even began. I'm pathetic, right? You win. You won from the very start."

I was honestly speechless. This is all messed up, but I feel incredibly happy.

"You dipshit." I said. He looked surprised. "Manslut. Confusing me again."

"Damn it Mira, I said I love you!" He almost sounded like he was pleading. I smiled widely, adding more to his surprise.

"I meant I love you too."

I felt like all the weight stuck inside my chest had been forcefully lifted and thrown at sea. He finally said it. I finally said it.

He grinned before giving me another sweet kiss. And then we smiled before a pulling each other for a warm embrace.

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Leo and Nichole came back a few hours later. After they demanded we tell them everything, they both screamed for joy and pulled us into a group hug.

"Finally!" Leo was groaning, happily. "You two finally grew a pair!"

I rolled my eyes at him as I watched Brandon smiling at me while his face was getting severely pinched my Nichole. "You're finally a man. Guess you can keep yours after all."

He laughed nervously and then looked around. I didn't get it.

Leo threw a paper bag at Brandon and he caught it with his face before his hands. He gave his best friend a pointed look before checking the contents.

And then he looked at me mischievously.

"What?" I asked, genuinely curious. "What's in the bag?"

My best friends gave me a smirk I'll never trust as long as I live. Before I could snatch the bag from Brandon, we heard a knock on the door.

I went to to get it and boy was I surprised to see my mom, uncle and a police officer who looked the slightest bit familiar.

"Hi?" I greeted unsurely. "Am I in trouble?"

Mom quickly entered and pulled me into a hug. Such a great day for hugs. This feels so nice.

"Are you okay?" She asked, checking my face. I was about to ask what until I remembered what happened earlier.

"Yeah," I held her hand. "You didn't have to come all this way though."

"Why not?" She said. "My baby got into a fight and beat up five low-life bastards. This calls for a celebration!"

I laughed at that. Yup. I am my mother's daughter.

"Mira who's at the - " Brandon along with Nichole and Leo came up behind me. "Door. Uh. Hi, dad."

My brows rose at that. I snapped my head back at the officer beside my uncle again. My eyes were like saucers. That was his dad?

The man gave his son a look and then I heard Brandon let out a nervous chuckle. "Mmm yeah I'm in trouble again."

I couldn't help the smile spreading on my face. Mom noticed that and pinched my cheek.

"This is Officer Pierce, an old friend of mine back in the day," my uncle said as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "He'll be in charge of your case Mira."

I gave him a look. "What case?"

Officer Pierce, erm, Brandon's dad looked so strict. He didn't smile once since he got here. Oh no. This is the first time I've met him and I just made a huge bad impression.

He entered our apartment as well, and then my uncle followed. He took my wrists and pulled a pair of handcuffs from his belt behind him.

"Mira Jadsen, you're under arrest for the assault of five boys in school grounds. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say and do can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you."

I panicked as he locked one of the handcuff on my wrist. I looked at my mom and uncle for help.

"I'm getting arrested? But that was self-defense!" I reasoned. I don't want to go the prison! Oh no!

Seconds later, the officer burst into a fit of laughter, and then the rest of the adults followed. We kids had no clue what was going on.

Officer Pierce smiled widely at me before pulling me into a hug. Okay, I don't mind getting hugged but why wad he hugging me?

"I'm kidding. Just wanted to make a good first impression on the girl my son's been so crazy about."

I saw Brandon fighting back the red in his cheeks as his father placed a hand on my shoulder. "He'd been moping around the house for a week. I knew it was about a girl, but I never expected it'd be Ray's niece. It's fate."

"Dad." Brandon mumbled. He was embarrassed.

"What do you see in that boy anyway?" He asked me, the smile never wavering from his face. I feel light-headed. "You're too good for him."

Everybody in the room except Brandon laughed. He pinched my cheek like I was the cutest thing in the world. "Just call me Rob, Mira."

I don't know what just happened, but I think I was already accepted in the family.

"Okay. Um, Rob?" I asked, unsurely. He raised his brows in friendly manner. I raised my hand, showing him my handcuffed hand. "Is scaring the living daylights out of kids by reading them the Miranda rights part of the job?"

The adults chuckled loudly. Rob even slapped Uncle Ray's back. Brandon was grinning and my two best friends were just snickering behind us.

"I like this girl." He said as he gave me another hug. I'm not sure if I should be happy or confused.

He kissed my forehead and ruffled my hair. He then glanced over at Brandon and motioned for him to come closer. His son did as told.

He held Brandon's shoulder with one hand while he held mine with the other. We just looked at each other confused and just went along with his dad's humor.

We didn't understand what was happening because we were too occupied avoiding our parents' eyes until we heard a click.

Rob raised Brandon's hand, causing me to involuntarily raise my hand as well.

Oh my God.

His dad handcuffed us.

"Dad!" He said, laughing. Mom and uncle were laughing as well. "What the heck?"

Rob chortled. "Ain't this a dream come true for you son? You always said you wanted to be tied to the love of your life when you were a kid."

"I didn't mean literally," he chuckled. Then he gave me a joking, apologizing look. "Sorry Mira."

"It's fine," I giggled. "You have a cool dad."

After an exchange of laughs and some chatter (and some unnecessary teasing) Rob uncuffed us. I had to say I was a bit disappointed our fun was cut short.

I'm starting to love Brandon more now that I know his dad. I can't wait to meet his mom.

"Why don't we all go to dinner?" Uncle announced. We all cheered just thinking about all the free food until he gave me and Brandon a pointed look. "We're not finished yet though. But we'll discuss those matters tomorrow. For now, let's celebrate."

My friends and I just looked at each other, smiling. A bit afraid of what's in store for us tomorrow, but we were still smiling.

I couldn't be happier.

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

After that um, uh, interesting dinner, Brandon drove us back to the apartment. Uncle drove mom and Rob back to their houses as well.

We were silent when we returned, but it was a comfortable silence.

Leo already went ahead. Nichole was washing up in the bathroom. We were alone. At the moment.

I walked him to the door, still quiet. I was feeling a little, I don't know. Shy? His dad exposed his entire humiliating childhood over dinner, and my mom pretty much did the same to me.

Let's not forget how supportive my best friends were as well.

He was outside the apartment now, but was still standing outside the door. He was smiling at me.

"So," he mumbled, smiling all boy-like. It was adorable. "Can we um... have a date tomorrow? Like a real one this time?"

I laughed softly when he said that. Then I nodded my head. "I'd like that. What do you have in mind?"

I honestly didn't want a random date and just wing it. I mean, that's okay and all, but I'd like something he planned himself from time to time. It makes me feel secure.

He gave me playful smirk as he raised the paper Leo threw at him earlier. I raised a brow.

"What's in there?" I asked. He grinned.

"Our outfits for tomorrow's date."

I thought for a bit, and then my eyes widened in realization. I scoffed while folding my arms against my chest. "The potato pyjama set?"

"Yup." He wagged his brows suggestively. "For our sleepover tomorrow. I'm kicking Leo out of the apartment so it's just the two of us. No interruptions."

"Oh yeah?" I said, a smirk tugging up on my lips. "A sleepover, with just the two of us, no interruptions. Hm. I'm not suspicious at all."

He leaned closer, his eyes narrowing. "Remember the deal? This outfit is for our eyes only. Unless of course, you have other ideas - "

I pecked his lips before he could finish. It was just quick, a tease. A foolish grin spread on his face after I pulled away. "Goodnight potato."

Before he could say something witty back, I closed the door.

Yup. The potatoes are back.

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

A/N: So On is almost finished! Just one chapter left.

Trivia: I sneezed for five consecutive times. They say if you sneeze once, your brain stops for a second. That makes 5 seconds of brain death. That makes me the walking dead. Hah. And my exams just finished too.