9 9) REALIZATION

The second day of the sports week started today at 9:00 am. Cecil was busy today because he was participating in the art competition. Katherine also had chosen the art competition. So, she was together with Cecil. Samaira went to her own game she was participating which was a debate competition. Only participants were allowed to enter the competition venue so, there weren't any other students.

Cecil loved drawing and painting since he was a child. When Bella went for a job, he used to spent his whole time drawing and painting. It was only his way to spend his time. Later, it became his hobby and gradually became good at it. He also entered an art club in his lower secondary school and was still in the art club till now. His favourites were oil painting and acrylic painting. His room was also full of his drawings and paintings.

The competition ended exactly after one and half hours. Cecil and Katherine exited together. There was a basketball competition later between Red Jackals and White Fox. Samaira was already at the venue. Cecil told them he would go to class and bring water bottles and left after that. Katherine joined Samaira and reserved a seat for Cecil too.

As Cecil was going to enter the class, he heard some of his classmates gossiping. He realized they were Noah, Aaron and Marcus. He was about to enter when he heard Aaron asking the question he was most afraid of asking.

"Hey Noah, do you like Cecil?"

Noah asked, "Why are you asking me such a question?"

"Dude, don't answer my question with another question."

Noah laughed and said, "Well... he's cute."

"Seriously?! He's a boy. How can a boy be cute? Did you fall in love with him?" Marcus teased.

"What? No!! I just feel he's cute. Besides he's also my good friend." Noah immediately answered back.

"Haha... see!! I told you. Noah doesn't love Cecil. I won the bet. Give me the money." Aaron grabbed Marcus's shoulder.

"What?? Do you guys bet whether I loved Cecil or not? Seriously guys... What's wrong with you?" Noah asked being a little bit angry.

"So what? We just felt Cecil likes you. Not as a friend but the other way." Marcus said.

"No way. Cecil isn't like that. I would also never fall in love with a boy." Noah said seriously.

"But you guys are always so close and touchy. What about that?" Aaron asked.

"He always has that serious face so, I love teasing him. Don't take it another way. Don't ever mention such things again." Noah warned them.

"Sure, just chill out."

Okay, Cecil's delicate glass heart literally shattered there. He didn't know when tears started to well up in his eyes but just now a large drop of tear fell down. He knew it. He knew he had no chance since the beginning. But listening directly from Noah's mouth made him fall in despair. It was him who thought Noah might like him too even if it was just 1%. It was his own delusion. He had to face this bitter truth eventually in the future. He was afraid of making a sound so, he just turned away from the classroom door.

They were laughing as Noah saw a faint silhouette of a person walking away from the door. He suddenly had that uncomfortable feeling in his heart. He felt like he was about to lose something important. There was a feeling of discomfort swelling inside his heart. Why was he feeling like that? He had a bad premonition so, he immediately rushed out of the class to see who that student was.

Noah liked Cecil but he wasn't sure if he loved Cecil or not. But one thing was sure, he didn't want to lose Cecil. His first impression of Cecil was the type of guy who was introverted and loved studying all day. But after knowing Cecil, Noah discovered a new Cecil. Cecil just didn't like exposing his feelings. He wasn't introverted, just had a small circle of friends. He was really open and friendly with someone he was close to. Cecil didn't even look twice at the persons he didn't care about. It took lots of effort for Noah to make Cecil open up to him. After receiving those warm smiles, he didn't want to lose it again. He didn't want to become unfamiliar with Cecil.

Noah didn't see anyone in the hallway but out of his instinct, he went to search Cecil.

Cecil arrived at the competition venue with a wet face and red eyes. Both Katherine and Samaira were shocked. They had never seen Cecil like this before. Cecil sat on the seat reserved by Katherine.

"What happened to you?" Samaira asked.

Cecil smiled and said, "Nothing. I washed my face before coming here."

"Why?"

"I was feeling uncomfortable after painting."

Katherine and Samaira knew he was lying but still didn't expose his lies. They were best friends since grade 2. They could already tell when Cecil was lying or telling the truth. Katherine gave him a handkerchief and said, " Take it to wipe your face."

"Hey, Cecil!!"

Cecil froze hearing that voice. It was the voice he loved hearing the most but now he felt like there was a heavy stone in his heart. He stiffly turned back and saw Noah smiling at him.

Forget it! It was him who expected more. It was not Noah's fault.

"Hi," Cecil answered back.

Noah walked forward and sat on the backseat of Cecil and asked, "How was your competition?"

"It was okay."

As Noah tried to touch Cecil's shoulder, Cecil avoided his touch. His heart trembled. He felt like something wasn't right. Cecil never did such a thing before. Cecil was also avoiding looking into his eyes. Was Cecil angry with him? But why?

All of them watched the entire game without talking excessively. Katherine talked with Cecil sometimes and sometimes with Noah but Cecil didn't talk much with Noah. It was the first time they saw Cecil avoiding Noah so much. Something wasn't right.

Noah felt like needles were piercing his heart the whole time. He didn't like it when Cecil avoided him. He didn't like it at all. Before he could talk with Cecil, Cecil had already left with Katherine and Samaira. Cecil didn't call or wait for him. Before this, he was always Cecil's first priority. What was happening now?

Cecil avoided Noah that whole day. He didn't want to confront Noah and his feelings towards him. He returned back home in the afternoon saying he wasn't feeling well. He just needed to spend some time alone.