Chapter "Small Date"

Hamlyn opened the terrace gate and with a raised hand he gestured for Sheryl to go first. She stepped onto the terrace, and he followed.

Pointing at a secluded corner, "Shall we take a seat there?" Hamlyn inquired, Sheryl responded with a silent nod of approval.

They both then settled onto the floor of the terrace, "Can I ask how you got those injuries?" Sheryl questioned.

"Just got into a fight," Hamlyn replied without hesitation.

Amazed, Sheryl remarked, "Weird."

"Why's that?" Hamlyn inquired.

"You don't seem like someone who gets into fights." Sheryl elaborated.

"True. I didn't want to, but I had to, you know, to protect myself," Hamlyn admitted.

"Wishing you a speedy recovery. Get well soon," Sheryl expressed her well wishes.

Hamlyn smiles, saying "Thank you. I feel so much better after talking with you." Sheryl's eyes widened in surprise, prompting Hamlyn to swiftly clarify, "I meant after treating my injuries.”

With a smile, Sheryl looked up at Hamlyn and extended the bag towards him. "This is for you. Please accept it," she said warmly.

Hamlyn, slightly surprised, accepted the bag and peered inside, finding snacks, energy drinks, and more.

looking at her with a hint of disbelief.

"For me?" He asked.

Sheryl nodded "Yes, to help you regain your energy,"

"Thank you so much," Hamlyn responded gratefully.

Sheryl's cheeks flushed as she glanced downward before meeting Hamlyn's eyes. "Um, Hamlyn," she began softly, "if you're okay with it, I brought lunch for us both.”

Hamlyn's heart raced as his mind swirled with excitement.

"What's happening to my heart? It feels like it's relocated to my ear," he thought to himself. "Lunch with her? Just the two of us? I must accept.”

Quickly composing himself, Hamlyn replied. "That sounds wonderful. Let's eat together."

Sheryl smiled warmly as she retrieved the lunch from another bag.

As Sheryl served the lunch, Hamlyn's eyes lit up with delight as he surveyed the lunch served before him. "This looks incredible! Did you prepare this all by yourself?" he exclaimed.

Sheryl nodded with a hint of pride. "Yes, I did. I hope it suits your taste," she replied.

Taking his first bite, Hamlyn couldn't contain his pleasure. A grin spread across his face as he savoured the flavours. "This is fantastic! Thank you so much!" he exclaimed.

Sheryl smiled in return, pleased by his reaction. "I'm glad you enjoyed it." she said, as she joined him in indulging in the meal.

As they finished their meal, Hamlyn and Sheryl sat together side by side,

"Thanks for the lunch, I think we're friends now," Hamlyn expressed his gratitude.

"Yes, I believe we are," Sheryl agreed, her smile widening. "As a gesture to mark the beginning of our friendship, may I sign your hand?”

Hamlyn's heart raced with excitement as he eagerly offered his hand. "Of course, go ahead," he said with a smile.

Sheryl's smile radiates warmth as she takes his hand, turning it over to find a blank space on his palm. After gently signing her name, she looked at Hamlyn's hand, and with a soft smile she delicately placed her own palm on top of his.

A wave of euphoria engulfed Hamlyn, as though he had been transported to a garden, completely captivated by her presence and gazing at her in utter awe.

A moment later, Sheryl abruptly realized her action. Her face turned crimson with embarrassment, and she quickly pulled her hand away. "I'm so sorry, I should go now." With that, she abruptly stood up and started running towards the terrace gate.

Rising swiftly to his feet, Hamlyn quickly called out, "Hey, wait!"

Sheryl halted in her tracks, slightly looking back over her shoulders. Silence filling between them.

"If you're okay with it," Hamlyn broke the silence, "we can come here again.”

Sheryl's face brightened with a fleeting smile before she swiftly dashed off the terrace, leaving without a word.

Hamlyn grinned to himself and crumpled on the ground, his heart still racing with excitement.

In a burst of excitement, he hit his injured hand on the ground, grimacing as a jolt of pain shot through his fractured arm. Yet, even through the discomfort, a smile stayed fixed on his face…

After a while, Hamlyn headed to his class. Carefully stowing the items Sheryl had given him into his bag, he couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth at the memory of their encounter.

"Looks like you treated yourself to quite a haul," Hamond remarked gazing at Hamlyn.

As Hamlyn packed his belongings, he commented, "Yeah, these snacks are to help me regain my energy."

Noticing Sheryl's nervousness, Hamond remarked, "Seems like Sheryl's been a bit on edge since lunch.”

Meeting Sheryl's gaze, Hamlyn noticed the faint blush colouring her cheeks before she averted her eyes abruptly.

“She will get used to it," Hamlyn reassured Hamond with a gentle smile.

"Used to what?" Hamond asked curiously.

With a knowing smile, Hamlyn shrugged and replied, "Forget it." before settling at his desk, leaving Hamond more confused than before.

After school, Hamlyn and Fredy walked home together,

"Hey, should we head to the park?" Fredy asked, "Those jerks might be there."

But Hamlyn shook his head, dismissing the idea. "Nah, there's no need for that. They're leaving us alone, so why bother?”

"By the way," Fredy said, "I told Ruby everything about you and Sheryl and she's ready to help."

Hamlyn smiled, "Thanks, but now, I don't need anyone's help to reach Sheryl," he replied confidently.

"Why's that?" Fredy asked, perplexed. With a grin, Hamlyn began explaining everything to Fredy.

After hearing the story, Fredy enthusiastically exclaimed “Wow, that's incredible! count me in for lunch tomorrow.”

“Why would you want to join?" Hamlyn retorted, his expression darkening.

"What? Aren't you going to introduce me to her?" Fredy pressed, looking expectantly at Hamlyn.

"Not at the moment," Hamlyn countered firmly. "When the time is right, I'll consider it. But for now, it's a no-go.”

"Come on, Hamlyn, you can't do this to your friend," Fredy pleaded.

Hamlyn smiled softly and shook his head in refusal. Eventually, they parted ways and headed home.

The next morning, as Hamlyn descended the staircase, he addressed his mother "Hey, Mom, have you seen Ullmar? Isn't he running late?”

"I'm not sure what's going on with him," Hamlyn's mother said, looking concerned. "But he mentioned something about taking a few days off from school."

"What?” Hamlyn exclaimed with surprise, “Taking a break from school? I'll go talk to him." He hurriedly made his way to Ullmar's room.

Hamlyn knocked urgently on Ullmar's door and declared, "Ullmar, I'm coming in." Ullmar's voice responded calmly, "Sure, come on in.” When Hamlyn walked into Ullmar's room, he saw him lying on the bed.

"Hey, why the sudden break from school?" asked Hamlyn with a hint of concern in his voice. "You're not one to skip out like this. What's going on?”

"That's none of your business you should leave," replied Ullmar curtly.

Confused, Hamlyn pressed on, "Did something happen? You can talk to me about it.”

"Nothing happened. I just need some time to clear my head," Ullmar's tone turned dismissive. Hamlyn pondered for a moment, then nodded silently before quietly exiting the room.

He descended the stairs and told his mother, "I'm going out." With that, he left, his thoughts heavy with concern for Ullmar's predicament.

As Hamlyn arrived at school, Henry bounded over and playfully put him in a headlock from behind.

"I've only been gone a few days, and you're already someone's punching bag! Who gave you a hard time?" Henry teased, then released Hamlyn with a grin.

Seeing Henry, Hamlyn's face lit up. "Henry, you're back! Welcome home, buddy," he exclaimed, pulling Henry into a warm embrace.

Returning the hug, Henry inquired, "Thanks, but really, what's been going on with you?”

"Ah nothing just got into a small fight," Hamlyn casually brushed it off with a relaxed smile. "But it's all good now," he said.

"So, how's the love life treating you?" Henry playfully prodded, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Hamlyn's smile widened, "Perfect," his tone filled with satisfaction.

As their laughter filled the air, both of them began heading towards their class. Upon entering, they spotted Hamond, and exchanged greeting hugs with him.

Amidst the chatter, Hamlyn's gaze landed on Sheryl who was deeply engrossed in conversation with her friends.

Hamlyn couldn't help but sneak quick looks at her.

"What's happening to me?" Hamlyn thought. "Why do I feel so peaceful when she's around?"

Glancing at Sheryl, he added, "When our eyes meet, it's like I've found my heaven in her gaze." With a determined nod, he declared, "I'll stick by her side, through thick and thin, for eternity." Sharing a smile with Sheryl, he felt a sense of assurance wash over him.

As the lunchtime bell chimed, Hamlyn stood up from his desk, locking eyes with Sheryl as she gathered her belongings to depart.

Quickly looking at Hamond, Hamlyn stated, "I've got to go."

"Where to?" Hamond asked.

Hamlyn replied with a cryptic smile, "I'll tell you later," before briskly exiting the classroom…

On the terrace, Hamlyn walked back and forth, checking the gate often, eagerly awaiting Sheryl's arrival.

Shortly after, Sheryl stepped inside, carrying a lunchbox. Their eyes met, and they shared a moment of silent connection, smiling warmly at each other. Time seemed to freeze as they exchanged affectionate glances.

"Hello," Sheryl greeted, her cheerful demeanour infectious. Hamlyn smiled and nodded.

Hamlyn and Sheryl both sit side by side on the terrace floor. "How are your injuries now?" Sheryl inquired with a smile.

Hamlyn sighed, "Better, thank you," his smile faltering slightly. "But this plaster is irritating me," he said.

"Don't worry, it will be off before you know it," Sheryl reassured him. Hamlyn nodded appreciatively.

"I've brought us lunch today," she announced, picking up the lunchbox.

"You really don't have to do this every day, just being with you is enough," Hamlyn responded.

"Why? Don't you enjoy my homemade meals?" Sheryl questioned, a hint of disappointment in her tone.

Hamlyn quickly began "Of course I do, but-"

"It's alright then, let's enjoy our meal together,” Sheryl cut Hamlyn mid-sentence.

Hamlyn's smile widened at her understanding.

As Sheryl started setting up their lunch, Hamlyn couldn't help but admire her graceful movements. Feeling his eyes on her, she glanced up, a gentle smile forming on her lips. In that moment, their eyes conveyed a silent but profound sense of understanding and warmth between them.

"Ooohho hoo, looks like they're having a little date," a familiar male voice echoed through the terrace.

Hamlyn and Sheryl quickly turned their heads towards the sound, their eyes widening in surprise as they saw Hamond, Rurina, Ruby, Henry, and Fredy approaching from the terrace gate.

With shock etched on their faces, Hamlyn and Sheryl swiftly stood up, their cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the sudden intrusion, their eyes wide in surprise.

"What are you guys doing here?" Hamlyn's voice bristled with irritation.

"I hope we didn't interrupt your little date," Henry replied, amusement lacing his words.

"This isn't a date," Hamlyn and Sheryl exclaimed in unison.

"Alright, alright," Rurina intervened with a gentle smile. "Let's all sit together and have lunch. It'll be a small friend gathering."

Reluctantly, they all sat on the terrace floor.

Ruby spoke up with an apologetic tone, "Sorry, Sheryl, if we've caused any inconvenience.”

"No, you didn't," Sheryl quickly intervened. She then turned to Hamlyn and said, "Hamlyn, meet Ruby, my classmate and friend.”

"Hamlyn already knows me, right Hamlyn?" Ruby chimed in with a smile.

Hamlyn smiled and nodded, acknowledging their familiarity.

Then turning to Fredy, Hamlyn questioned "Fredy, what are you doing here?"

Fredy beamed, his enthusiasm. "Well, since Ruby's my cousin, she invited me," he explained.

Ruby affirmed, "I thought you would like his presence." Hamlyn remained silent, staring at Fredy.

Fredy grinned and quickly turned to Sheryl, "Hey Sheryl, just so you know, I'm practically Hamlyn's other half. We've been buddies since forever, practically inseparable. We even play on the same football team. We always do everything together, we are more than brothers to each other. Our bond is rock solid.”

"Hey Fredy, don't exaggerate too much.” Hamlyn cut off Fredy.

"That's wonderful to hear," Sheryl smiled warmly in response.

Fredy continued to smile warmly, clearly proud of their friendship.

"Hey everyone, listen up!" Rurina's voice rang out with excitement. "Since school's off tomorrow, why don't we plan a little outing together? It'll be a blast!”

"Count me in!" Hamond eagerly chimed in.

Henry nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I'm in too,"

"I'm definitely in!" Ruby's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

"Sounds like a plan! I'm in too," Fredy grinned.

As all eyes turned to Sheryl and Hamlyn, a silent exchange passed between them. Then, Hamlyn spoke up, "Alright, count me in as well.”

Sheryl's smile widened. "I'm in too, let's do it!"

"Yeaahhh!" Fredy leapt to his feet, his enthusiasm contagious. "We're going to have a blast together!"

"So, where exactly are we heading?" Henry interjected, eager for details.

"How about the amusement park? It's packed with thrilling rides and endless fun," Rurina eagerly responded.

"After the park, we'll head to the bowling alley," Hamond pitched in.

"And then we'll grab lunch together," Fredy chimed in.

"And to cap it off, a trip to the beach sounds perfect," Ruby added.

Grins spread across everyone's faces as they all nodded in agreement.

"I'll swing by Rurina's place to pick everyone up," Hamond confirmed. The consensus was unanimous, with smiles and nods all around.