I had been looking forward to grade 12 since I first got to high-school. I wasn't bullied or picked on like a lot of the other students, in fact some would say I was somewhat popular. I had good grades, a good group of friends, I was doing fairly well for myself! I just hated majority of the people here, teachers included. The only thing these people cared about was sports and the social hierarchy. Once I was graduated and out of here, none of that stuff would matter anymore, and that weight would finally be lifted off of my shoulders. I put the last of my things into my locker, before getting to shut it for the last time today, when I hear my childhood friend coming up behind me. 

"Hey y/n, what are you doing today?" Robin asks me, leaning against the wall of lockers that neighbored mine.

I turned to face her, now leaning against my own, "I dunno..? Why, what's up?"

Robin and I don't hang out like we used to. No reason in particular, we just grew apart as we got older. She had her own group and I had my own. The girl shrugged but had a smirk creeping onto her face. "Let's just say I have connections. Connections that got me invited to the party of the year, and I get to bring a plus one." This didn't seem like Robin at all. Robin would never seem excited to go to some high-school party. The Robin I grew up with would much rather stop by Family Video to get a one day rental and have a girls night in. 

My facial expression must've given my thoughts away, so she elaborates, "Look, I know this isn't typically my thing, and I don't think it's really yours either, however I don't want to grow up and look back on my senior year thinking about how I never went to any parties!" By this point she was holding my hands in hers, practically begging me to go to this party. "What party is it, and what connections do you have?" I ask, slowly giving in. Her face lightens up as she realizes this, and continues on. "So first off, my connections are strictly confidential, and second, It's SteveHarringtonsparty..." She mumbles that last bit under her breath. I already knew the answer, It was the only party anyone had been talking about the entire semester. I just didn't think my friend was stupid enough to think I would stoop so low. 

"Absolutely not." I start to walk away, but Robin catches up to me too quickly. "Oh c'mon y/n! It'll be fun! You can't set aside your Harrington hate for one night!?" The volume of her voice was causing heads to turn. I ducked my head slightly, trying to avoid the prying eyes that followed me. "Robin- look I don't hate the guy, but come on he's a total tool! You really wanna spend your Friday night getting boozed up at that hairspray lover's house??" I protest in a hushed voice. My last comment earned me a snicker from Robin, but she continued. "You have a fair point, but It's just one night! One night of our very long lives, y/n! After the party's over you will never ever have to step foot in that hair gel junkie's place ever again!" Now we were just being mean, but it still got a giggle out of me.

We finally reached the doors of the school, about to finally head out, but then the junkie himself approached my friend. "Buckley, you're comin' tonight right?" I look at Robin in disbelief. She actually talked to Steve? She nodded then gestured towards me, "Sure am! So is this gal, ain't that right y/n?" I was glaring at my so called friend, wishing I was anywhere else but here with her and him. I finally managed to look towards Steve, and gave a sigh of defeat. "Yup." The boy smiled. He must be stupid, or just ignoring the tone of my voice. "Awesome. It's not gonna be one to miss." A stray boy hooted at Steve's comment, and I rolled my eyes, walking out the doors to finally remove myself from the situation. Robin followed behind. 

She followed me to my car, which I half expected. She sometimes asked me for rides after school, or even after some shifts at her job if her mom wasn't able to get her. "Where to, Buckley?" I asked her, mocking the Harrington boy and how he said her last name earlier. She rolled her eyes, "I figured we could go back to yours to get ready together and then go to the party together." We piled into my car, both buckling up as we talked about the party that awaited us tonight. My stomach churned thinking about it.

We walked into the Harrington house. There were so many people here that the chances of even bumping into Steve were very low to none. I was finally able to let out the breath I had been holding in. I'd been to a few parties, but never any that were this big, but that's just how Steve threw them. Any time his parents were out of town for whatever reason, he would throw these massive parties and invite half the school. I glanced around trying to find anyone from any of my friend groups, but found none. At least I knew some people had standards, but I also knew what Robin meant and why she wanted to come tonight. Robin is very bubbly and has a huge personality. I don't know why she hasn't tried going out to a party like this before. 

She turned me to face her with both her hands on either side of me. "I will be right back, I'm gonna go say hi to a few people." I smiled and nodded at her, "Girl, go have fun! Go thank those connections of yours." She smiled and winked at me before disappearing into the swarm of people. I wasn't overjoyed with my newfound loneliness, but I embraced it, and went to the kitchen to find what there was to drink. They had a big punch bowl filled with red punch and I assumed it was spiked. I grabbed a cup and filled it up, after tasting it, my assumption was confirmed. I walked around the crowded rooms to the best of my ability. The house was full of dancing drunk teens, and yet the host was still nowhere to be found. My lucky star must have had my back tonight. 

After two cups of that red punch, I had found myself on the dancefloor, dancing to the blasting music with the teens from school I don't think I've ever talked to. "Oh my gosh!" I heard a giggling Robin. She was at my side as quick as I heard her voice. I drunkingly smiled at her, and she couldn't contain her giggles. "Y/N, what did you drink?" She asked, and I grabbed her arms demanding she danced with me. "C'monn Robinn! You dragged me out here! You could at least dance with me!" I gave her my signature pouty face that always got me my way, and she gave in with very little effort. We danced and laughed, screaming the lyrics to songs we knew.  After spinning and jumping around, I felt a tug in my stomach. Oh no. I stopped abruptly, and rushed towards the hall, looking for a bathroom. Why are there so many rooms!? I finally opened a door and saw a toilet. The lights were still off, but I didn't care. I walked in, shutting the door behind me, and barely made it to the toilet before hurling into it. 

"Woah- Hey, hey." I heard behind me. I yelped and shot up. The lights flipped on, making me squint and cover my eyes as they adjusted to the now very lit room. Once I could properly see again, I found Steve looking back at me concerned. "What the hell are you doing here?" I ask, slurring on my words given I was still pretty drunk. He gave me a crooked smile, "This is my house..?" I blinked a few times. Duh. "I-I mean in here! Why aren't you out there soaking in your totally awesome party?" I ask sarcastically. He sat down on the ledge on the bathtub, "I needed some air.." He looked up at me, then to the toilet I was just hunched over. "Seems like you did too." He snickered. I head to the door, "I don't have time for your shit, Harrington-" but he stood up and reached for me before I could make it out, "Wait- are you okay? Don't you wanna wash up your face or get some water?" I turned and looked at him, and he looked so concerned. The alcohol was taking over, "Steve, I know you aren't used to this, but being locked up in a bathroom alone with you is not some dream or fantasy of mine. Im sure any one of those girls out there would love to take my place." 

His concern turned to confusion as I spoke. Truthfully, I wasn't entirely sure what I was going on about anymore. I was just drunk and did not want to be with Steve. "Y/N what are you talking about? I'm just trying to help-" 

"I don't need your help." I cut him off, "I just need to go home. This party blows." He stopped me before I could leave again, "And how do you think you're getting home? No way in hell are you driving, and Robin legally can't drive so.." I glared at him. Yeah, he had a point, but he was nuts if he thought I'd get into a car with him.  "I'll figure it out." I pushed past him, finally making it out of the bathroom. Unfortunately for me, Steve was hot on my trail. I could hear girls behind me trying to stop him and get his attention, and I prayed that at least one of them would, but they didn't. I guess that lucky star abandoned me. Finally I saw Robin, and Robin saw me. She was excited at first, but the smile dropped once she saw who was following me. "Oh shit." She mouthed to me. "She is not driving home, Buckley." Steve said to her. No if's, and's, or but's about it. I rolled my eyes. He was treating me like a child and he was my overbearing mother. She agreed without any hesitation, and I scoffed. "Well what do you two recommend then? I told my parents I was staying over with her, and she told hers she was with me. I don't have any options." Steve gave me a pleading look, and when I looked at Robin she was giving me the same face. "You could stay..here? Of course Robin can too-" I cut him off, turning towards Robin, "Robs you can drive me home safely tonight, right?" She shook her head no. "Y/N, you and I are going to take up Steve on his gracious offer, and stay here tonight, okay?" My world was crumbling right before my eyes.

I settled into the guest bed that Robin and I were sharing for the night. Steve had offered some of his old clothes that didn't fit him anymore, and I obviously declined. Robin crawled into bed, laying in the spot next to mine, and we looked at each other. 

"So what's the deal with Steve? You've never really elaborated on it." I furrowed my brows in confusion, and she raised hers. "Y/N, I'm serious!"  I laid there and thought about it for a minuet. "I don't hate him, I swear! " I could see the look in her eyes that were trying to say I was lying, "I dunno. He just always get his way. Every girl falls to his feet, his teachers love him, he's the star basketball player. He is just this perfect little star, you know?" She watched me and listened to me go on about Steve. "Not to mention all the girls he's hurt. it's gross. Like I genuinely don't think he will ever meet a girl and like her for her." She sighed and rolled onto her back, taking in my little rant. "I think you've got him all wrong." I laughed, but Robin just shook her head. "I mean look at where we are right now. He offered up the guest room to make sure you wouldn't make a dumb mistake." I scrunched up my nose. She kind of had a point. She didn't even know what happened in the bathroom, and how much of a bitch I was to him. I groaned and put my hands over my face out of pure embarrassment. "Robs, I was such a bitch to him today." No response. I looked and saw Robin now passed out. I gave a soft smile and rolled back over.

I kept tossing and turning. My choice of clothing was going to be the death of me. Just then, I heard a door open and shut. Steve was still awake. I carefully snuck out of the guest bed, and left the room. Maybe Steve's offer for comfier clothes was still on the table. This also gave me a good opportunity to apologize. I found him in the kitchen looking for something in the fridge. "Steve..?" I whispered, slowly walking towards him. The boy jumped and nearly fell to the floor, but once he saw it was me, he breathed a sigh of relief. 

"Y/N, you scared the shit out of me!" He said in a hushed voice, "What are you still doing up anyways?" He closed the refrigerator door, and crossed his arms now fully facing me. I swallowed hard, now feeling nervous about my plan. "I-uh-I can't sleep.." He raised his brows, "Anything I can do?" 

"I was actually wondering if I could still borrow those spare clothes you said you had..I also had something on my mind that I needed to talk to you about." I confessed. He rolled his eyes at me. "What do you have to say now?" The reaction stung a little, and any other day I would've handed it right back to him, but this time was different. "I wanted to apologize, Steve. I am so sorry for how I behaved today. You wanted to help me, and I was just..the worst. I am so sorry." 

His face softened for just a moment, but it changed to hurt. "It's not true by the way, what you think of me." I furrowed my brows, "What do you mean..?" He scoffed and rolled his eyes again, walking towards me. "Do you think I don't have ears? I heard what you told Robin. That I'm some shining star that gets everything he wants and everyone loves me. It's not true." He was getting frustrated, and my heart was pounding out of my chest while my stomach began to turn from guilt. "Not to mention the other shit you said about how I'll never really like someone. You really know nothing." He walked passed me heading towards the hallway. "I'll get you a change of clothes, but please just stay away from me. It's what you want anyways, right?" And with that he left me alone in the dark kitchen, feeling guilty and hurt.  

The next morning I made sure to get Robin up quickly, so we could leave before Steve even woke up. I should've just left after our run-in last night, but I was far too tired to even think about driving. Robin sat in my passenger seat, fixing her unbrushed hair in my rearview mirror, "Why are you being so weird this morning? The suns hardly even up." She asks with a slight yawn. I buckle up, and pull out of the driveway as quickly as I can. "Just don't feel like over staying our welcome. That's all." I keep my focus on the road. I have never once felt bad for Steve until last night. I never once thought he'd hear what I'd say about him, or that he'd even take offence to any of it. I felt completely gutted. "No more parties Robs." I say abruptly. She looks at me confused, "If there's any you wanna go to in the future before the school years up, then I will take you to and from them, but please don't involve me anymore." 

Robin nods. She still doesn't know about the bathroom, or the conversation Steve and I had in the kitchen, but she knew if she asked I wouldn't budge. Instead she yawned again and rubbed her face sleepily. I felt bad for rushing her out of bed so early, but I couldn't stand being in that house much longer. I was sure to make the bed, and leave the borrowed clothes folded neatly at the foot of the guest bed, leaving little to no trace of Robin and I being there in the first place. I should be happy, right? I never cared for the Harrington boy, and never planned on that changing, but I never hated him. I guess I could've made it more known. There was no use in beating myself up over the situation. What's done is done, and I doubt there was any going back from it. 

After Graduation

High-School was finally over, and graduation day was finally done and over with. The day was full of thanking people for coming to watch you walk the stage, and saying good-bye to the friends you made through the years, knowing you all won't really keep in touch. It was full of tears as I said good-bye to some of the teachers that made an impact on my life, and also telling some of the younger students I got to meet good luck for their upcoming years. A lot of talking to a lot of people. After a big family dinner with my parents and some of my other family, I got to sneak away. I loaded up into my car and drove to my favorite spot. There was a patch of woods behind the school where people usually went with their partners, but I always came here alone. 

I pulled into the spot, and got out of my car, taking a seat on the worn down grass. I cringed at the thought of some graduates coming here as a final hoo-rah, but eventually looked passed it. I laid on my back and looked at the now dark sky that was filled with stars. I closed my eyes and took in the sounds of nature, crickets chirping, birds moving around in the trees, I completely let my mind go at ease. 

It was all interrupted by a car pulling up next to mine, the headlights shining onto my face. I sat up, using my hand to block the lights until the car was turned off. 

"Sorry, I didn't think anyone would still be out here.." I heard a familiar voice say. My heart dropped to my gut. 

After the party, I had done everything in my power to avoid Steve like he had said to. 

"please just stay away from me. It's what you want anyways, right?"

The memory flashed in my mind. I nodded and stood up, but he spoke as I headed towards my car, "No, you were here first it's alright. I can leave." He either didn't realize it was me, or offered to leave in order to stay away from me, but the kindness in his voice told me it was the first on. I softly said "No." hoping he wouldn't recognize my voice. I really didn't want any issues. Today had already been hectic, I didn't want it to end on a bad note too. 

"Wait- Y/N?" He said, making me stop in my tracks. I was caught, and I didn't know what to say so I kept going towards my car. He rushed to me, making it to my car door before I could. "Can we talk..?" He asked.  "Crazy, am I the only one getting déjà vu right now?" I say, trying to brush off the situation I was now in, still reaching for the door. "I'm serious." He protests, getting  an annoyed sigh of defeat out of me.  "What is there to talk about, Steve? You said you wanted me to leave you alone right? I think I've done a pretty good job at doing that." I refused to look at him, not that it was hard to do. It was dark out with little to no light. "I know what I said, I just..please?" After some hesitation I finally nod, agreeing to talk about whatever it is he wanted to talk about. 

We both went back to the worn grass. He sat down first and I sat down next to him, being sure to leave plenty of space between us. It grew darker, and all I could make out was an outline of Steve where he sat. He cleared his throat before speaking, "I thought about the things you said about me to Robin that night." My breath got caught in my throat. He was really getting straight to the point. "and I understand why you may think that way. I mean it's kind of what I try to put off as, right?" I nodded, looking at the ground, picking at the cold grass.  He continued, "but, you need to know that those things aren't true at all. I don't have everything I want, and I'm not some perfect...what did you call me- star?" My cheeks reddened with embarrassment when he reminded me of my wording. I was very grateful for how dark it was. He went quiet for a while, and I wondered if he was waiting for a response from me. "Well, when I think of the persona you put out as, It reminds me of some shining star. Like you were untouchable or something." I admitted softly, and I could hear him stifle out a little chuckle. 

"I promise, that's not the case. There's a lot more to me that you don't know about. Not a lot of people know about the real me to be completely honest with you." Guilt washed over me like it did that night in his families kitchen. "Steve, I really am sorry for how I treated you that night. I think about it all the time." I looked at him, and saw his silhouette nodding with understandment. I took a breath, "So, since I don't know you..why don't you tell me what there is to know about you?" I wanted to clear the air and put an end to whatever rivalry there was between us. I could tell he wanted the same thing.

After a small moment of silence, Steve spoke. He opened up to me about his parents and how they're always away, and how it affects him. He told me about how he's scared of never finding love after Nancy. Said she was the only girl he ever truly loved, and my heart ached for him. I had forgotten about him and Nancy. He even said that at that party, the two had gotten into some disagreement, which ultimately led to their breakup. I felt like a bag of shit. That was why I had found him in the bathroom that night. After a few hours of talking in the dark about anything and everything, we decided it was time to call it a night. We both agreed to do this once a week. Meet up at this spot and just talk for hours about whatever was on our minds. Once a week turned into multiple times a week. There was even a week where we met up every night. We didn't always have deep things to talk about or to get off our chests, but we would sit outside, while he'd leave his car on and let the radio play. The two of us became the best of friends. We were pretty much attached to the hip. 

I walk into the Family Video, and was greeted by Robin. She looked at me, eyes wide, "Oh my gosh, Y/N! I feel like I haven't seen you in forever!" She runs around the counter and engulfs me into a tight hug. 

"H-Hey Robin! When did you start working here!?" I stutter as she hugged me even tighter. "Not too long ago actually! It pays better than the last place did. Taking the job was a no brainer." She talked, but I couldn't help but look around behind her. She must've noticed I was distracted, and started looking behind her too. 

"You must be worried about running into Steve, right? Don't worry. He's on his break in the back, so you won't be running into him." She smiled at me, and it just hit me that Robin had been very far behind. I felt like a terrible friend. "Actually Robs, that's who I'm here for.." I shyly admit.

She widens her eyes with her brows lifted, "Oh-oookay..." Her eyes wandered across my face, as if she was looking for something wrong with me. "This is y/n, right? You aren't some weird freakish clone?" She circles me like a vulture, causing me to laugh, until I notice my best friend approaching us. 

"What's going on out here, hm? Is this customer causing any problems, Buckley?" He asks sarcastically, and I just roll my eyes in response. "God, you're annoying. How much longer are you on your break?" I ask. 

He looks at the watch he wore, "I'd say about 15 more minuets, but I'm sure I won't be missed too much if I'm a few minuets late coming back." I smile, "Cool. I got your snacks in the car and that tape we made in the radio already whenever you're ready." I said. He nodded, and with that I walked off to the car, "Oh- bye Robs! We need to hang out soon!" and then I was gone.

I waited for Steve for what felt like forever, but he finally got into my passenger side. We sat in the car eating snacks and listening to music, talking about our days and how they were going so far. This was our normal. I always visited him at work, to the point to where the other employees were starting to recognize me. I would occasionally catch Robin glancing out the store windows, her face reading, "You have so much to tell me" and I would just smile and nod at her. After I walked Steve back inside and said my good-byes, I told Robin I could get her after work.

After a few hours, I came back for Robin after her shift ended. While I waited in the car, I saw Steve getting into his BMW. He also saw me, and his face lit up, waving at me. I waved back, but was interrupted by Robin getting into my car. "Spill. I thought you two hated each other! Now all of a sudden you're coming to see him on his breaks? What, are you two DATING now?!" She wasted no time cutting to the chase. I threw my hand over her mouth, and shushed her, turning around to make sure Steve wasn't still around. 

Once I new he was gone, I removed my hand and looked back to her. She raised her brows at me, waiting for an explanation. "Okay, first off, no. We are NOT dating." I cringed at the thought, but continued, "Second, after graduation we talked everything out. We've been close ever since." She looked at me like I was insane. "What happened to him being some prick who always got his way? You just completely changed your mind about him now?" She asked.

I shrugged, "Like I said, we talked it out. It turns out I was wrong about him, but no, I still think he's a prick sometimes." I smiled, starting up my car. Robin huffed, sinking back into my seat, and bringing her knees up towards her body, "This is nuts. I feel like I'm in an episode of the Twilight Zone right now!" I laughed, leaving the parking lot and heading to her house. "Robs there are crazier things that have happened!" She shook her head, disagreeing with me, "Y/N, if there was a section in the yearbook that said Most Likely to Kill Each other you two would have won the vote." She wasn't wrong.

"We aren't in high-school anymore though, Robin. It's time we stopped acting like we are." I said, still focusing on the road. She groaned in response throwing her head back. I just laughed and shook my head at the overdramatic Robin sitting next to me. We went quiet after that, just listening to the mixtape I still had in my radio from when I was with Steve during his break. We were getting closer to her house, when suddenly I hear Robin ask, "Why did we grow apart so fast...?" and I felt my heart break a little, because I've had the same question for some time. 

"I'm not sure Robs. I remember when we were kids and we were always at one another's house, or staying up late on the phone talking about dumb drama." I felt tears forming in my eyes while I thought about the time when I had Robin as a best friend. "Yea..I miss it a lot." She responds with a hushed voice. "I do too." I smiled softly. It went quiet again for a beat before she spoke up once more, "Please don't let Steve take my place. I'd understand if it was some other badass, awesome girl, but I can't bear to think some boy is taking my place.." I laughed, shaking my head, "Oh Robs, no one could ever replace you and that's a promise." I looked over at her as I pulled into her driveway smiling.  "Oh I know! I just needed to make sure you did too." I rolled my eyes, "Hey, just promise me you'll say when you two start dating. I'm gonna need all the deets." She winked, and quickly exited my car before I could express my disgust, "Ewww! Buckley!!" but she had already made it inside.

The three of us were the best of friends that entire summer. We did almost everything together as a little trio. Steve opened up to Robin a bit about some of the things he had told me the night we met in the woods, but didn't quite tell her everything. Some things were left for me to know only. Since Robin is an awesome friend, she understood everything, and welcomed him into the friend group with open arms. Even though we were a perfect trio, Steve and I still made time to meet out at that spot. It was like our little safe haven of sorts. We never excluded Robin, or made her feel unwelcomed by any means, but we liked having the same place we always went to since the day we became friends. It was special to us. 

I pulled into the familiar patch of woods, seeing that BMW I knew very well was already there. Without wasting a minuet, I unbuckled and made my was to our spot. Steve was already sitting in the cold grass, but looked my way once he heard my footsteps. "There you are! I was starting to think you stood me up." He smiled as I sat next to him, the gap between us not quite as large as it used to be. "Yeah right, you wish." I nudged him, getting a chuckle out of the boy. He straightened his posture ever so slightly, just enough for me to notice. "I actually got you something.." He said, pulling a litte box out of his pocket. I furrowed my brows and he handed the black box to me. It was definitely a jewelry box, but too big to be a ring box. "Can you just open it already? I want you to be able to see it before it gets too dark out." He huffed out, clearly getting impatient.

"Alright, alright. Jeeze." I rolled my eyes, before opening the box and finding a gold dainty necklace with a little gold heart charm on the chain. I let out a small gasp as I took the little necklace out of it's box. "Hurry and put it on me." I spoke softly, and he wasted no time taking the dainty chain in his hands, putting it around my neck and clasping it. I looked down and took the heart charm into my hands, examining it with care. "Steve it's lovely. Why did you get this for me?" I asked, finally looking at him once he settled himself next to me again. He shrugged, "I dunno. You've become an important person in my life and I wanted to find a way to show you." I leaned over and hugged him as tightly as I could. After regaining his thrown balance, he put an arm around me, using his free arm to hold himself up. 

I wished I never spent that time in school avoiding him. I had no idea I was preventing myself from getting to know one of the greatest person I have ever gotten to know. I hoped he had felt the same way. My thoughts brought tears to my eyes, and when I pulled away from his arms, he took notice. "What's wrong?" He brought his hand to my face, and I leaned into his comforting touch. This wasn't uncommon for us. I shook my head, Nothing. Just thinking about all that time I waisted on avoiding you any chance I got." I choked out a sad laugh, and his gaze on me softened, brushing his thumb across my cheek. "I'm glad you agreed to stay and talk with me." He added, and I nodded in agreement. He already knew how I felt about that night, and the night of the party. I didn't need to talk about it with him anymore.

I let out a breath, and fully pulled away from him, laying back into the grass, and closing my eyes, letting my brain go for a moment. This is how these nights usually went lately since we hang out all the time now. We didn't ever have anything new to say to each other, given the fact that we were always together with Robin. He laid next to me and I could feel him looking at me. "Anything on your mind tonight?" I asked with my eyes still closed. I could hear his legs shuffling in the grass as he adjusted, trying to get comfortable, "No..I dunno..No not really." I opened my eyes and glanced towards him, "You sure? It sounds like you do." When I looked at him, I saw he was already looking at me, my suspicion being correct. He smiled and shrugged, "Well, if something's wrong you're the only person I talk to about it, so don't worry." He spoke in a reassuring tone, but I could tell something was off. I didn't wanna push it, because he was right. He does always come to me when something was going on, just like I always went to him. I nodded with a small smile, and went back to looking at the now completely dark sky that were littered with stars. 

"You know, you'll always be like one of those stars to me, right?" I spoke, still keeping my attention to the sky above us. He let out a chuckle, "Oh yea? Why's that?" he asked, also not moving from the spot he was in. "Because even in a room full of people, you are always the one that's shining brightly even if there's something on your mind." I spoke, and I could feel him looking at me again. "You're always going to be likeable, and always gonna be the main event everywhere you go. In the best way possible." I turned to him again, and saw he was smiling, lighting up the dark space we were in like the star that he was. 

After some time, we decided to turn in for the night. I never really wanted these moments to end, but I knew my parents would freak if I wasn't home by a certain time. I stood up and brushed the dirt off my pants, before lending my hand to Steve, helping him up too. Once he stood up, he accidentally pulled in a little closer than usual, our faces inches away. My face grew hot due to the sudden closeness, and I hoped it was too dark for him to notice how red my face grew. I cleared my throat, stepping back and tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. "I'll see you tomorrow Steve." I said softly, before walking to my car. He waved and smiled as I opened my door and got into the vehicle. 

Once the lights were on, I glanced up at the mirror, finally being able to fully admire the necklace that decorated my body. It was more beautiful now that the light was on it, and it looked amazing on my neck. I smiled at my reflection, loving the reminder of my amazing friendship I had with the boy I once couldn't stand. I didn't want to dwell on my thoughts any longer, so I quickly buckled up and started on my way back home. 

The next day, I picked Robin up from her house to take her to work. If her and Steve were working the same shifts they would ride together, but on his days off I was always more than happy to take her. She got in my car and immediately starts going on about some work drama, but gets quiet when she looks at me, "-Hey, what's that?" I look at her confused until I remember the necklace I'm wearing. "Oh- this? Steve got it for me! Isn't it pretty?" and all she does is look at me with a brow cocked, Steve gave you that? Did he say why?" I looked at her confused as to why she would question it, "Yea..? Why?" I ask as I start driving to Family Video. She snickers and rolls her eyes at my question. "Oh my goodness you are so oblivious. He totally has it bad for you!" I nearly slam on my breaks, "What are you talking about?!" She giggles at my reaction. I was giving her the reactions she was looking for apparently. 

"Come on! He so does! I see how he looks at you." Her comment makes a small blush form across my face, "And don't think I haven't noticed how you look at him too." She adds with a smirk. I couldn't even deny it and tell her she was wrong, because she wasn't. I had it bad for Steve. It was a more recent revelation I had, but I kept it to myself in fears of someone making fun of it, or worse, him not feeling the same. I huffed out a sigh of defeat, "And what about it? I don't think anything could ever come from it." She shook her head, still in disbelief of the entire situation, "You have to talk to him about this Y/N!! What about tonight!?" We were all going to the movies tonight, but Steve and I were going to hang out a little bit before getting Robin from work. "I dunno Robs. Wouldn't that complicate the friend group? You don't want to be our third wheel." 

She was growing impatient with me and how I kept trying to avoid the friendship from moving forward, "You two are like my parents at this point. Trust me, nothing would change with us, and I wouldn't be a third wheel." She put her hand on my shoulder as we approached the video store, "At least think about it, okay? You deserve to be happy." She gave my cheek a peck, as she does sometimes, and left the car. She ran inside, rushing in order not to be late, and I sat in the car alone for a little bit so I could be alone with my thoughts. My crush on Steve was still new and fresh. I hadn't really put too much thought into confessing. I was too scared of ruining our trio, or even our duo. At the same time though, I couldn't ever picture my life without him, and I always told myself that's how you knew you'd really want to be with someone. After a few more moments of silence, I left the Family Video parking lot and headed to Steve's house.

We sat in Steve's room just talking while one of his records played like we normally do. He was sitting on his bed while I sat on his desk chair, nervously swiveling it left to right. "What's on your mind" He asked, leaning forward to look at me better. I didn't respond at first, hesitating out of fear and the nerves that rested in my belly. If I said something it would change everything. Even if we decided to just stay friends, we would never be the same or stay as close as we are now. I shrugged, "Just thinking about something Robin said to me today." He tilted his head, but I could've sworn I noticed a slight sign of panic in his face. "What did Robin say..?" I shook my head with a small smile, hoping to ease any worries he had, "Just something silly per usual. You know Robs, always saying something." He et out a nervous laugh and nodded in agreement, but yet he still pushed ever so sightly. "You can tell me anything, y/n. You know that." He stood up and crouched in front of the chair I was sat in. My heart was pounding. "Y-Yea. Yea I know." I responded.

He stared at me, but there was something different in his eyes this time. Like he knew what it was that I was too afraid to say. "Steve.." I whispered "I don't want to screw things up.." I added. He leaned forward and rested his forehead onto mine. I closed my eyes, too afraid to look at him right now. "You know I love you, right y/n?" I let out a shaky breath and smiled. "I know, Steve-" He cut me off before I could finish my sentence, "You know what I mean. I love you." I finally opened my eyes, and was met with his staring right back into mine. "I love you too." and without wasting any time, Steve closed the space between us, pressing his lips against mine. There was eagerness there, like he had been holding this back for quite some time, but it was still slow and sweet. He was taking his time, savoring the feeling of my lips on his, and as was I.