“Hey, bro! Here it is. You should return it to me tomorrow.”

Both Rico and I turn where the voice came from. The face of the guy, the same age as us, is familiar. I notice the bicycle he's holding beside him. My eyebrows meet as I try to remember his name.

Clinton!

He also ran for the vice president in the election. He was in the same party with Rico. I did not vote for him because his palm was sweaty when we shook hands. So, did he also win?

Rico nods at him, acknowledging his presence. When Clinton is already near, Rico whispers something to him. I can hear the murmurs but not what they're talking about.  After that, Rico taps Clinton's shoulder, as if reassuring him of something.

“Go home. I'm gonna take in charge of your bicycle,” he said and took it away from Clinton.

Clinton laughs in a teasing manner. My eyes narrowed like a cat's out of curiosity. He also throws a furtive glance at me and projects a sheepish smirk.

“I don't want to. Why are you rushing to make me go home? That's my bike for Pete's sake. You're just borrowing it from me!” Clinton answered.

I notice how Rico's eyes gaze turn sharper at the other guy. Clinton then bursts out a laugh. “As I said, I'm going to leave now. Enjoy!”

With Clinton's teasing smile, he glances at me once again. Rico immediately blocks it by his body. After Clinton went out of our sight, Rico looks at me. “You're just...two blocks away from here, right?”

I blink. Again. I blink more...and more repetitive times before I nod. I was confused earlier on why he did get the bicycle from Clinton but now, based on his question, I think I already know where it would lead to. I bit my lip.

He taps the seat at the backmost of the bicycle. “You can sit here. I'm gonna send you home.”

My mind is haywired with hesitation. A cobweb of cowardice lurks into my system. I would want to...but the embarrassment I'm looking forward to feel and the things that are about to happen are enough to make me refuse his offer.

“Ah, I think you don't have to. I think, I can manage... to walk alone.”

A slight gap forms in between his lips, as if trying to understand what I said. Eventually, he shrugs his shoulders.

“Okay. I gotta go.”

Rico rides the bicycle and maneuver it away. The colors drain out on my face as I watch him disappear.

I just stare impassive on his back from afar even when my eyes feel like crying right now. They're starting to form a cloud of tears, making my vision blurry.

Right! Why did I even forget his rudeness when he just temporarily treated me with gentleness?

I hardly swallow the bitter lump on my throat. Our house is just near, just two blocks away! I can go home even if he's not here.

Even though I walk with limping foot, I think I can do it. Besides, I am not his obligation so why would I cry at his act of abandonment on me? For I have known, I'm a tough cookie for I successfully retreat the teardrops which could've fall if I were a crybaby.

I barley see him already when he suddenly stops...and looks back. His jaw tightens as he shake his head. A touch of irritation is painted on his face as he comes back closer to where I am. Right there, I am given a chance to see a glimpse of regret carried by his guilty eyes.

“Why did you come back?” I throw a furtive glance at the sky. “Go home. It's getting late.”

The thin line formed on his lips is very noticeable. His eyes hooded. He is breathing heavily.

“Why do you always refuse when I try to help?”

Oh? Why does it seem like I'm the one who started a problem?

“Well, who said that you have to help me? I didn't even oblige you to do so!”

“I'm just concerned. That's why I want to help,” he carefully said.

“No, you're not. Being concerned doesn't involved sharp words and rude treatment,” I said.

He stiffened. His eyes tell me that he got lost and confused after hearing those words from me.

“Are you mad at me? Because the words that you say are not about the conversation we're having right now. Do you feel angry towards me? Do you hate me? If that's the case, why? Because it's been years of guessing for me, Freesia.”

Hearing the subtle pain in his voice, I think I am still not ready where this talk might lead to. I glanced away from him.

“I don't hate you. It's just a strong negative predisposition.”

That is turning into hate. Gosh, his whole face lightened up and his eyes illuminated with hope. Did he really understand what I meant? He's an A student, but he lacks comprehension.

“Prove it, then. Let me send you back home.”

“Fine.” I cleared my throat. “Help me sit there.”

I sat on the seat behind him.

I awkwardly hold Rico's shirt at the back. I was shameless to refuse. Now, I feel embarrassed to accept his helping hand...except for my two cheeks which are frankly blushing in heat even though the sun has already lost its shine. My face is on fire even though the wind's blow slaps against them in every pedal of Rico on the bicycle.

We pass by the acacia trees aligned the street. The bike turns in to the second block. Eventually, there are already houses that can be seen aside from the trees. No one attempts to break the comfortable silence.

Rico halts, puts my arms around his waist, and glances at me. Because of a sudden shock upon contact with his hands, I quickly remove mine from his waist. My eyebrows meet as I look at him.

“You might fall... down,” he gently said, as if he knew what banter I would throw at him.

I swallow the lump on my throat, nervous. “The gesture is not necessary, though.”

It's a balmy afternoon, after all. Under the shade of a huge acacia tree while its tiny leaves are falling instantly, we are two young teens, both in our fifteen years of age, are staring at each other; with me openly expressing my long-time hatred and the other filled with confusion in his eyes.

The worse thing is, I didn't even bother to dodge his stares. Maybe, I've known myself having a mere attraction towards him in the past but new sensation lurks inside my sanity. The worst, I'm afraid to put a name on it.

“I know. I was just worried. Sorry.”