Page 32 of Playing with Fire

When I asked to speak with some players my parents allowed me to reach the ground.

The parents consented and walked away to chat with the other parents.

Their constant talking gives me extra time in many situations, so I appreciate their inability to stop speaking.

Both teams took their positions at the field ends while the opposing team said goodbye from the bus before driving off. Even though our team members scattered they all approached us. The situation seemed normal to me while we stood on the track yet not a single person broke away from the group as they approached.

The approaching group looked like a massive mob heading towards us and I'll admit I would be terrified if I didn't recognize each and every one of them. It wasn't very comforting.

Elijah led his group forward and I attempted to understand the reason behind their actions.

As I looked toward Kylie and Hazel they appeared to share my confusion. The moment I saw Elijah's wide smile I realized what everyone was planning.

The crowd parted to display Felix, JAMIE, Camden, Jaxon, and Tristan who stood together holding letters that spelled PROM? Nolan received an extra question mark to be included in the end which resulted in a humorous inclusion.

I turned my gaze to Kylie who was frozen in astonishment. She hadn't said a word yet.

"So?" Elijah asked her.

Another moment of silence.

Felix insisted loudly that her answer should be yes. The room erupted in laughter, yet everyone paused their breath to await Kylie's response. I informed you not to invite such many people. She hid her face with her hands as parents and children gathered around them.

"That's not the answer I'm looking for." Elijah subjected her to pressure until she delivered the answer he wanted.

She slowly uncovered her face from beneath her hands. "I hate you, but yes." she smiled.

"Yeah, you know you love me." The assumption made by Elijah causes Kylie to display a broader smile on her face.

As they move toward one another to share a kiss my face transforms into a joyful smile.

God, they are adorable. I love both, yet I admire their relationship. My introduction to Kylie came about when El showed interest in the new girl during my sophomore year.

After two years their status as our grade's It Couple is undisputed. No matter how much Kylie tries to refute it they remain the recognized Couple and stand as the only healthy relationship in our grade right now.

This situation leaves space for another couple to emerge as Hazel and Felix start to show interest in each other.

But I can't rush that. Eventually this will take place because time will bring about.

The whole team erupts in celebratory jumps and actions as though they've just claimed another championship victory. The moment only lasted several seconds yet gave me immense pleasure.

Hazel and I managed to distinguish the Couple from the mass of people to capture their photograph. I posted it immediately.

Kylie received a hug from me while I attempted a fist bump at El and he hugged me instead. "Ok, ok, you're sweaty!" As he presses on me, I plead about my sweat.

He quickly let’s go and joins me in laughter.

I clean off my chest but refuse to smell my skin. I approach the other guys and recognize their sweatiness from the smell that isn't offensive. I accept Tristan's refusal of my fist bump and move on.

Camden became the next person to be hugged. The first time I met Camden was during our fourth-grade year. Reflecting back, I realize that his name became subject to groundless rumours.

Everyone thought Camden stood for Camden or Camden but showed up as Camden himself.

Our friendship began as soon as El extended an invitation to him.

JAMIE has always been around. El played flag football with him during elementary school but they became closer friends in sixth grade because he attended another school.

When Felix gave them hugs, he interpreted their response as permission to hug them back. "So, we're all getting hugs?"

---