When the Sun loves the Moon

CHAPTER 8

Apollo hadn't even turned the engine off yet, but as soon as he parked his car, I got out and walked as fast as I could to my room.

I don't even know why I am crying.

"Lyanne," Apollo knocked.

Before I could answer, I wiped my tears and Apollo opened the door. He was shocked as he saw my face and I could see that he was worried. He was still in his uniform but without the coat and necktie.

"I-I'm okay..." I wiped another tear.

Apollo got closer and sat down on the floor beside me. He caressed my back and wiped my tears with his handkerchief.

"What happened?" Apollo whispered.

"I feel so bad..." There I am again, tears going down without my permission.

Apollo wiped the escaped tear with his thumb. "Hm?"

"I have a boyfriend but I'm having second thoughts about why I did it? Or why do I not love him? Or... I don't even know why I am crying... I just feel like a bad person who's going to hurt Karl." I cried like a baby.

Apollo exhaled violently and pulled me closer to him. He leaned my head on his chest and I cried there. His fingers were stroking my hair and his other hand was caressing my arm.

"You're really a baby..." Apollo whispered. "Don't cry, shh.." He was trying to calm me down.

With that, I cried more. Apollo chuckled and just hugged me from that position. His other hand was caressing my back.

"You're not a bad person... It's your first time, so it is normal to get confused about your feelings since it's your first time to experience it. Do not rush it. And I know that you're never going to hurt Karl. Damn it, why are you even crying..."

I sniffed and just leaned on his chest. I love this moment. I love that I have someone to lean on aside from Candy.

"What if... I don't love him?"

"Then stop the relationship."

"See? I'm the bad person..." My voice cracked.

Apollo sighed deeply. "You're not a bad person..." He whispered. "Stop crying, please..."

I nodded a little and just rested on his chest. A few minutes, none of us were talking and I don't know why I fell asleep. I just woke up, I'm already in my bed.

I yawned and my eyes were puffy! It was a little bit hard to fully open them. I looked at my phone but before I got it, I saw a note underneath my phone.

I will just shower.

I smiled. I got up and took a quick shower, too. I got out of my bathroom and as soon as I lay back down on my bed, my door opened and I saw Apollo in his black shorts and white shirt. He was brushing his hair.

"You're awake." He pointed out the obvious.

He sat on my bed and looked at me. "You okay now?" Apollo asked.

I nodded a little. "Don't wake me up for dinner. I'll sleep now and wake up tomorrow." I yawned.

"You don't want to eat dinner? It's only two o'clock."

I shook my head and closed my eyes.

"If you say so... Good night to you, Lyanne." He whispered and I heard him go out of my room.

I fell asleep and woke up when Apollo woke me up for dinner. It was 8 o'clock in the evening.

"It was hard to wake up an hour ago so I just brought your dinner here."

I opened my eyes and saw Apollo on the side of my bed with a food tray and, of course, my dinner.

"I'll wash my face..." I stated, and Apollo nodded.

I got up and washed my face. I went back to bed and sat down. Apollo was still preparing my dinner. Is he going to feed me? I smirked.

"I can feed myself." I stated immediately.

He looked at me and chuckled. "I'm not going to feed you. I'll just watch you." He countered.

I got my utensils and began eating. Food's delicious. Their chef or whoever cooks here really cooks well.

"You okay now?" Apollo asked and drank his milk.

I nodded. "I am..."

"Don't cry, hm?"

Such a sweet step-brother. I smiled. I finished my dinner with Apollo at my side. Apollo was giving advice and I was shocked.

"You don't need to force love. Love comes out naturally."

"Have you experienced it already?" I chuckled.

"Not yet." He smirked.

"So, you're just a love guru?" I laughed and he snorted.

"You're fine now. You're teasing me already. I'll go now." He rolled his eyes and I laughed more.

He got my food tray as soon as I was done. I brushed my teeth and fell asleep again.

I woke up extra early because I had a lot of sleep yesterday. I woke up around 4 o'clock in the morning and I'm eating my breakfast now.

"Rosa, please wake Apollo up at five thirty... I need to go now." I ordered politely and she nodded.

I went back upstairs to get my things. I stared at Apollo's door. Should I leave a text? Or maybe... no. I asked auntie Rosa to wake him up. It was only five.

I went to school and the school campus only had a few students. I went to the library and I was surprised to see Karl there looking at some books.

"Hey!" I greeted Karl in a whispering manner.

"Oh, babe!" He was surprised and pulled me closer to the aisle where he was. He wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed me. "Good morning... You're early today, huh?"

"Good morning... Yes, I woke up extra early 'cause I had a lot of sleep yesterday. What are you looking for?" I asked him.

"Oh, a book about... Engineering."

"Engineering? You have an interest in engineering?" I asked.

We're on a business related course, so I was surprised that he was looking for engineering stuff.

"It's nothing, really..." Karl kissed me again and I chuckled a little because of his cuteness. "Too bad you can't go out on a date with me..." Karl smiled.

Good thing he was really understanding. I like that about him.

"I'm sorry... I'll make it up to you..." I kissed his cheek.

"How about you go with me for lunch today?"

"Sounds good to me." I smiled.

I agreed, since I can't have a date with him.

We roam around the library more and we're just talking about more random things. He also loves books! Like me. I've already read a lot.

"I'll just borrow these books, I'll go to the librarian and sign them, wait for me." Karl stated and kissed my lips.

He borrowed a lot of books.

From: Apollo Moon Gray

Why didn't you wake me up and why did you go to school that early?

Oh! He's awake now.

To: Apollo Moon Gray

Good morning!!! Sorry :( I woke up around 4 so I didn't want to disturb your sleep, it was too early.

From: Apollo Moon Gray

Where are you?

Is he at school already? I checked the time and saw that it was six o'clock. He was probably eating breakfast.

To: Apollo Moon Gray

Library

From: Apollo Moon Gray

Wait for me.

Why?

To: Apollo Moon Gray

Why? I'm about to go to my room.

From: Apollo Moon Gray

Just wait for me.

Fine.

"Hey, let's go?" Karl approached me.

"You go first. Apollo's asking me to wait for him." I showed him our text but he didn't bother to read it.

"Oh! Sure! Do you want me to be here with you?"

"It's okay. Maybe you got other things to do, Karl." I smiled sweetly.

"Okay, I'll go now. See you in the room. I'll wait for you." Karl got closer to kiss my forehead and I watched him go out of the library.

Within five minutes, I saw Apollo. He handed me his necktie and I chuckled. So, that was the reason.

I moved from another chair and gestured him to sit down where I was sitting before. He followed and he faced me. I put on his necktie nicely.

"There..." I smiled.

"Next time... No matter how early it is... Wake me up." He stated with finality like I had no choice.

"I'm sorry..." I chuckled. "Okay, I'll wake you up. Did you eat breakfast?"

He shook his head and I got shocked. "Why?"

"I was in a hurry..." He whispered.

"Still! You should've eaten breakfast! Let's go." I got up and he confusingly followed me.

Good thing, Candy and Derek were inside the canteen. I asked Apollo to go sit with them. I also relaxed when there were not many students.

I bought a sandwich and his favorite milk. I also bought coffee in case he didn't want the milk.

"Good morning, Lyanne!" Candy greeted me.

"Morning, Lyanne." Derek greeted next.

I smiled at those two. "Good morning, love birds!" I chuckled and they both smiled.

I gave Apollo his sandwich and he got the milk. See? A baby boy.

I got the coffee since he got the milk. We all talked together and went to our rooms after a short bonding session.

"Back gate." Apollo whispered before he walked out with Derek.

As soon as I got into our classroom, Karl went to me for a hug.

"Woah!" Candy chuckled.

"Good morning, Candy." Karl greeted her.

Karl sat with me and we talked about a lot of things. It was fun to be with him.

"Should I start planning for our date next week?"

"Where do you wanna go?" I chuckled.

"Hm... Oh! Wanna go to... John's birthday party?" He asked.

"Oh, when is that exactly?"

"Next week Friday."

Next week Friday, huh? Okay. I nodded. "Sure, Karl."

Karl smiled and was about to speak but our professor came. We had a test. It was such a boring semester. It is last semester already and we'll graduate in June.

We finished all the subjects until it was time for lunch.

"I'll be with Karl." I stated to Candy and she smirked, then nodded.

"Hey, let's go?" Karl asked and I nodded. His hand was on my waist and his friends came closer to us to greet me.

"Karl's a bad boyfriend, eh?" John tried to tease Karl.

"Really? I am the bad boyfriend?" Karl smirked.

"Thought you're with Apollo, Ly."

"Oh, no!" I laughed.

"He's a boring boyfriend, Lyanne." Jus was pertaining to Karl.

Karl raised his middle finger to his friends and we all laughed. We went into the canteen and my eyes immediately darted at Apollo. I saw him staring at me, too. Candy and Derek were also looking at me. I smiled at them.

"What do you want for lunch?" Karl asked.

"Roast beef, please."

Karl stated his order to his other friend. Karl and the others went with us to the table.

"You coming to my birthday party, Ly? It's a foam and swimming party. Bring extra clothes." John winked.

"It's actually overnight. Ask your parents if you can go to sleep at John's house. Don't worry, you're with Karl and John's house has a lot of guest rooms."

"I-I'll ask my mother first..." I was nervous.

From: Apollo Moon Gray

You okay?

I turned my phone off instead of replying. I took a quick glance at Apollo and smiled for a bit.

"It'll be fun, I promise!" John assured me and I nodded.

The food came and they were actually fun to be with! It was not surprising but... okay, a little bit surprising 'cause I see them as a quiet group inside the campus but they are the outgoing type of group outside of the school campus.

Karl has a bit of a bad boy vibe.

"So, how did Karl ask you out?" Jonathan asked.

"Well... he just... asked me out."

"He didn't cast a spell on you?" Jus interrupted and we laughed.

Karl was getting irritated but he was laughing.

"On spring break, what are your plans?" Karl asked me.

"Oh, that... I don't know yet." I answered and Karl just nodded.

"If ever... wanna go out then?"

"Let's see, Karl."

The bell rang and lunch time was done. I miss Candy! We now went back to our room and I immediately went to Candy.

"Are you invited to John's party?" I asked her.

"Yes, well, actually... it was only Derek who was invited."

"Derek's bringing you?"

"Yeah! Oh, Apollo's going, too."

Upon mentioning that, I didn't know why, but, I felt alright.

"They were inviting me for a sleepover..."

Candy turned to me, surprised. "What do you mean sleepover?"

"They said that... that party is actually a sleepover, too."

"Really, now? Ask Apollo and if you want it, then... go."

Right... As always, I have to ask Apollo.

I waited 'til it was dismissal.

"Call you later?" Karl asked and I nodded. "Okay," He kissed me before he went out of the room.

From: Apollo Moon Gray

Back gate.

Is he there already?!

I said goodbye to Candy and immediately went to the back gate and I was right, he was already there! I went into his car and put my seatbelt on.

"You're invited to John's birthday party?" I started the conversation.

"I know you'll go, so, I'll go, too."

"It was actually a sleepover..." Why the heck am I nervous?

I saw his brows furrowed at that.

"They were inviting me for a sleepover..." I added.

"They? You mean Karl's friends? Not Karl?" There, he spoke.

I nodded. "Yes, but, I don't want-"

"Then decline." He gritted his teeth.

I heard him curse and whisper something.

"You'll be there, right?" I asked again.

"Yes, I will be there. Don't worry."

I nodded at that assurance. I'm happy to have a step-brother like him.

We went home and I took a shower. I didn't go out of my room 'til it was dinner time. I find it cute to see Apollo still sleepy while eating dinner. We were walking back to our rooms when my phone rang and it was my mother.

Apollo stood for a bit assuming that his father was also there and he assumed right.

"Mama..." I greeted her, tired.

"Hello, my love... How are you there?"

"I'm fine, mama. How are you doing there?"

"I'm fine, too. Oh, right. Where's Apollo? His father will talk to him."

I looked at Apollo and handed him the phone as soon as his father got my mother's phone.

"Yes?" Apollo greeted his father.

"Have you visited the company?"

"Not yet, pa... Why? Is it urgent?"

"Not really. Just check it in the mean time and if Lyanne wants to come with you, then let her."

Apollo looked at me and nodded. "Oh, right, pa, Lyanne and I will go hiking this weekend."

"Really?!" I heard my mom scream that with full of excitement. "They're really getting along so well!"

"Yes, so???" Apollo asked.

"Sure! Just send us some pictures. Enjoy and always update us." Apollo's father answered.

Apollo and his father talked more about the business and just left some tasks for him. They're going to New York this weekend and will be busier than usual.

My mom is Apollo's dad's secretary, so, yeah.

"Goodnight, Apollo." I yawned as soon as the call ended.

"Goodnight, Ly."

I smiled at that. Okay, okay. Spring break is next, next week, right? I have to think of plans. Last time, Candy and I went to New York with our moms.

I went to sleep without noticing and it was already morning. I just closed my eyes. What the heck.

"Good morning!" I greeted Apollo.

"Morning..." He answered, still sleepy. As always.

"Still don't love mornings?" I asked, teasing.

He just shrugged while getting his milk. I chuckled at that reaction. I will never get tired in mornings with him. We both finished our breakfast and I went to school with him. He dropped me off at the back gate because I requested it.

"See you at lunch?" He asked.

"I don't know... yet." I smiled wearily.

"Why yet?" He probed.

"Bye!" I winked and immediately got out of his car.

I was about to go inside the room when I saw... Karl with... a girl. The girl and Karl were laughing. It was probably his friend or... cousin? I don't remember him having siblings, so... or it might be. They might be siblings.

I waited for Karl and let him finish talking to that girl. He... kissed the girl's forehead. Why do I feel something in my chest? And... stomach... Like I'm nervous or some s**t.

Finally, Karl turned around and our eyes immediately met. Shock in his eyes went for a second and I just blinked, his expression immediately became happy. So, it was... nothing, right?

I smiled and he got closer to me. He kissed my cheek.

"Hey, good morning..." He greeted me.

I smiled. "Good morning... uhm, if you don't mind me asking... who is she?" I asked.

"Oh, my cousin." He nodded and looked behind me, so I turned around to look at what he was looking at.

It was Candy, Derek, and Apollo. All looking serious.

I saw Karl smile and waved a little. "I'll wait for you inside." Karl whispered and smiled then went inside the room.

I went near to my friends and smiled.

"What happened?" Candy immediately asked.

"What? Nothing!" I chuckled to hide my nervousness.

"Don't lie to me, Lyanne Angel Sauria. I've been with you for years and that worry-s**t face on your face right now means something. Are you and Karl in a fight?"

Oh, damn. She really knows me so well. Well, I'm not ready to tell her that... yet.

"Stop, Candy..." I chuckled. "We're not in a fight."

Candy looked at me in the eyes and nodded slowly. "You're lying."

I sighed. "Karl doesn't have siblings, right?" I asked now.

"He doesn't," Derek answered.

"What about a cousin?" I asked Derek.

"I know they're not from this school but he has two cousins," Derek answered again.

"Boy or girl?" I probed.

"Boys."

I felt like falling from heaven... I inhaled sharply and didn't know what to do because I didn't even know what I felt!

"Excuse me..." I smiled at them and turned around to walk away.

They called my name several times, especially Candy, but I didn't turn my back to look at them until someone grabbed my arm.

"What did he do?" Apollo sounded mad, but he looked calm.

"Who?" I chuckled. "Excuse me, I need to go to the library. I forgot to return the book I borrowed." I got my arm and walked as fast as I could.

Good thing he didn't follow me.

I just went to the back area of the school where it was just some trees and grass. It's a quiet place because we only use this place when there are events. The amphitheater is just near here.

I did some breathing exercises 'til the bell rang. I ran so that I wouldn't be late for our first class.

Candy didn't speak but she was eyeing me seriously like she was observing me so badly.

"What?" I asked when I got uncomfortable because of her stare.

She didn't answer because our professor came. My mind was flying for hours 'til it was lunch time.

Apollo and Derek were already outside the room. They went out early. I have to avoid them for the mean time... I went to Karl and he smiled when I went to him.

"You'll sit with us?" Karl asked.

"Can I?" I asked back.

"Of course you can." Karl chuckled and kissed my cheek.

He was not very suspicious but what is really bothering me is... why did he lie...

I quickly looked outside just to have a quick glance at my friends and saw they were talking seriously. We went out and I didn't look at them.

"Same lunch as before?" Karl asked and I nodded.

He was about to speak when his phone rang.

"Hey... Oh... I-I can't... I just can't... Please understand, hm? Okay, later? I'm sorry... I'll... I'll text you."

And the call ended.

"Who's that?" I asked.

"My cousin."

Such a sweet voice to talk to a cousin. I smiled and nodded. He ordered and I went to our table with some of his friends.

"There's this DJ event by the music club. I heard it's gonna be lit." John stated.

"When is that again?"

"Saturday."

"Oh, did Karl invited to that event already?" Jonathan asked me.

"He probably did! He said that he was going with his girl. That's probably Lyanne!" John smiled at me.

What event? No. He has not invited me... yet. "He... did not invite me yet..." I stated slowly.

And his friends were quiet. John laughed nervously. "Damn... was it a surprise? Oh, shit... Did we ruin his surprise?" John chuckled.

"You are so f*****g stupid, John. He's probably going to ask her one of these days or going to surprise her." Ethan rolled his eyes.

"Just act like you were surprised when he asked you." John stated nervously, but his friends were laughing and teasing him.

"You're f*****g doomed, John." Jonathan laughed.

I smiled and told him to relax. Karl came with his other friends with the food. His friends immediately teased John.

"What happened?" Karl asked and raised his brow.

"John ruined your surprise for Lyanne! He said that you'd go with Lyanne to the DJ event."

That was so mean. I smiled. I saw Karl looking at John, looking furiously. John showed his peace sign. Karl looked at me like he was nervous.

Why?