DEUTERAGONIST

Chapter 7: Not a Fairytale

One sunny afternoon, I found myself sitting on the bench, watching Alex play his guitar. His music filled the air with a beautiful melody, and Sarah couldn't help but smile. His guitar playing seemed to echo the melodies of my heart, inspiring me to put pencil to paper and capture the moment. As I scribbled away in my sketchbook, I couldn't help but sneak glances at Alex, who was blissfully lost in his music.

As the last notes of Alex's song faded into the air, he looked up and noticed me absorbed in my drawing. With a warm smile, he approached me. "Hey, Layla, how are you?" I felt a rush of nervousness as Alex spoke to me, but I managed to reply. I smiled back, my heart feeling light. "I'm great, Daniel. "Thank you, Alex. Your guitar playing is incredible. I can't believe how talented you are." Alex blushed modestly, his eyes reflecting genuine appreciation. "Thanks, Layla. You're so kind. You know, I've always admired artists like you who can bring their creativity to life." Like seriously Layla, I didn't know you were into drawing. That looks amazing." I chuckled, feeling a bit shy about his compliments. "Well, I'm just doodling. It's nothing compared to your music." Alex's eyes sparkled with encouragement. "You shouldn't underestimate yourself, Layla. Your drawings have a unique charm. Have you ever thought about turning your art into a webtoon? I'm sure people would love it." My heart skipped a beat at his suggestion. If I could only say that I’m the creator of your favorite webtoon, “Queen of the Silver Monarch”. But I need to hold myself and keep it a secret. "I'm a bit shy about sharing my art like that," I confessed. Alex leaned in closer and offered a reassuring smile. "Layla, you shouldn't be shy about sharing your talents with the world. I'll tell you a secret: I'll be your number one fan, no matter what you create. Your art has a special way of capturing moments and emotions, just like how my music does. You should give it a try." My heart swelled with gratitude at Alex’s kind words. His encouragement felt like a warm embrace, and it gave her the confidence she needed. "Thank you, Alex. Maybe I will give it a shot someday." He patted my shoulder gently. "That's the spirit, Layla. I can't wait to see what you come up with."

As we talked and laughed together, I couldn't help but feel content. I knew that I had moved past the point of hoping for a romantic relationship with Alex. Instead, I was enjoying the simple pleasure of being close to someone I cared about. I looked at Alex and said with a genuine smile, "You know, Alex, I just wanted to say thank you." Alex looked at me, slightly puzzled. "Thank you? For what, Layla?" I hesitated for a moment; my cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "For being my friend. I really appreciate it." With a warm smile, he replied, "Layla, you don't need to thank me for being your friend. It's been a pleasure getting to know you, and I'm grateful for our friendship too." I’m, still feeling a bit shy, looked down at my hands and mumbled, "I was worried that maybe you thought of me differently." Alex furrowed his brow, genuinely confused. "Differently? What do you mean, Layla?" I took a deep breath and mustered the courage to explain. "I mean... I've always seen you as a friend, Alex. I hope you don't mind that." Alex's eyes widened with surprise, and then he let out a hearty laugh. "Mind? Layla, I'm amazed by it! I've always seen you as a great friend too." Alex's eyes lit up with warmth as he touched my hand with assurance, "I feel the same way, Layla. You're an incredible friend, and I'm lucky to have you in my life." My anxiety melted away as I realized that my fear of misinterpreting their friendship had been unfounded. I joined in Alex's laughter, feeling a sense of relief and happiness wash over me. As we continued our conversation, I knew that my decision to understand my boundaries had been the right one. I had learned the value of appreciating the present moment and treasuring the connections I had formed. My heart was no longer burdened by unfulfilled hopes, but instead, it was lightened by the beauty of friendship and the contentment that came from being close to someone I genuinely cared about.

"Alex," I began, "I couldn't help but notice that you've been sprinting a lot lately. Is there a particular reason?" He scratched his head, chuckling softly. "Oh, that? It's nothing, Layla, really. Just something from a while ago. I've pretty much forgotten about it." I sensed there was more to the story, but I didn't press further. Instead, I decided to change the topic. "You know, Alex, you haven't been hanging out with your friends as much as before. Is everything okay?" Alex gazed into the distance for a moment before turning his attention back to me. "Yeah, you've noticed, huh? Sometimes, you have to give up a lot of people for one person. One person is more than five, you know?" I was taken aback by Alex’s cryptic response. I couldn't help but wonder who that "one person" was. As I thought about it, I recalled how Alex had been spending more time with Bella lately. They had become quite close, and it seemed like they enjoyed each other's company. Curiosity gnawed at me, but I decided not to pry further. Instead, I simply nodded and said, "Well, Alex, I'm glad we're friends. You know you can always count on me." He smiled at me, appreciating my understanding. "Thanks, Layla. You're a true friend."

"Alex," I began, "I have been walking home lately, and you know who I often run into? Bella." Alex’s eyes widened with surprise. "Really? You've been walking with Bella?" I chuckled, feeling a bit shy. "Well, not exactly 'with' her. We happen to be on the same route sometimes." He laughed heartily, “I was relieved that my friend was connecting with Bella. That's great, Layla! You shouldn't be shy about it. Bella's awesome, and I'm sure she'd love to have you as a walking buddy." Encouraged by Alex’s response, I continued, "You know, Alex, I've been thinking. Maybe we could all study together sometime, just like we always do.” His face lit up with enthusiasm. "I think that's a fantastic idea, Layla! Studying with you and Bella sounds like a lot of fun. We can help each other out and make it even better."

While walking towards home, Bella decided to share her concerns with me. Her expression a mix of worry and care, she told me cautiously. "Layla," she began, "I've noticed that Camila is always approaching you. I can't help but feel like Camila is harassing you.” I took a sip of water from my bottle and sighed. "Bella, I think you've misunderstood Camila. She's not harassing me; she's trying to protect me. Bella frowned, realizing her misinterpretation of Camila's intentions. "I see. I guess I got it wrong." My smile grew warmer, and I reached out to hold Bella’s hand. "Bella, your concern means the world to me, but you have nothing to worry about.

When I got home, I logged into my webtoon platform to make some updates and noticed something unusual. The story had changed. Luna, who was a supporting character, had taken the spotlight as the model for a famous clothing brand. Stella, the character I had envisioned as the star, was relegated to the background. Alex must be right. My eyes narrowed as I wondered who could have tampered with my story without my permission. I was determined to set things right. Without hesitation, I edited the story, putting Stella back in the spotlight as the clothing brand's model. But my curiosity got the best of me, and I couldn't help but wonder who had meddled with my work. I created a new storyline to continue the webtoon. Xander asked Stella for a date. He was sweet, caring, and utterly devoted to Stella. He made sure to prioritize her health and well-being above all else.

My fingers holding a pen paused over the tablet as I let out a dreamy sigh. I had always been a daydreamer, but most of my thoughts were consumed by the charming smile and warm laughter of Alex, who is getting closer and sweet to me. With a soft smile, I returned to my writing, my pen flying across the tablet once more. Stella and Xander’s adventures mirrored my own feelings and experiences. The thrill of unexpected encounters, the rush of excitement when their eyes met, and the unspoken connection that seemed to transcend words—it was all there in my story. As I continued to write, I couldn't deny the joy that Alex brought to my life. He was the real-life inspiration behind the main character in my story, and with every figure I drew, my feelings for him seemed to grow stronger.

As the final bell rang, I nervously made my way to Ms. Johnson's classroom. I knew I was about to get a stern talking-to about her habitual lateness. Once the classroom emptied, I hesitantly approached Ms. Johnson's desk. The teacher looked at me with a mix of concern and disappointment. "Layla, being late is becoming unacceptable. I wanted to talk to you about this issue." I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. I knew I had to do better, but sometimes life had a way of making it difficult for me to arrive on time. But then, Ms. Johnson leaned forward and smiled. It was an unexpected expression, and I couldn't help but be surprised. "Guess what, Layla? Alex just came here a few moments ago, pleading with me to let you off the hook this time. He even offered to sprint again so you could go away with your tardiness." I was taken aback. Why would Alex do something like that for me? I stuttered, "Wh-why did he do that?" Ms. Johnson's smile softened. "I'm not sure, Layla. He asked me not to tell you, but it's clear that he cares about you and wants to help." I was left in a state of shock and gratitude. I know Alex and I are friends but I never imagined he would go to such lengths for me. It dawned on me why Ms. Johnson had been understanding about my lateness and why Alex had been sprinting each time I was late.

As the school day went on, I couldn't get in conversation with Ms. Johnson out of my mind. I knew I had to confront Alex, who had been sprinting to cover for my chronic tardiness. When the final bell rang, I waited patiently for Alex by the lockers. As he approached, I didn't waste any time. "Alex," I began, my voice steady, "I know what you've been doing for me. Alex acted surprised; his eyes wide with innocence. "What are you talking about, Layla?" I didn't back down. I had confirmation from Ms. Johnson myself. "Ms. Johnson told me everything, Alex. How you've been pleading with her to spare me from penalties and even offering to sprint in my place." Caught off guard, Alex let out a nervous chuckle. "Well, I guess I'm caught red-handed." I was amazed by his kindness and determination to help me, but I needed to know why. "Why did you do it, Alex?" The bell rang, signaling the end of our conversation. Alex looked at me with a serious expression. "Honestly, Layla, let's meet on the rooftop after class. I have something to say to you." I was left standing there, my mind racing with questions. Was Camila's warning about Alex, correct? What did he want to tell me on the rooftop, and why had he been going to such lengths to help me? The mysteries surrounding Alex were deepening, and I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for our friendship.

As I climbed the stairs to the rooftop, my heart was pounding with anticipation. I couldn't help but wonder what Alex wanted to talk to me about. The wind rustled through my hair as I reached the rooftop and stepped out into the open. However, instead of finding Alex waiting for me, I was met by Camila's presence. Camila stood near the edge; her eyes fixated on me with a piercing glare. My stomach churned with unease as I considered Camila's reputation for being assertive, even confrontational. Camila's expression was filled with anger, and she stormed toward me, blocking my path. "Stop flirting with Alex," she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "Haven't you seen yourself in the mirror? You're oversized and ugly. I feel bad for Alex because he's hanging out with someone like you, Layla." My heart sank as Camila's hurtful words washed over me. I had never expected such cruelty from someone I barely knew. The tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I took a deep breath and mustered the courage to respond. "Camila," I said, my voice trembling but determined, "I don't know what you are saying, Alex and I are just friends, we’re not in a relationship. And besides, what happens between me and Alex is none of your business. As I stood my ground, Camila's anger seemed to reach a boiling point. In a shocking moment, Camila raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across my face. The rooftop fell silent except for Camila's cold, sarcastic laughter. She looked at me with contempt and spoke with a mocking tone, "You should be ashamed of yourself, Layla. Wake up, it's not a fairytale. Do you honestly think Alex would ever like someone as gross and ugly as you?"