The Code of Aries ?

(51) Escape

"No, it's fine, you don't have to do such a thing," he tells her before turning to me. "And besides, Dom trusts you, so I'll have to trust you too," Aries then says, and Ash starts hugging Diane's arm while screeching like a fangirl.

"I'm so jealous! And I'm not even single," Ash says, making both Aries and I laugh while Diane pushes her off her arm.

"Alright, lovebirds, let's head to the pavilion. They're already serving breakfast," Diane then says, and the four of us go together, relieved that the people who saw us are the two wonderful women who we trust the most.

...

After breakfast, all of us took a bunch of photos together, which Mae explained was somehow a promotion for next year's pageant. We also took a couple of photos with our partners, so Ash and I had a photoshoot with our crowns and bikini by the beech, as well as Aries and Diane.

The rest of the day was once again filled with tiring yet thrilling activities, but since we're already heading back later this afternoon, Aries, Ash, Diane, and I decided to just lazily enjoy the day by lying on a pool float shaped like pizza slices.

"I already drank one bottle, but my head still hurts," Ash says while lying on her stomach to sunbathe.

"You just have a low alcohol tolerance," Diane answers while reading a book. Aries is also reading a novel while I lazily lie on the float while gently touching the water in the pool, making sure I don't accidentally fall off and drown again.

"We're gonna have a month break before the next semester. I'm actually excited since we're gonna graduate soon, but that also means we're finally gonna have our OJT. You guys are lucky. Freshman year is the best year, in my opinion, so enjoy it now while you still can," Diane explains, immediately making me look at Aries when I heard the word graduate.

Sometimes I forget that Aries is my senior and he's graduating soon. Next year, I wouldn't be able to see him anymore on campus or in the council office. We wouldn't be heading home together anymore, and the worse part is, Aries is already gonna start living in the real world as an important person in society. I know I shouldn't feel like this, but I feel like I'm gonna be left out.

If I was the same age as Aries and enrolled in the same year, what would our relationship be like then? Would he still fall in love with Blaine if I was in the picture?

"Dom," Ash suddenly calls out, startling me.

"S-Sorry, what was it?"

"I was asking if you're planning to go somewhere on Christmas," Ash asks again.

"Not really. Guess I'm just gonna stay home with my mom. Maybe invite my childhood friend to celebrate with us," I explain, making Diane put her book down so she can look at me.

"Aren't you going anywhere with your boyfriend? This is your first Christmas together. You should celebrate it," Diane says, and Aries and I look at each other before looking at Diane.

"Aries is heading to the US with his family tomorrow," I explain, and a sad expression appears on Aries's face again. It seems like this going-away-to-celebrate-Christmas issue has been on Aries's mind. Last night we briefly talked about staying here for one more day before he leaves, but I guess that might be much of a hassle, and Aries completely knows that. 

This is probably the reason why he's being too clingy and why he decided to come on this trip even though he doesn't usually join them.

"You know, we can go on a trip when you get back, right?" I ask, and Aries nods his head before falling into deep thought. After a few seconds, Aries looks at me and asks, "What if I postpone my flight tomorrow night and just leave on the 25th? I'll still be able to make it and celebrate Christmas in the States."