Build Me Up

Chapter 9

princess:
Um, I just always have I guess. Does it bother you
Are you going to the dance this weekend?
7:00 a.m.

The bus pulled up to my stop and I got on, sitting at my usual seat.

mystery person:
My friends are forcing me to go. I wasn't going to but looks like I am. Oh, that reminded me that I don't even have my costume yet.
I don't wanna pay an extra 10 bucks after buying a costume too.
And I like you better with your hood down, but if you like your parka then that's cool too.
Gtg for now!
7:01 a.m.

princess:
I'll figure you out
Bye for now
7:01 a.m.

I shut my phone off and listened to a random song with my earbuds.

Obviously, Kenny would find out who I was. Maybe not today, but he'd figure it out. Unless I told him first. Would he think I was weird though?

Why does it matter what he thinks? I guess because he's my friend.

I smiled at this thought. Friends. I did not have many friends, but I was glad Kenny was one. It was much better than being Eric's friend. Honestly, the other guys weren't so bad, but they were normally caught up in something.

I hadn't noticed Kenny sit down next to me until he poked my side.

"Hello?" Kenny smiled slightly, tilting his head at me.

I wondered why he always sat next to me on the bus. I guess he only had three main friends because he was quiet all the time. Maybe he wanted to make another friend.

I smiled back. "Good morning Kenny! How's your day so far?" I hadn't noticed Kenny's social actions the past few years. Most of the time, he was always in the background. His friends didn't seem to completely understand his situation. He must be lonely...

Kenny rested his head on the top of the seat, closing his eyes slowly. I repeated his actions. "Oh y'know, the usual. My day always brightens when I talk to you though."

I know! I'll be the best friend I can be to him. I'll be there for him whenever he needs it. I'll make him the happiest person in the world!

"..." Wait what? My head sharply turned to face him. That was so nonchalant. "Same, if I'm being honest." I watched as he reopened his eyes slightly, the corner of them trailed on me.

I continued quietly. "I know people think you're pretty quiet and kind of a pervert. You're just joking though with all those flirts. I don't mind you being quiet, but I like when you speak your mind. You're also such a good friend and brother." I was about to add 'I have no clue how you can be so kind and perfect', but Kenny's actions stopped me.

He grinned, shuffling closer to me until our sides were touching. He leaned his head on my shoulder, unzipping part of his coat so his mouth wasn't covered anymore. I was glad, it was hard to make out what he was saying most of the time.

"Don't be so cute, Buttercup." His eyes stared into mine until he trailed his finger from my eyebrow to underneath my eye. This made me close my eyes quickly, so he wouldn't poke me. His fingers left my face making me glance back at him. "I'm sorry." Kenny's voice was so quiet, I almost didn't hear him.

His sudden comment made me severely confused and sad at the same time. "For what?" What was he sorry for? He didn't do anything wrong. Was he guilty of something?

He leaned closer to my face, his head not leaving my shoulder. I looked down at the ground. "Your eye. I never did apologize, but whenever I look at you I'm reminded I did that. I never meant to hurt you like that and it was permanent."