Chapter 33 Chapter Thirty-Three
Demis Point Of View
The bright fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead as I stepped into the very busy mall right beside Alex, our friends trailing behind us in a chaotic but familiar formation.
Today is supposed to be a chill day, we didn’t have much planned though, it’s just us hanging out and getting some things, grabbing some snacks, maybe catching a movie later.
I could already feel a bit of tension simmering beneath the surface, i felt unease for some reason.
Kyle was the first to spot me, waving excitedly with that goofy grin he always wore.
His energy was contagious, but today, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off, I knew Kyle was always the energetic one but after practically ignoring me for days it’s weird seeing him act like nothing happened.
The others followed, each of them greeting me with familiar high-fives and quick hugs.
So aside from Alex and Me our other friends that tagged along with us are Chris, Kyle, Noah, Robin and Gray
"Hey, Demi" Kyle called out, jogging up to me. "How are you man" he brought his arm out for a bro shake and I shook it.
I managed a small smile. "I’m good, how are you?" I know I was acting a bit awkward but can you blame me?, the last time we had a serious conversation, I went all Godzilla on him.
“I’m cool too” he awkwardly said back.
It was like Chris could feel the tension because he came between us and drapes his hands over our shoulders.
“Let’s go have some fun” he cheered.
We started wandering toward the food court, passing by stores filled with clothes, gadgets, and all kinds of stuffs.
Noah made a comment about a shirt he saw in one of the stores, so we entered the store and he immediately went around. I looked around too and didn’t find anything.
After a few minutes of shopping there, Noah got some things and we left the store.
The scent of popcorn and fried chicken wafted through the air as we got out the store and began walking around, it started making my stomach grumble.
But my mind kept drifting back to that one thing I couldn't quite shake off, the look Kyle gave me earlier, like he was about to say something he wasn't sure how.
Suddenly, Kyle slowed down and looked at me, his face serious. "Hey, Demi, uhm can I talk to you for a sec?"
"Sure," I replied, a little wary. We moved to the side, near a kiosk selling sunglasses. Kyle looked down at his hands, fidgeting.
"I just... I want to say I'm sorry," he blurted out. "I didn't mean to upset you the other day. I was just joking around, but I guess I crossed a line"
I blinked, surprised by the sudden apology. "You really mean that?"
He nodded quickly. "Yeah. I didn't want us to have any weirdness today. Can we just forget about it?"
Before I could respond, Kyle reached out and gently grabbed my arm. "Come on, let's go somewhere. I want to make it up to you"
"Where?" I asked, feeling curious despite myself.
He grinned mischievously. "There's this store I've been wanting to check out. Follow me"
He tugged me along, and I let myself be pulled, our friends trailing behind us, watching with amused expressions.
We entered a store filled with cool merchandise, clothes, accessories, and all sorts of trendy stuffs.
Kyle led me straight to a display of cool sneakers.
"Look at these," he said, pointing. "You'd look good in a pair like this" He took them
In his hands almost shoving them in my face.
I chuckled softly. "Thanks, Kyle. That's sweet of you"
But he wasn't done. "No, seriously. I want to apologize properly. And to do that, I want to buy you something. Pick out whatever you want"
My eyes widened. "You don't have to—"
"I want to," he insisted. "You're always having to tolerating me, and I want to show you I appreciate it" He let out a a chuckle.
I hesitated, feeling my cheeks warm. This wasn't the kind of thing I expected from Kyle, but I appreciated it. I looked around, considering what to choose.
After a moment, I pointed to a pair of headphones, sleek, black, and stylish. "These," I said softly. "I've been eyeing them for a while."
Kyle nodded eagerly. "Good choice man. I'll get those for you."
He approached the cashier, handing over his card.
I watched as the transaction went through, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and embarrassment.
Kyle was genuinely trying to make things right, and I didn't want to ruin the moment.
"Thanks, Kyle," I said quietly. "Really."
He grinned back at me. "Anytime, Demi. Let's make today a good one"
As we rejoined the group, I felt lighter somehow, like a weight had been lifted, I think I can enjoy the day now without that sinking feeling at the pit of my stomach.
I am so ready to enjoy the rest of the day to the fullest.
We split up for a bit, each of us eager to explore the mall's endless attractions.
I found myself wandering toward the arcade with Kyle and Robin.
The bright neon lights and the din of sounds from the games created an electrifying atmosphere.
I could already feel the excitement building inside me.