If only you would have just shut your mouth, go along with it and not question it...
The days went on and talking to Lemon was getting harder each day. With the Friendship games around the corner everyone was working extra hard to make sure they are at their finest so they can make sure to stomp all over the Wondercolts. Your strongest talent was archery for sure, but only being talented in one skill did not mean you would make the cut for the final team. Sure you would be skillful enough to surpass almost everyone in school, only Sour Sweet was better than you in this particular sport, but after that, you were blank. You were not smart enough to face anyone, you were not all that athletic outside of the skill previously mentioned, and you never liked crafting things with your own hands. While this last one was doable, it was not your first choice.
Maybe you could try to go and practice your cooking skills since those were pretty decent as well, but in the long run you knew what was best, not only for you, but for the whole school. You decided to just sit out of this games and let others handle this situation with their own hands. It would be a shame if you actually make it in the team that would be composed of the best of the best to compete against the Wondercolts, only to let everyone down since your strength just relies in two skills.
And because of this decision that you took, that was pretty much the last thing you saw from Lemon or her friends for quite a while. She was too focused with her training just like everyone else. She was smart, crafty, athletic and pretty good in all the activities that the games would cover. She was going to make the cut for the team without a sweat, you were sure of that, but that still did not stop her from training harder every day.
One particular day, you were just chilling on the back of the school under the sun doing some homework. Your day was already over and you could leave for your house if you wished to do so, but you decided to hang around and finish homework first, since you knew that sitting down to actually study and do your homework once you get home was not going to happen. You would probably get distracted easily with something in your room or even just take a nap and oversleep till next morning.
You were currently sitting on the bleachers overseeing the tracking field that was neatly prepared for anyone to go and use it if they wanted to. Professor Iron Will was there making sure no one was slacking about if they are actually using the field, and those who were indeed slacking, were quickly thrown out of the way to make room for those who never give up. Since you were too focused on your papers, and books, you did not notice the people around you sitting down, having a chat and taking a breather from running and training presumably all day, and frankly, you did not care. You were probably going to get rejected if you tried talking to any of them anyways like they always do.
That was until you felt the presence of another person. Someone sit down by your side on your right, and it was not just a group of people that just so happen to sit down nearby and you were just in the way. This girl was completely alone and looking at your homework before looking straight forward once again.
Light purple skin, a long and smooth silver hair braided into two big pig tails coming out from the back of her head, orange glasses to help her see and her cold and serious stare. It always looked like her stare alone could freeze anyone in place if she stares for too long.
“The argument you used for the third question is pretty pointless. Everyone knows that Bleda supposedly died on a hunting trip with Attila, but it was in fact a trap to kill Attila all along. Attila was simply stronger and smarter than his brother, that’s why he survived the surprise attack Bleda prepared. You would know this if you actually read the book for once instead of searching for the information on the internet” How did she even know that you did not use your book for this part of the homework was beyond your knowledge, but you decided not to question it, she was the smart one after all.
Of course she was going to make a remark of your homework. Arguably the smartest girl in school right after Twilight Sparkle, Sugarcoat was cold and direct. She did not like beating around the bush for too long and she is not exactly the kind of person to ‘open up’ to anyone, but for some reason she was talking to you just now.
With an eyebrow raised, you quickly correct your answer and then face the girl confused. You open your mouth to protest, talk or anything really, but for some reason, you could not mutter any kind of sounds.
Almost like if she had scanned what you were trying to say with just one quick stare, Sugarcoat frown and sigh as she shook her head “Just because I am sitting with you doesn’t mean we are friends. I am just here to support my friends and that is it. I only sit with you because Lemon has been talking about this ‘new guy’ for almost two straight days and I wanted to see what the big deal was about… I frankly don’t understand why she is freaking out, you don’t look special at all”
Such sweet words from such a sweet girl, but deep down she was right. There was no big deal about you, just an average person trying to get on with life as best as you can. You were not that smart, funny nor athletic. You were not that social nor talented either, so when the girl said that Lemon has been talking about you was kind of shocking. Sure you did screw up with Sour Sweet, but that was a conversation that would probably die in just a few minutes, and the cookies you offered her the day after that was no big deal either.
“What does she say about me?” Curiosity killed the cat, but in all honesty, you were a really curious kitty at the moment. You would be lying if you said you were not a bit excited as well, but you put on your best poker face and remain cool.
It almost felt like hours had passed before Sugarcoat would speak again. The tension was killing you, and the answer… let’s just say it left you wishing for more, because all that Sugarcoat said about the topic was “She just finds you interesting”
Just interesting… that was not enough. You wanted to know more “Care to elaborate?”
Another eternity went on and the silence grew tenser by the second “So?” you insisted to the girl on your side but she still did not say anything. The silence that followed after this was broken by a really loud whistle from Iron Will and a small race began. Everyone who was competing were using roller blades at the moment, speeding through the track to get the upper hand.
Your mind quickly side tracked and focused its attention on those who were competing. From this distance you could tell a few students apart. Gilda, Neon Lights, Sunny Flare and there she was. Considering how difficult it must be to hide that big beautiful emerald hair inside a helmet, most of Lemon’s back hair was sticking out and flowing along with the wind as she speeds forward. It was no surprise that Sunny Flare and Lemon took the upper hand. They have practically been practicing together all week whenever they get the chance, though you feel like they have been doing so for years if you would have to take a guess. There is no way they could get this good in such a short amount of time.
The race ended just as fast as it had started, or at least it seemed like it did since all you could focus while it was going, was watching that girl skate around, even tease the students she would lap occasionally. It was only time for her to catch you staring, and as soon as she was through the finish line, she took a moment to breath in and out before spinning around with a lout cheer and throwing her arms in the air. As soon as she stopped, she ended up facing you and your eyes meet hers.
You just stared making her a tad nervous and still you did not notice… if any time you have been or looked like a creep… this was the time. Sugarcoat however snapped a finger in front of your face as she stood up “You are creeping her out. If you are going to ask her out, that is not the way to do it”
Ask her out… wait why would Sugarcoat suggest that? That is the second person that has assumed that you want to ask Lemon out or something like that “Wait a minute! Who said anything of asking Lemon out?”
Sugarcoat stopped, tuned around and gave you an ‘are you serious?’ look “Indigo told me you like Lemon. Just one thing. Hurt my friend, and you will be dealing with me”
Well that did not sound too… promising, or nice “I don’t wanna ask her out! I just want to be friends! I swear”
Sugarcoat was not falling for that “Then why were you staring at her the whole time?” With that, she turned around once again and left for good, heading down towards the track to meet with her friends. Why were you staring at Lemon all that time? She is kind of cute and she does look pretty nice in that outfit, and that happy smile drawn on her face with her victory over the rest of the students, and those beautiful eyes filled with hope and sunshine… Come on get a grip of yourself, you can’t screw up this friendship so fast with a silly crush.
Ask her out. No it was too risky… but then again, she was quite friendly and open minded, but what if it fails? And if it doesn’t? And if she actually says yes? But it would be worse if she said no… Why is it that Indigo and Sugarcoat had to pressure you like this? You are not even sure if you like Lemon that way yet!
Well regardless of what you are going to do, you were not going to just be the creep who stares from afar. Just like Sugarcoat, you picked up your stuff and began to walk down towards to the girls. Lemon, Sugarcoat and Sunny were already having a chat before you showed up. The last two girls almost seemed like they had plotted this because as soon as you reached them, Sunny Flare smiled and left along with Sugarcoat, leaving the two of you alone once again.
This time you were not going to let this get to your head again… you were not going to screw this up and make an awkward silence like usual, so you decide to break the ice with a simple “You were pretty amazing out there. I’m sure Cinch is going to pick you to be on the team on the games”
Lemon was certainly happy to hear that. As friendly as she might be, she also has that competitive side inside of her. While it is not purely hate towards the other school, it is a side of her that wants to win and bring the cup back to school. School spirit maybe? “Thanks dude. My friends and I are working really hard to make it so that we can kick some asses”
“I don’t get it really”
“What?” Not being specific with your statement would certainly make anyone confused. Say something before you lose her!
“Oh, well, the whole rivalry thing. Is it really that important to win?”
It seemed that this had stuck a nerve on Lemon or something, because her smile quickly fade away and was replaced with a frown “What do you mean if it is important? Of course it is! The Shadowbolts had never lost against the Wondercolts and we are not going to be the first ones to loose against them!”
“Well, losing is not such a big deal either. I mean, it’s all in good fun, right?”
Lemon’s frown did not leave her face. She was staring deep into your eyes looking to see if you were messing with her or not, but when she came to the conclusion you were serious, she shock her head “You don’t get it do you? You are new and all, but we are the best, and we are not letting anyone win against us. Goodbye anon”
You were speechless. You did fear that Lemon would be like the others when it came to the competition, but deep down you kind of wish this was not true... You just wanted to see her laugh it off and not worry about it, but it seems you were wrong.
Just like that… you screwed up. Lemon began to roll away from you with her arms folded. As hard as it may seem to believe, it looked like everyone in Crystal Prep was infected with the ‘competitive bug’ except for you, not even the happiest and most cheerful girl in school was able to avoid getting competitive.
You could tell it right here, right now… this was going to be a long week, and if you are going to talk with Lemon again tomorrow… you better expect to be rejected, unless you get involved in messing with the Wondercolts somehow as well.
To be continued…