Planning

Dec. 8th (Tuesday)

There's a bounce in my step as I walk past classrooms. My head is up, arms in my pockets, and legs striding down the hall. I can't help but be in a good mood as I think of what's to come. Seeing gran. It's the only thing in my mind and I can't get it out, not that I want to, though.

I close my eyes and let my mind wander. After a while, I decide to keep them opened so I won't bump into anyone. Suddenly, I spot something familar that's way ahead of me. Looking closer, I realize that it's Aseo;he's probably heading to his next class like the rest of the students, including me. Seeing him here isn't unusual, however, his body language is the exact opposite of mine: his head is hung low, hands holding his arms, as he takes small, dragged steps. That is what surprises me.

My thoughts become theories of what could have led to this; my brain thinks of nothing but what could have been the cause of such rare behavior.

It's not that it's wrong to feel down or look like that, but, Aseo is never one to be so down. He never shows his negative emotions, though he does reach out if need be.

My thoughts and feelings are startled when a loud bell rings and I quickly clear the last steps that stand between me and the door to my next class.

Standing up, I sigh and crack my back, smiling at the satisfying feeling it gives. I decide to walk home and am, surprisingly, joined by Aseo.

"Hey Soul." he says and I reply with a greeting aswell. We say nothing afterward and I grow worried because of his interesting look.

"Something wrong?" I ask, most likely showing a concerned look.

Aseo shrugs his shoulders and sighs, "Not really; Ezial and I have just been getting into a lot of fights."

Something feels a little off. After fights, Aseo is usually pretty down, but right now he seems much more annoyed and frustrated than guilty or sad. I mistook his actions in the hallway as being sad, but up close? Up close he seems much more annoyed.

"Oh. That sucks, but, you seem annoyed?" I say in a questioning tone. Aseo looks ahead and scrunches his eyebrows together.

"yes, very annoyed. Ezial is just…he's just being himself, I guess."

The words that came out of his mouth shock me to the core. I have never head Aseo talk like that about Ezial. He's always talking about how nice and great he is, never giving a single negative comment.

"oh" Is all I manage to reply again, though a small smile makes it way to my lips. Can you blame me though? I've never been too fond of my brother and now Aseo is finally seeing him for who he actually is; I hope this lasts.

We walk in silence when an idea suddenly strikes.

"Since you seem stressed, why don't you come over and help me with something?" I suggest.

"Sure, what do you need help with?" Aseo asks and I see a small smile appearing.

"Well, I'm planning on visiting gran soon" I reply with a huge smile that I don't even try to hide.

Aseo shows a surprised look then happiness takes over. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen.

"wow sounds fun" he says with so much enthusiasm in his voice.

"Yup. Anyways, I was wondering if you'd like to help me plan my trip?" I question and Aseo doesn't hesitate in agreeing. He thinks it'll be fun and I know it will be.

When we arrive home Ezial is lying on the couch but Aseo doesn't greet him. It's a small, yet unusual, detail that doesn't fail to put a small smile on my lips.

We walk upstairs and into my room. Aseo sighs and flops onto my bed as soon as we put our bags down. I close the door and smile at his actions.

He seems exhausted and I can't help but feel a little bad. The fact that I'm a little happy over him fighting with the guy he likes makes me feel guilty. I shouldn't be this excited while seeing him in pain. But, is he really in pain? Does he truly like Ezial? He's never said it, yet I have a strong feeling its true. He's not acting sad, yet he is obviously not happy. These contradictions make my head spin and I question whether or not to ask.

In the end my curiosity wins.

"Aseo? Are you…ok? Don't you want to talk to my brother, to reconcile with him?

Aseo gives yet another sigh and lazily pushes himself up, "Mmmm not really. I've been thinking a lot lately; You could say I'm also trying to reconnect? with myself."

The way Aseo said the last part makes me tilt my head. He seems to question his word choice, then nods in approval afterward.

I hum in agreement.

"I get it. It's like you're trying to find yourself and that could come with changes. As long as they're for the better, everything will be alright. I wish you luck." I turn and smile at him.

When I look at him, his eyes begin to water; After a while, his face shows a big smile.

"Thankyou." he says

We decided to begin planning my trip and I find that doing this is much more enjoyable when you've got a friend by you.

My parents eventually got home and the natural light outside began to leave.

I yawn and stretch a little from where I'm sitting. Aseo yawns as well and closes his eyes.

I smile while watching him, then decide it's time for him to rest.

"Aseo" I whisper into his ear. He groans as a response.

"It's time for you to head home" I say.

Aseo, yawns, nods, and stretches. I walk him to the door and suggest walking him home.

He agrees, saying that he'd go only if I gave him a piggy back ride.

I laugh and nod.

We are almost through with out journey and I sigh in satisfaction. I'm happier than I've ever been and I owe it to a lot of people. Aseo and I have gotten closer, as close as we used to be, and I'm with the people I love. I'm glad Aseo is trying to figure out what he's comfortable with and who he is, I'm glad our relationship mended, I'm glad he won't be influenced by my brother anymore, I'm glad I'll be visiting gran soon, and I'm glad I have so many people by my side.

My life is getting much better and I can't wait to tell gran about it.

Before I know it, I'm at home and in bed. I stare up at the ceiling thinking of only good things. It stays like this until I fall asleep and keep those positive thoughts.