Smile Anew

It was getting late, and the party was winding down. Jake's friends started saying their goodbyes, preparing to head out. Some of them gave Mel and Blake a curious glance, noting the animated banter they'd engaged in throughout the night. As Mel announced that she was leaving, Blake, unable to resist, quickly offered to walk with her for a bit. "I can walk you to your house, if you'd like," he said, trying to sound nonchalant. Mel looked at him, her expression a mix of surprise and, if he wasn't mistaken, a glimmer of delight. "Sure, sounds good," she replied, a tiny smile playing on her lips. "Just let me grab my things real quick." Jake, who had been listening to the exchange, gave them a knowing smile. "You guys have fun," he said, a hint of a smirk in his voice. "And don't stay out too late." "That's a promise. Catch you later man." With a final wave, Blake and Mel stepped out of Jake's house, the night air cool against their skin. As they walked, the lively chatter from the party faded into the distance, leaving them in a bubble of solitude. For a few moments, they walked in silence, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the empty streets. The moonlight cast long shadows on the pavement, adding an almost dream-like quality to their journey.

Eventually, Blake started out by saying, "I have no clue what to talk about now." Mel looked at him, her expression thoughtful. "No need to force conversation, you know. Sometimes silence is just as comfortable." "I dont know if that sounds weird or not but ever since I started talking with you, my mind has been unnervingly quiet." Mel smiled at his words, understanding what he meant. "I don't think that's weird at all. Sometimes, talking to the right person can have a calming effect. We all need someone who can provide some mental peace, right?" "You are right. However, I feel like we didn't get to talk about much besides games." Mel nodded thoughtfully. "You know, you're right. We got so caught up in our debate over games, we didn't really get a chance to talk about much else. But I'd love to know more about you." "You do? I am not the best person to talk with in general." Mel tilted her head, her expression curious. "Why do you say that?" "You know, my mental stuff. I am not the most stable person ever to have a conversation with." "Ah." Mel's expression softened slightly. "That doesn't make you any less worthy to talk with. We all have our struggles, and mental stuff is a part of who you are. It doesn't define your worth." 

Blake sighed and continued with a crucial information from his past life. "So many of my friends cut contacts with me ever since I 'lost my mind'." Mel's eyes clouded with sadness. "I'm sorry to hear that. It's tough when people don't understand how to deal with mental health issues. But you know, those who really care about you, they'll stick around despite it all." As he thought about the friends who had stood by him, a wave of gratitude washed over Blake. He reflected on Jake and Melissa, who had been there since he was a child, supporting him through the most strange and trying times, and now Mel appeared to be adding her name to the list of those who would accept him for who he was. "You are a nice person, Mel." She smiled warmly at his compliment. "Thank you, Blake. I could say the same about you." In that moment, as Blake looked into Mel's eyes, he felt a connection, something deep and real. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was an intensity to their gaze, a silent understanding passing between them. "Do you mind if I give you a hug? If that is okay with you." Blake asked genuinely. Mel's expression softened further. "Of course, I don't mind at all," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hugs are always nice."

With that, Blake gently wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm, supportive embrace. Mel hugged him back, her arms encircling his waist, her head resting against his chest. They stood there for a few moments in silence, simply holding each other. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them. The touch felt soothing, grounding, and just right. Eventually they separated, "Thank you. That felt really nice," he said softly, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "Sometimes I don't realize how much I need a hug until I get one." Mel nodded, a small, gentle smile playing on her lips. "I know what you mean. Hugs are like a language all their own. They can say so much without needing any words." Blake noticed how late it was getting and quickly replied with, "I got carrried away totally. Let's bring you to your home." Mel chuckled softly, understanding his sentiment. "No worries. Yes, let's keep moving. We're almost there anyway." They continued walking, the silence between them now comfortable and easy. The night air was cool on their skin, and the stars twinkled above them, forming a mesmerizing canopy of light. As they reached Mel's house, she stopped in front of the entrance and turned to face Blake. "I had fun tonight," she said sincerely, her voice soft in the quiet night. "Thank you for walking me home." "My pleasure. I'm glad we reached safe and sound." Mel smiled, her eyes reflecting a sense of contentment. "Safe and sound indeed. I'll see you around then?" "That would be wonderful." Blake said happily. Mel nodded, her expression sincere. "Goodnight, Blake." With that, she stepped forward and briefly hugged him once more. The contact was fleeting yet meaningful. "Good night to you as well Mel." Mel pulled back and waved before disappearing into the house. Blake stood there for a little while longer, the feel of her embrace still lingering on his skin. 

As Blake realized his oversight, a mixture of disbelief and frustration washed over him. "Dang it, how did I forget to ask for her number?" he muttered aloud, mentally berating himself. "Come on, man, you had one chance," he chided himself, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. "Now, how am I gonna keep in touch with her?" The abrupt appearance of Mel from her house took Blake by surprise, his heart skipping a beat at the unexpected return. Before he could fully process her presence, she rushed up to him, slightly panting. "Blake, wait," Mel called out, her voice urgent yet composed. "I almost forgot something." Curious and a hint hopeful, Blake looked at her, his attention fully focused. "What is it?" he asked, a note of anticipation in his voice. Mel gave him a small, almost sheepish smile. "I know this sounds cliché, but I forgot to give you my number." The ridiculousness of the situation finally hit them both, causing them to burst into laughter. Blake's shoulders shook as he chuckled, his frustration quickly melting away at the sheer silliness of their forgetfulness.