CHAPTER 2: A STEP FORWARD… OR BACK?

While Semiel was off to get his long-awaited extra-large vanilla ice cream, Saval was about to make his thirteenth confession to Antonella.

Saval: Umm… Antonella, hey.

Antonella: Hey, Saval! I'm really sorry for being so late. You must've been waiting for a long time.

Saval: Oh, don't worry. I knew you'd come because you promised me. So… how was your day? It's been almost two weeks since your birthday, and I haven't heard from you—even though we're neighbors.

Antonella: I'm doing okay. Today was just a tiring day, and honestly, I really wanted to go out, so I'm glad you invited me. And yeah, time flies—it's been two weeks already. But don't worry, I love the music box you gave me. It's beautiful. I even cleaned it a little today.

— REALLY?! Ahem, I mean… really? I'm glad you liked it! I picked it especially for you, mainly because it plays Espacio Sideral by Jesse & Joy… our song. —Saval said, his voice carrying a hint of embarrassment.

— Yep! I especially love the little heart details on top. But, tell me, Saval, why did you say it was so important for me to come here? You know my dad barely lets me out around here, and besides… I don't really like ducks. ¬¬ —Antonella said, slightly annoyed.

— Oh, come on, Antonella. I know you don't like ducks, but just look at them—they're cute! And besides, the fountain here always has the most beautiful sunsets. You know I love places like this.

Especially when you're with me.

— So, what's the plan for today? My parents gave me permission to stay out until seven. Let's make the most of it! —Antonella said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

— First, let's go for some pizza. I saw a new place nearby with a balcony. I bet we'll get a great view of the sunset while enjoying something delicious.

— Sounds good. Lead the way, Val—my personal tour guide.

— Ahhh, Antonella! I told you I don't like being called Val. It sounds weird.

— Haha, sorry, sorry! But it sounds cute, and I feel like it suits you. Besides, I'm the only one who calls you that, you know?

— The only one… w-well, if it's just you, then I guess it's fine. —Saval said with a nervous smile.

— You're blushing, huh?

— IT'S THE HEAT! Let's hurry before the sunset's gone! —Saval said, quickly walking ahead to hide his embarrassment.

— Haha, wait for me!

They made their way across the plaza and finally arrived at the new pizzeria, Don Felicianno's, which was already packed with customers.

— Phew! We barely made it in. Lucky that they had just one table left on the terrace. —Saval said, taking off his signature red jacket.

— Yeah, really lucky. And thanks for ordering my favorite—pepperoni pizza. You're the best, Saval.

— I like pepperoni pizza too—I mean, the pepperoni pizza.

Ugh, why does she say things like that? It makes me so nervous.

Just then, the waiter arrived with a fresh, steaming pizza.

— Here you go, lovebirds! A delicious pepperoni pizza and, as a special treat for the cute couple, some complimentary cheese sticks. —The waiter said with a friendly smile.

— Oh, thank you! But we're just friends. —Antonella replied, smiling.

— Y-Yeah… just friends. Thanks for the cheese sticks, sir.

— Well, enjoy your meal, then! —The waiter said before rushing off to another table.

— Umm, let's eat before it gets cold. —Saval said, grabbing a slice.

— Yeah, enjoy your meal, Val.

— Awkward silence —

— Ah… so, did you hear about that new horror movie coming out? —Saval asked, trying to break the silence.

— Oh, really? But you know I don't really watch horror movies, Val.

— Right… I forgot. Haha… Wow, this pizza is amazing!

— Yeah, I'm glad we came here. And the view really is as beautiful as you said it would be. —Antonella said, taking a bite of a cheese stick.

— It's a great place, and the music is nice too.

The best part is that I'm here with you… I wish this moment could last forever.

— So, where are we going next, Val?

— I was thinking we could take a walk around the plaza and just spend time together until you have to go.

— Sounds like a plan! Let's finish eating and walk to help with digestion.

They finished their pizza in no time, but then came their usual eternal debate.

— Val, let's split the bill.

— No, I invited you, so I'll pay.

— Really? Are we going to go through this again? Just do as I say and split it.

— B-But—

— Val, are you arguing with me? —Antonella asked, slightly annoyed.

— N-No, of course not. Okay, fine. We'll split it.

— That's better. It wouldn't be fair for you to pay for everything.

— You know I can never say no to you.

They paid their share and left the pizzeria, heading toward the plaza while chatting about their day.

— So, I told him: "Ado is the best singer. Admit it, man. Just listen to her songs!"

— Oh, Val… You really like Ado, huh? —Antonella said with a small grin.

— Of course! She's the best! She's my oshi!

— You and your Japanese stuff… Anyway, what did you want to tell me, Val? You said it was important.

— Well, Antonella… I brought you here because I wanted to tell you that…

Come on, Saval. This isn't the first time, but it has to be the last. Make it count. Tell her how you feel.

— I wanted to tell you that I like you. I really, really like you. Even if an asteroid were to hit tomorrow, I'd still want to spend that time with you—because you mean that much to me. —Saval said, handing her a letter.

— This is for you. I wrote you a poem… And there's something else. You know I stream games and stuff, right? Well, I'm planning a big event soon… I want you to be there. I want everyone to meet the person I'm so in love with.

— Val… this isn't the first time you've confessed. Why? I… I don't know what to say.

— Antonella…

— I don't know. I love spending time with you, but I don't know if I can see you that way…

— Antonella, I mean it. I'm not confessing because it's a habit. I'll prove it to you. —Saval said, stepping closer.

— Val?

— I really like you. —Saval whispered before giving her a soft kiss—the very first kiss of his life.

— Mmf… V-Val— Antonella stammered, catching her breath.

— That's how serious I am about this. Did you… not like it?

— It's not about whether I liked it or not… It was my first kiss.

— It was my first kiss too. But I never imagined anyone else but you for it.

— I'm so confused… Give me some time, Val. I need time to think.

— I'll wait as long as it takes. But… will you come to my stream? If you come, it's a yes. If you don't… then I'll understand.

— I'll be there no matter what. You said it was important to you, so I promise. But it's getting late—I have to go home before I get scolded. Take care! —Antonella said quickly before rushing off.

— …DID I JUST KISS HER?! AM I CRAZY?!

But… she didn't reject me! I still have a chance! I have to tell Semiel! —Saval thought, rushing to catch the metro home.

Meanwhile, one boy played games at home, and another had just experienced his first kiss—unaware that, for his best friend, it would be the worst news of all.