off my face | lee anton
⟶ 𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦: your best friend has been in love with you for years but you’ve been too blind to notice.
❥ 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔: best friend!anton x f!reader
❥ 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑟𝑒: angst, fluff, suggestive
❥ 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡: 4.5k
⟶ 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠: underage drinking, partying, drunk kisses, makeouts, pls let me know if i missed anything
⏤ 𝑎/n: finally finished my finals so this is a lil self indulgent piece hehe
“I’m officially done with my exams!”
Anton smiles at you through his phone as he watches you vigorously shake your device out of excitement. You’re practically glowing, a mixture of relief and joy lighting up your features. Anton’s heart swells with pride. He’s always known how dedicated and hardworking you are, but seeing you like this makes him realize just how far you’ve come. You’d conquered another milestone, and he can't help but feel immensely proud of you.
He remembers all the late-night study sessions, the moments of doubt you’d shared, and the unwavering determination in your eyes. You’re amazing. He admires your strength, your perseverance, and the way you made everything seem possible. Anton has always been your biggest cheerleader, silently supporting you from the sidelines, even though he wishes he could do more. But right now, he’s just happy to see you so happy.
"Congratulations," Anton finally says, his voice warm and full of genuine pride.
"Thank you!" you beam, your eyes sparkling with gratitude. “Not gonna lie, I wrote complete bs for half the exam, after answering what I knew and adding up the points I gave up when I realized I had enough to pass the class.”
Anton snorts at your confession, “let’s pray your math wasn’t off then.”
You hum, “lets pray I actually got those questions right otherwise I’m screwed.”
The two of you laugh at your words before a beat of silence falls over the two of you. Anton hesitates for a moment, then decides to go for it. "So, what would you like me to buy you as a gift for finishing off your junior year?" he asks, his tone playful but sincere. He wants to celebrate this achievement with you, to make this moment even more special.
Your eyes widen in surprise, a smile spreading across your face. "Really? You don't have to—"
"I want to," Anton interrupts, a mischievous grin forming. "Come on, name your reward."
You laugh, thinking for a moment before answering. "Well, if you're sure... How about that new book series I've been eyeing?"
"Consider it done," Anton says, already mentally noting to order it as soon as possible. He wants to see that smile on your face in person, wants to be the reason for your happiness, even if just a little bit.
Just then, the door to Anton’s room opens, and Eunseok pokes his head in. He notices Anton on the phone and grins, stepping fully into the room. "Hey, who's that?" he asks, leaning closer to the screen.
You giggle and wave. "Hi, Eunseok! Guess what? I’m officially done with my exams!"
"Hey! That’s awesome! Congrats!" Eunseok says, his enthusiasm infectious. "So, Anton’s getting you something nice, right?"
"Yeah, he’s getting me a book series I wanted," you say, your excitement evident.
Eunseok smiles, "Want me to buy you something too?"
Your eyes sparkle with mischief. "Wait, really?”
He nods his head once and hums, “Yeah. Anything else you have your heart set on?”
“Want to take me out for some kbbq?"
Eunseok laughs, nodding. "Sure, Korean BBQ it is. I’ll text you to pick a date."
Anton forces a smile, trying to hide his disappointment. "Great, that sounds like a lot of fun."
You beam, clearly thrilled. "Awesome! Thanks, Eunseok. And thanks again, Anton, for the book series."
"Of course," Anton says, his voice softer now. "I’m really proud of you."
After a few more exchanges, Eunseok and Anton say their goodbyes, and you hang up. The moment the call ends, Anton feels a heavy weight settle in his chest. He can't shake off the sadness that you so eagerly accepted Eunseok's offer and that you would be going out to eat with him. It felt a bit too intimate, and jealousy gnaws at him.
Anton sulks around the dorm, trying to distract himself but failing miserably. Later on, once everyone has eaten and gotten ready for bed, Anton sits in the common area still pouting and eating an apple after skipping out on dinner because Eunseok was in charge of cooking tonight. Wonbin notices his friend's gloomy demeanor and approaches him with concern.
"Hey, what's got you all pouty?" Wonbin asks, nudging Anton gently.
Anton sighs, running a hand through his hair. "It's nothing. Just... feeling a bit off, I guess."
Wonbin raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Come on, what is it? I know something's bothering you."
Anton hesitates, then finally gives in. "It's just... ____’s done with her exams and I offered to buy her a gift, she was really happy about it. But then Eunseok came in and offered to buy her something too and she accepted without a second thought. It just... I don’t know, it feels different."
Wonbin nods, understanding dawning on his face. "Ah, I see. You're feeling jealous."
"Yeah," Anton admits quietly. "I know it's stupid, but I can't help it. I’ve been in love with her for years, and she doesn’t even see me that way. And now she’s going out with Eunseok... it just hurts."
Wonbin claps a reassuring hand on Anton's shoulder. "Hey, it’s not stupid. Feelings are complicated. But maybe it's time to tell her how you really feel. Who knows, she might feel the same way."
Anton looks at Wonbin, a mixture of hope and fear in his eyes. "Maybe. I just don’t want to ruin what we have."
"Sometimes you have to take a risk to get what you really want," Wonbin says softly. "And you deserve to be happy too, Anton."
Anton nods, taking a deep breath. "Thanks, Wonbin. I’ll think about it."
As he walks back to his shared room, Anton's mind races with thoughts of you, the possibilities, and the courage he would need to finally confess his feelings. But for now, he just hopes you’re happy, even if it isn’t with him.
The next day, you head over to Anton’s dorm, excited to pick up the gift and hang out with your best friend. The sun is shining brightly, and there’s a lightness in your step as you approach the familiar building. When you knock on his door, it opens almost immediately, and Anton greets you with a warm smile.
"Hey! Come in," he says, stepping aside to let you enter.
"Thanks," you reply, stepping into the cozy space. The dorm has always felt like a second home to you, a place filled with fond memories and shared moments.
Anton walks the two of you to his room before going over to his desk and picks up a carefully wrapped package. "Here it is," he says, handing it to you with a shy grin.
You take the package, your eyes widening in surprise. "Wow, you wrapped it and everything! How did you get it so fast?"
Anton chuckles. "The perks of Amazon Prime," he replies, looking pleased with your reaction.
You laugh and start to unwrap the gift, revealing the book series you’ve been wanting. Your heart swells with gratitude, and you look up at Anton with a beaming smile. "Thank you so much, Anton! This is perfect."
"I’m glad you like it," he says softly, watching as you flip through the pages of the first book.
Just then, your phone buzzes with a text from your roommate. You glance at the screen and read the message. “Ouu, Mina just texted me about a party."
You look up at Anton, excitement and a hint of mischief in your eyes. "Do you wanna come with me? It’ll be a great way to celebrate."
Anton hesitates, his brow furrowing slightly. "A party? I don’t know... that’s not really my scene."
"Please, Anton," you say, giving him your best puppy-dog eyes. "It would mean a lot to me if you came. We can have fun together, and it’s a good chance to let loose before I leave for the summer."
He sighs, but the look in your eyes makes it impossible for him to say no. "Alright, I’ll go," he agrees, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Yay! Thank you!" you exclaim, wrapping your arms around him in a tight hug. "You’re the best, Anton."
He hugs you back, savoring the moment before you pull away. "I’ll see you later then. I need to get ready," you say, heading for the door.
"See you later," Anton replies, watching you leave with a fond look in his eyes.
After you’ve gone, Anton turns to find his roommates. He finds all six of them in the common area, discussing their plans for the evening. "Hey, guys. We’re going to a party tonight," Anton announces.
"A party? Are you sure you want to go?" Sungchan asks.
Soohee nods, “yeah, I never pegged you as the party going type.
Anton sends a sharp glare their way. “____ invited me, I’m sure it’ll be fun.”
"I’m sure it will," Wonbin adds, glancing at Anton. He remembers the conversation they had last night and grins. "So, is this the night you finally tell her how you feel?"
Anton’s cheeks flush slightly. "Ahhh, hyung!"
Eunseok raises an eyebrow. "Wait, tell who what?"
Wonbin nudges the younger male. "Anton’s in love with ____. Has been for years."
All the boy's eyes widen in surprise, as they stare at their youngest in shock. Shotaro is the first to react, he breaks into a wide grin. "Really? That’s awesome! We need to make sure you confess tonight."
Anton groans. "No. Guys, please. I don’t want to make it a big deal."
His words go right over everyone's heads as they start coming up with a masterplan to help out their brother.
"Don’t worry, Anton," Wonbin says with a mischievous glint in his eye. "We’ve got your back. Tonight’s the night."
Anton sighs, knowing there’s no stopping them. As the evening approaches, the dorm buzzes with excitement. The guys are all determined to help Anton confess his feelings to you by the end of the party, and Anton can only hope that everything goes well.
___
Back in your dorm, you and Mina are getting ready for the party. The room is filled with the upbeat music Mina insists on playing whenever you two are preparing for a night out. You’re both rifling through your closets, trying on different outfits, and swapping opinions on what looks best.
“This party is going to be amazing,” Mina says, holding up a sparkly top against herself and checking the mirror. “Are you sure Anton’s coming?”
“Of course,” you reply, slipping into the black dress you finally settled on. “I convinced him. He’s not really into parties, but he agreed to come.”
Mina grins and raises an eyebrow. “You know, that’s probably because he has a thing for you. So, when are you going to confess your feelings?”
You roll your eyes, waving off her comment. “We’re just friends, Mina. He doesn’t see me like that.”
Mina gives you a skeptical look. “Are you sure about that? You two are pretty close, and I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
“Seriously, it’s not like that,” you insist, feeling a twinge of discomfort. You don’t want to get your hopes up or think about the possibility of Anton seeing you as more than a friend. “Let’s drop it, okay?”
Mina shrugs, sensing the finality in your tone. “Alright, alright. But if you change your mind, tonight could be the perfect time.”
You finish getting ready in silence, both focused on your makeup and hair. Once you’re satisfied with your looks, you grab your bags and head out the door, excitement bubbling within you for the night ahead.
The party is already in full swing by the time you and Mina arrive. The house is packed with people, music blaring, and laughter echoing through the rooms. You’re greeted by a wave of familiar faces, everyone eager to chat and offer you drinks.
Anton stands off to the side, trying to blend into the background while watching you interact with ease. He sees guys coming up to you, talking and laughing, some even offering you drinks. A pang of jealousy hits him, but he tries to push it aside.
Sungchan, noticing Anton’s brooding expression, decides to take action. He grabs two drinks and walks over to Anton, shoving them into his hands. “Here, take these. Go talk to her. Stop sulking.”
Anton hesitates but knows Sungchan is right. He takes a deep breath and walks over to you, hoping to get a moment alone.
You notice Anton approaching and smile brightly. “Hey! I’m so glad you made it.”
“Hey,” he replies, handing you one of the drinks. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
The two of you find a quieter corner and start chatting about your summer plans. You excitedly tell him about your upcoming girls’ trip to Tulum, and he shares his plans to go on tour with the boys before heading back to New Jersey to spend time with his family.
“I’m so excited for you,” you say, genuinely happy for him. “Touring sounds incredible.”
“Thanks,” Anton says, his eyes softening as he looks at you. “And Tulum sounds amazing. You’re going to have so much fun.”
Just as you’re about to dive into another topic, Soohee appears out of nowhere, grabbing both of your arms. “Hey, you two! Come on, we’re starting a drinking game in the basement. You have to join us!”
You laugh, allowing Soohee to drag you towards the basement. “Alright, alright, we’re coming!”
Anton follows, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
The basement is filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension as everyone gathers around in a circle for the game. The room is dimly lit, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for a game of Dare or Drink. Soohee stands in the center, holding an empty bottle, and addresses the group with a mischievous grin.
"Alright, losers," Soohee announces loudly, "we're playing Dare or Drink. It's pretty self-explanatory, but here are the rules: we spin the bottle, and if it lands on you, you either do the dare or take a drink. Got it?"
Everyone nods, a mix of nervous laughter and anticipation rippling through the group. Seunghan is the first to spin the bottle, and it lands on Chaemin. The room holds its breath as he smirks.
"Alright, Chaemin," Seunghan says, leaning forward, "I dare you to kiss the person next to you."
Chaemin's eyes widen, her cheeks turning pink as she looks to her side and sees Shotaro. She bites her lip, hesitating. Shotaro's face is already turning red, a nervous smile on his lips. Chaemin quickly decides and grabs her drink, taking a big gulp instead of completing the dare.
You giggle, noticing Shotaro's embarrassment, and pat his shoulder comfortingly. "Don't worry, Shotaro. Maybe next time," you say with a playful wink.
Chaemin, still blushing, spins the bottle next. It twirls around before pointing at Wonbin. She grins mischievously. "Wonbin, I dare you to strip and go skinny dipping with me."
The room erupts in cheers and laughter, the boys howling at the suggestion. Wonbin, however, chuckles and shakes his head, opting to take a drink instead.
Soohee rolls her eyes dramatically. "Come on, guys! This game is boring if no one does the dares. Step it up!"
With a determined look, Wonbin spins the bottle, and it lands on Anton. Anton's eyes widen as everyone hoots and hollers, anticipating the dare.
"Alright, Anton," Wonbin says, his voice dripping with mischief, "I dare you to make out with the hottest girl in the room."
The group falls silent, all eyes on Anton as he blushes furiously. You can feel your own cheeks heating up, heart pounding as you wait to see what he'll do. Anton looks around nervously, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer than the others.
Anton hesitates, his mind racing. He can feel the weight of everyone's eyes on him, especially yours. The truth is, he already knows who the hottest girl in the room is to him, but saying it out loud and acting on it in front of everyone feels daunting.
With a deep breath, he glances at you again, the unspoken feelings swirling in his eyes. "I—"
But before he can finish, the group erupts in cheers and laughter again, breaking the tension. Anton, still flustered, grabs his drink and takes a large gulp, avoiding the dare.
You can't help but feel a mix of relief and disappointment. You give him a supportive smile, hoping to ease his nerves. Anton looks at you, his eyes filled with gratitude and something else you can't quite place. The game continues, but you and Anton share a few more glances, the unspoken tension between you growing stronger with each passing moment.
As the game progresses and the drinks flow, the atmosphere in the basement becomes increasingly lively. Laughter fills the air, and the group becomes more daring with each spin of the bottle. You’ve mostly opted for drinks over dares, feeling the effects of the alcohol start to kick in. Your inhibitions are lowered, and a warm buzz settles over you as you join in the fun.
It's your turn again, and you watch as Soohee gives the bottle a playful spin. It twirls around before slowing down and pointing directly at you. The room erupts into cheers and laughter, and you can't help but giggle nervously as all eyes turn to you.
Soohee grins mischievously. "Alright, ____, I dare you to kiss the most attractive male in the room."
You scoff, feeling emboldened by the alcohol coursing through your veins. "Pfft, easy," you say with a playful smirk.
Without hesitation, you turn to Anton, your heart pounding in your chest. His eyes widen in surprise, his cheeks flushing as he meets your gaze. The room falls silent, anticipation hanging thick in the air.
With a boldness you didn’t know you possessed, you lean in and press your lips against his, the kiss soft but filled with an undeniable electricity. Cheers erupt from the group as they watch in amazement, some even whistling and hollering in approval.
For a moment, everything fades away except for the sensation of Anton’s lips against yours, the warmth of his embrace, and the pounding of your heart. It feels like time slows down, and you lose yourself in the moment, forgetting about everything else but the connection between you and Anton.
When you finally pull away, breathless and flushed, the room erupts into cheers and applause. Anton stares at you, his eyes wide with surprise and something else you can't quite place.
Soohee claps you on the back, grinning from ear to ear. "Now that's what I call a dare!" he exclaims, earning laughter and agreement from the others.
As the cheers and applause die down, you begin to realize the weight of what just happened. Your heart races with a mix of nerves and excitement, unsure of what this means for your relationship with Anton.
Anton's eyes meet yours, his expression unreadable as he stands and reaches out to take your hand, his touch sending a shiver down your spine. "Come on," he says softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let's get out of here."
You feel a pang of disappointment as Anton leads you away from the group, away from the pulsating energy of the party. A part of you wants to stay, to revel in the adrenaline rush of the moment, but another part knows that you need to talk, to figure out what this kiss means for your friendship.
But as Anton guides you up the stairs, you can't help but whine, dragging your feet like a child being dragged away from their favorite toy. "But I don't want to leave," you protest, your voice slurred from the alcohol. "I'm having fun."
Anton shoots you a warning look, his grip on your hand tightening slightly. "____, we need to talk," he says firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Reluctantly, you follow him into an empty bedroom, the noise of the party fading into the background. Anton closes the door behind you, and for a moment, there's nothing but silence between you.
"I..." Anton starts, his voice trailing off as he struggles to find the right words. "I don't know what this means for us, but... that kiss, it felt..."
Before he can finish, you cut him off with a giggle, swaying unsteadily on your feet. "Anton, you're overthinking it," you say with a drunken smile. "Let's just go back to the party."
But Anton shakes his head, a determined look in his eyes. "No, we need to talk about this."
You pout, feeling suddenly overwhelmed by the seriousness of the situation. "Fine," you mumble, crossing your arms over your chest.
Anton sighs, running a hand through his hair in frustration. He realizes that you're too drunk to have a proper conversation, too caught up in the moment to fully understand the implications of what just happened. With a heavy heart, he decides to abandon the conversation for now, knowing that it's pointless to try to reason with you in your current state.
Instead, he takes a deep breath and gently guides you out of the room, back towards his dorm. You stumble slightly, leaning on him for support as you navigate the streets together.
When you finally reach his room, Anton helps you onto his bed, tucking you in with gentle hands. You mumble a sleepy thank you, already drifting off into a drunken slumber.
Anton watches you for a moment, his heart heavy with uncertainty. He knows that things will never be the same between you, that this kiss has changed everything. But as he looks down at your sleeping form, a small smile tugs at his lips. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the beginning of something new.
With a sigh, he turns away, grabbing a makeup wipe to gently wipe off your makeup. He changes you into one of his oversized shirts and a pair of his boxers, making sure to avert his eyes as he does so.
Once you're settled, he takes a pillow and a blanket, making himself comfortable on the floor beside the bed. He knows that he needs to be there for you, to take care of you, even if it means sacrificing his own comfort.
As he drifts off to sleep, thoughts of you swirl through his mind. He feels nervous about what the future holds for your friendship, but also excited at the possibility of something more. And as he falls asleep beside you, he knows that whatever happens, he'll always be there for you, ready to support you through whatever comes your way.
The morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow into Anton's room. You slowly blink your eyes open, groaning at the pounding headache that greets you. As you try to piece together the events of last night, memories flood back to you in bits and pieces. The party, the drinking, the kiss...
Your heart sinks as you realize where you are. You sit up slowly, the room spinning slightly as you take in your surroundings. You're in Anton's room, and the memories of the drunken kiss flood back to you with embarrassing clarity. You feel stupid for letting things get out of hand, for letting your feelings show in such a reckless way.
As you start to get dressed, pulling on your pants with shaky hands, the door creaks open and Anton enters, carrying a glass of water and some pills. You freeze, your heart racing as you meet his gaze. There's a moment of awkward silence as you both stand there, unsure of what to say.
Anton breaks the silence first, holding out the water and pills to you. "Here," he says softly, his voice gentle. "You'll feel better after you take these."
You take the medicine gratefully, mumbling a small thank you as you swallow the pills with a sip of water. Anton watches you carefully, his expression unreadable as he waits for you to speak.
Finally, he clears his throat, his voice hesitant. "About last night...," he starts, trailing off as he searches for the right words. "I wanted to talk to you about the kiss."
Your heart sinks even further, and you feel a blush creeping up your cheeks. "Oh, uh... yeah," you mumble, trying to play it off casually. "It was just a stupid drunken kiss. We were both drunk, and I... I didn't mean anything by it."
Anton's gaze softens, and you can see the doubt flickering in his eyes. He takes a step towards you, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you mean that?" he asks, his tone gentle but insistent. "Or... do you have feelings for me?"
You feel a lump forming in your throat, and you struggle to find the right words. "I... I don't know," you admit, feeling flustered and exposed under his gaze. "It was just a... a stupid mistake."
But Anton knows you're lying, knows you're trying to brush off something that meant more to both of you than you're willing to admit. With a newfound confidence, he takes another step towards you, closing the distance between you.
"____," he says softly, reaching up to caress your cheek with trembling fingers. "I've loved you for years. That kiss... it meant everything to me."
You stare up at him in shock, your heart pounding in your chest. You're not sure how to respond, not sure if you're ready to face the truth of your feelings for him. But before you can say anything, Anton leans in, his lips capturing yours in a gentle, hesitant kiss.
For a moment, everything fades away except for the warmth of Anton's embrace, the softness of his lips against yours. As the kiss deepens, you wrap your arms around him, pulling him closer, Anton hums, his right hand slides under your hair to rest on your neck.
You quietly moan when he spreads your mouth with his and slips his tongue into your wet mouth. Anton’s fingers are tangled in your hair, his thumb resting on the side of your face. He tilts his head and deepens the kiss. He moans when he wraps his tongue around yours. He rests his other hand on the small of your back as he reclines you slowly, carefully, until you are laying down and he is hovering over you. He retracts his left hand from your back and starts to slowly rub circles on the inside of your thighs.
You slightly push him away feeling overwhelmed with all the new sensations but you know you need to tell him this before anything else happens, “I love you too.”
Anton smiles down at you and pecks your lips once more, “I love you more.”
In that moment you feel a sense of completeness wash over you, a feeling of rightness that you've never experienced before. As you lose yourself in his eyes, in the warmth and safety of Anton's embrace, you know that this is just the beginning of your journey together, the start of something beautiful and true.
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(AFTER THE EVENTS OF "BLUE BURIED")
Clover was standing on the beach, her feet half-buried in the cool sand. The ocean before her reflected the twilight sky, indigo with a sprinkling of stars that undulated back and forth with the movement of the gentle waves. Her butterfly companions were perched on her leaves, joining her in gazing at the sparkling waters. She was preparing to leave the island, and not for the first time -- she had been eliminated from Inanimate Insanity Invitational quite a while ago, and just that day came back to visit. Clover smiled up at the moon, took a deep breath, and drank in the beautiful environment one last time.
Her serene vigil was interrupted by an abrupt rustling sound from behind her. Her butterflies, startled, began to flit around, and she slightly turned her head to locate the noise: her friend Nickel was halfway in a bush, his shiny metal face grimacing awkwardly at her.
"H-hey, Clover!" he stammered, fully removing himself from the shrubbery and shaking his head. "What are you doing awake at such a godforsaken hour? And out here?"
Clover giggled. "I could ask you the same thing, Nickel. What, were you looking for me?" She smiled cheekily.
Nickel blinked. He had been looking for her, worried that she'd left the island. He walked closer to her, eyes angled towards his feet. "N-no. Of course not."
"Then why are you awake, you silly goose?"
"...None of your business. And anyway, I asked first."
Clover cocked her head. "Oh? Oh yeah, why I'm awake..." Her gaze shifted back to the sea. "I'm gonna head out again."
"What?" Nickel blurted, his eyes widening.
"Well, you know I'm not a contestant anymore," she replied calmly. "That's why I gave you my luck in the first place!" She delicately lifted a finger to let one of her butterflies land. Eyes half-lidded, she gazed at its pink wings as they gently rose and fell. "And my friends and I still have work to do..."
"What kind of work? You never even told me what it is you're doing."
"None of your business!" Clover exclaimed with a chuckle, mimicking Nickel's voice. Her tone softened. "Heh, I've just been traveling around, spreading my luck and joy. Helping things grow, and people too -- all that fun stuff."
Helping people grow... Nickel gazed at her with sad eyes, unblinking.
"Why are you looking at me like that, Nickel?" Clover asked.
"Clover..." he murmured, eyes still planted on her. The tenderness of his gaze soon disappeared as he shook himself, now steely and harsh. "Why do you have to go around fixing everyone? We're people, not problems."
"We?" Clover looked back at him.
Nickel furrowed his brow. "You think that I'm some kind of idiot who can't solve his own problems," he spat. "You think you have to sit me down, with all your condescending holier-than-thou BS, and tell me what's wrong with me!"
"Nickel..."
"Don't 'Nickel' me, Clover! You think you're helping me, don't you? And you think I need that help! Well I don't, you privileged bastard! You don't need to save me!"
"I wouldn't have to if you tried to save yourself..."
"What?"
"Goodbye, Nickel." Clover was now fully facing away from him; she raised her arms, inviting her four butterflies to take hold of her and lift her into the air.
"No, wait! Don't go!"
Clover kept her arms up, not turning to face him. "Why?"
Nickel's eyes darted around; he buried his feet deeper in the sand. "J-just don't!"
"I know you can answer better than that, Nickel. Come on!" Though he could not see her face, he knew she was smiling by the tone in her voice -- smiling condescendingly. At this point, however, she was probably doing that just to bother him.
"Do you need my help, Nickel?" She continued, goading him.
"Yes!" he yelled. "Yes, Clover, I need your help... I need your help with everything." Nickel's voice lowered to a pathetic whisper.
Clover's butterflies had already begun to lift her; she was a foot or two off of the ground, a quadrefoil print left in the sand where her feet had shifted around. She was gently placed back onto the beach, and turned around to face him.
"I'm a horrible person, right?" Nickel sobbed, his face wet. "I'm so sorry. I feel this terrible feeling in my stomach."
"It's called guilt," Clover said, her voice flat.
"How do I get rid of it?"
Clover blinked her tired eyes. There's clearly only so much she could help him... "What do you think?" she asked.
"People hate me right? For being such a jerk? I need them to not hate me." He looked down at the ground again. His knees were weak.
"Maybe you could apologize for being so mean," Clover suggested, eyes widening; the sunny glint they took on was entirely passive-aggressive, but this was lost on Nickel, who smiled a disgusting, relieved smile in response.
"Y-you're right, I could. And that w-would fix everything."
Clover turned around again and lifted her arms to the sky. She sighed.
Nickel sniffed. "Do you r-really have to go?" His voice was shaky and thick with phlegm; he looked up at her angelic figure with eyes domed in tears.
"Yes, Nickel."
"...Will you miss me?"
She briefly turned her head to meet his wretched gaze. She smiled coldly. "What do you think?"
Nickel crumpled to the ground, saying nothing. Clover softly warbled, signalling to her butterflies; they then lifted her into the night air. Nickel wasn't able to catch a glimpse of her before she disappeared into the darkness -- but then, he didn't deserve it.
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