Midori's Gaze Version III (Damien's pov)

Credits: Dux

I've always been noticing her. In class, in the canteen, everywhere we meet.. I don't know how many times I've hesitated-so many times I've seen her, and words never seem to come out. Time always seems to stretch, to stretch, so that the seconds and minutes ceased to matter when she's around..

She always stood with the flair and grace of a lady. She definitely was the prettiest of them all, but yet..

Desmond. He was so suave, so smart, so academically inclined, and furthermore, just to emphasize my point, the Head Prefect. Surely I couldn't match up to him, could I? Surely, there was no reason why Midori would not fall in love with him.

Oh how I wish.. how I wish..

*****

After my usual smattering of basketball with the guys, I returned to the library, as usual where I saw, hardworking Desmond sitting down studiously copying his notes. I smiled to myself. I could never be able to match up to him academically, but everyone has good points, right?

"Yo, 'sup, Des?" I said cheerily, as I thumped him on the back. I smiled at him, while secretly peering at her. She stood motionless, her silky black hair moving in the wind. Her sling bag was worn in the most elegant fashion, and her long legs stood firm on the carpeted floor. Surely, Midori was the girl of any boy's dreams. Desmond turned to look at me, clearing his throat gently.

"Been playing B-Ball again?" he asked me. I nodded, wiping the sweat off from my forehead with my hand. On that note, we just sat there, silent. Few minutes passed before the silence was broken. "Well, good-bye then." I said.

"Bye."

I left quickly and quietly.

*****

That afternoon, both Desmond and I were back in the library. Desmond, as usual was busying himself with quadratic equations on his graphing calculator. I for one, couldn't care less. But seeing him, I decided to take out my graphing calculator and amuse myself with a game of Super Mario. All of a sudden, I felt the deepest feeling within myself. I was tempted to, and suddenly, for no particular reason blurted out. "Do you like anyone?"

Desmond gave a little start. "Nope," he replied. "Nope," he repeated again, almost as if he were confirming that fact with himself. "Do you?"

I hadn't expected that from him. I hesitated, biting my lip gently. I saw Midori from a distance, walking slowly with inate grace and poise towards us. I wasn't sure how to tell him, so I quickly nodded anonymously. "You do?!" Desmond gasped a little too loudly, then lowered his voice. "Who is it? Tell me, please... I can keep a secret."

"Is that a promise?" I was watching Desmond closely. I couldn't be sure whether I could trust him. Our friendship had been disintegrating rather quickly. I decided to buck up my courage and just say it. "Fine.I like Midori." "Oh... Okay..." Desmond's face changed drastically. I noticed his sudden change in emotion, and now he didn't even respond.

"Do you think she's nice?" I asked matter-of-factly. He shrugged simply, and just went back to his homework.

Desmond would be a nice person to adore at a distance. He was tall and smart and suave, and miles ahead of me academically. Furthermore, he had a good character and was always well-liked by the class. Surely, if Midori had a choice, she would pick him over me..

*****

I went home rather early that day. I was still thinking in my head of what I had done. Why on earth did I tell Desmond! Besides, gaining Midori's love would be next to impossible..

Over the next few weeks Desmond admitted to Midori that he too liked her. I had long suspected of his crush on Midori. Now it was public. Constantly seeing the both of them together made my heart pain with anger and regret. If only I had told Midori myself.. maybe.. maybe we could have been together! my heart ached with fury over Desmond. I mean, he knew who I liked, but he chose to ignore it. Our friendship had been on a steady decline ever since.

Midori and Desmond began a relationship that was all too real for me. Seeing them walking through the halls holding hands just made the pain unbearable. I just couldn't concentrate anymore. Mother and Father always reprimanded me, but I couldn't be bothered anymore. I eventually gave up on school itself. School was merely a reminder that I had been forgotten. As my grades slipped up, and Desmond and Midori saw each other everyday, I realized all of a sudden the simple solution to my problems.

As I stood on the balcony of my home, the truth became more and more real. I realized.. I could forget everything. One swift movement, and everything would be forgotten. I would never have to face Midori and Desmond ever again. Tears began to well up in my eyes. My heart was filled with sorrow and pain. But all of a sudden, I came to my senses. It wasn't me who was causing these problems. I suddenly started thinking more practically. I realized.. I realized.. that it wasn't me anymore. It was.. it was.. my friend, or should I say, used to be my friend.. He was Desmond.

I would not let him see the light of day..!

End Credits: dylan rocks XD