It’s been one and a half day since the boyfriend challenge. One and a half day since the kiss happened.

After that day, I didn’t go to the university and just got myself busy editing the vlog and planning out contents I should post.

JB passed by my unit earlier and asked if I wanted to go, I actually would’ve wanted to, but I really don’t wanna see Ethan. I can still remember what happened. I can still remember the kiss so vividly…

The ferris wheel jolted and we were thrust into a compromising position. It’s like everything went in slow motion after. He slowly lifted his head, then our eyes met.

…Then I felt his lips on mine.

He kissed me on the lips. It was just a peck at first, light pecks. It’s as if he was trying to see if I’ll take the bait…and I did.

Getting caught in the moment, I kissed him back, and our kisses turned deeper. I can’t help but put my arms around him.

I suddenly felt my stomach drop and I realized that the ferris wheel started moving. I pulled myself away from him, and we just stayed silent during the descent.

As we were led out of the ferris wheel, I was dazed and speechless. ‘That was my first kiss, did I do it right? Wait, why did he even kiss me?’—I thought to myself.

Once we were in a crowded area, that’s when I got back to my senses, and I turned to face him.

“Why did you do that?”, I asked him.

“For the vlog”, he said in a ‘matter of fact’ way and just shrugged.

I stood there, dumbfounded, as he was slowly walking.

‘For the vlog?’

Few moments later and he probably realized that I was gone. I saw him walking briskly towards me.

“Ave, you okay?”, he asked. He scratched his head and turned to me, seriously this time. “You know why I did that, Ave.”

I still didn’t know how to respond to him, so he just grabbed my hand and pulled me gently. He didn’t have a tight grip on me, but I felt like I was just a thin piece of paper that he can easily drag. I didn’t even resist.

When we reached the parking area, he led me to his car, and we just sat there in silence. It was as if we were unsure of what to say.

He broke the silence. “Ave…”

I stared at him blankly.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know what has gotten into me.” He lowered his head while biting his lips.

I actually wanted to tell him it was okay. I really did, but I’m so confused.

“I’m sorry”, he repeated.

“Hey, uh-“, I interjected. He looked at me and I smiled at him. “I think I need to go now. I’ll just hit you up if there’s something in the video.”

Gosh, I badly wanna slap myself. What something in the video? Make out session?

“Can I just tail you?”, he asked, quite hesitant. “Just to make sure you’re home safe.”

I nodded.

“Ugh. So annoying! How stupid, Avery.” I keep mumbling to myself as I was heading to my car.

It was a long drive back home. And one and a half day later…Here I am, just resting. I just finished editing the vlog an hour ago.

My thoughts suddenly got interrupted when I heard my phone ring, and I think I know who it is…

Seth.

“Hi! Have you seen it?”, I asked as soon as I picked up the call, I just sent him the video earlier to gauge his opinion.

“Yeah. It actually looks great, Ave. When will you post it?”, he asked.

“I don’t know, probably tomorrow. I’m thinking twice about posting it.”

“Why?”

“Just…”, I sighed. “Didn’t you see the last part?”

“Actually, I did, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.”

“I really don’t know. I feel like the kiss was too much.”

“Wait.” He paused, and I can hear a ruffling sound in the background. There was a long pause before he talked again. “You really did kiss…”

“Huh? What?”, I feigned ignorance as if I can still save myself. I thought it was too obvious. Was I wrong to point that out?

“Did you really kiss? I thought it was just a camera trick! I had to take a good look at it now.”

Now I don’t know what to tell him.

“I get it. You’re probably scared of what people might say.”

“Hmm…not quite. I’ve been vlogging for a while now anyway.”

Then he continued, “Then maybe, you’re too afraid to confront your own feelings?”

I can’t help but sigh. “Don’t know.”

“Take your time, Ave. But from what I can tell, you don’t have anything to worry about. You seem great together. And as for the vlog, in my opinion, it was really fun to watch. Not because I’m there”, he chuckled. “But because of the flow and the twist with that concept. No need to change anything.”

“Wow. It really helps to have an expert opinion.” I smiled to myself. “Okay then. Thanks!”

It was such a relief talking to Seth. Not only did I gain confidence to post the vlog, but it kinda made me realize that I shouldn’t be avoiding Ethan.

Yesterday, he texted me and asked what I was doing and if we could hang out, but I declined. I said I was busy. When the truth is, I just didn’t have the heart to face him. I was uncertain whether I should ask about the kiss or pretend like nothing happened.

I took a few deep breaths and sent him a message saying I wasn’t busy anymore.

An hour passed before I got a response from him.

I’m free now. Wanna grab some snacks?

He probably was busy earlier. Gosh, I know I should be playing hard to get, but I can’t help but reply right away.

Sure. I’ll just prepare myself. Where do you want to meet?

Basement parking in 15 minutes?

Make it 30.

Okay.

I hurriedly went through my closet, rummaged through some stuff, and ended up picking this blush colored tight-fitting sleeveless dress with ruffled straps. I love how it still looks dainty despite the fit.

I hope I don’t give him the impression that I’m dressing up for him. I just really want to look good whenever I go out.

I then finished it off with a light, natural makeup look, and I’m good to go.

It was exactly 30 minutes when I finished prepping myself up, ‘cause as soon as I arrived at the basement parking, Ethan was there. Waiting in his car.

“Been waiting long?”, I asked.

He shook his head. “I just got here, actually.”

“From where?”

“Kel. We just worked on our project.”

“Oh. I didn’t disturb you or anything, did I?”

“No. I tried to finish everything first.”

“So…where to?”, I asked.

He thought to himself. “Want to go somewhere far? Or…maybe just near?”

“Probably somewhere that’s not too close here or at the uni.”

“Okay, I think I know the right place”, he smiled lightly as he slowly started the engine.

I was so amazed with where he took me. It’s a place that’s surrounded by nature. It seemed like an old house that was turned into a quaint tea shop. With a lot of white wood and an overall rustic look, it really had a cozy vibe.

There were only a few people there and they didn’t seem like they belong in our age group. It felt nice to somehow feel anonymous.

Since I’m not very well-versed with that place, I immediately asked Ethan to choose what we should have and what he thinks I’d want.

While waiting for our order, he asked me how I was doing. It felt as though he knew something was bugging me, but he still didn’t want to ask about it. He didn’t probe further and just waited for me to answer.

I had a hard time thinking of what I should tell him.

“Well, actually, can I ask you something?”, I asked.

“Sure.”

“Would you like to see the video?”

“I’ll just watch it once you upload it.” He answered nonchalantly.

“Even when I included things that may be…inappropriate?”, I avoided his gaze as I said it.

“It’s fine, Ave. I trust what you’re doing”, he gave me a shy smile.

The waiter then arrived with our order. While we were eating, I insisted to show him the video, so I placed the phone in front of the tissue holder, then gave him the other piece of the earphone.

He was just quiet the entire time the video was playing, and it was more than 20 minutes!

Towards the last part, the video showed our kiss, but it wasn’t too obvious, because it was quite dark and it was more, like, just the silhouette of us. Unless you really look into it, you’ll probably think of it as just a camera trick.

I was trying to gauge his reaction, but I can’t seem to read him as he kept a poker face the entire time.

After watching the entire video, he just took off his earphones and looked at me.

I started to raise an eyebrow when he still didn’t stop staring at me. “What?”

“Post it, Ave.”

“You sure?”, I asked.

“Yeah, I don’t see anything wrong with it.” His eyes never leaving mine.

I then tapped my phone and posted the video and grinned at him. “There.”

“So…about the kiss…”

I just looked at him wondering why he brought it up again. “What about it?”

He pouted.

“What’s with that look?” I asked.

“Nothing.” And he just looked away.

It then dawned on me what he was referring to, so an idea popped into my head.

“Okay. Close your eyes.” I told him. “Open your mouth.”

He instantly did it, and with his lips now slightly ajar, I immediately put the cake in his mouth.

He just looked at me, irritated, but trying to stop himself from laughing. Then he just shook his head in disbelief.

I really can’t with this guy.

Though there was no proper conversation regarding our relationship, it still felt as though we had an unspoken agreement as to where it’s heading.

At night, I checked how the vlog was doing and noticed that everyone’s reactions varied. Some expressed their support for #TeamEthery (Ethan-Avery) and some for #TeamAvSeth (Avery-Seth). For some though, they seemed disappointed, where others, were just plain trolls.

@ForthworthTea

I can’t believe they forced Jared into this! I wonder what the Andradas would have to say about this.

@trollzz234

famewhores!

@jnbgn890

so that’s why they were together, very sus

@TrixYaLiter

Wow. Anything for cloutt

I probably expected the feedback I was about to receive for this content that’s why I didn’t feel any ill feelings towards how people reacted. I know my content isn’t inspirational or at the very least, educational, but I can’t help but be happy seeing my view count rise in such a short period. So this is what it feels like to go viral!

I may have had doubts at first, but now it’s replaced by happiness as I keep seeing the views rise—it’s currently at 200,000 views now. I can say that all the embarrassment this past week has been worth it.

I noticed that Seth messaged to congratulate me, I called him right away to thank him. “Wow, Ave, I didn’t expect this to blow up! I mean, I was hoping for it, but at this rate, I’m sure this will reach a million views in a few days”, he told me. “I also noticed my followers increasing, and I guess, yours as well?”

I checked my socials for a while and noticed that the notifications just keep coming. “Yeah, I just checked it now, and my notifications are blowing up”, I answered.

Before dropping the call, he told me that he’ll post our collab in his vlog in around 3 days.

A couple of minutes after, I heard a loud knock on my door. I checked to see who it was and a grinning JB greeted me. “Gosh, Ave, I need to ask for a fee now, huh? Or can you just make me your manager? Pick one.”

I laughed while letting her in. “You’re too loud.”

“Well, sorry, I just can’t believe I now have a famous friend. Gosh!”, she exclaimed. “Well, you’re already quite known even before, but it’s different this time.”

“Oh my, stop saying that”, I acted shyly and covered my face.

“By the way, how are you and Jared?”, she asked.

I told her everything that happened, starting from the boyfriend challenge until our meetup earlier.

I felt like I’d have bruises on my arms as she kept on slapping me there, while giggling and sounding excited.

“So you’re dating now?”, she asked.

“Maybe not?”

“Huh? What’s that? You just tasted each other? Just that?”, she teased.

“Ugh. You’re awful, tasted each other? That was just a kiss!”, I defended.

She laughed, but then sported a straight face after a while. “Just make sure what you really are to each other, Ave. It’s hard being in a situationship.”

“Yeah, I know”, I answered. “I’ll try to find out what’s the real score between us anytime soon.”

“Good. And before I forget, you should treat me!”, she said, pouting. “And we’re still friends, right?”

I can’t help but laugh and shake my head at the same time.

We ordered a pizza and burger, and just watched a movie. Then we talked about some of her life happenings before she went home.

I still can’t believe this turn of events. Before, I was just dreaming of having a viral content, and now it’s happening. I can’t wait to see where this fame will bring me.