For the remaining days of Golden Week, Zoe stayed in her room to read books and watch movies. Jesse and Marie asked her out once, but she declined. She wanted to stay indoors and reflect. Meanwhile, Kaito went on a biking trip with Naoki and Taylor.
Zoe often found herself staring at Seth's contact name on her phone, but she knew that she wasn't ready, so she never contacted him. What was she supposed to say to Seth?
On the last day of the week, Zoe gazes at herself in the mirror, her eyes drawn to the necklace Seth had given her. A pendant with an 'S' that twinkled, reminding her of the moment he placed it around her neck. The corners of her eyes water, yet her lips twitch into a small smile.
Is it over?
They were idiots for believing that they could fix each other.
Determined to move forward, she unclasps the necklace and keeps it in her jewelry box.
Goodbye, Seth.
******
Zoe's European literature class ends earlier than expected on the first day back to school.
It's the only class she has that isn't aligned with her major. Zoe doesn't know why she even registered for that course, but to be honest, she looks forward to weekdays because of it. They read poems and books and then write reflection papers, which, in Taylor's words, is 'too demanding'. However, it has been a good class. In fact, it is her favorite.
As she's arranging her things, Professor Hallman, the bald middle-aged man with a square jaw, calls her attention. She feels a bit nervous, wondering why she's the only one being summoned.
She saunters toward him, clutching her notebook to her chest.
"Hi, Zoe. I read your midterm paper."
She blinks rapidly. Professor Hallman smiles encouragingly.
"Don't be nervous. I'm here to compliment you."
Her jaw drops. "S-Sorry?"
"Out of all my students, you were the one who wrote such a magnificent review of the book I assigned to you. It seems like you have a deep understanding of the text."
Zoe stares at him blankly, her heart throbbing. She read and wrote about Crime and Punishment, and she enjoyed it. It didn't feel like schoolwork to her. She didn't expect that she would be praised for something that she genuinely liked doing.
"Wow. I'm... I don't know what to say... Well... Thank you, Sir."
"Are you a literature major?"
She shakes her head politely. "No, Sir."
He nods, leaning in his chair. "I see. I think you have the skill to weave words perfectly. I look forward to your next output."
Zoe beams. "Y-Yes, Sir. Thank you!"
"Okay. You may go now."
She gathers her things and leaves the room, warmth radiating through her body. She has always loved reading; the scent of books and the sound of flipping pages tickle a soft spot in her heart. And though it follows that she developed a fondness for writing, she has never truly written anything unless it's her journal or required paperwork.
She is used to getting high scores for her research papers. Her literature class has been different, however. They analyze literary works and discuss their messages to the readers, and she genuinely enjoys every minute of it.
She feels odd. The flush of happiness swelling within her is new to her.
"Zoe!"
Startled, she snaps out of her trance and turns to find Zhi Ming.
YOU ARE READING
The Spring I Met You
Romance"Things that are special, though temporary, tend to last longer in our memories," Kaito says. Zoe recalls the Hanami party that they had and everything that has happened since she arrived. She remembers every detail perfectly. She nods slowly. "You'...
