Whispers Of the Heart : High School

Chapter 10 : Christmas Eve

The school day had begun like any other, with students bustling through the halls and chatting animatedly about their plans and upcoming events. Among them were Leon, Mira, and Selena, walking together and caught up in conversation.

"I can hardly believe it!" Mira exclaimed with a gleeful smile. "You're spending Christmas Eve with Asher."

Selena chuckled softly, her cheeks slightly flushed. "He just happens to have the day off, that's all."

As the trio continued their walk home, Mira's mischievous grin returned. "Maybe this is your chance to go from fake dating to actually being his girlfriend."

Selena's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red as she tried to play it cool. "I don't know about that. Let's just see how things go."

However, their lighthearted banter was about to take an unexpected turn. Just as Mira, Selena, and Leon were sharing a laugh, a familiar voice interrupted them.

"I couldn't believe you were dating Asher, but isn't it just being his fake girlfriend?" Myles had suddenly appeared, his tone laced with surprise and a touch of skepticism.

Selena froze, her heart sinking as her eyes met Myles's curious gaze. She hadn't expected him to be there or to have overheard their conversation. She exchanged a quick glance with Mira, hoping for some guidance on how to navigate this awkward situation.

Selena wandered through the rows of dresses in the boutique, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of her upcoming Christmas Eve plans with Asher. She had managed to put aside the awkward encounter with Myles for the time being, focusing instead on finding the perfect dress for the special evening. As she browsed the racks, a familiar voice broke through her thoughts.

"Well, well, if it isn't Selena." Melody's cheerful tone caught her attention, and Selena turned to find her friend standing there with a bright smile.

"Melody! Hey!" Selena's face lit up, relieved to see a friendly face amidst the sea of dresses.

Melody stepped closer, eyeing Selena curiously. "Looking for something in particular?"

Selena hesitated, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. "Actually... I'm trying to find a dress for Christmas Eve."

Melody's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Ooh, a special occasion. Well, you're in luck! I happen to have a knack for picking out the perfect dress. Let me help!"

As Melody sifted through the dresses with a keen eye, Selena couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort. Despite their differences, Melody had always been perceptive and understanding. And in this moment, as they browsed through dresses and shared laughs, it felt like old times.

"You know," Melody said casually as she held up a dress, "Asher's favorite foods are meat and with soup he likes seafood. He mentioned it a few times."

Selena's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Asher. She quickly tried to hide her reaction, not wanting to reveal her true feelings. "Oh, really? I didn't know that."

Melody shot her a knowing look, her lips curving into a playful smile. "No need to hide it, Selena. It's all written on your face. I can tell you're in love."

Selena sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "There's no point in admitting it. You said yourself, his heart isn't moved so easily."

Melody paused, placing a hand on Selena's arm and looking her in the eye. "Yes, that's true. But if he made you his girlfriend, he would have a special care for you. And I've seen the way he looks at you."

As Asher walked home that evening, his thoughts were focused on the upcoming Christmas Eve with Selena. However, his plans were interrupted when he unexpectedly crossed paths with Felix, a senior he knew through Selena. The air between them felt tense, as if carrying the weight of unsaid words.