Whispers Of the Heart : High School

Chapter 25 : The Gateway Trip

Senior year had arrived, bringing with it a mix of anticipation and nostalgia for Leon, Mari, Selena, and Myles. Their bond had grown stronger over the years, and they were relieved to discover that they were all placed in the same class once again. The familiarity of their companionship eased the transition into the new school year.

On a sunny afternoon, as they gathered near the school courtyard, their conversation was interrupted by a new presence. A girl with an open smile approached them, her eyes fixed on Selena. "Hey, Selena, right?" she called out.

Selena turned to face the newcomer, offering a friendly smile. "Yeah, that's me," she replied.

The girl introduced herself as Alice, a transfer student who had heard about Selena from other students. Leon, Mari, and Myles greeted her in turn, making her feel welcome among them. Alice's warm demeanor and genuine interest put everyone at ease.

As their conversation continued, Alice and Selena found themselves engaged in a lively exchange. Selena was drawn to Alice's outgoing nature, and the two quickly discovered common interests and shared experiences. The topic shifted, and Alice's curiosity led her to ask a rather direct question.

"So, Selena, there's something I've been wondering," Alice began. "Are you and Asher dating?"

Selena blinked, taken aback by the straightforward question. She exchanged a surprised glance with her friends before turning back to Alice. "Well, yes, we are," Selena admitted, a soft smile forming on her lips. "Asher and I have been together for a while now."

Alice's smile widened. "That's great to hear. You two seem like a good match."

The conversation flowed, and as they spoke, Alice's expression took on a more serious tone. "You know, Selena, there's someone I'll never forgive, and that's Asher," she confessed.

Selena's brows furrowed in confusion. "Forgive? Why?"

Alice's gaze held a mixture of intensity and vulnerability. "Because he deprived me of my happiness."

Before Selena could inquire further, the bell signaling the end of the break rang, and Alice excused herself, heading back to her classroom. The conversation had left an intriguing impression on everyone, and as Alice walked away, Mari, Leon, and Myles exchanged curious glances.

With a shared silent understanding, the three friends decided to follow Alice discreetly. However, their attempts at stealth proved to be more comedic than successful. As they maneuvered around corners and tried to hide behind pillars, Mari's lack of grace led to a tumble down the stairs.

In a twist of fate, Alice's quick reflexes saved Mari from a potentially painful fall. Mari's initial surprise was replaced by a fleeting moment of admiration as she found herself looking at Alice in awe.

Later, as they all went about their day, Selena felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. She decided to confide in Mari about something she had kept to herself. "Mari, I saw you and Leon kiss at the amusement park," Selena admitted with a grin.

Mari's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but a smile played on her lips. "Caught in the act, huh?" she quipped, sharing a laugh with her friend.

Their laughter was interrupted by hushed voices nearby. Selena's ears perked up as she overheard students discussing Asher and Alice. The rumor mill was at it again, speculating on the dynamic between the two based on their shared coolness and charisma.

As the day came to an end, Selena finally had a chance to talk to Asher about Alice. She was curious about the connection between them, and she wanted to understand the situation better. As they walked home together, she broached the topic with him.