Just Press Ctrl Z

Chapter 15: Tutoring Raine

Tutoring Raine

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Beneath the statue of the Lady of Virtue on the university campus, Zen sat cross-legged, the pages of her book absorbing her attention. The mid-semester test was like a dark cloud about to rain on her parade, and she couldn't afford to screw up. The idea of flunking was scarier than accidentally liking your crush's photo from five years ago while you were deep in social media stalking. Yet, even as her eyes grazed the words in her textbook, memories of Raine tugged at her thoughts like a persistent melody.

Unknowingly, a soft smile crept onto her lips as she got lost in those memories. Raine had left early that morning, even before she'd rolled out of bed, but he'd left breakfast for her. It was a sweet gesture that left her both confused and curious.

Stop. Shut up, brain. Pay attention! Exam starts next week. Zen mentally slapped herself as she tried to focus on the textbook. The sound of approaching footsteps drew her attention, and she looked up to see Nadia approaching her from a distance.

With a toss of her perfectly styled hair, Nadia settled beside her, exuding an air of sassy elegance. Zen couldn't help but feel a pang of admiration for her friend's confidence, a trait she wished she could borrow. If only she had a fraction of Nadia's confidence, maybe people wouldn't dislike her so much. Zen brushed those thoughts aside and greeted Nadia warmly. "Hey Nadia, what's up?"

Nadia leaned in with excitement sparkling in her eyes. "Guess what? My birthday is in two weeks, right? I'm throwing a party at the beach resort."

"A beach resort? That sounds awesome," Zen replied, eyebrows raised in surprise.

Nadia nodded eagerly, her eyes gleaming. "Oh, it gets even better. Guess who owns the resort? Raine's uncle!"

Zen's face went from chill to shock in a mere three seconds. "Wait, Raine's uncle owns the resort you're going to?"

Nadia nodded, mischief dancing in her eyes. "I know, right? It's insane. And guess what? Braxy's behind all of this. He's planned it as a surprise for me. You're okay with this arrangement, right?"

Zen forced a smile, momentarily pushing her concerns about Raine away. There was no way she could say no to Nadia. Just looking at how enthusiastic and happy Nadia looked, a genuine smile tugged at her lips. "Wow, Nadia, that's amazing. I'd love to be there and celebrate with you."

Nadia clapped her hands gleefully. "Yes! It's going to be a blast. We'll invite some of our friends. Speaking of friends, there comes Julian," Nadia said, noticing Julian waving at them a few metres ahead.

As if on cue, Julian strolled over. Zen was pretty convinced the guy could turn any piece of clothing labelled "comfortable" into a fashion statement, judging by the oversized sweater he was sporting.

Nadia also seemed to have noticed Julian's effortlessly cool ensemble as she leaned in closer to Zen. "Look at Julian, channelling the vintage vibes! He's all brave and dashing, isn't he?"

Zen noticed Julian's cheeks turning a shade matching a ripe tomato. "Hey, Zen. Hi, Nadia," he greeted them.

"Hi, Julian," Zen greeted back with the widest smile.

"How're you doing, Zen?" Julian asked as he sat down next to Zen, opposite Nadia on the other side so Zen was positioned in the middle.

"You seem incredibly friendly to Zen for no reason. Is there something you guys aren't telling me?" Nadia said to Julian, eyeing him suspiciously.