ENDLESS

S7 Chapter 6

DECEMBER

Today is the day of the winter book fair. 

Dagger and Phoenix are with Fleur as she excitedly scans through all of the various art supplies. Besides books, they sell different assortments of creative things. Fleur loves to paint and couldn't wait for this day to see what they might have along with the books. 

Phoenix is the same, although his excitement is more inward. He can barely contain himself as he looks through all the different books on display. 

Dagger isn't as much of a fan since he can't stay still long enough to read. He prefers doing things that let him move about. 

He likes painting, but spin painting specifically, because doing so is such a chaotic experience that doesn't need to be precise. 

The only thing he can remain still for long enough doing is playdough modeling. He liked making things with his hands. Forming structures out of the dough. That took time and attention, but it was a good kind of pull, one that he didn't mind losing himself in.

As they walk around the book fair, his siblings excitedly freaking out at the stock, Dagger molds playdough in his hands. He sculpts it with great attention, trying to create a torch.

''Hi!''

The sudden voice made the boy lift his head to see one of his classmates approaching him. He didn't talk to her, but he knew of her.

Cindy. The most he knows about her is that she's smart.

''Hi.'' Dagger greeted, stopping to speak. His hands come to a gradual stop.

''My name is Cindy.'' She introduced, trembling like a leaf.

''I know.'' What's wrong with her? Is she cold?

Her eyes widened slightly in glee, an apparent glow to them. ''You know who I am?''

''Yeah, we're in the same class.'' He pointed out the obvious, tucking the dough back into his pocket.

''I didn't think you noticed me.'' She looks away for a moment, her cheeks heating.

Fortunately for her, he ignores it. She must be sick. ''You're smart. Always answering questions.''

Cindy's mouth opened in surprise before she blurted, ''Y-You're smart too!''  She quickly glances to her feet with a redder face. ''Um, I have to tell you something. Don't think I'm weird, okay?''

''Um, okay?'' Dagger responds with confusion.

''I.. I like you.'' She confesses quietly, avoiding his gaze.

The words barely register before slapping him in the face full force. He is mind blown, his brain desperately attempting to piece together what she said.

This is so.. unexpected. She likes him? They barely know each other, but that's cool!

Phoenix takes notice of the conversation, stopping to watch his brother find the words to talk. ''Oh! For how long?''

''Since the beginning of the year.'' She shyly admits with a small, nervous smile.

''Wow.'' Dagger awes.