Once Upon A Journal

Chapter Three

Today really isn't my lucky day because there's an event coming up, and Alex and I have to plan it together. I am screaming internally at the thought of having to listen to his nonsense and look at his face for more than I can handle.

As school captains, there are times when Alex and I have to be together to perform our duties, but the rest of the time I steer clear of him.

After classes are over, I go to the auditorium hall. It's on the opposite side of the main building, a trek that always feels longer when I am in a hurry.

I selected this place because the meeting room is too small with his presence in it. It might be because his obnoxious presence is too strong for that small room.

This hall can accommodate five hundred people, and it's not only big but also beautiful and sophisticated with its wooden walls and maroon-covered seats.

As I approach the hall, my eyes immediately fall on Alex, who is standing in front of the door, leaning casually with his arms crossed. He looks annoyingly composed, his dark hair perfectly tousled, as if he stepped out of a magazine.

"Isn't punctuality on the to-do list that you make every morning?" He quips, a smirk playing on his lips.

Ignoring his jab, I walk towards the door, but he swiftly blocks my path by casually placing his hand on the doorframe.

"Come on, Juliette, don't be so serious," he says, his grey eyes sparkling with mischief. "I just wanted to say hi."

I raise an eyebrow, not amused by his antics. "If you'll excuse me. Unlike you, I have to make plans for the event."

"I thought we were starting to form a bond," he says with an amused tone, his voice smooth and almost teasing.

I sigh and just remove his hand from the doorframe, feeling his skin against my own. The touch is brief but it makes me pause for a moment.

"Hey, that's rude!" he protests.

"I don't have time to argue with you. I have responsibilities to attend to." I say, trying to hide my smile because I shouldn't be smiling at him.

"Responsibilities? You make it sound so serious. It's just an event," he scoffs.

I shoot him a pointed look. "An event that requires preparation and organisation."

Perhaps deciding not to annoy me further, he says, "Fair enough. Let's start."

I brace myself for what's to come next, knowing that this is just the beginning of our disagreements.

_______________

I knew it was going to happen, and that is what's happening.

As we discuss the event, our conversation is filled with a lot of disagreements-some minor,others a little more intense. The disagreements linger just below the surface as neither of us is willing to address them directly.

But someone has to break the ice, so that's what I do.

"Formal Gala is a classic choice. It's elegant and sophisticated, perfect for showcasing our school's prestige," I say, with exasperation in my voice, feeling the words settle between us like a heavy curtain.

"It's an event that's more suited for CEOs and politicians than high school students," Alex says, leaning against the stage with his arms crossed, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbow, revealing his forearms.

Why am I noticing this?

For a moment, I find myself distracted by him, his casual posture starkly contrasting with the formality of the hall's decor.