❝ Why do I feel like I'm just a chapter in your book while you're my entire story? ❞
❝ Well, you're obviously wrong, because you're my entire novel, cover to cover. ❞
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A blank canvas. That's how my life was. Until she took my hand...
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"Why don't we hit the cinemas later today? They're playing something cool!"
My eyes followed Serena as she bit her lower lip, moving her arm tenderly to draw her logo. When she was done, she held it up to me. There was a cute ribbon sketched out and filled in with pastel pink. I gave her a thumbs-up. She smiled, satisfied with herself, and wiped the sweat off her brow.
"Pardon?" she asked, setting her supplies aside.
"I was wondering if you'd like to go to the movies tonight?" Gary repeated for what might be the third time. Serena looked thoughtful, and I could predict her answer.
"How about I bring Shauna and Lisia along? They've been itching to watch some movie. . . mhm, I'm not sure I remember the name." She scratched her cheek, then glanced at me. I didn't waver, just returned her gaze.
"Ah," Gary relaxed back into his chair, and I fought off the urge to smirk. "I wanted it to be just us."
Serena turned red. "Oh? I'm so sorry—"
Gary was quick to wave her apology off. "That's okay." He stood up, and I watched Serena's eyes follow him as he excused himself and left.
When he was out of sight, silence reigned between us.
It was ten minutes to lunch, and we had been having a free period. Thanks to the leader elections, most of the class was empty. The students of Alola were off to the side, chatting amongst themselves. Other than them, it was just us.
I yawned and stretched my arms. Sitting in one place was more tiring than moving around. "Hey, Ash. Do you think Gary would feel bad?"
"Nah," I declined. "You know him. He's merely playing around."
Serena fell silent, and I went back to lying on my desk. When I did not receive any other question, I gazed up at her. She was looking at her logo. "Hey, the submission is in an hour," I reminded her. "You nervous?"
The girl quickly shook her head. "No, it isn't a big deal. I'm only taking part because of Professor Sycamore. He signed me up without asking for my consent."
I snorted. The English professor who looked like a bubble ready to pop at any moment by its own size. "You could have withdrawn."
"If I did, two people would feel bad." That got me invested. "Professor Sycamore who believes in me, and Calem would need me as his partner should he win."
I felt a strange feeling seep into my veins. "Calem is taking part too?"
Serena nodded. "Yeah, for the boys' leader. I'm surprised you didn't know?"
"I thought it was just Kiawe!" I said, feeling defensive as I nodded towards the Alolan group. "You can't blame me! I had a soccer recruitment!"
Serena placed her logo aside and looked at me. I felt my breath hitch. "Did you get a spot?"
