Heart of the Stars

Chapter 8: Realization

Stelle's POV:

Ever since my conversation with Himeko, I felt a strong need to make things right with March 7th. I missed our bond and knew I had to put in the effort to reconnect.

One morning, I saw March 7th sitting alone in the cafeteria. Determined, I walked over and took a seat next to her. "Hey, March. Mind if I join you?"

She looked up, surprised but gave a small nod. "Sure, Stelle."

I handed her a cup of her favorite coffee. "Thought you might like this. We haven't had a chance to catch up in a while."

March took the coffee, her expression neutral. "Thanks. I've been quite busy lately."

I tried to keep the conversation light. "Yeah, I get that. Maybe we could hang out later? Like old times?"

March hesitated and then shook her head. "I've got plans with Dan Heng. Maybe some other time."

Determined not to give up, I decided to join March during her training session. "Hey, need a sparring partner?" I asked, stepping into the training room.

She glanced at me and shrugged. "Sure, why not."

We sparred in silence, and I tried to strike up a conversation. But March's responses were brief, and she seemed focused on the training.

Stelle's Thoughts:

That evening, as I sat alone in my quarters, I couldn't shake the feeling of frustration. No matter how hard I tried to reconnect, it seemed like March was always busy or distant. It was disheartening, but I knew I needed to be patient.

The next day, I saw March sitting with Dan Heng in the courtyard. They were engaged in an animated conversation, and I felt a pang of jealousy. I approached them, trying to keep my voice steady. "Hey, March, Dan Heng. Can we talk?"

March looked up, her expression guarded. "What's up, Stelle?"

I took a deep breath. "I was hoping we could talk, just the two of us."

Dan Heng glanced between us, then nodded. "Sure, take your time."

I sat down beside March, trying to keep my tone casual. "I've been thinking a lot lately and really want to catch up. How about we grab dinner or do something together sometime soon?"

March hesitated, then shook her head. "I've got a lot going on right now. Maybe another time?"

That evening, I sat alone, reflecting on my attempts to reconnect with March. It was clear that I needed to be patient and persistent, respecting her space while continuing to make an effort.