Heart of the Stars

Chapter 9: Game Night

Stelle's POV:

The idea of a game night had been bouncing around in my head for a while. I hoped it would be a good opportunity for everyone, especially March 7th, to relax and enjoy each other's company. It was the perfect chance to rekindle old connections and build new memories.

I set up the game night in the common area of the living quarters. The room was decorated with streamers and lights, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. I arranged snacks and drinks on the table, ensuring there was something for everyone. I hoped the lively environment would help bridge the gap between March 7th and me.

One by one, the group members began to arrive. Himeko and Kafka were among the first to show up, bringing their usual enthusiasm. Dan Heng arrived shortly after, and I noticed he and March 7th walked in together, deep in conversation.

March 7th's eyes met mine for a brief moment, and I gave her a warm smile. She hesitated but returned the smile before heading to join the others.

As the night progressed, we started with some light-hearted board games. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and friendly competition. I made an effort to sit next to March 7th, hoping to engage her in conversation.

"Hey, March," I said, trying to sound casual. "Do you want to team up for this next game?"

She looked at me and nodded. "Sure, let's do it."

We played together, and I was pleasantly surprised when March started to open up a bit. We shared some laughs and even won a round, which seemed to lift her spirits.

During a break between games, I grabbed a snack and approached March. "How's it going? Are you having fun?"

She looked at me with a genuine smile. "Yeah, I'm having a good time. Thanks for organizing this."

I felt a surge of relief. "I'm glad to hear that. It's been a while since we all hung out like this."

March nodded, and for a moment, it felt like things were starting to return to normal. But as the night continued, I noticed that she still maintained some distance, often joining conversations with others or focusing on the games.

As the game night came to a close, I watched as everyone began to gather their things and say their goodbyes. I felt a mix of satisfaction and disappointment. The night had been a success in bringing the group together, but I still felt that there was more work to be done in reconnecting with March 7th.

Sitting alone as the room began to empty, I reflected on the evening. It had been a good start, and I was grateful for the small steps forward. I knew that rebuilding our relationship would take time, but I was determined to keep trying.

As March 7th and Dan Heng headed out, March paused for a moment. She turned to me with a thoughtful expression. "Thanks again for tonight, Stelle. It was really nice."

I smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope. "You're welcome, March. Let's do this again sometime."

She gave me a nod and left with Dan Heng. I watched her go, feeling a renewed sense of determination. There was still a lot to work through, but tonight had shown that there was still a chance for us to find our way back to each other.