✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿ The Thread that bind Us ✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿

Last Day of Challenge

The hallways of Crestwood High buzzed with the usual pre-class chatter, lockers slamming shut, and the rhythmic shuffle of sneakers against worn tile floors. Risa Anders stood at her locker, effortlessly drawing in the attention of her peers like a moth to a flame. With her long, black hair cascading over her shoulders and a radiant smile that could light up the gloomiest of days, she was every bit the embodiment of high school royalty. But today, beneath the surface of her confidence, a knot of anxious energy twisted in her stomach.
"Risa!" Jess called, waving her over. "You ready for the big day?"
Risa plastered on a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, just... thinking about Noah."
"Still haven't gotten him to blush?" Jess raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk spreading across her face.
"Nope." Risa's voice was tight, frustration bubbling just beneath her cheerful facade. "He's like a rock, Jess. I've tried everything! The ice cream date, the flirty compliments!"
"And he didn't blush once?" Jess's laughter rang out, bright but tinged with sympathy.
"Not even a hint of pink," Risa sighed, leaning against her locker. "If I don't make him blush by the end of the day, I lose my chance. It's do or die." The bell rang, echoing through the corridor, and students began to shuffle into classrooms. 

***

 During lunch, Risa and Jess found themselves at their usual table, but Risa's mind was elsewhere. She spotted Noah at the corner table, absorbed in conversation with Felix. "Ugh, Jess, look at him," she muttered, annoyance creeping into her voice. "He's impossible."
"Maybe you need to try something bolder," Jess suggested, her eyes narrowing playfully. "What about a little touch here and there?"
Risa bit her lip, considering it. "You think it might work?"
"Only one way to find out," Jess said, her laughter bubbling up.
The rest of lunch passed in a blur of laughter and banter, Risa throwing playful jabs at Noah while he remained his usual stoic self.

She tried everything—flirty comments, playful nudges, teasing glances—but he remained unmoved. When the final bell rang, Risa felt a surge of desperation.
"Come on, Noah! Just one more thing before we go home!"
 He looked at her, skepticism clear in his eyes. "What now?"
"Let's take a picture! You know, for memories!"
 He hesitated, glancing at Felix, who was already heading out. "I don't really do pictures."
"Just this once?" Risa pleaded, stepping closer, her heart racing. She could feel the tension in the air thickening, and she leaned in, her shoulder brushing against his. "You can be my handsome sidekick."
Noah rolled his eyes but finally relented. "Fine, but only because it's the last day of your challenge."
"Yay!" Risa squealed, pulling out her phone.
Risa's pulse quickened. This was it. She had to give it everything she had. In a bold move, Risa reached out and gently pushed some hair away from Noah's forehead, her fingers brushing against his skin. "You know, you have really nice hair," she said, her voice low.
Noah froze, his eyes widening for a fraction of a second. "What are you doing?" he stammered, his cheeks flushing a faint pink.
Risa's heart soared. "Just appreciating the view," she teased, leaning even closer. He tried to maintain his composure. But the blush creeping up his cheeks told another story.
Risa's breath hitched. "Noah! Are you blushing?"
He shot her a glare, the pink on his cheeks deepening. "Shut up."
Risa's heart soared, her mind racing. "I did it! I really did it! You blushed!" Risa squealed, unable to contain her excitement. "You actually blushed!"
"Tomorrow, I'm proposing to you again, and this time, you can't say no!"
Noah's expression shifted from embarrassment to mild panic. "Wait, what? You can't just—"
 "Too late!" Risa interjected, her laughter ringing out. "I finally got you to blush, and now you're stuck with me!"
"Just you wait," Risa teased, her heart racing with the thrill of victory. "You're mine, Mr. White."

As she walked away, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow around them. Risa felt a sense of triumph wash over her. This time, she wouldn't back down. She was ready to fight for what she wanted: Noah.
And with that, she couldn't help but hum a cheerful tune as she strolled out of the school, the suspense of tomorrow hanging thick in the air.