am i dreaming? [babysitters club.]

╰▸ how you met.

— Kristy Thomas.

Your friends dragged you to the school field because they wanted to watch the baseball team practice and swoon over them.

The boys' team finished up after what felt like eternity and your friends discussed which one of them liked more, giving their insights about each player.

You weren't one for the sporty types, but something changed your mind.

The girls' team came up. The softball team, not the baseball team, but they're adjacent.

One player caught your eye. One that stood tall and confident. You've seen her around the halls before, you just never bothered.

Until now. You wanted to know her name, maybe more than that.

Your thoughts were interrupted by your friends calling you, that they're leaving and you're coming with, obviously.

You reluctantly got up and joined your friend group, heading back to your last classes.

At dismissal, you found her again. Your heart skipped a beat at the mere sight of her. You wanted- no, needed to approach her.

The timing could not be more perfect. She was alone at the moment. You took the opportunity and formally introduced yourself, telling her you saw her during practice and that you admired her.

She was flattered to hear that, smiling all the time the conversation continued. She asked if you were busy tomorrow, which you shook your head no to.

She invited you to meet her friends, the Baby-Sitters Club.

— Claudia Kishi.

You've seen her everywhere at school. You already knew her name, her hobbies, and her interests. The problem is, she doesn't know you.

You admired her from afar when you realized she shared some of the same classes as you, except Art.

You knew Art was her favorite subject, and it bummed you that you couldn't even see her smile and enjoy painting.

Art class was always free to go to. The teacher was nice and all. The room was always open for students and you took that opportunity to release your frustrations.

She's always on your mind. Always the muse in your heart. You wanted to be friends with her, but she was always busy, or always in groups.

To calm your nerves, you painted. Every line was unique, every stroke ever so graceful. You just painted your thoughts away.

As soon as you were done, you realized you painted Claudia, the muse in your heart. In school, no less. You couldn't bring this home nor hide it.

And what felt like perfect timing, Claudia walked in. She had a scowl painted on her face, yet she was surprised to see another student inside.

Even upset, she kept her usual smile. That's when you noticed, you caught her smile perfectly in the painting.

She approached you and peeked at your canvas. You panicked inside, what would she think? What would she feel? Would she even notice it's her?

Her eyes widened, recognizing who it was. Her cheeks went red and she let out a shy giggle. She felt flattered and nervous.

You stuttered and stammered to explain yourself, but she cut you off with a compliment.

"You're cute," she grinned. You felt your face heat up, your heart fluttering at her words; her voice.