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✮Chapter 2✮

˖⁺. ༶ ❤︎ ⋆⊹--------------˖⁺. ༶ ❤︎ ⋆˙⊹˖⁺. ༶ ❤︎ ⋆˙⊹--------------˖⁺. ༶ ❤︎ ⋆˙⊹

As the days turned into weeks, George remained undeterred in his quest to befriend Dream. His optimism and persistence were put to the test as Dream's cold demeanor showed no signs of thawing.

George continued to engage Dream during their group project meetings, trying to find common ground. Despite Dream's lack of enthusiasm, George offered suggestions and attempted to spark conversation, but Dream's responses remained curt and uninviting.

One day, after a particularly tense group meeting, George caught Dream sitting alone in the library. With his usual upbeat demeanor, George approached. "Hey, Dream! Working on the project?"

Dream looked up from his notes, his expression unreadable. "Yeah."

George took a seat nearby, hoping to break the ice. "I was thinking about our next presentation. Maybe we could brainstorm together? Two heads are better than one."

Dream barely acknowledged the suggestion. "I think I've got it covered."

Undeterred, George tried a different approach. "Alright, well, if you need any help or want to discuss ideas, I'm here."

Dream didn't respond, his focus returning to his work. George sighed but managed a small smile before returning to his own desk, his heart sinking slightly.

Outside of their group project, George continued his efforts to include Dream in campus life. He invited Dream to various events, from club meetings to informal get-togethers. Each invitation was met with polite but firm rejections. Dream seemed content to stay on the sidelines, his distance more pronounced with each interaction.

One evening, George saw Dream sitting alone on a bench outside the dorms, absorbed in a book. Seizing the opportunity, George approached with a friendly wave. "Hey, Dream! I thought I'd come over and say hi."

Dream looked up, clearly displeased. "Hi."

George sat down beside him, maintaining his friendly demeanor. "I've been meaning to ask.....what kind of stuff do you like to read? I'm always looking for new recommendations."

Dream's eyes flicked briefly to George before returning to his book. "I don't really talk about that."

George's smile faltered but he pressed on. "No problem. I get it. Maybe we could just chat a bit? I promise I won't keep you long."

Dream closed his book, clearly annoyed. "I don't have time for this."

George stood up, trying to hide his disappointment. "Alright, I'll let you be. Maybe we'll catch up another time."

As Dream returned to his book, George walked away, his spirits dampened but not defeated. He couldn't shake the feeling that Dream's coldness was a barrier protecting something vulnerable, something George was determined to understand.

In the following weeks, George made a conscious effort to balance his persistence with respect for Dream's boundaries. He continued to greet Dream whenever they crossed paths and made small talk whenever possible, though Dream's responses remained aloof and detached.

One afternoon, George saw Dream sitting alone in the student center. Summoning his courage, George approached with a hopeful grin. "Hey, Dream! I'm heading to the coffee shop. Want to join me? It's on me."

Dream's expression was a mix of surprise and irritation. "I'm not interested."

George's smile was slightly strained. "Alright. Just thought I'd ask."