Nya's POV
Nya lounged on the couch in the student lounge, scrolling through her phone when Aysh flopped down beside her, practically buzzing with excitement. "Have you seen the latest?" she asked.
"What, did Sarah and Izuko finally make it official?" Nya teased, not bothering to look up.
"Not yet, but we're getting there! I just heard they had lunch together, all alone!" Aysh said, practically bouncing in her seat.
"Oh, really?" Nya raised an eyebrow, finally putting her phone down. "And how exactly do you know this?"
"Hannah saw them! She sent me a snapshot of their 'private' lunch," Aysh exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "I'm telling you, it's only a matter of time before they're totally into each other."
"So, what's the plan?" Nya leaned in, intrigued. "Do we need to up our game?"
Aysh nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! We need to create the ultimate scenario to get them together. A movie night? Group study? A forced double date?"
Nya giggled, knowing their friends would do anything to push Izuko and Sarah together. "Let's do a movie night. Everyone loves a good rom-com. We'll get them to cuddle up."
"Perfect! I'll send a message to the group," Aysh said, pulling out her phone. "Let's see who's in."
In the Group Chat...
Aysh: "Alright, team! Mission Movie Night is a go! Who's in?"
Hannah: "Count me in! I'll bring snacks!"
Riy: "I'm down! Can't wait to see the magic happen."
Jenna: "I'll bring the blankets! We need to set the mood."
Nya: "And I'll handle the movie selection—lots of romantic options, obviously."
Back to Izuko and Sarah...
After their lunch, Izuko and Sarah were heading to their next class, and Izuko felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. "So, movie night with the gang?" she asked casually, trying to keep her cool.
"Yeah, sounds fun!" Sarah replied, her eyes sparkling. "But I have a feeling there's more to this than just movies."
Izuko laughed, trying to hide her blush. "You think they're trying to set us up again?"
"Absolutely," Sarah said, her tone playful. "They're probably plotting our romance right now."
Izuko rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide her smile. "Let them plot! I'm ready for the chaos."
At Movie Night...
Later that evening, the group gathered in the common room, blankets sprawled across the floor, popcorn bowls scattered everywhere. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and excitement as the movie played in the background.
"Okay, who picked this cheesy rom-com?" Jenna laughed, her eyes glued to the screen.
Nya grinned mischievously. "Me! It's all part of the plan."
"Let the record show that I didn't vote for this," Riy chimed in, raising an eyebrow.
"And let the record show that you still came," Aysh shot back, grinning.
As the movie progressed, Izuko and Sarah found themselves seated next to each other, the space between them shrinking with every laugh and shared glance. Izuko felt her heart race when Sarah casually tossed an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer.
"This is the best part," Sarah whispered, her breath tickling Izuko's ear.
Izuko's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. "You mean the part where everyone's trying to make us admit our feelings?" she whispered back, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Hey, no harm in a little encouragement," Sarah said, leaning closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Besides, it's working, isn't it?"
Izuko glanced down, suddenly shy and self-conscious. "Maybe... but I think they're more invested than we are."
"So, let's give them a show, shall we?" Sarah replied, her gaze locked on Izuko's, filled with playful challenge.
Izuko's heart raced at the idea. "Are you serious?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.
"Dead serious," Sarah replied, her playful smile growing wider.
Izuko couldn't help but laugh nervously, the tension between them shifting into something fun but overwhelming. "Okay, fine. Let's do it."
As the movie continued, the group began to notice the subtle exchanges, the playful glances, and the undeniable chemistry sparking between Izuko and Sarah. Izuko could feel everyone's eyes on them, and her shyness bubbled to the surface.
"Sarah, maybe we shouldn't—" Izuko started, but Sarah interrupted, her voice full of laughter. "Come on, where's your sense of adventure?"
"In a box, under lock and key!" Izuko retorted, but the smile on her face betrayed her.
The laughter continued, with the group whispering and giggling as they picked up on the growing connection between the two girls.
"Alright, everyone, I think we need a group discussion," Nya announced dramatically.
Izuko's heart raced as she realized everyone was watching them, and Sarah just grinned wider.
As the group continued to tease and nudge them, Izuko felt her shyness intensify, but she couldn't help but enjoy Sarah's playful spirit. It was a chaotic, wonderful mess, and despite her hesitations, she found herself wishing it could last forever.
To be continued...
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RomanceIn Echoes of Us, Izuko and Sarah start as best friends, but a misunderstanding drives them apart for a year. When they reconnect in their last year of high school and college at 18, they discover the love that has always been there. As Sarah, the ol...