𝙒𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙀 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙒𝘼𝙑𝙀𝙎 𝙏𝘼𝙆𝙀 𝙐𝙎 || ALNST FANFICTION

I

It's been 7 months since the incident regarding your lover occurred.

You gripped on the strap of your bag tightly, entering the school premises. This year has piled you up with nothing but reminders of what you have lost, no matter where you look.

Sitting at the back of the class would give you a clear sight of all your classmates—especially the couples—helping one another out. The front? It was a miracle that you've put up with all their sweet talking behind you.

You were bitter; you knew that, but no one can blame you.

They can't blame you for pushing them away every time they offer their support. They can't blame you for suddenly going silent when something reminds you of him, and they definitely can't blame you for rejecting anyone else's affection.

Your friend Mizi approached you.

"[name], do you want to eat lunch with me and Sua? I guess Luka will be there as well.. It'll still be fun though! Let's go," she said, silently begging you to agree.

And so you did; the walk to the cafeteria wasn't that long since your classroom was pretty near.

When you arrived, your eyes darted towards the table where Sua and Luka were. Mizi held your hand as she dragged you towards the table, as if afraid you'd let go.

"She's here!" Mizi said cheerfully, in an almost relieved tone.

There was an awkward silence for a few seconds before Luka spoke up.

"She's not going to be happy; did you even tell her?"

You got confused at his statement; tell you what?

"Tell me wha-"

You then felt someone's presence behind you.

Ivan, the new student who's been trying so hard to get your attention and befriend you. You've rejected his advances for so long now; you didn't want to make any new friends; you're fine with who you already have.
He looked at you, almost shocked, but then he smiled warmly.

"[name], I didn't expect you to join us here, considering the fact that I tagged along. Are you starting to warm up to me?"

His smile grew the more he looked at you; he admired you a lot as a person. Especially after hearing your story, he admired how strong you are and how you kept fighting despite everything.

"No, I wasn't informed of you being here."

You began to walk away, and his smile instantly dropped. Mizi then held onto your wrist, preventing you from walking away further.

"[name], if I told you.. you wouldn't have agreed to go." She stated apologetically, but all she wanted was for you to be on good terms with Ivan. She wanted you to stop avoiding him and see how he can make your world light up once again, even just a little.

"Then you should've never bothered, Mizi."

"But I-"

"How many times do we have to talk about this?"

Before anything happened, Luka approached you and then spoke—his words almost a whisper, making sure only you heard them.

"You know, giving him a chance at a platonic friendship wouldn't hurt; he's tried almost everything to get your attention, after all."

He sighed; clearly, his words weren't going to take him anywhere.

"I guess death isn't the only way you can lose a person; if it were a year ago, you would've loved to meet him."