𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬

✦•·················• 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐 •·················•✦

Lunch arrived faster than (Y/N) had anticipated, and with it came an unsettling nervousness that churned in her stomach. She clutched the neatly packed lunch her mom had prepared, her fingers tracing the edges of the container as she walked through the school halls. The sounds of chatter and laughter surrounded her, but they only made her feel more isolated.

Her gaze fell to the floor as she moved, willing herself to be invisible. If I don't look at them, they won't look at me, she thought, though she could feel the occasional curious glance from passing students. It was almost suffocating, the weight of being the new face in a sea of familiarity.

She weaved through the corridors, her eyes darting around in search of Kiyoko. The idea of eating lunch alone was less than appealing, and she clung to the hope that she might find the serene third-year somewhere. But as the minutes stretched on, the hope began to wane. A cold bead of sweat trailed down her temple, and she sighed softly.

Then, like an answered prayer, she spotted her. Kiyoko was descending the staircase, her dark hair swaying lightly with each step. Relief washed over (Y/N) like a warm breeze, and a small, genuine smile broke across her face. Without hesitation, she quickened her pace, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and nerves.

"Kiyoko!" (Y/N) called, her voice carrying just enough to catch the older girl's attention. Kiyoko's body gave a small start at the sound before she turned her head, her gaze softening as it landed on the approaching figure.

"Oh, hi, (Y/N)," Kiyoko greeted, her usual small smile gracing her lips as she offered a polite wave.

For a brief moment, (Y/N) hesitated, unsure if she should hug her or just stand there. She opted for neither, instead bouncing slightly on her toes, the nervous energy brimming within her. "H-hey, um... would you want to eat lunch together?" she asked, her voice laced with hopeful uncertainty.

Kiyoko blinked, her expression calm as she considered the question. "Well, I don't usually have lunch during this time," she explained, her voice as steady and kind as ever. "I'm a manager for the volleyball team, so I spend most of my lunch break in the gym." She began descending the stairs again, her movements graceful as she move letting a group of students past by.

"Oh..." (Y/N)'s shoulders sagged slightly at the answer, though she tried to hide her disappointment. She wasn't sure if she was allowed to in the gym.

Kiyoko, however, noticed the shift in (Y/N)'s energy almost immediately. Her smile softened further, a touch of warmth glimmering in her eyes. "You could come with me if you'd like," she offered. "You can eat in the gym and watch the team practice. I'll ask the coach—it shouldn't be a problem."

(Y/N)'s cheeks flushed at the kindness in her words. Wow, she's not just beautiful; she's so thoughtful too. For a moment, (Y/N) could only nod, her lips curling into a grateful smile.