Chapter 10b: Grown Up Stuff

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Finding this coincidence amusing, Reed dashes to you in excitement. Coming to a sudden stop, she grabs your shoulders, intending to startle you with a loud yell. However, not budging from your stance, even an inch, she finds you in a longing stare, fading her smile in an instant. Eve notices your empty grimace and follows your gaze to find..

Tyler and Taylor, relishing in carefree laughter beside the school's fountain. Tyler's hands rest casually on Taylor's shoulders, and she leans comfortably on his left shoulder as they make their way to the school entrance.. looking so smitten with each other.

"Hey.. you okay?" she asks, placing a consoling hand behind your back. Without taking your eyes off of them, you turn your brain upside down, trying to find the right answer. Yet, it's not really about finding the right answer, isn't it? It's trying to comprehend.. to.. understand. To make this scene.. normal. But the biggest question of the day is.. Is she a good person? Is she good for him?

"I don't know about her Eve, she seems.. off. I don't know, maybe it's just me."

You shift your gaze to your shoes.. to play them in repetitive motion on the ground, contemplating. Until it appears, you stumble upon a revelation. "Is this really what it means when we both start going on dates? When we start to grow up? I was so eager in this dating phase of my life, but I just.. never thought we'd grow apart in the process." you wonder as you turn to Reed, giving her a slight sad smile.

Eve responds with a broad smile, enveloping you in her arms, attempting to make you feel better. But then in hesitation, she whispers carefully, "Hey, I know it feels.. weird at first. What matters for now is that he's so happy, right?"

Reluctantly, you redirect your attention to smitten Ty, smiling ear to ear with those charming grin of his. The one you never found in anyone else's—

"Yeah, you're right."

But then you compose yourself in understanding. "Rule Number 10, always be happy if they're happy even if—"

"Their decision is shit, right?" Reed exclaims, finishing your sentence. Momentarily impressed, you nod your head repeatedly in approval while letting out a cackle. Eve wears her signature smile in response.. Yet behind it, she ponders to herself..

'Gotta erase those rules when I'm President, for real."

Your focus returns to the fountain, offering one last glance before you get to the school entrance—

First time getting into school without him.

Ending your reverie, she embraces you tightly before chuckling, "Besides, you already have me, girlie! We double E always stick together, huh?!" Laughter escapes you within her hug, appreciating her comforting presence as the two of you make your way to the building.

Ending your reverie, she embraces you tightly before chuckling, "Besides, you already have me, girlie! We double E always stick together, huh?!" Laughter escapes you within her hug, appreciating her comforting presence as the two of you make your ...

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"Cut the crap, bro. I know you be faking it."

Squatting on the ground, Liam's annoyed expression can't even be hidden behind his large helmet, his oversized gloves wrapped on his left hand. As he darts his focus back to the pitcher, as fast as lighting, a ball lands on his gloves as he catches it effortlessly.

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