Sweet Epiphany

Chapter Two: Like the Winter Snow

– Zach –

I am the last to leave the room after we are dismissed.

To avoid getting lost, I decide to follow the direction everyone else is heading, hoping that it'll take me to the right exit. It is then when I'm aware of all the people who are chattering excitedly with each other, like they have been the best of friends since way back. Maybe they are.

It can feel disorienting to be that person who travels alone. The absence of a companion in a busy crowd becomes a lot more apparent. I used to be bothered by this, but not anymore.

After pacing around the hallways and avoiding people, I stride down the last stretch of corridor, I finally reaching the exit. Then something smacks onto my face. The impact was hard, and loud. I wince.

"Abby, don't do that." I hear a female voice hiss, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry!" a girl who I assume is Abby, frantically apologizes.

I peel off the piece of paper from my left cheek and rub my sore nose. I gaze at the two girls in front of me, one of them standing taller than the other.

"I'm so sorry!" Abby (I think) puts her hands up as a sign of surrender, her blonde hair turning into a mess along with her composure. "I didn't mean to, I got too excited–"

"It's okay." I say calmly, feeling the burning sensation on my face wearing off. What does she mean by too excited? What is she even excited about?

"Let's start over." The girl next to her chimes in. She was at least two inches taller than her friend and had glossy waist-length hair. "My name is Clarice, and little miss clumsy here is Abigail, or Abby, for short."

There was a short pause and then I realize they were waiting for me to introduce myself.

"I'm Zach." I say, unsure of where the conversation is going.

"Well, nice to meet you Zach. Abby and I here, we represent the student council today. Abby is a rather new member, so it's her first time doing this, thus explaining her...eagerness." Clarice nods uncertainly, sweeping her fringe off her face. "As you probably know, club information day is tomorrow and we're recruiting new members–"

"Do drop by our booth!" Abby interrupts and Clarice shoots her a glare. She shrinks and mutters something under her breath.

"Um, alright." I shrug feebly, glancing at the crinkly piece of flyer in my hands.

"Does that mean you'll join us?" Abby recovers and grins expectantly, making me jump.

"I'll visit your booth." I say.

"Okay!" she claps her hands so cheerfully that it is almost frightening. With a reaction like that, there is no way I can go back on my word. "Remember, it's 2pm at the multipurpose hall."

I nod before leaving, unintentionally eavesdropping the conversation that I assume I'm not supposed to hear.

"You need to stop ambushing every cute guy you see." Clarice mutters with a hint of annoyance.

"B-But it wasn't on purpose, I slipped!" Abby defends helplessly.

"Sure, sure you did." Clarice replies, and they resume.

I continue walking, once again paying zero attention to the people and my surroundings. It must be nice being able to exchange a lighthearted conversation with a friend like that.