The Real World and The Real You (Johan Liebert x Reader x Anna Liebert)

The Disappearance of Nina Fortner

You didn't see Nina at school the next day. However, she turned up to school the day after that. Clara, Beate and you had of course asked her if she was alright, and jokingly if the guy they had set her up with had been that disappointing. She denied the claims, and reassured you all that she was fine. It was mostly you whom she needed to reassure. You had been worried sick the whole day she was away, but at the same time you were afraid of calling her house, as you feared that she would found you overbearing and overprotective perhaps. But she didn't seem annoyed at all, when she had to spend 5 more minutes than she did with Clara and Beate to convince you that she was fine.
''We've looked into him. Turns out that he isn't you secret email guy. But hey, that just means your prince might still be out there somewhere, waiting for the perfect moment to come clean.'' Those two certainly hadn't lost their positivity.
''I think we should give that a rest. Nina doesn't seem to be feeling too well these past few days, maybe we should give her some room for breathing, without constantly teasing her.''
You didn't mention that you would like to go on about your daily life, not having to constantly fear someone taking all of Nina's attention. She was the only 'friend' you actually considered a friend. Losing her would throw you right back into your shell of loneliness. You had already had this happen to before - you didn't want it to happen again.
''It's fine, I'm over it anyway.'' Nina tried to reassure you. ''Oh really? It's your birthday tomorrow, isn't it Nina? I bet you're secretly hoping for him to show up with an armful of flowers.'' Clara quickly joined in on the joke, ''I can just imagine him, ''My gift to you on this special day is a big kiss m'lady.'' She said, as she comically puckered her lips.
''You two are too much, honestly!'' As they laughed, you forced yourself to laugh along.
It would happen sooner or later. It just wasn't your fate to stay with her.

You had known for a while that Nina's birthday would be this day, so you had prepared a gift a long time ago. You wanted to give her something that she would like, and that you had made yourself. That way, even if she left you, she would at least always be able to remember you. You were a bit worried that she would find it silly, but at the same time this would be a very personal and thoughtful gift, which you figured she would appreciate. The gift, wrapped with red paper and a white string, was waiting for you on the table near the door. Your parents wished you good luck with the gift (and with Nina), as you left, heading towards Heidelberg University.
As you walked onto university grounds, you heard your name being called. At the other side of the yard you could see Peter jogging up to you. ''Heyy, you on your way to meet up with Nina?''
''What do you want, Peter?'' you shot him an accusing glare, ''Can't give up your pursuit of love, even on her birthday? Don't you think she's got enough on her plate with this 'secret admirer' already?''
Seemingly unaffected by your sour tone, Peter replied; ''Yeah, I heard about what happened. It's weird isn't it though? Nina's been in perfect health the whole time I've known her, and suddenly she gets ill in the middle of a lecture and faints for seemingly no reason? I wonder if something happened to her. But anyway, I actually agree with you for once. She has been well lately, so I decided, that I would have you deliver my gift to her.''
You searched his face for any sign of a hidden motive, ''Why would I do that for you? Can't you just do it yourself?''
''Of course I could, I'm not lazy! But I've given some thought to what you and the others said, and I figured that perhaps you weren't wrong. Nina obviously hasn't warmed up to me yet, so I need to give it some time before I go askin' her on a date again. Which is where you come in. In order to demonstrate how respectful I am of her and her needs, I'll keep my distance for today. That way, she won't have to worry about making up some nice rejection, just in case I try to invite her out again. Doesn't that sound awesome of me?'' It was obvious that he believed it to be the best plan ever. You didn't agree, but hey, if it meant that Peter would cut down on his flirting then you were all in.
''Alright, give me the gift.'' You opened your hand and waited for Peter to find the gift in his bag. When he finally pulled it out, you couldn't help but notice the size. It was pretty small.
''What is it Peter?''
''Hah, why should I tell you that? It's for Nina, not you. Well, I gotta bounce, remember to tell me all about her reaction to my gift.''
You stared at Peter, as he walked away. You already felt tired. The only reason you had for turning up at school today was Nina's birthday gift. It's not like you were an avid fan of skipping school, but every once and then you let yourself have a 'me day'. It was a thing that had helped you immensely, and always spiked your productivity in school the following days. Back when you were small, you would often face sickness, in order to stay home. But it wasn't because you were a bad kid who simply didn't want to go to school. At the time you didn't know the reason, but the consistent fatigue and your loss of optimism soon began to make your parents question your behavior. But all that didn't matter now. Things were better now, and you knew yourself better than ever. If you needed to stay home, then you would stay home without feeling guilty. You just had to deliver Nina's gift and make some excuse to how you weren't feeling so well and go home and enjoy a day off.