"Mind if we chat somewhere more private?" Nally asked.
"Uh, sure," Zach replied, a bit surprised.
They moved to a quieter spot in the hallway with a glass window.
"My birthday's coming up this Saturday," she mentioned.
"Really?" Zach exclaimed, breaking into a smile.
"Yeah... I was thinking, would you like to come with me to a place I've been wanting to visit that day? I know it might be a lot to ask, but I'm willing to take my chances," she asked, sounding a bit nervous.
The request caught him off guard, though he had a suspicion why she asked. He already had plans for that day, but he couldn't bring himself to tell her and turn down her invitation. "Sure, I'll come with you," he agreed.
Her smile widened when she heard his response, prompting him to smile back at her happiness. The thought that birthdays only happen once a year made him decide he could carry out his plans another day. After their conversation, he made his way to the cafeteria. Calliso waved him over, and Jacksen sat quietly beside him as Zach approached and joined them.
"Hey, bro. Congrats," Jacksen said with little enthusiasm.
"Where were you?" Zach inquired.
Jacksen let out a sigh, rolling his eyes. "In Mr. Dodds's office. He's really pushing me to do better next quarter."
"Or maybe you should hit the nightclubs more often," Calliso quipped sarcastically.
Jacksen shot him a glare in response.
"All right, I'm starving. You guys can keep arguing if you want, but I'm off to grab some food," Zach said, rising to his feet.
"I'm coming with you. I could really use some free food right about now," Jacksen piped up.
"Yeah, especially since he's gonna be pulling an all-nighter to catch up on missed stuff," Calliso chimed in.
"Please not now. You can remind me later," Jacksen requested wearily.
They headed over to the food counter together to grab their meals, then made their way back to their table. Zach didn't mention about Nally's request.
****《•》****
On Saturday, Zach didn't have to wait for long outside Monroe Dormitory before Nally arrived right on time. She looked stunning in a white knee-length shirtwaist dress paired with a brown belt, her dark blonde hair elegantly braided to one side.
"You look amazing," Zach complimented her.
She flashed him a smile. "Thanks. You too."
"Nah, I wish I'd made more effort with my outfit. Just a t-shirt and jeans," he replied, feeling a bit self-conscious.
She chuckled. "Don't stress about it. You're fine just as you are."
He sighed, smiling. "All right, where to?"
"It might be a bit childish, but I really want to check out the carnival in the town square. It's packing up tomorrow," she answered.
"Sure thing, anything for the birthday girl," he replied with a grin.
She giggled in response.
They hailed an Uber and made their way to the town square, drawn by the lively atmosphere of the city's final carnival day. "Let's check out those game booths," Nally suggested, gesturing towards the row of colorful attractions to their right.
YOU ARE READING
Divine & Wicked: The Strayed Memories (Book2)
Fantasy(Fantasy•Romance) COMPLETED Zach awoke a few days after his surgery, his mind foggy and his heart empty, as though his life had been reset. He moved through what he believed was his normal routine, unaware that fragments of a forgotten past were slo...
