Campus was its usual noisy self—students chatting, laughing, trying to squeeze in rest between classes. But up on the ninth floor, one room felt like a whole different world. If the rest of the campus was on break, this place was deep in overtime mode.
Mei dropped her head onto the table with the kind of dramatic flair that suggested she'd just escaped a battlefield."I'm done. I'm officially done. Let me retire early from the Student Council. Please."
Lyra walked in holding a small bag of snacks, clearly unfazed. She sat down beside her, chuckling."We've only been doing this for one semester. You can't retire yet."
Mei turned her head just enough to glare at her."But why is it this exhausting? We spent a full hour arguing about decorations. Decorations, Lyra. Why couldn't they just agree with my plan? It was obviously the best one."
Lyra took a bite of her sandwich, fighting back a laugh. "Because this is a democracy, not a kingdom. And definitely not ruled by Queen Mei."
"Then maybe I should run for queen next year," Mei muttered, arms crossed.
Lyra snorted. "I'd vote for you. But only if you promised to outlaw meetings."
There was a beat of silence before Lyra leaned back. "By the way… you never answered me this morning. In the group chat, you just said 'okay'. Super vague. So—how'd the meeting actually end?"
Mei sat up straighter, suddenly very alert. Her eyes narrowed. "Before I answer that... how did the birthday surprise go? Everything go as planned? Or was your boyfriend so happy he couldn't get out of bed this morning?"
Lyra choked."MEI!"
Mei burst out laughing."What?! I'm just asking! So? Did he like it?"
Lyra shot her a death glare, but her smile still broke through."Yeah... he did. He noticed the keychain right away. Even remembered the one I made him for Christmas."
"Awwww," Mei cooed, dramatically placing a hand on her chest. "Your man's got romantic memory unlocked. That's rare."
Lyra looked down, cheeks warming."Maybe..."
But Mei wasn't done. Not even close."And? What happened next? Anything... extra?"
"Mei!" Lyra groaned.
"You totally thought about what I said, didn't you?" she teased.
"No! Nothing like that happened!"
"Really? Because your face says otherwise," Mei said, eyes gleaming.
"I didn't—"
"Lyraaa… I already offered to give you references if you need help~"
"Stop. Talking."
Mei's laughter echoed through the room while Lyra looked like she regretted every life choice that led her to eating lunch here. She puffed her cheeks and pointedly changed the subject.
"Alright. Enough. What about you?"
Mei blinked. "What about me?"
"Don't play dumb. Adam."
Mei frowned. "What about Adam?"
Lyra raised a brow."Seriously? You're out here giving me relationship advice when you can't even recognize your own situation."
Mei looked genuinely confused."What situation?"
Lyra leaned in, voice teasing."You and Adam. You've been spending a lot of time together lately. While I'm dealing with my stuff, you two are always off... working."
Mei shrugged."He's on the Council too. Of course we see each other."
"Yeah, but it's always you and him. No one else. It's like you're on some secret project the rest of us don't know about."
"You're being dramatic," Mei muttered. "We just happen to get assigned the same tasks, that's all."
Lyra smirked. "Uh-huh. Total coincidence. Or... maybe you kinda like working with him?"
Mei narrowed her eyes. "Since when did you turn into the flirt?"
"I learned from the best," Lyra shot back, grinning.
Mei groaned and flopped forward again."Okay, fine. Adam's easy to work with. He gets things done, doesn't waste time. That's it. End of story."
"Mmmhm. And when it's someone else, you complain nonstop. But with Adam? Suddenly it's 'no problem' this, 'it's fine' that. Interesting."
"Oh my god, stop psychoanalyzing me."
Lyra shrugged, totally unbothered."Just calling it like I see it."
With a dramatic sigh, Mei reached into Lyra's snack bag and stole a bun."Think whatever you want. But we're just coworkers."
"Uh-huh. Coworkers who walk home together, share snacks during meetings, and somehow stay behind after everyone else leaves? Sounds a little more than coworkers to me."
Mei paused mid-bite, then exhaled slowly."Even if there was something... why are you the one freaking out?"
Lyra grinned."Because I'm your best friend. It's literally my job to call you out when you're lying to yourself. You like him, don't you?"
Mei didn't answer right away. She focused a little too hard on chewing. But the faint blush on her cheeks said more than enough.
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The student council meeting dragged on way longer than expected. The air in the room felt heavier by the minute. People were fidgeting, slouching, shifting in their chairs—clearly ready to bolt.
Mei was still flipping through her notes, brow furrowed as she double-checked every single point. Just to be sure nothing slipped through.
Next to her, Adam stayed laser-focused on his laptop. His fingers moved quickly across the keyboard, his expression unreadable except for the occasional sigh or push of his slipping glasses.
"I need the budget report from yesterday," Mei said suddenly, still eyes-down on her notes.
Without missing a beat, Adam replied, "Got it right here," reaching for a stack of papers at the center of the table.
Mei reached for them at the same time.
Their fingers touched.
It was brief—barely a second—but enough to make both of them freeze. Mei blinked, startled by the unexpected warmth, while Adam visibly stiffened, holding his breath for half a heartbeat before quickly pulling away.
"Sorry," he mumbled, handing over the document with a weirdly stiff motion.
Mei took it, trying to play it cool."Uh—yeah. Thanks." She cleared her throat, hoping it hid the weird flutter in her chest.
For a moment, something shifted in the air between them. Nothing was said, but the silence felt... loaded. Mei stared back down at her notes like they were suddenly fascinating. Adam glanced at his own hand, as if trying to process the moment.
But, of course, neither of them brought it up.
Not yet, anyway.
--------
"All set?" Robin asked, glancing at his girlfriend as she zipped up her bag.
Lyra nodded. "Yup. Let's go."
He chuckled and ruffled her hair. "You're too cute. C'mon."
As they turned to leave, Lyra glanced over at her best friend."Mei, we're heading out."
Mei looked up and gave a playful salute."Later, lovebirds."
Neither of them protested this time—just smiled. But before walking away, Lyra leaned in close to Mei and whispered, sneaking a glance across the room.
"Now's your chance."
"What?" Mei frowned.
Lyra grinned. "You know what I mean. Good luck."
And just like that, she grabbed Robin's hand and disappeared out the door."Bye, Mei!"
Mei let out a dramatic sigh, staring after her. So this is what it feels like to be the one getting teased all the time. Maybe it was karma. Maybe she deserved it.
The meeting was officially over, but two people remained in the room. Everyone else had gone, but Mei and Adam stayed behind, organizing leftover paperwork.
She stretched her arms and let out a groan."Finally. If every meeting goes like this, I swear I'm putting in my early retirement notice."
Adam looked over as he packed up his laptop."You say that after every long meeting."
"Because every long meeting feels like the end of the world! Especially when someone keeps arguing their ideas like they're sacred texts. Be honest—you were annoyed too, right?"
He shrugged."I'm more of a listen-and-observe type."
"Of course you are," she muttered. "Quietly plotting strategies in your head while the rest of us fight for our lives."
Adam gave a small laugh."And you're the type who speaks before thinking."
"I am not—hey!" Mei narrowed her eyes, realizing a beat too late what she'd just confirmed.
Adam gave her a smug little smile, which only made her glare harder.
She moved to grab a folder from the end of the table but misjudged the position of the chair. Her foot caught on it, and she stumbled forward with a small yelp.
Before she could hit the floor, a hand grabbed her arm and yanked her back.
Adam.
For a few seconds, neither of them moved. Mei could feel his hand wrapped around her wrist, steady and strong. He looked just as surprised as she felt.
She blinked, then let out a breathy laugh."Wow. That was almost tragic."
Adam let go quickly, looking away."Be careful."
Mei straightened up and cleared her throat."You did just save me. Should I thank you with coffee or something?"
Adam shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket, trying to act casual."Not a good idea. Not if you're the one buying."
"Why not?" she said, arms crossed.
He glanced at the clock."Because you always forget your wallet. And then I end up paying."
Mei paused. Then clicked her tongue."Ugh. You remember the most inconvenient details."
Adam just shook his head, but there was the tiniest smile at the corner of his mouth.
They walked out of the room together.
And maybe they didn't say it, but moments like these?They were starting to feel... familiar. Like a rhythm they'd quietly fallen into.
And maybe—just maybe—they were getting used to each other more than they realized.
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The sun had already dipped low by the time Robin and Lyra left the campus building. They walked side by side along the sidewalk, chatting lazily about classes and vague weekend plans.
But then their path was blocked.
Walter stood ahead of them, arms at his sides, an unreadable look on his face.
Robin's expression changed immediately. His shoulders squared up, eyes narrowing instinctively. Protective mode: activated.
Walter's gaze lingered on Lyra. There was something in his eyes—hesitation, maybe regret—but no one said a word until he finally broke the silence.
"Can we talk?" he asked, voice low, eyes fixed on her.
Before Lyra could respond, Robin stepped forward slightly, his tone sharp."Sorry, but she doesn't waste time on people who only want to drag up the past."
Walter's brow twitched. "I just want to talk to her. How long have you even known her? I've been her friend since high school."
Robin gave him a tight, sarcastic smile."Yeah? Well, I'm her boyfriend now. And I'm not about to let her get pulled back into the mess you and your girlfriend made."
The tension was instant. Walter clenched his fists, clearly losing patience—and maybe, just maybe, ready to swing.
But Lyra stepped between them, hand out like a stop sign.
"Enough," she said firmly, her voice calm but final. "This doesn't need to turn into a fight."
Walter exhaled, then looked at her with a softer gaze. "Maybe teach your boyfriend how to talk to someone older than him. Even if it's just by a year."
Lyra didn't react. She just sighed. "What do you want, Walter?"
He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Did I ever... make you feel like you didn't matter? Did I ignore you?"
Lyra looked at him for a long moment, then shook her head slowly. "It doesn't matter anymore. I forgave you. Both of you. Maybe I should've said something back then, but I didn't. And now it's over."
Walter's shoulders dropped slightly, like he was carrying a little less weight."So... can we go back to how things were? Be friends again?"
She hesitated—not because she still had feelings for him. That chapter was long closed. Robin was her now, and there was no comparison.
But she knew how Robin felt about Walter and Suzie. And she didn't want to create tension where there didn't need to be any. So she looked to him, silently asking.
Robin held her gaze for a few seconds. Then let out a reluctant sigh."If that's what you want, I won't stop you," he said, voice low. "But I won't let you hurt her again. Either of you. If you do, you're gone. For good."
Walter looked at Robin, then back to Lyra. He could tell Robin wasn't bluffing. But he also knew this was probably his one and only shot at fixing what was left.
So he nodded.
The tension slowly started to dissolve.
Lyra tilted her head. "Where's Suzie? Haven't seen her around. Kinda weird you're not attached at the hip today."
Walter paused, then let out a slow breath."I don't know. Things between us have been rough lately. She barely talks to me. I'm... getting tired."
Lyra didn't say anything. She just nodded faintly. Some things weren't hers to fix anymore. Whatever happened now—she wasn't going back to that place again.
Robin, meanwhile, just smirked to himself. In his eyes, Suzie and Walter had spent too long in a mess they created themselves. Maybe this was karma finally catching up.
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On the second floor of the campus building, someone stood still in the corridor, eyes locked on the courtyard below.
She hadn't meant to stop. She'd just been passing by.
But there they were.
Lyra and Robin, walking side by side. Laughing. Talking like no one else existed.
Suzie couldn't hear what they were saying. But she didn't need to. The way Lyra smiled—that free, unburdened smile—told her everything.
She looked... happy.
Too happy.
Suzie's jaw tightened. Her fists clenched at her sides.
After everything that happened last year, Lyra was supposed to feel something. There should've been a hole. A space only she could fill.
But no. Lyra was fine. Better than fine. And it was all because of him.
Robin.
Suzie bit her lip hard, trying to keep it together. Lyra didn't just forget. She wasn't the type to move on that easily. Something must've happened. Something that made her pull away.
If Robin had never shown up... none of this would've changed.
She exhaled, slow and shaky, then made up her mind.
"I need to talk to her."
--------
Mei was still complaining as she and Adam walked down the now-empty campus hallway.
"I'm just saying, it's ridiculous. An entire hour arguing about decorations? If I were president, I'd scrap the whole voting system. Boom—monarchy."
Adam glanced sideways at her."That wouldn't be a council anymore. That'd be a dictatorship."
"Yeah, yeah. But at least I'd get a nap," she muttered.
As they passed the vending machine by the stairs, Adam quietly slid in a few coins and pulled out two snack packs and a drink. Without a word, he held one out to her.
Mei blinked."What?"
"Eat."
She rolled her eyes but took it anyway."I can buy my own snacks, you know."
He didn't reply. Just tore into his own and kept walking.
Mei scoffed but opened hers too, munching as she followed him.
As they made their way downstairs, Mei struggled with her tote bag, trying to juggle her snack and her balance at the same time. She wasn't paying much attention.
So she didn't see the slick patch on the step.
"Kya—!"
Adam moved fast—again.
His hand shot out, grabbing her wrist just in time to stop her from faceplanting.
They froze.
Mei's eyes went wide, caught between shock and… something else. Adam's grip was steady, his expression unreadable, but his eyes—dark and calm—met hers for a split second longer than necessary.
Then he let go like nothing happened."Watch your step," he said flatly.
Mei cleared her throat, cheeks warm."I was fine," she muttered, trying to sound casual.
But she wasn't. Not really. She couldn't stop thinking about it the whole way down.
What annoyed her most? Adam didn't react. Not a flicker. Like saving her was no big deal at all.
They neared the campus gate when Adam suddenly veered off into a small convenience store.
Mei frowned, confused."Okay…?"
A few minutes later, he came back out holding a plastic bag. He handed it to her without a word.
Inside: a boxed bento and a carton of milk.
Mei stared. "Why?"
"You haven't had dinner," Adam said simply. "Take it. Eat it in your dorm."
"I can buy my own food," she said again, eyeing him suspiciously.
"But you didn't."
She groaned. "You seriously remember the most unnecessary things."
He just shrugged.
She took the bag anyway."Whatever."
Adam nodded once. "It's getting late. I'll walk you back."
And just like that, they walked side by side, disappearing into the soft dark of the evening.
Not quite a couple.Not quite just friends.
But something in between.And maybe, something more.
--------
After the awkward moment earlier, the walk back felt quieter than usual. Mei didn't say much. She just stared straight ahead, her face unreadable.
Adam glanced at her once they reached the dorm."You okay?"
Instead of answering, Mei shot back, "Why are you asking that all of a sudden?"
"You've been quiet the whole time."
'Huft... clueless,' she thought, biting back a sigh. "I'm just tired."
Adam didn't respond right away. He wasn't sure he believed that. Mei was usually a lot more animated, even when she was exhausted. Something felt off. And with the way the shadows fell across her face, he had a hunch—she was upset.
Still, he didn't push.
"Alright," he said eventually. "Make sure you eat, then get some rest."
Mei gave a soft scoff but nodded anyway."Yeah, yeah. Thanks for walking me back."
Adam gave a small nod before turning away, only leaving once she was safely inside.
The moment the door closed, Mei let out a long, frustrated sigh. She flicked on the lights, kicked off her shoes, and tossed her bag onto the chair like it had offended her.
"Ugh. Seriously," she muttered.
Her mood had gone through too many shifts today, and it was starting to wear her out. Emotionally drained, she grabbed a water bottle, took a few gulps, then dragged herself into the shower.
By the time she returned to her room, towel around her neck, hair slightly damp, she was already eyeing the food Adam had given her earlier. She hadn't planned on eating it—out of pride, mostly—but her stomach had other ideas.
As she pulled out the boxed meal and started plating it, something else caught her eye: a small box tucked beneath the bento she hadn't noticed before.
Curious, she opened it.
Inside—a set of assorted mochi in neat little rows. On top sat a folded piece of paper.
"No dessert until you've finished dinner."
Mei stared at the note for a few seconds before exhaling hard through her nose—half-annoyed, half-amused.
"When did he even write this?" she grumbled. Of course it had to be him.
She could practically picture his deadpan face scribbling that down like it was a serious rule.
After finishing her meal, she picked out one of the mochi, biting into it slowly while resting her chin in her hand, eyes drifting toward the window.
Her thoughts were all over the place.
And under her breath, she mumbled, "Why is he always so unreadable? Can't he show even one real reaction for once?"
She knew Adam wasn't the type to wear his heart on his sleeve. Still... she wanted to know. Did he really feel nothing when he grabbed her earlier? Or was he just really good at hiding it?
Mei sighed again and took another bite of the mochi.
There was no point overthinking it now.Adam was just... Adam.
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*** TO BE CONTINUE ***