[ Kai's POV]

As I sit alone in the dimly lit study , swirling the lukewarm coffee in my cup, a heavy cloud of misery settles over me. Three months. That's what I asked for, three measly months to win over Grace's heart. But here I am, almost two and a half months later, feeling like a fool for even suggesting such a ludicrous plan.

Grace. Just the thought of her name sends a pang through my chest, a mix of longing and regret. I can't help but replay the moment I made that deal with Lucas in my mind, over and over again. The desperation in my voice, the way I clung to the hope that maybe, just maybe, I could make her fall for me. But now, it feels like a mistake. A colossal, heartbreaking mistake.

Yet, despite the weight of my regret, my love for Grace remains unwavering. She's like a beacon in the darkness of my existence, illuminating my life with her mere presence. Every time I look at her, my heart swells with a love so profound it's almost unbearable. Her laughter, her smile, the way her eyes sparkle with mischief—it's like a symphony used to play just for me, and I can't help but be enraptured by it.

But lately, Grace has been keeping her distance, not just from me, but from everyone. She spends most of her time locked away in her apartment or holed up in the staff quarters with Olivia. She's changed her seat in class, no longer sitting beside Lucas and behind me. It's like she's building walls around herself, shutting out the world, and it breaks my heart to see her like this.

I know I need to do something, anything, to make things right. I can't bear the thought of Grace being unhappy because of me. So, as I finish the last dregs of my coffee, a determination settles over me. I need to talk to her, to figure out what's going on with Grace and how I can help her.

With a shaky breath, I pull out my phone and dial her number, my heart pounding in my chest. It's time to make things right, to fix the mess I've made. And maybe, just maybe, I can finally prove to Grace that my love for her is real.

I don't know if I'll be able to fix it , but I'll try my best , even if I had to lose a part of my soul.

[ End of Kai's POV]

**

Grace stepped out of the exam hall, a mix of relief and anticipation flooding her senses. The last exam was finally over, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. Around her, students buzzed with excitement, exchanging congratulations and sharing plans for the future. Seniors were talking in small groups part ways happy and anxious as they have to work for their college admission applications.

As Grace made her way towards the stairs, a familiar voice called out her name.

" Grace. Grace! GRACE!!" The voice went breathless. The person called once again " GRACE WARGRAVE YOU BETTER STOP FOR YOUR OWN WELLFARE OR I'LL DITCH OUR AFTER EXAM PLAN"

Turning, she saw Olivia, looking red like a tomato , small beads of sweat formed above her forhead.She bent and kept her hands on her knees catching her breath.

" Well. Well." a small laugh escaped from Grace's mouth " Look who is struggling to catch someone "

" You don't walk , you run as if running for your life" Olivia said while standing straight and mockingly hitting Grace's shoulder. They fell into step together, their conversation flowing easily as they walked towards the cafeteria.

The white table played a contrast wit other tables, gleamed under the fluorescent lights, a beacon of comfort in the midst of uncertainty. Grace and Olivia settled into their seats, indulging in donuts as the treats offered by Olivia. As they discussed everything from exams to summer vacation plans.

But amidst the laughter and chatter, Grace ignored feeling of being watched. A group of seniors hovered nearby, their eyes fixed on her as if trying to capture every detail before the impending announcement of exam results.

As they finished their desserts, Olivia's demeanor shifted, a sense of urgency creeping into her movements.

" Are you free this eve. Around 5 something?" Olivia asked while keeping her eyes fixed on her shoes

" Hmm " This was all that Grace said.

Olivia's face lit up as she tangled her hand with Grace's hand " Okay then. Keep those hours free. And meet me at the Garden between Hostel 7 and staff quarters"

" Ok " Grace smiled and paid for her fruit bubble juice. Olivia untangled her hand and was about to leave when Grace asked her " What's the hurry?"

Olivia smiled awkwardly and brushed her off by making an excuse about sorting her books and watching some dramas. Grace watched as Olivia hurried off, disappearing into the distance with a quick wave goodbye.

Grace took her fruit Juice from the counter and walked towards the exit. She took one last glance at Olivia's retreating figure , while sipping her drink.

**

" Are you sure? "

" I am one hundred percent sure. " Olivia said while turning the page of her novel. She looked up at Kai tracing his footsteps several times. " Don't worry. She'll be here " she flashed a small smile to him and went back to where she was reading.

Kai was pacing around the park , glancing at his watch again and again. Neon digits changed from four to five. with each passing second , Kai's doubt reassured and Olivia's expectations became zero.

She called Grace several times , it ringed a couple of time and a recorded audio started playing on the other – The person you are trying to connec....

She quickly pocketed her phone after cutting the call and turned to face Kai sitting on the bench , gazing at the slowly appearing stars.

" I am really sorry. She must be busy , You know her right " Olivia said in a soft tone.

Kai looked at her and flashed one of the saddest of smiles. " Don't be. I know her " and this time it was the truth. He knew her , her deepest secrets he knew it and carried it with him. Keeping it safe , keeping her safe. But just turned a cold shoulder towards him ever since the night he begged for her from Lucas. He knew he make a mistake , but he had a plan. To fix it to ,fix everything that went wrong. To make it right , for him and for her.