The cafeteria is lively with students, laughter, and the clatter of trays. The scent of food lingers in the air as Lychie and her friends, Anya, Joyane, Cale, Eddie, Nial, and Ian, gather at their usual table. As they eat, conversation naturally drifts to school and the inevitable topic: exams.

Anya: groaning, stretching her arms "I still can't believe the festival's over. It feels like it was just yesterday."

Joyane: sighing "Yeah, and now reality hits. Exams are coming, and I am not ready."

Cale: grinning as he takes a bite of his food "I haven't even looked at my notes. My brain refuses to accept that we actually have to study again."

Eddie: "My brain's still on vacation mode. Someone bring me back to life before the exams do."

Nial snorts, shaking his head before turning to Lychie, who's quietly sipping her juice, listening to the conversation unfold.

Nial: "I bet Lychie's already done studying."

The table falls silent for a beat before all eyes turn to Lychie. She blinks at them, setting her cup down with a small shrug.

Lychie: casually "I finished my advance reading last night."

A collective groan erupts from the group.

Ian: raising an eyebrow, smirking "Seriously? Already?"

Anya: shaking her head in disbelief "Lychie, do you even sleep?"

Joyane: "I swear, if we open your head, we'll find a mini library in there."

Cale: laughing "Yeah, complete with color-coded notes and a built-in study schedule."

Eddie: "Meanwhile, the rest of us are just out here trying to survive."

Lychie: "Studying ahead helps me relax before exams. No last-minute cramming, no stress."

Nial: "She's got a point. Maybe we should all start learning from her."

Ian: leaning back, smirking "Or, you know... we could just bribe her to tutor us."

Lychie rolls her eyes while the others laugh. The conversation shifts to making study plans, sharing notes, and joking about who's most likely to panic the night before the test. As they chat and tease each other, the looming stress of exams feels a little less overwhelming.

The sharp ring of the bell echoes through the room. Their groan ripples across the students, signaling the dreaded end of lunch break.

Cale: grumbling as he stretches his arms "There it is... the sound of suffering."

Anya: sighing dramatically "Why does lunch break feel like five minutes, but class feels like five years?"

Eddie: picking up his tray, shaking his head "It's a conspiracy, I swear."

One by one, they all stand, reluctantly grabbing their things as they prepare to head back. Meanwhile, Lychie remains calm, tucking her book neatly into her bag. She watches her friends with amusement, her lips curling into a small smile.

Joyane: noticing Lychie's expression, squinting at her "And there she is, smiling like she actually enjoys going back to class."

Ian: groaning as he slings his bag over his shoulder "She does enjoy it. We're suffering while she's thriving."

Lychie: snared at him "Quit acting like you're not smart Ian"

Nial: chuckling, nudging Lychie playfully "You're way too excited for school, Lych."

Lychie: "I just like learning. You guys act like it's the end of the world."

Anya: dramatic gasp "It is the end of the world, for our free time."

They all laugh, despite their complaints, and begin walking toward their classrooms. As they make their way down the hall, their lighthearted bickering continues, making the inevitable return to class just a little more bearable.

__________

The clock on the wall ticks to 4 PM, signaling the end of their last lesson for the day. A sigh of relief washes over the class as students begin packing their things, ready to head to their respective clubs. Conversations spark, chairs scrape against the floor, and a faint noise of excitement fills the air.

Cale: stretching his arms with a groan "Finally! My brain is officially fried."

Anya: grinning as she slings her bag over her shoulder "That's assuming it was working in the first place."

Cale: offended gasp "Rude."

Just as the group stands to leave, the classroom door opens. Kent, along with a few chess club members, steps inside. The chatter dies down slightly as he strides to the front, standing beside the teacher's desk. He clears his throat before speaking.

Kent: "Excuse me, sir. Sorry to interrupt, but I just need a moment."

The teacher nods, giving him permission to proceed. Kent turns to face the class, his usual confidence evident in his stance.

Kent: "Alright, guys, listen up! The chess club is holding tryouts for an upcoming competition, and we're inviting anyone who's interested to join. It doesn't matter if you're experienced or just starting out, we'll help you get up to speed. Tryouts start this week, so if you're up for the challenge, feel free to sign up."

Some students murmur in interest, while others simply nod and return to packing up. Kent scans the room, his gaze naturally landing on one person in particular, Lychie.

For a brief moment, the teasing glint in his eyes appears, and he smirks slightly.

Kent: smirking, teasing tone "That includes you too, Lychie. You've had some tutoring. Maybe it's time to put those lessons to the test?"

Lychie, who had been casually zipping her bag, pauses. She slowly looks up, meeting his gaze, instantly feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over her. Her friends, of course, don't let this moment slide.

Joyane: gasping dramatically, nudging Anya "Oh? A personal invitation?"

Eddie: grinning, crossing his arms "Kent, are you sure this is just an announcement and not a recruitment strategy for a specific someone?"

Nial: chuckling, looking at Lychie "You gonna take him up on that, Lych?"

Lychie straightens up, trying to appear unaffected, though the slight pink dusting her cheeks betrays her composure.

Lychie: clearing her throat, avoiding Kent's gaze "I-I'll think about it."

Kent chuckles at her reaction, clearly amused, but doesn't push further.

Kent: "Good. I'll be expecting you."

With that, he gives the class a nod before stepping out with his club members, leaving behind a group of very entertained friends and a very flustered Lychie.

Ian: watching the exchange with an unreadable expression, muttering under his breath "Tch. Unbelievable."

The group exchanges knowing looks before heading out for their own clubs, the teasing only just beginning for Lychie as they walk down the hallway together.

The library is quiet, save for the occasional rustle of pages and the soft hum of the air-conditioning. Lychie sits in her usual corner, surrounded by books and her neatly arranged notes. Her pen glides across the paper as she crafts a new poem, her mind lost in words and metaphors. This was her routine, her sanctuary. And usually, if someone were to disturb her at this hour, it would be Kent, casually leaning over her shoulder with a teasing remark.

But today, it wasn't Kent.

Ian: pulling out a chair and sitting across from her "I knew I'd  find you here."

Lychie blinks, momentarily caught off guard. She had been expecting Kent to barge in, not Ian. She quickly regains her composure, setting down her pen.

Lychie: curious, raising an eyebrow "And what exactly brings you here, Ian? The library isn't really your usual hangout."

Ian: shrugging, leaning back in his chair "Needed some help with my studies. Thought you'd be the best person to ask."

Lychie narrows her eyes slightly. Something about his tone doesn't sit right, but she doesn't question it yet. Instead, she sighs and pulls out one of her textbooks.

Lychie: "Alright, what do you need help with?"

Ian slides his notebook toward her, but as she begins explaining, she quickly realizes something strange, he already knows most of the material. In fact, he answers before she even fully explains. Her brows furrow in suspicion as she watches him effortlessly breeze through the topics.

Lychie: crossing her arms, tilting her head "You seem to know all of this already."

Ian: nonchalantly flipping a page "Maybe I just learn fast."

Lychie: narrowing her eyes, skeptical "Or maybe you're not actually here for help."

Ian smirks at her sharp observation but doesn't immediately respond. Instead, he rests his chin on his palm and meets her gaze with a knowing look.

Ian: casually, but with intent "Do you like Kent?"

The question catches Lychie completely off guard. She freezes, fingers tightening around the edge of her book. Her heart skips a beat, not because of Kent's name, but because Ian was the one asking. The same Ian she had liked for five years. The same Ian she had finally built a friendship with after so long. And now, he was casually throwing this question at her as if it didn't carry the weight of her past feelings.

She struggles for a response, her mind looking for the right words. She doesn't want to lie, but she also doesn't want to confront something she hasn't figured out herself. So, she does what she knows best, she dodges the question.

Lychie: forcing a small smile, pretending to be unfazed "Why are you suddenly asking? Shouldn't you be focusing on your studies?"

Ian watches her carefully, noting the slight tension in her shoulders, the way she's avoiding his gaze. He picks up on it immediately but plays it cool, pretending to drop the subject.

Ian: smirking, leaning back in his chair "Just curious."

Lychie exhales quietly, relieved that he doesn't press further. But the question lingers in the air, unspoken yet heavy, as they continue their study session, both pretending not to notice the shift in atmosphere between them.

ANYA's POV

The late afternoon sun shones golden hues over the school grounds as Anya steps out of the building, her canvas in one hand and a handful of paintbrushes in the other. She lets out a small breath, admiring the way the sunlight reflects off the lingering streaks of paint on her fingers. Another piece finished. Another moment of creation captured on canvas.

She makes her way towards the nearest faucet, eager to clean off the remnants of her work, when she nearly bumps into Joyane and Cale. Joyane, ever so composed, adjusts the strap of her bag while Cale, as usual, is preoccupied, this time, with a waffle in his hand.

Joyane: raising an eyebrow, amused "You look like you've been through battle."

Anya: chuckling, gesturing to her paint-covered hands "Feels like it too. I just finished my piece."

Cale: mumbling between bites "Hope it's not another sad-looking painting."

Anya: jokingly offended, placing a hand on her hip "Excuse you, my art has depth."

Joyane rolls her eyes at their banter but smiles nonetheless. As Anya washes off her brushes, Joyane and Cale wait, their conversation drifting toward their usual after-school plans. Once Anya is done, they decide to walk back to the classroom together to grab her bag before heading home.

As they step inside, the sight before them makes them pause.

Eddie stands near the window, talking, no, arguing, with a girl. A familiar girl.

Cale stiffens slightly, his chewing slowing as his eyes flick between Eddie and the girl. Recognition dawns on him, and he leans toward Anya and Joyane, whispering just loud enough for them to hear.

Cale: softly, confirming their suspicions "That's the same girl Lychie and I saw last time."

Anya exchanges a glance with Joyane, both intrigued and slightly concerned. Eddie's usual carefree demeanor is absent, replaced with something tense, his voice low but firm, the girl's expression is faint.

None of them speak, merely observing the scene unfold before them. And for the first time, Anya finds herself wondering: just who exactly is this girl?

________________________

LYCHIE POV

The school grounds had quieted down, the once-bustling hallways now nearly empty as students made their way home. The sun hung low in the sky, casting warm golden hues over the waiting shed where Lychie sat alone, her bag resting on her lap. She had already said her goodbyes to her friends, who had left earlier. Ian, too, was gone, leaving her with only the sound of the occasional passing vehicle and the faint rustling of trees in the distance.

As she absentmindedly tapped her fingers against the strap of her bag, footsteps approached. A familiar figure came into view, Kent, carrying his chessboard under one arm. His pace was unhurried, his expression carrying the usual easygoing confidence. Spotting Lychie, he didn't hesitate to take a seat beside her, letting out a small sigh as he adjusted the chessboard on his lap.

Kent: grinning, tilting his head toward her "Didn't think I'd find you here all by yourself."

Lychie: glancing at him briefly, then looking straight ahead, sighing lightly "Well, everyone's already gone home. Including Ian."

At the mention of Ian, Kent's grin faltered for the briefest moment, but he quickly masked it with a casual shrug. He leaned back against the bench, tapping a finger against the chessboard as if debating something in his mind.

Kent: "So... about the tryouts."

Lychie exhaled softly, already expecting this. For the past few hours, Kent had been persistent, bringing it up between classes, even when he happened to cross paths with her in the hallway. And now, even after school hours, he was still at it.

Lychie: feigning reluctance, crossing her arms "You really don't give up, do you?"

Kent smirked, adjusting his seat so he was facing her more directly.

Kent: "It's one of my best qualities."

Lychie rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. She hesitated for a moment, then finally sighed in defeat.

Lychie: "Fine. I'll do it."

For a second, Kent seemed caught off guard, blinking in surprise before a wide grin spread across his face.

Kent: "Wait... seriously? No take-backs?"

Lychie: laughing softly, shaking her head "Yes, seriously. But only for the tryouts, no promises beyond that."

Kent placed a hand over his chest in a dramatic display of relief.

Kent: "You have no idea how much of a win this is for me. I was already considering bribing you with coffee or something."

Lychie raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in her expression.

Lychie: "You do realize that wouldn't work, right?"

Kent smirked, tapping the chessboard lightly with his fingers.

Kent: "You underestimate my persuasion skills, Lychie."

She shook her head, laughing under her breath. The waiting shed, which had once felt dull and empty, was now replaced with lighthearted banter. The conversation between them flowed easily, the lingering warmth of the sunset mirroring the growing sense of familiarity between them. And for the first time that day, Lychie didn't mind waiting a little longer before heading home.

Kent: leaning back, arms crossed, a sly grin tugging at his lips "Alright then, since you're finally on board with the tryouts, how about we make things more interesting?"

Lychie: narrowing her eyes suspiciously, tilting her head slightly "Interesting how?"

Kent: tapping his chessboard lightly, as if setting up an invisible game in his mind  "I'll personally teach you more about chess, strategies, advanced plays, everything you need to know. That way, you won't just participate in the tryouts, you'll actually get good enough to challenge me at the end of the line."

Lychie: raising an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious "And what exactly happens when I challenge you?"

Kent's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Kent: "If you win, I'll do whatever you ask. No matter what it is, even if it means completely embarrassing myself."

Lychie blinked, taken aback for a moment before an amused chuckle escaped her lips.

Lychie: "You're seriously putting yourself on the line like that?"

Kent: shrugging casually, feigning confidence "Of course. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? You make me read your poetry in front of the whole school?"

Lychie's eyes twinkled at the idea, her competitive side flaring just a little.

Lychie: "Hmm... tempting. A free chess tutor and a potential slave to listen to my poetry? Sounds like a good deal to me."

Kent laughed, but then leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough to make her notice the shift in tone.

Kent: "But if I win... you'll go out with me. To a café. This Christmas break."

Lychie's heart did an unexpected flip, and she immediately shot him a wary look.

Lychie: scoffing "That's hardly fair! How am I supposed to know if I can even win against you?"

Kent chuckled, resting his chin on his hand as he looked at her with an almost knowing expression.

Kent: "That's the thrill of a challenge, isn't it? You play to win."

Lychie huffed, arms crossed, pretending to be annoyed, but deep down, she couldn't deny the rush of excitement the bet gave her. The idea of going up against Kent in a final match, proving herself, and making him her poetry-listening servant was enticing. And even though the thought of losing meant something completely different, she found herself entertained by the stakes.

Lychie: "Fine. But you better prepare yourself, because I won't go easy on you."

Kent: ginning, standing up, chessboard in hand "That's what I was hoping for."

As he turned slightly, preparing to leave, he stole one last glance at her. What Lychie didn't know what she couldn't possibly see, was that no matter the outcome, he had already decided something for himself. Even if she didn't win, even if she never challenged him at all... he would still listen to her poetry. Every single word. Because, whether she realized it or not, he already found meaning in everything she said.

________________________

IAN's POV

Ian hadn't gone home yet. He told himself he was just taking his time, enjoying the quiet of the late afternoon before heading out. But in truth, he was lingering—watching from a distance.

His gaze landed on the waiting shed, where Lychie and Kent sat together, deep in conversation. He couldn't hear their words, but he could see the way Kent leaned slightly toward her, the easy confidence in his posture. And Lychie, she wasn't pushing him away. If anything, she looked... engaged.

Ian clenched his jaw, an inexplicable annoyance creeping up his spine.

What's with that look on her face?

His grip on his bag tightened when he saw Kent smirk at her, and worse, when Lychie actually responded, amusement flickering in her eyes. He didn't know why it irritated him, but it did.

With an exhale, Ian forced himself to look away, brushing a hand through his hair as if shaking off the thought entirely. It doesn't matter. It's none of my business.

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, pretending that the slight sting in his chest didn't exist.

__________________

LYCHIE's POV

Lychie stepped into the grand dining room, her bag slung over her shoulder. The long mahogany table was already set, a warm aroma of freshly cooked dishes filling the air. Despite having a household full of maids, her father always made it a point to prepare dinner for her whenever he was home.

Her eyes softened as she saw him, already seated, waiting for her.

Lychie: "Dad, you didn't have to cook again. The maids-"

Mr. Fajardo: "They're always busy with other things. Besides, it's been a while since we sat down for a proper meal together."

Lychie placed her bag down and took a seat, her gaze flickering around the table before landing on the empty chair. She already knew the answer, but she asked anyway.

Lychie: "Where's Mom?"

Her father sighed, but it wasn't one of frustration, it was the kind of sigh that spoke of familiarity.

Mr. Fajardo: "Busy, as always. She had to fly out for another business meeting."

Lychie only nodded, unfazed. She had long since accepted this reality. It wasn't a matter of hurt feelings anymore, it was just the way things were.

Mr. Fajardo: "So, how was school?"

Lychie perked up a little at the question.

Lychie: "It was fine. Just the usual, classes, assignments. Oh, and the chess club is hosting a competition soon."

Her father raised an amused brow.

Mr. Fajardo: "Chess? You're joining?"

Lychie shrugged. "Kind of. Kent, he's the head of the club, kept pestering me about it, so I figured, why not?"

Her father let out a small chuckle.

Mr. Fajardo: "Well, if you're interested, I could give you a few pointers. You know I used to play a little back in the day."

Lychie's lips curled into a smile.

Lychie: "I might take you up on that."

As they continued eating, her father suddenly set down his utensils and leaned back slightly.

Mr. Fajardo: "By the way, I wanted to ask you something. Would it be alright if Aine comes here for Christmas?"

Lychie blinked, her fork pausing mid-air.

Lychie: "Aine's coming?"

Her father nodded.

Mr. Fajardo: "Yes, she'll be staying with us for the holidays. I figured you'd like the company."

A burst of excitement flickered in Lychie's chest. Aine was her cousin from her father's side, and among all their relatives, she was the one Lychie was closest to. Hearing that she'd be coming over made her heart swell with happiness.

Lychie: "Of course! That's great news!"

Her father smiled at her reaction, clearly pleased.

Mr. Fajardo: "I thought you'd like that. She'll be here a few days before Christmas, so you'll have plenty of time to catch up."

Lychie nodded eagerly, already looking forward to it. After a long day of school and unexpected encounters, the thought of seeing Aine again was the perfect way to end the night on a high note.