Chapter 6
After that tipsy Leo text night, I couldn’t stop overthinking. Was he serious? Was he just drunk? Should I text again? Should I fake amnesia?
Next morning, I walked into class and Shine gave me that look.
“Someone’s got a drunk admirer,” she teased.
I nearly choked on air. I had no idea how to react. Smile? Deny? Change my identity?
And just when things couldn’t get more awkward — Shine whispered, “He’s staring at you again.”
I went full-on tomato. Someone throw a curtain over me, please.
Winter break was creeping in, and so were... exams. Again.
After class, my mini friend group (The Fierce Fours) decided to go for a mini picnic near school. There was laughter, snacks, and absolutely zero thoughts about exams. I came home, zombie-walked into the shower, devoured dinner, and crashed like a fallen warrior.
Next morning? Back to school. Boo.
But... no Leo.
At first, I was like, meh, maybe he overslept. But then Day 2 came. Then Day 3. Then A WHOLE WEEK.
And guess what? Shine also went MIA for three days. My remaining two friends? They were practically a duo stuck in their own bestie world. I was third-wheeling my own friend group.
I finally cracked and texted both Shine and Leo separately.
Shine? Classic stomach drama — loose motion. I sent her tissues and love.
Leo? Turns out, the boy was actually dying in bed (okay, slight exaggeration — but still). He said he was getting better.
And me, being the emotionally constipated fool I am, accidentally told him I missed him.
Cue: silence.
Cue: internal screaming.
Cue: him texting back, "Really?"
Cue: me staring at my ceiling like it's a therapist.
Next day, both Shine and Leo showed up.
Shine looked alive again — yay!
Leo, on the other hand, looked like he crawled out of a hospital bed and came to class just for me. I was flattered… and mad. Boy, why are you sacrificing your health like it’s a K-drama?
So I did the caring thing — gave him a light scolding and a long list of missing notes. Same for Shine. But hers was more like… 3 pages. His? A full-blown novel.
And just like that, classes ended and winter break began. Some friends left for their villages. Others disappeared into holiday mode. But me?
I stayed right here — texting Shine, scolding Leo gently, and lowkey wondering...
Is this what love in progress feels like?
---
Christmas break came like a blessing from the exam gods.
I turned full festive mode: family time, kids singing carols, loud happy music, and snacks that could put me in a food coma.
I was vibing so hard I didn’t even touch my phone for days.
Enter: Phone Doom.
The moment I opened it, boom — messages exploded like fireworks.
At the top? Shine’s texts:
> “Girl, study. Don’t come crying later!”
“Open your phone, I swear—”
Then came 3948354 Merry Christmas wishes from cousins, relatives, and even people I forgot existed.
And then… Leo.
His message?
> “Hey... wanna hang out sometime?”
Hold. Up.
Was this a date?
A friendly stroll?
Or an accidental-text-meant-for-his-buddy-Joe kind of message?
Naturally, I said yes. Because, hello — first time ever going out with a guy who isn’t trying to speedrun romance like a dating app challenge.
Honestly? I liked the slow pace with Leo. After dealing with a history of guys who treated “getting to know each other” like a skipped tutorial, this felt… safe. And kinda sweet.
Vacation was great. I ignored exam stress until New Year hit me like a snowball to the face.
Cue study mode: activated.
Shine, my mini squad, and I hit the books hard. No comparing marks this time — mental peace only. I actually felt like I did well!
But then I remembered The Date.
Yup. I texted Leo first this time.
Straight-up asked him when we're going. No games. No delay.
He said yes. We planned it all. And when I told my friends?
They acted like I just announced a royal wedding.
Now the only question left was… what do I wear?
