Chapter 4: A Name and a Resolve

After the boy’s curt refusal, Laura’s mind refused to settle. He was unlike anyone she’d met in this world so far—aloof, detached, yet somehow captivating. She knew, deep down, that he wasn’t just another background character.

Later that afternoon, while the rest of the group discussed the final ten participants for the fashion show, Laura’s mind kept drifting back to that boy. She could still picture his sharp, enigmatic eyes. His presence seemed to fill every corner of her thoughts.

I have to include him in our team, she thought. I can’t let someone so intriguing remain on the sidelines.

When the group disbanded, Laura lingered behind. She waited until most of the students had left the classroom, determined to find a chance to speak with him again. As he gathered his books, Laura stepped forward.

“Excuse me,” she began, her tone more confident than she felt. “I know you said you’re not interested… but could you at least tell me your name?”

The boy paused, his dark eyes flickering to hers. For a moment, Laura thought she saw a flicker of surprise or curiosity in them—but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

“Clyde,” he said simply.

“Clyde…” she repeated softly.

She turned the name over in her mind, searching her memories of every comic she had read. But the name didn’t ring any bells. It felt unfamiliar, yet somehow significant. Her gut told her he wasn’t just another classmate.

That night, Laura lay awake in her bed, replaying the encounter over and over in her mind.

I don’t remember reading about a Clyde… but he’s too unique, too distinct to be a background character. My gut says he’s tied to the protagonist somehow. He has to be.

A small, determined smile curved her lips. If I want to enjoy this story as it unfolds in front of me, I need to get closer to him. He might be the key to understanding everything.

The next morning, Laura rose early, her determination stronger than ever. She arrived at the rehearsal space for the fashion show, scanning the room for Clyde. To her relief, he was there—sitting alone at the back, flipping through a book with a disinterested expression.

She took a deep breath and approached him, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Clyde,” she said, her voice bright yet sincere. “I know you’re not interested in the fashion show… but I truly think you’d be the perfect final model. You have a presence—an energy that no one else here has.”

He didn’t look up, his fingers idly turning a page. “Not interested,” he repeated, his tone as cool and dismissive as before.

But Laura didn’t back down. She leaned forward, lowering her voice. “You might not be interested… but I am. I’m interested in you.”

That got his attention. Clyde’s eyes slowly lifted to meet hers, and Laura felt her breath catch. His gaze was like a still lake—calm on the surface, but hiding depths she couldn’t even begin to guess.

“What do you mean?” he asked, his tone guarded, but with the faintest hint of curiosity.

Laura hesitated, searching for the right words. “I mean… you’re different from everyone else. I can tell. There’s something about you that sets you apart.”

Clyde said nothing, but his gaze didn’t waver. For a brief moment, Laura saw the faintest flicker of something in his eyes—interest, challenge, maybe even intrigue.

Clyde said, " Don't you feel ashamed to flirt with a middle schooler, pervert "

Laura shocked, " wahh.. no...I mean i didn't mean that and i just found young children cute..

Clyde look at her suspiciously with the look of 'So I am right huh!"

Laura said," it's not like that.....😭"

As the day wore on, Laura watched him from a distance, determined not to let the moment slip away. She knew this was her chance. She had to keep trying. If her gut was right—if Clyde truly was tied to the story she remembered—then he was a thread she had to follow.

No matter how cold or distant he seems… I won’t give up. I have to know who he is, and why he matters.

And so, Laura resolved to make Clyde part of her fashion show.

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