Prologue + Chapter 1

Lila blankly listened to Jett’s ramblings about her best friend. It hurt.

“She’s so cute! I wish I could just shower her with kisses!” He gushed on about her. Lila sighed deeply and looked out the window. They were sitting in the classroom during their lunch break. She was Jett’s childhood friend, one of his best friends.

Lila was in love with Jett. He hadn’t noticed, it seemed. Only her friend, Max, found out. He comforted her many times. It broke her heart when Jett confessed to her that he was, in fact, in love with Lila’s best friend. She tried to support them, but it was all too much.

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~ Chapter 1 ~

“Jett and I got together!” Lila’s best friend squealed and jumped up and down in ecstasy. Lila nodded and forced a smile. Max glanced at her and frowned.

“That’s great!” Lila cheered and tried to grin. “I’m happy for the both of you!”

Lila walked slowly back to the classroom. Jett was graduating next year, and Lila knew she should try to move on. Sure, she was only a year younger but she should stop depending on her friends. Lila trudged on with the day.

She sighed and bitterly walked down the street. Lila was heading home by herself. Jett usually walked with her after school everyday but he couldn’t make it today since he had plans with his new girlfriend.

Suddenly, her face collided with something firm and she heard something drop. She shook her head and looked up. She found herself gazing into obsidian eyes. Lila then looked down and saw that the stranger had dropped his bag.

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry!!" Lila backed away and bowed ninety degrees. She quickly handed him his bag. The boy had short black hair, impenetrable black eyes, and he was quite tall. Lila couldn’t help but admit that he was attractive.

“It’s fine,” he grunted and turned away. Lila has a surprised look on her face and her arm shot out to grab his sleeve. “Hold on!”

“W-what’s your name?” Lila stuttered. “I should treat you to something nice since I rudely crashed into you!” She had a pleading look in her eyes that made the boy unable to refuse.

The boy's eyes widened.

“I-it’s Sean Claymore. Yours?” He looked away with an almost undetectable blush.

“Mine’s Lila Newcombe. It’s nice to meet you!” Lila genuinely laughed, her mind taken off her social predicament. She had a feeling of comfort with the tall male.

Taking her hand out, she dragged him to a cafe.

The cafe was cozy and quite cute. It was plain white with lacy pale pink decorations. There were classy tables and chairs. As they walked in, a waiter greeted them. “Welcome! Please take a seat!”

They both sat down and took out a menu. The waiter came to ask for your orders,” Hello, may I take your order?” The waiter asked. He winked at Lila flirtatiously and she looked away, embarrassed. The waiter had blonde hair and bright blue eyes.

“You may take my order! I would like a chai latte, please.” Sean called out, looking up at the waiter. “Hello? Are you gonna take my order?”

The waiter took his eyes off Lila and looked at Sean. “No worries, sir.” He answered.

“What about you, Lila?” Sean asked. She turned her head towards him and shook her head.

“I’ll be fine. I had a big lunch today and my stomach doesn’t really need to be filled up right now.” She answered sheepishly, waving her hands.

“So Sean, what school do you attend in?” Lila asked. Her eyes lit up, noticing the uniform he was in. “Wait a minute! You attend Lakeside Grammar?” She saw him grimace and she started to panic. “I-I’m sorry! Is school a taboo topic?!”

“No, it’s ok,” he breathed out. “I just don’t like that certain school.”

“How come? To me, since middle school, it has always been my dream to attend there!” She exclaimed. “Is it bad there?” She asked, changing her facial expression.

“No, of course not! Their academic expectations are highly above national standards and the environment is well managed. It’s just-“ he explained.

With a confused look, “just what?” She asked, leaning in closer to him.

“I’m sorry. I can’t talk about this.” He sighed. He looked down on the ground.

“It’s ok. I should be the one to apologise. I brought up the topic,” she sheepishly laughed. “Anyways, let’s talk about something else.”

They had a conversation about food and an argument about which ice cream flavour is the best. She started getting comfortable with him, too comfortable. He groaned. “Fine, you win. Vanilla is the best ice cream flavour.”

She smiled. He noticed it and unconsciously brought out a tiny smile. “You smiled, I haven’t seen you smile yet!” A wide grin covered her face. Embarrassed, she dipped her face into her palms.

The waiter appeared with his order and left.

“Are you sure you don’t want anything?” He asked. “Not even a beverage?”

“I drank plenty of water throughout the day. Don’t worry about me.” She laughed, brushing her hand in the air.

As he was drinking his cup of chai latte, he glanced at Lila. She noticed him glancing at her quite a few times. She pursued her lips, staring at the ground.

“I’m finished.” He sighed. He placed the cup down on the table and looked at her. He noticed that he eyes were staring at the floor. “Is something the matter?”

“Huh?” She hummed, realising she was zoning out. “Are you finished?”

“Yes.” He answered. “Thank you for the treat and your kindness.” He smiled.

His smile gave her cheeks a warm feeling. She covered them with her hands. “It’s nothing.”

“Anyways, I have to head home now.” He released a big sigh.

They both headed towards the exit. From outside, they both separated into their own ways.

‘Well, that was fun.’ She thought to herself. Not realising she was slightly blushing.

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