The alarm blared. I barely registered the noise.I opened my eyes slowly and noticed Pearl's bed already empty. Guess she's an early riser. Fine by me.The room looked untouched — neat, quiet, organized. I didn't mind it. It was better this way. I wasn't someone who liked inconveniences.
Dragging myself out of bed, I moved without urgency. No classes this morning.I got dressed, going through the motions without thinking much.After getting ready, I headed to the cafeteria. The food was just food. Fuel. Nothing more.
Once I finished, I stepped outside. The cold air bit at my skin, the snow falling steadily like a curtain of white.I found a bench and sat down, watching the flakes float down from the sky.It was almost beautiful in a detached way — quiet, endless, cold.But I didn't feel anything. It was just... there. Like everything else.
Time passed. Eventually, I had to go to class.The lecture hall looked the same as always — faces, routines, empty noise.I found my seat. Sat down. Waited.
Shaun walked in, sitting across from me.A flicker of recognition. Nothing else.Maybe I'd apologize later, if I remembered. If it even mattered.
The professor's voice broke the silence. I listened, but only because I had to.It didn't mean anything. Just instructions. Rules.I followed them like always, letting the rhythm of the day carry me forward without leaving a mark.
After the class finished, I saw shaun walking away. I followed him behind through the hallway. I wasn't type to scream so I walked after him and patted his shoulder. " Wait. I have something to say."
Shaun looked behind and looked at me with a dumbfounded expression. I looked at him and cleared my throat. "Erm, I am sorry for my yesterday's behaviour. I was just in a bad mood."
Shaun looked at me with a soft smile.
"It's okay. I understand," he said.
I didn't know why, but a strange relief settled inside me — light and almost annoying.
"But," Shaun continued, "you can make it up to me by coming with me to a café."
I stared at him. Was he seriously asking me out right now?
Still, after a small war inside my head, I gave a short nod.
"When?" I asked, my voice flat.
"Now," he said, as if it was obvious.
I blinked.
"You don't have any classes right now, do you?"
I shook my head in silence.
"Good," he grinned. "Let's go."
I just stuffed my hands in my coat pocket and followed. He had the energy of a golden retriever. I, on the other hand, couldn't even bother to fake interest.
The streets were coated in thin layers of snow. The world felt distant and pale.
We arrived at a small café. Shaun looked at me.
"Wait here. I'll be back in a second," he said before disappearing inside.
I stood near the counter, staring blankly at the long line ahead.
Just as I was about to move forward, someone shoved past me roughly, sliding into the line.
Without even a glance.
My jaw tightened.
When I looked up, I recognized him instantly — the same jerk who had bumped into me the first day and walked away like I was invisible.
I exhaled slowly. Not this time.
I stepped forward, my voice low but sharp.
"Hey. Don't you think you're stealing my place?"
The guy just shrugged, not even looking at me.
A nerve snapped inside me.
Without a second thought, I grabbed the collar of his hoodie and yanked him back.
He stumbled, catching himself before he could fall.
His glare was sharp, but I didn't flinch.
"Hey! Are you crazy?" he barked.
I casually stepped back into my spot, throwing him a cold glance.
"Learn how to stand in line next time," I said coolly.
His eyes darkened.
"You have no idea who you're messing with," he said through gritted teeth.
I gave a short laugh, without humor.
"Should I care?"
I tilted my head slightly.
"From where I'm standing, you're just another loudmouth with bad manners."
For a second, he looked like he might say something worse.
And then —
"Hey, guys!" Shaun's voice broke the tension.
I blinked, turning to see Shaun walking toward us, cheerful as ever.
He looked between me and the hoodie guy, oblivious.
"Oh, Odette! I forgot to tell you, I invited my friend too. Meet Frost."
I stared at Shaun. Then at the guy.
Seriously?
Frost smirked when he caught my expression.
"Looks like fate really wanted us to meet again," he said dryly.
I scoffed, turning away.
"Yeah. Fate has a twisted sense of humor."
Frost chuckled under his breath, amused.
"And here I thought you were polite. Guess I was wrong."
I shot him a frozen smile.
"I reserve my politeness for human beings."
He leaned closer, smirking.
"Good thing I don't need it."
Before we could start an actual war, Shaun jumped in, laughing nervously.
"Guys, come on! Let's just order and sit before you kill each other over coffee."
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