===== Chapter 1   [ Part 3 ] =====

An awkward silence floats between the two of you; and as much as you hate it, you do not bother to speak. You don't even know why you're here with him. You are supposed to stay away, but he asked for your assistance.

Kielle wanted you to lead him to the office. Although you didn't know his reasons, it must be related to what he was talking about with Ms. Clythe earlier. With your pink lips pursed, you slowly walk down the hall with your eyes on the ground.

The walk is painful, but you are able to survive it. "We're here," you say, stopping before a door. He does not bother to say a word of gratitude, causing you to sigh. He's kinda annoying but whatever.. Since you have no more business here, you decide to leave.

"(Y/N)!" Someone screams as soon as you are inside the cafeteria. Arms wrap around you. Your crimson- red face deeply pressed into her chest. You're surprised to see Ely, one of your friends from the school year before. Both of you retreat from each other, and you see her big smile.

For a girl who has not been bothering to chat you for the entire summer break, Ely appears to genuinely miss you. "I'm surprised that you still remember me. Since you've been consistently seen zoning me, I thought we're done," you grumble, crossing your arms.

She sends you an apologetic smile. "Sorry."

You roll your eyes. "I don't forgive you," you coldly say and walk away, causing your ex friend to sadly pout. Ely chases you around, begging for your forgiveness. Before she could even realize it, you're laughing so hard. Brows knitted together, Ely is confused.

Then it dawned on her. You're messing with her. "You're really mean," she states with a sad frown. You only laugh and pat her head with those mischievous glints shining in your (E/C) eyes.

"But you're meaner," you retort back.

"I said I'm sorry."

You pat her in the head, nodding. "Yes, you did. And it's fine. I forgive you." With those words, that frown curves up, lighting up in a smile. Just right after that, you create some new topic that is good enough to light up the dulled atmosphere around the both of you.

"Cool! You're a secretary again!" Ely gushes it out. She's clearly happy for you. Her green eyes give off that happy spark as she jumps a little in excitement. Your friend isn't the only one happy; you are very happy for yourself too.. Though you feign it like it is not something to be excited for because you're feeling bashful about it.

You nod with a shy smile. "Yes. How about you?"

"Nah. Not a single one."

Her tone is quiet. Secretly laced with disappointment. You are very close with Ely, so you immediately catch the tone of her voice.You gently place a hand on her shoulder as an act of comfort, sending her that concern expression.

"It's alright, (Y/N)... I do not need to be an officer. And besides I don't want the responsibility that comes along with it," she says, shrugging off the concern.

"Oh, okay."

You give Ely an uncertain look.. Her green eyes fastened on the ground. Ordering pasta with your friend, you later take your seats that are near to the entrance. Twirling the string of pasta around your fork, you later shove it inside your mouth.