The night stretched long and restless. The soft glow of Diane's desk lamp cast shadows across the small room as she sat hunched over her notes, her pen tapping rhythmically against the paper. Her lips moved in a silent rehearsal, eyes darting over each line, perfecting her words for the presentation.
Dalian, lying on her side, watched her sister through half-lidded eyes. Diane hadn't stopped practicing since dinner, completely absorbed in perfecting her delivery.
"You should sleep," Dalian finally murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Diane didn't look up. "I will. Just a little longer."
Dalian sighed, staring at the ceiling. She admired her sister's dedication, but at the same time, she worried. Diane always pushed herself too hard, carrying more weight than anyone realized.
She turned onto her side, trying to force sleep, but her mind refused to settle. Jack's words from the park echoed back to her, the way his voice softened when he spoke to her, the way his presence had lingered longer than necessary.
She clenched her blanket tighter.
What am I doing?
She wasn't sure if she was reading too much into things, or if something between them was truly shifting. And yet, the way her heart reacted to him lately… it was undeniable.
Dalian sighed again, glancing back at Diane, who was still deep in concentration.
It was going to be a long night.
Morning arrived too soon. The first rays of dawn slipped through the thin curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. Dalian stirred, blinking at the soft light, her mind still clouded with half-forgotten dreams.
Beside her, Diane was still awake.
Dalian frowned as she sat up. "You didn't sleep, did you?"
Diane rubbed her tired eyes and offered a small smile. "I rested a little."
"That's not the same as sleeping," Dalian muttered, standing up. "You're going to exhaust yourself before the presentation even starts."
"I'll be fine," Diane assured her, stretching her stiff shoulders.
Dalian wasn't convinced, but there was no use arguing. Instead, she headed out to freshen up, leaving her sister to gather her things.
By the time they made it to the kitchen, Aunt Beatrice already had breakfast on the table. The warm scent of fried eggs and toast filled the air.
"You two should eat well today," she said, setting down a cup of tea. "Especially you, Diane. You look like you haven't slept in days."
Dalian shot her sister a knowing look.
Diane sighed but took a bite of her toast. "I'll be fine, Auntie."
Aunt Beatrice didn't look convinced, but she let it go.
As they ate, Dalian's thoughts drifted again—to school, to Jack, to the way her heart had refused to settle lately. Today was just another Monday, but it didn't feel like one.
It felt like something was about to change.
The bus ride to school was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional chatter of other students. Diane sat by the window, resting her forehead against the cool glass, her fingers subtly tapping against her notebook as she silently rehearsed her speech.
Dalian, seated beside her, stole a few glances. Her sister was holding up, but the exhaustion was evident in the way her shoulders slumped.
Across from them, Lydia waved energetically. "Morning, sleepyheads!"
Dalian rolled her eyes. "You're way too excited for a Monday."
"Presentation day! I can't wait to see Diane make the professors fall in love with her speech," Lydia teased, grinning at Diane.
Diane offered a small, tired smile. "Let's hope so."
As the bus neared the school, Dalian pulled out her phone, her thumb hovering over her messages. She hesitated, then, almost instinctively, opened her chat with Jack.
Jack: Morning.
Her heartbeat stuttered. He had texted first.
Dalian quickly typed back.
Dalian: Morning.
A few seconds passed. Then another message appeared.
Jack: Ready for today?
Dalian: Not really. But Diane is. She barely slept.
There was a short pause before his response came.
Jack: She'll do great. She always does.
Dalian smiled to herself. Before she could type a reply, another message popped up.
Jack: See you soon.
A simple phrase, yet it sent a rush of warmth through her.
The bus pulled up in front of the school, and the students began filing out. Dalian slipped her phone into her pocket, her heart still beating a little too fast.
Lydia nudged her as they walked toward the entrance. "You're smiling."
Dalian immediately schooled her expression. "No, I'm not."
Lydia smirked. "Sure you're not."
Dalian ignored her, but she couldn't shake the lightness in her chest.
The day had barely begun, and yet, it already felt different.
As they reached their classroom, students were already trickling in, the usual morning murmur filling the space. Dalian walked ahead, her thoughts still lingering on Jack's last message.
Just as she stepped through the doorway, she collided with a solid figure. A sharp inhale, a fleeting moment of imbalance—and then stillness.
Jack.
They froze in place, their eyes locking. His hand hovered slightly, as if he had considered steadying her but hesitated.
Dalian's breath caught in her throat. He was close, too close.
Jack didn't say anything. Neither did she.
The world around them seemed to dull, the chatter of their classmates fading into background noise.
Then—
"Ahem."
Diane's voice cut through the air, her throat tightening as she shifted awkwardly beside them.
Dalian immediately took a step back, her heart racing.
Lydia, who had witnessed everything, let out a low whistle. "Wow. You guys are really not being subtle anymore."
Dalian shot her a warning look, her face heating up. "Lydia—"
But Lydia wasn't done. She wiggled her eyebrows, grinning. "I mean, if you're gonna have a whole dramatic staring contest, at least make it look less obvious."
Jack finally blinked, clearing his throat as he stepped aside. "You're in the way," he said, voice a little quieter than usual.
Dalian nodded stiffly, slipping past him and heading straight to her seat, hoping no one else had noticed the way her pulse refused to settle.
But Lydia's teasing smile told her otherwise.
As Dalian settled into her seat, she could still feel the lingering weight of Jack's gaze. She refused to look up, focusing instead on her notebook, pretending to read over her notes.
Lydia leaned in slightly, whispering, "So… are we just gonna ignore what happened back there?"
Dalian shot her a warning glance. "Yes. We are."
Lydia smirked. "Right. Because staring at each other like you're in a romance drama totally means nothing."
Dalian exhaled sharply, refusing to entertain her friend's teasing any further.
At the front of the class, the teacher walked in, signaling the start of the lesson. The students quieted down as the discussion began, but Dalian found herself struggling to focus.
Jack, who sat just a few seats away, seemed unusually quiet too. Every now and then, she caught the slight movement of his hand tapping his pen against the desk—a habit she had started to notice.
Diane, ever the diligent student, was completely engrossed in the lecture, scribbling notes with sharp precision. But even she noticed the shift in atmosphere.
At one point, Lydia leaned over again, whispering, "You're not paying attention."
Dalian turned a page in her notebook without really reading it. "I am."
Lydia tilted her head. "Oh yeah? What did the teacher just say?"
Dalian paused. "…Something about market trends?"
Lydia stifled a laugh. "We're discussing corporate strategies."
Dalian groaned, sinking lower into her seat.
Jack, overhearing, glanced her way, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
And just like that, Dalian knew this day was going to be a long one.
As the class wrapped up, the air in the room grew thick with anticipation. The next period was the presentation—the one Diane, Anna, and Jack had been preparing for.
Dalian watched as Diane double-checked her notes, her hands steady but her expression unreadable. It was hard to tell if she was nervous or just focused.
Lydia nudged her. "Your sister looks like she's about to go into battle."
"She always takes things seriously," Dalian replied, but deep down, she admired Diane's dedication.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of their current class, students began gathering their things. Diane, Anna, and Jack exchanged brief nods, silently reaffirming their readiness.
Jack stretched slightly, rolling his shoulders. "Let's get this over with."
Anna gave him a look. "That's the spirit."
Dalian followed the group as they made their way to Mr. Collins' class, the air buzzing with quiet murmurs from their classmates.
Inside the room, Mr. Collins was already waiting, adjusting his glasses as he glanced at the schedule. His sharp gaze scanned the students before he finally spoke.
"Alright, let's begin. Diane, Anna, and Jack—you're up."
The room fell silent as the three stepped forward.
Anna took a deep breath, then began, her voice clear and confident.
"The global marketplace has evolved significantly over the past few decades, shaping economies and industries in ways we couldn't have predicted. To fully grasp this transformation, we need to start by looking at the historical background…"
As Anna spoke, Jack prepared to take over, his eyes briefly flickering toward Dalian before refocusing on his part.
And just like that, the presentation was in motion.
As Anna smoothly delivered the introduction, her voice steady and confident, the class remained attentive. Mr. Collins nodded approvingly, jotting down notes as she spoke.
When she concluded, Jack stepped in, adjusting his stance slightly before speaking.
"Moving forward from the historical background, let's examine the economic impact these markets have had over time. In many cases, they've not only influenced global trade but also reshaped industries by introducing competitive pricing and innovation..."
His tone was natural, well-practiced but not robotic. Dalian found herself watching him closely—not just because of his words but because of the way he carried himself. He had a presence, one that made people listen.
From beside her, Lydia leaned in and whispered, "You're staring."
Dalian blinked and quickly looked away. "I'm just paying attention."
Lydia smirked. "Sure you are."
Meanwhile, Jack continued, seamlessly transitioning into real-world case studies, illustrating his points with clear examples. His confidence was undeniable, but there was something else—a subtle shift in his energy when his eyes met Dalian's for the briefest moment before he looked back at the class.
Diane was the last to speak, stepping forward with composed determination.
"In order to remain competitive in the modern age, these markets must continuously adapt to new challenges, whether it be technological advancements, changing consumer behavior, or economic shifts. Companies that fail to innovate risk being left behind."
Dalian could see the slight tension in Diane's grip on her notes, but her voice never wavered. She was steady, strong, and precise.
As Diane concluded her segment, Anna took one final step forward.
"In summary, the evolution of global markets isn't just about numbers and economics—it's about adaptability, innovation, and strategic growth. Thank you."
A brief silence followed before Mr. Collins nodded.
"Well done." He adjusted his glasses, then looked down at his notes. "Your research is thorough, and your delivery was clear. I'll provide detailed feedback later, but overall, strong work."
A quiet exhale of relief passed between the three presenters as they returned to their seats.
As Jack sat down, he glanced at Dalian. It was just a quick look—nothing obvious, nothing anyone else would notice. But it sent a strange warmth through her, making her heart race just a little faster.
Lydia leaned in again.
"Still just paying attention?"
Dalian gave her a sharp nudge, cheeks heating. Lydia only grinned.
As the presentation wrapped up, the next group was called forward. Though the class continued, Dalian found it hard to focus. Her mind kept drifting back to the moment Jack glanced at her, how her heart had skipped just a little.
Lydia, of course, had noticed. She nudged Dalian playfully under the desk, whispering, "So… you're not even going to say anything about that look?"
Dalian shot her a warning glance. "Focus on the class."
Lydia smirked. "Oh, I am. Just not the way you think."
Dalian shook her head, but her hands were pressed against her notebook a little too tightly.
Jack, on the other hand, looked completely at ease. He sat back in his chair, listening to the next presentation, but every now and then, his fingers tapped absently against his desk—something Dalian hadn't noticed before. Was he distracted, too?
Diane, meanwhile, was fully immersed in the class, her focus unwavering. It was clear she was relieved their presentation had gone well, but she was still taking notes, absorbing everything.
When the final group finished, Mr. Collins stood up, gathering his notes.
"That concludes our presentations for today. Overall, I'm impressed with the effort you've all put in. I'll be grading and returning feedback soon. Now, let's move on to our next discussion…"
The rest of the class went by in a blur.
By the time the lecture ended, Lydia stretched dramatically. "Finally! That felt like forever."
Diane packed up her things neatly. "At least it's over."
Jack stood up, glancing in Dalian's direction. "So… celebrating after school?"
Dalian blinked. "Celebrating?"
"We survived our first big presentation in Mr. Collins' class. That's worth something, right?" His tone was light, but there was something else behind it—a quiet invitation.
Lydia grinned. "Ooooh, I like the sound of that. Where are we going?"
Diane looked hesitant. "I have a lot to study."
"Oh, come on," Lydia nudged her. "Just for a little while?"
Jack's gaze flickered to Dalian again, waiting for her answer. Her heart did that odd, skipping thing again.
"Yeah… I think it could be fun."
Jack's lips quirked slightly, and just like that, the plan was set.
As the school day continued, the group went about their usual routine, the upcoming celebration lingering in the back of their minds.
During their lunch break, they gathered at their usual spot in the cafeteria. Anna and Alex were already seated when Dalian, Lydia, Diane, and Jack joined them.
Anna looked up with a smile. "So, everything's set for later, right?"
"Yeah," Lydia nodded enthusiastically. "We all agreed to meet up after school."
Diane, still hesitant, sighed. "I still feel like I should be studying…"
Lydia rolled her eyes. "You can take one evening off without the world ending, Diane."
Jack, who had been quiet, glanced at Dalian. "And you're coming too, right?"
Dalian hesitated, not because she didn't want to go, but because the way Jack asked made her feel… different. Like he was waiting for her answer more than anyone else's.
She nodded. "Yeah, I'll be there."
Jack gave a small smirk before turning his attention back to his food.
As the lunch break continued, they discussed where they would go and what they'd do, the excitement gradually building.
By the time the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, everyone was already looking forward to their small celebration.
Lydia fell silent for a moment, glancing at Diane, who walked slightly ahead of them, her shoulders tense. She could see the weight Diane carried—always pushing herself, always striving for something more, as if proving herself was the only way forward.
Jack, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "It's not fair," he said, his voice unusually serious. "She shouldn't have to live like this."
Dalian tightened her grip on her bag. "But she does." Her voice was steady, but there was an unmistakable edge of pain in it. "We both do."
Lydia sighed. "I get it, I really do. But at some point, don't you guys deserve to just… breathe?"
Dalian glanced at Diane again. "Maybe one day," she murmured. "But not yet."
The air grew heavier between them, the reality of their past casting a long shadow over what was supposed to be a fun evening.
Lydia exhaled sharply. "did you ever think of forgiving that man… after everything—"
"No," Dalian cut her off, her voice cold. "We can't forgive him. We can't let him get away with it."
The weight of her words hung between them.
Jack, who had been walking slightly ahead, glanced back at them. "What are you two whispering about?"
Dalian quickly looked away. "Nothing important."
Jack studied her for a second, as if sensing something unspoken, but didn't push. Instead, he smiled slightly. "Well, you guys better not look so serious when we celebrate. It's supposed to be fun."
Lydia forced a grin. "Right, right! Let's put all that aside for tonight."
Dalian nodded, but deep down, she wasn't sure if forgetting—even for one night—was possible.
The sun hung low in the sky as they arrived at the small but lively spot near the city center—a cozy restaurant with warm lights glowing from inside. The scent of sizzling food and fresh-baked pastries filled the air, mixing with the distant laughter of other groups already enjoying their night.
Anna and Alex were already there, waving from a corner booth. Lydia grabbed Dalian's wrist excitedly, dragging her inside. "Hurry up! I'm starving!"
Diane followed at a slower pace, still looking hesitant, but Jack nudged her lightly. "Come on, you did great today. You deserve to celebrate."
She sighed but allowed herself to be led in.
Once they all settled at their table, menus in hand, Lydia clapped her hands together. "Alright, first things first—what are we eating? Because I might order half this menu."
Jack chuckled. "I wouldn't be surprised if you did."
Anna leaned in with a grin. "Actually, I heard their grilled ribs are the best."
Dalian, caught in the moment, smiled. "Then we should definitely get those."
As the orders were placed, the mood eased. Drinks arrived first, and Lydia was the first to raise her glass. "To Diane's first big presentation!"
Everyone lifted their glasses, even Diane, though she rolled her eyes at the attention. "You guys are making a big deal out of this."
"Because it is a big deal!" Alex said. "You crushed it, and Mr. Collins was really impressed."
Dalian watched as Diane's lips twitched slightly, like she was holding back a smile. It wasn't often Diane let herself enjoy praise, but tonight, she didn't argue.
As the night went on, the conversations became livelier. Lydia challenged Jack to a contest of who could eat the most spicy wings—Jack, always confident, lost horribly and had to chug two glasses of water while everyone laughed.
Anna and Alex shared an inside joke that had them doubled over, and even Diane, who had been quiet at first, started joining in more.
Dalian, meanwhile, found herself stealing glances at Jack. It wasn't intentional, but every now and then, her eyes just drifted toward him. He was laughing, relaxed, his usual cool demeanor slightly undone by the warmth of the moment. And when he caught her staring—just for a second—he gave her a small, teasing smirk.
Her heart skipped.
Lydia, sitting beside her, noticed. She leaned in and whispered, "Oh, you are so gone for him."
Dalian glared, but her cheeks warmed.
By the time they finished eating, the group was in high spirits, full and happy. The restaurant had a small arcade section in the back, and Lydia immediately ran toward it. "We are so playing air hockey!"
Jack stretched lazily, then looked at Dalian. "Wanna team up?"
She blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"
"For the games. You and me against them," he said casually, but there was something in the way he looked at her that made her heart race.
Dalian hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Okay."
As the games began—air hockey, basketball shots, and even a racing simulator—the night turned even more exciting. Laughter, teasing, and friendly competition filled the air.
And for the first time in a long while, Dalian felt like she wasn't carrying a weight on her shoulders.
Tonight, she could just enjoy this.
After finishing their rounds in the arcade, the group decided to take a short break, catching their breath from all the excitement. Lydia was still buzzing with energy, swinging her arms dramatically.
"I demand a rematch!" she declared, pointing at Jack. "You totally cheated in the air hockey game."
Jack leaned back against the counter, smirking. "How exactly did I cheat? We were on the same team."
Lydia rolled her eyes. "Exactly! Instead of focusing on scoring, you were too busy messing with Dalian!"
Dalian, who had been sipping her drink, nearly choked. "What? No, he wasn't!"
"Oh, please," Lydia scoffed. "The way you kept flinching every time he leaned close? You got distracted."
Dalian's face heated up. "That's not true!"
Jack raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Huh. So, I was distracting?"
Dalian opened her mouth to argue, but nothing came out. She looked helplessly at Diane, who just shook her head with a small smirk.
Anna and Alex burst into laughter, making Dalian groan.
"Alright, alright," Alex said, calming the group. "How about one last game before we head out?"
Lydia clapped her hands together. "Ooh! Let's do a photo booth! We need memories of today!"
Everyone agreed, and they crowded into the small, colorful photo booth at the corner of the arcade. It was a tight fit, but they managed to squeeze in, laughing as they adjusted themselves to fit in the frame.
"Okay, first pose—everyone smile!" Anna instructed as the countdown began.
Click!
"Now, silly faces!"
Click!
"One with peace signs!"
Click!
Lydia suddenly nudged Dalian just as the last countdown started. "Get closer to Jack," she whispered.
Dalian barely had time to react before the camera flashed again, capturing her caught between shock and laughter while Jack, oblivious, leaned slightly closer.
When the prints came out, everyone gathered around to see them. The last picture made Lydia burst into giggles. "Oh, this one's gold!"
Dalian grabbed it quickly before Lydia could say anything else, stuffing it in her bag. "Okay! Fun's over, let's go!"
Jack gave her a curious look but said nothing, a small smile tugging at his lips.
As they stepped outside, the evening air was crisp and refreshing. The celebration had been exactly what they needed—a break from stress, a chance to feel like normal students just enjoying their time together.
Diane stretched, looking satisfied but tired. "Alright, I think it's time to head home."
Everyone agreed, and after saying their goodbyes, they split off in their respective directions.
As Dalian and Lydia walked home together, Lydia nudged her with a knowing grin. "Sooo… that last picture?"
Dalian groaned. "Don't start."
"Oh, I will definitely start."
As Lydia laughed, Dalian glanced down at her bag where the photo was safely tucked away. Her heart still hadn't settled from the night's events.
Maybe… just maybe, something really was starting to change between her and Jack.
Dalian stretched out on her bed, the warmth of the day's excitement still lingering. The celebration had been more fun than she expected, and now, as she lay under the dim glow of her bedside lamp, her phone vibrated.
Jack: Still awake?
A small smile tugged at her lips.
Dalian: Yeah. You?
Jack: Same. My legs are sore from running around all day.
Dalian: Excuses. You just don't want to admit I outran you.
Jack: Pfft, in your dreams. I let you win a few times.
Dalian rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling.
Dalian: Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night.
Jack sent a laughing emoji.
Jack: You had fun though, right?
Dalian paused for a second before replying.
Dalian: Yeah. More than I expected.
There was a brief silence, and then another message popped up.
Jack: Me too. It was nice... having you there.
Dalian's fingers hovered over the keyboard, her heart skipping unexpectedly.
Dalian: It was nice having you there too.
Jack didn't reply immediately, but when he did, it was just one simple message—one that made her heart race even more.
Jack: Good. I like seeing you happy.
Dalian stared at Jack's message, her heartbeat drumming in her ears. She hesitated for a moment before typing.
Dalian: Well… I guess you make it kinda fun.
Jack's reply was almost instant.
Jack: Kinda?
She could almost hear the mock offense in his tone.
Dalian: Yeah, just a little.
Jack: That's disappointing. Here I thought I was your favorite teammate today.
Dalian bit her lip, smiling at her screen.
Dalian: Hmm… maybe you were.
Jack took a few seconds before responding.
Jack: Then I guess I'll have to keep making things fun for you.
Dalian's fingers froze, warmth creeping up her neck.
Dalian: Guess we'll see.
Jack sent a smirking emoji, followed by a simple message.
Jack: Goodnight, Dalian.
She stared at his name on the screen, her lips curving into a soft smile.
Dalian: Goodnight, Jack.
As she placed her phone on her bedside table and curled into her blanket, her heart still raced—slow, steady, but undeniably there.