Since today was Tuesday, and they had all made it a point to eat under the Japanese tree, December got her selection for the day and headed out towards the school courtyard.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qdlanC0B1
It was beautiful as ever, especially with her friends conversing in a carefree way, which sort of reminded her of the college advertisement she saw on billboards and brochures. But unlike those, although it was slightly different than the usual ads, this scene did not look superficial to her.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡS05OxqHyvZ
Brooke was grinning as she pinched Jethro's arm, although her eyes probably told a different story, Jethro was wincing and trying to scoot away from her while blabbering apologies, Serena and Weston were both smiling as they were in a conversation that looked like they could be talking about the weather or the economical state of the country. Raven and Caleb both laughed with tears in their eyes at Jethro's antics.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbuQcbLtWF
"Well, what's got you brimming like little miss sunshine now?" Jethro, who looked up and noticed her as she approached, grinned.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE1ddBr5BS
December blinked. She didn't even realized she had been smiling so much, until she felt her cheeks hurt.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dvquxvU8h
She inadvertently let out a giggle when she remembered what the reason was behind it.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUO7Y6Iw3l
Curious at the apparent happiness in her eyes, they were quiet, though all couldn't stop smiling for December had an infectious grin when she was in a jovial mood, as she clearly was. Walking slowly as to not put pressure on her knee, she carefully sat down between Brooke and Jethro and after sipping her strawberry milk, she looked at their expectant faces and said, "Guys, I've got great news."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡaotpX9Gv32
Instantly, everyone started talking over each other.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2awCH4BKZj
"What, did you ace History or something?" Raven said, excitement on her face for her friend's achievement.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡh28U5Dl887
"Did Ms. McLeod finally stop being a bitch to you?" Brooke quipped with a raised eyebrow.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9iVvUaTZu
"Maybe Karen and her girl gang has finally come to her senses and stop pestering you." Serena wondered.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTphHZAThn
"Or move schools." Weston chuckled.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCyuCp70am
"Yeah, that'll be the day." muttered Jethro, to which he received another pinch on his arm from Brooke. "Ow, woman! Cut it out."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhXP6t7BLM
Caleb seem to ponder for a moment, with his hand rubbing thoughtfully under his chin. Then, a teasing smile stretched across his lips.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYm1KPzMJz
"Maybe someone ask December out."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW97RXOvKy
For a moment, in the midst of the courtyard with other students chattering animatedly, they were the only group who had quietened down. It seemed as though Caleb's word were processing through their minds, as they didn't think of that first, and the probability that that could be it.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡniQo8TDi6C
As they looked at December, whose face couldn't get any brighter with the sunny smile, as well as her reddened cheeks, it was only a scant second before everyone became raucous.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM1b96CZc8
"Wait, is this for real?" Brooke asked, grinning.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lE3UTQAh6
"Explain yourself!" Demanded Jethro.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cjsJ8BBoS
As the crowd gets louder, and they were getting nasty and weird looks from people around them, December shushed before beckoning them to come closer.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡdasg3XuVhq
"Thank you for all your guesses, but Caleb scored a point in this one." At their speechless and gaped expressions, she further added. "I got asked out on a date."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2dZB7l7pl
If looks could be any funnier at the moment, the award would go to all of her friends. She was trying to give them some time to process that bit. But little did she know, their minds were way past processing that information. They needed more.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZxZKtgYMi
"Well?" Brooke and Raven said simultaneously.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zyPAyIV26
"Who?" Jethro choked, right as he took a sip of his carbonated drink.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBlIBFmEXw
"Oh, right." Her cheeks were rosy as she said, or rather murmured, "Zach."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiQ8yV0Ecs
"I'm sorry, what?" Caleb interjected loudly, with an astonished expression. "Did you just said," – and he had the consideration to look around before bringing his tone down a notch – "Zach? As in, Zachary Wong? The captain of the archery club?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9KnTlrhXi
December brought a finger to her lips and scooted closer until she was practically in the middle of their circle. Their still astonished expressions were starting to irritate her.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5YHd5PwTR
"Yes. We're talking about the Zach Wong." She said in a whisper, then after a pause, added, "And please stop looking at me like I made this up. Is it that hard to believe that I'm going out on a date with him?" She couldn't help her defensive tone.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoHiQ6hu48
Some of them looked away as they had guilt on their faces, while the rest looked apologetic.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lYd3L7eFY
"Wow, guys." December looked at them in hurt. "That's really grand to know that."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy7ajmi2ga
Raven moved forward and reached out to pat her knee gently. "No, D, it's not like that. We're happy for you, really. It's just…it's not often we hear these sort of things. I mean, what are the possibilities of someone having a crush on another actually getting asked out by said crush? I mean other than our resident couple Serena and Weston..."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbP5ySLAoW
At that, the aforementioned couple actually looked a little uncomfortable. Weston coughed slightly as Serena just shook her head hopelessly at a smiling Raven before her gaze flickered to Weston with a bashful smile.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡufYUcAfgJz
December didn't miss that gesture, and so did her friends. She found that adorable somehow.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpGoBklERW
She continued, "...it's one in a million, and you're it. This is great." She mustered a grin at December.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDOFBEhPaW
"Yeah, we're just having a tiny bit of a hard time taking this all in. Don't mind your silly friends." Brooke nudged her playfully as the rest of them nodded in earnest.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe3idcxAe3
While December was trying not to take it to heart much, she knew she couldn't hold it against them. They had always been there for her and believed in her, and she knew she could count on them.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡU04ibbPYf4
As December started to say something, a petite student with curly hair approached them and shyly said, "Um, excuse me, I'm sorry to bother but I need to borrow your friends for a while." She then looked at Serena and Weston and said apologetically, "Mrs. Perez needs your help in the library. Apparently there's some problems with the key-in system and filing."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jyBjhe9zM
Weston frowned. "Where's Daryl? Shouldn't he be the one to fix it since he's stationed behind the desk?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5ydRclsS0
The girl blushed and cast her gaze down. "He's, ah, he's not there right now."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCE53rR7aD
Weston raised an eyebrow at that, but while Serena had a confused look earlier, so did the rest of her friends, realization dawned on her as she nodded. "Okay, we'll be there."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF5QlZfbeO
Weston swung his gaze towards her in surprise. "Do you even know how to work that system?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1F3R7nKuG
"No, but you do." She quipped cheerfully.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1HtWEvXWq
"That thing is a nightmare." He relented with a deep sigh as she tugged him up with her.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNJMlYCwSW
The blushing petite girl gave her thanks at them before walking off in haste.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNVv28sicM
"Well, we'll see you guys later. Don't forget to fill us in on the date, D." Serena winked before dragging her reluctant boyfriend after her.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eYsYq33Q9
The group settled into a peaceful quiet for a moment.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZwmL28YzK
Then, Jethro groaned before stretching his arms up, receiving the stinky eye from Brooke which he ignored, and said, "She's cute."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u3pSagnWI
"Every girl you see is cute." Brooke rolled her eyes.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡec6XwNAbDF
"Every girl but you." Jethro muttered, and this time when she went to pinch him, he dodged it and went towards Caleb. "Damn, Brooke. You need to calm down. You jealous or something?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FNT371cov
Brooke's face was indignant as her nose flared. "The nerve to even say that! You wish, Jethro Hunters."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9bq4hAEGM
December shook her head at them. "Did you guys see that?" She was referring to the girl's reaction earlier.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qxNDO7pJR
Raven and Brooke both nodded. Even Jethro hummed his assent.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDmv4JHxiW
"Poor girl." Jethro said.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcsStYvxuh
"I wonder if she knows." Brooke sighed.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSSE1v9yKt
"Know what?" Caleb was at a loss.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqmgIPXNDt
"She must have been so embarrassed. I don't know what I'll do if it were me." Raven added.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxU1NgMqH3
"Guys, what are we on about now?" Caleb tried again, a little vexed at being ignored.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQcirWSeFi
December took plight on Caleb and said, "She was crying earlier. Her face, eyes and nose were red. What do you think happened with that Daryl guy?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7B2XEDjCK
Caleb took that in and as the cogs of his mind worked, he blinked in realization. "Oh."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp4Sk2O7wr
Then, a thought occurred to December and she looked around, as if seeing her surroundings for the first time. "Hey, have you guys seen Max and Katya today?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25eUg9YLOn
Raven shook her head. "No, and they weren't in Chemistry either."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGTlRvxdtq
"Maybe they're playing hooky."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIN7dVBWJ8
"From what I've seen when you introduced them to us all, they don't look the sort, especially the girl, Katya." Caleb said. Then, he tested her name again on his lips, and wondered, "Man, such an exotic name, and she's smoking hot too."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEsf0bny72
Unaware of Brooke's scowl and deadly glare directed at him, he continued, "I dare say she's even hotter than Karen. And I've always thought she was a goddess." before shrugging to himself. "She's still one to me, though."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkD2wWudxZ
Jethro and Caleb paused in thought before looking at each other as if they had the ability to communicate telepathically, nodding with a grin.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06yPDYl5Tg
December frowned at them.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLFkSZYG0H
Despite being friends with the guys, she knew they didn't really know about the bad blood she had with Karen, other than usual dislike shown outwardly at times. And would it matter, considering how head over heels they were about Karen? She didn't like hearing her friends gush about her nemesis, but she couldn't just tell them that now could she - what right did she have over that?copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sC5AosCvU
Raven glanced at December before shaking her head and sighing at them. "This is why we can't rely on them. They change their mind so quick when it comes to the female population."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRgJgY6Vse
Brooke only muttered with a scathing look at them. "God, they're such idiots."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbX3DTgDXu
Pierre walked to his lockers, his eyes were still unfocused. He had stayed up late last night, video-calling his cousins in Scotland who were curious to know how he was doing in the States. Time was forgotten as they reminisced their childhood together, and the next thing he knows, it was close to 4 in the morning.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwpFs3andp
Waking up late for class hadn't bothered him before, since his attendance outweighed the times he was absent. Still, he didn't want to start making a new habit, despite desperately wanting to sleep in today.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwty83TyIG
He wanted to attend a class, even if it was in the afternoon, because there was only one class which he liked on that Tuesday.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVHHn4ddrt
He took out some materials from his bag and stored it in the locker, and just when he was about to close it, a face beside him appeared and startled him.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEXH1hBj0U
"Oh, fuck." He murmured to himself in surprise, taking a step away from the close proximity of the person. "Karen…right? Can I help you with something?" He said politely, even though he was a little curious in what she wanted from him this time.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkMHcwQj9Q
Karen giggled.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡwprWKRPu7j
She would never get tired of the way the 'hottie' – as she dubbed him – said her name; there was some edge to her 'r' when he said it, like a thick accent to it and he looked damn cool, too. Thinking back to the word he said to himself - which she was sure wasn't intended for her to hear - made her a little out of sorts and she imagined all kinds of dirty things possible with him being the main star of her fantasy – well second, since the main star would be her.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkRSmSrUTV
She drew closer and said in a sweet but breathy voice. "Well, I'll let you know later if I needed anything." She shifted her body then so she was fully facing him, her back against his locker. "Actually, I was thinking, do you wanna hang out with me this Friday? There's a party going on at one of my friend's house." She gave him a sultry smile, one that accentuates her slightly pouty lips. "What do you say?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SGGTgz6pE
Pierre had to admit, she was really gorgeous, and by the looks of it, definitely knows how to get her way. Although this was the third time they talked, this was also the third time she had asked him to hang out with her.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ196kT1piF6
The first time, he had acceded, thinking there's no harm in that, but he soon found it boring – how she had talked to her girlfriends and pretty much left him sitting beside her like a dumbfounded person.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyA0KeBRxD
Even some of the guys, who either weren't making out with their girlfriends or talking to their friends had looked impatient and eventually left the table. One of them who followed suit had given him a nod – a chance to escape the apparent boredom. He hadn't hesitate, and they were too engrossed in a conversation about fashion to notice him. He also learned that day that the guy's name was Blake.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡghKrmS1qri
He wondered what the purpose was in inviting him, when all she was going to do was ignoring him and acted as though he was just there just for the sake of being another addition to her group.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5eBw216zG
The second time she asked him, he was saved by the bell, and he never thought he would ever be in a hurry to get to class.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEeSyNk5ns
And now, just as he was about to give his answer, someone else had already beaten him to it.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSwUlJYIrA
Putting an arm each on both of his shoulders, Caleb and Jethro grinned at Karen Joyce.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tIgYouJ0F
"A party, Karen? I'm kinda bummed I haven't heard anything about it." Caleb started, his grin never falter. In fact, he looked quite smitten with her beauty.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK39Y5JTOI
"Yeah, I hope you're thinking of inviting the whole team." Jethro said, suggesting that both the archery and football team be included.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbjBq79WWP
Getting invited by the hottest girl at school to parties were every guys' dreams – Jethro could vouch – but he also thought putting a word for his club could essentially boost their status among the high ranks. He never understood for such a cool sport, it hadn't always made the talk of the school (of good things!), unlike the football and swimming team.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87OLpxDG9o
Karen was taken aback when they appeared beside Pierre and although she was annoyed to have someone else interrupted them, she plastered on a pretty smile. "Oh. Well, I must have forgotten to send the invites. We just started advertising it, after all." She giggled in a way that prompted people to understand the situation, but also that it wasn't a big deal.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cThZlnZaZ
It might be an actual reason, but somehow when he heard that, Pierre thought it was a lie which could have been better. It didn't make sense to him.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYUpSV1vFz
Unfortunately, Caleb and Jethro ate her words like lovesick fools.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AlNXIuzmV
A glint glittered in her eyes as she thought of something. "Actually, why don't the two of you come along too? Bring your friends, or girlfriends even." She was beaming at them now, though her smile was mostly directed at Pierre, who was pondering again on his thoughts.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pfoBoEa5I
He had been to parties before, back in his hometown and even crashed some, courtesy of Oliver and his friends. It hadn't been all bad, but he wasn't in a hurry to jump into the next wagon of parties.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡilZEBE3LOv
He already had an answer on his lips, but as he shifted and made a move towards the other direction, he spotted Katya walking towards him, her soft eyes making direct contact with him, as if imploring something.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡqe2RJNiWJx
And just like that, he broke them and turned to his companions, saying, "Yeah. Why not?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ147nFHaOaA
Jethro and Caleb grinned as though they just hit a jackpot, while Karen looked like she just saw gold.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zZat3ZR5X
"That's great! I'll text you guys the address later." She added a little wink at Pierre before sauntering away when the two guys were busy talking over each other.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡoamTQZrfHT
Pierre glanced at her briefly, momentarily ignoring his two friends who were seeking his attention, before looking at the direction he saw Katya disappeared to. He hardened his gaze and shook his head at no one before sighing quietly to himself.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSKPQQKd0x
"Man, not gonna lie, I did thought you were gay at some point." Jethro grinned, lounging on the sofa.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDRAFBuNFk
The three of them were hanging out before their classes at the library, the place that was quite hidden in the alcove. Pierre, Jethro, and Caleb met with Sid, who had been taking naps before being rudely awaken by Jethro making inappropriate noises in a high pitched voice.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4dbupWs37
The ploy had worked but Jethro paid the price when Sid tackled him onto the couch and locked him in a chokehold, making the air rushed out of him until he admitted defeat.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡAA1IuarlSi
With a pleasant looking Sid on the couch, and a disgruntled Jethro on the other end, Caleb only said, "What? Don't look at me like I should have saved you. You should know better than to mess with his nap."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHNwxnEbpN
Jethro only grumbled, before his demeanor changed and he spoke his thoughts.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2LwA3rnVe
Pierre looked amused as he said, "What makes you think that?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5JjCFI9eB
"A normal hormonal guy wouldn't ever avoid the hottest chick he wants to get it on with. And you did that several times."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAyr4icKmU
"What makes you think I would even want to, as you put it quite loosely, get it on with her?" Pierre raised his eyebrow. He didn't know whether to be amused or annoyed that they would simply assume what he wanted.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx5Kffzt3Y
"Like I said, a normal guy would. Clearly you hail from some outer space ship since you don't seem to have the hots for her." Jethro replied hotly.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsQotH1crz
Caleb raised an eyebrow at Jethro. "Okay, man. I know you're frustrated with him but don't project your needs on Pierre. He probably has a girlfriend. Or he's asexual. Don't judge." Then, after a pause, he continued. "Be that as it may, I don't get it either since you never tell us almost anything! I told you this before, and I'll tell you again. I don't know how you can avoid such an angel. You must be an idiot to refuse the goddess that has graced this earth with her presence in our school."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfIMHFyod8
Pierre chuckled deeply before smirking. "That sounds poetic, Caleb. I think we've all just found out your hidden talent."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡamG3vfYjYv
Sid half grinned while he yawned before saying, "Uh, wait, what's going on?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6Ci2beMQ8
"Didn't you get the text? We're invited to Karen Joyce's party. Well, it's her friend's but who cares." Jethro said, eyes lighting up like he saw Santa on Christmas.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFxILGo2Te
Sid paused in thought before his eyes went wide. "Karen? Our Karen Joyce?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡULpfVYnnuW
"Fiona better not hear you say that." Caleb muttered.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZOqrFP0Td
Sid looked dejected before he shrugged. "We broke up."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡwevIEnUog6
Everyone went still.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzNLhRVCwy
Then, they exclaimed, "You broke up?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUb2IDPVpH
"That's right."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ52vT3Ee6
"How…did we not know this?" Caleb frowned at him.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq8IdLPZxr
"When?" Jethro asked, stunned.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4tqnWk6gt
He didn't consider himself as someone who believed in love, considering all the romantic crap he pulled to annoy his friends. But out of all the couples that he knew, including Weston and Serena, Sid and Fiona were so compatible with each other that it was hard to imagine them not being together for a long time.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPU4sYeThC
Sid looked a little uncomfortable as he cleared his throat. "Over the break. And…well, I just don't feel like telling everyone about it." He shifted his body so he could lean against the couch comfortably. "Besides, we've got our own issues. Too much to handle, so we just broke it off."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFW6Ak5PDy
Pierre observed him. Sid hadn't been as energetic as he always was today, and he also saw a difference in the guy's appearance. His eyes had dark bags that was apparent and a dull complexion. And looking at his even skinnier frame than before, he'd say he might have lost a few pounds. These could explain why he slept in soundly earlier before Jethro woke him, and his slightly grouchy attitude.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡCksJYFG0uC
"You still like her, do you?" Pierre asked, more like an affirmation to which he nodded slowly.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4O0IlCPc7
"Yeah. But we gotta have our own spaces for now." Then, he cleared his throat again to which they all got the hint that he wanted to stop talking about it.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnyYqwSM5C
"Right. Well, like they used to say, there's plenty of fishes in the sea." Jethro tried to make a joke.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ09iXKbIq
Caleb hit the back of his head. "You're so fucking insensitive." Then, to Sid he said, "Uh, don't let it get you down, man. Who knows, maybe you guys will get back together someday."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlYSW53NbG
Sid, with his hollow eyes only nodded a fraction.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOYXfeKDnP
Not knowing what else to say, Caleb nudged Pierre to say something.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gO9ysONyK
Getting the message in a few seconds, he nodded.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nlIbB6igJ
But wracking his brain for some uplifting message strangely had never been so difficult at the moment, and so with a lack of anything better to say, he just blurted out the one thing he could think of.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdmIvKNvwy
"So, uh, I'm not gay."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKrIC0A35I
They all brought their gazes slowly to him.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWsZyZP5l1
Then, Sid laughed. "That's so random."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡauXodVX980
"Unexpected, but okay. Thanks for letting us know, man." Jethro moved forward and patted Pierre's back.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAVRtC5Vb9
Caleb looked at him in a brotherly affection way before he grinned. "No matter what, you're still one of us and we love you."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBDfqO9gwG
"Good to know." He muttered. They're making me feel like I just came out or something. Pierre shook his head with a small smile. At least the tension's dispelled.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡRERWfi4QqQ
There was still time to kill before the next class would start. The air-conditioner wasn't working well against the sunlight that brightened the room. Caleb went to turn the lights switch off while Pierre was conversing with Sid about archery and the correct postures when aiming.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM2QWSDE8p
Jethro had stood up earlier and got himself comfortable on the couch by the window pane. He closed his eyes for a moment, basking in the sunlight as his friends talked amongst each other. After a while, a frown passed his features as he thought of something.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk4qyifS5O
"Hey Sid," he called out, eyes still closed. "Did you know that Zach's into December?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVsUZDM8WH
The peaceful murmurs amongst them dissipate when they heard Jethro's question.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TeZ2u3ke7
Sid tilted his head, thinking about the matter. "Well, I don't know for sure, but I did teased him about it. He wears his heart on his sleeves sometimes." He chuckled.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsjFgcRWqg
"He has that in common with December." Jethro glanced at them and grinned.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrRNKhIPQu
He chuckled. "Why, did he finally asked her out?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtPtS8fb0L
"Apparently. We just heard about it from her at lunch earlier." Caleb said, his expression though pleasant was somehow unreadable.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDVEL031cv
While they all seemed to take that information in stride with cheerful and pleasant remarks, Pierre was the only one who was quiet as he ponder on his thought.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡv98SDfsme8
So, the president of the archery club seemed to be going out with December…copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6EQLg7s7y
He didn't think she would have a crush on him. Nay, he backtracked, he didn't think she would have a crush on anyone at all. And why would he? He didn't know anything about her, especially since they just made some peace.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡf21uzOilqj
Nevertheless, what she does in her spare time wasn't even his business, if they were going out, then that means the feelings are mutual. He should feel fine about this news.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYSJuyz2pq
At least, Pierre would like to think so.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgkvE0BnZ8
Somewhere in the empty corner of the academy, a girl waited impatiently for the other person on the line to answer her call.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP9D9w8Uq8
She had very important news to impart; after all, what she has to say would play a huge role in what could happen to her future…as well as everyone else.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSMBqucy34
When the other person on the line answered, a slow smile graced her lips as she spoke into the phone.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9kwTMegMB
"Everything's set in motion."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqnIObisZ3
"Hmm…are you sure about this?"copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡa68RkYIHuQ
"Of course." She answered.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBdeQuE9M8
The anonymous person chuckled. "I knew you're devious, but doing this is pretty cunning of you."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9HKsPrvHQ
Though the girl prided herself with her abilities, she found herself annoyed hearing that comment. Sometimes, a girl had to do what needed to be done to achieve her goal.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPIRjSUSCp
Still, she wasn't as irritated with the person as their comment was. Letting out a small laugh, she said, "Not quite, actually. But this coming from you…well, I'll take that as a compliment."copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFN6nv7zev
A thought kept replaying in her head, even a while after the conversation ended. She thought no words could ring truer than that, especially with the things she had planned in her mind.copyright protection353ＰＥＮＡＮＡthuUYR6Zv2
I'll have what I want, by any means, anyhow.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdYMIhj2fQ
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