After Highschool

rvousness in Fred's eyes as he struggled to find the right words, his hands fidgeting on his lap. She couldn't

cutting through the silence. Fred let out a sh

ls had always flocked to him he never had to second-guess his feelings or his confidence. But

ce a low whisper as if afraid of anyone overhearing. "I don't know how to

e let out a small, uncertain smile, her thoughts swirling. How could she explain her own mixed feelings?

eyes searching hers. "So... what's your answer?" he aske

.. I'm not sure," she said slowly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind he

orcing a smile. But Ashley could see the flicker of disappointment

rom the bench. "I just... need time." She offered him a small, apologetic sm

o chase after her, but he restrained himself, knowing he had to respect her

*

ly enveloping her. She headed toward her usual spot where Luna was already seated, nose buried in a t

shley whispered excitedly, sli

her book with a soft thud. "You know I'm te

out!" she squealed quietly. Her excitement, however, wasn't quite as contained

f, the librarian who bore an uncanny resemblance to the cartoon character, was known for her short temper

her voice to a whisper. "I just... I

, pained look. "That's... great, Ash," she said, trying to

er joy fading as she noticed th

om... she's leaving," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

mbling marriage. "I'm so sorry, Luna," she said softly, reaching over to squeez

glistening with unshed tears. For a moment, the two friends just sat in silence, th

*

nt to get involved with him? Would it make her life more complicated than it already was? By the time

g, she was startled to find Fred seated at h

my seat?" she asked, tr

ms over his chest. "Is that any w

"You're getting ahead of yourself, Fred. Rememb

ow. "Well then, fair lady, may I have an answer to the que

est and filled with hope and something in her finally clicked. "Okay... fi

orning. He let out a whoop of joy, drawing the attention of the entire class. The sudden

felt her stomach churn with anger. How dare that poor, insignificant girl

sroom, putting a temporary stop to whatever confrontation she had planned. Sh

*

lastered on his face. Ashley, meanwhile, tried to focus on her notebook, but ev

onvinced that he would eventually choose her. But now, in a matter of days, this poor girl had stolen

worst mistake of your life, she thought, her

to get even more complicated and dangerous