The next morning, sunlight streamed through the small window, casting a golden glow over the room. Dalian stretched her arms with a content sigh, a rare sense of lightness settling over her.
Diane, who was already up and getting ready, paused mid-motion, narrowing her eyes at her sister. Something's different, she thought.
"You're in a good mood," Diane noted, raising an eyebrow.
Dalian blinked at her, trying—and failing—to suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. "Am I?" she asked innocently as she got out of bed.
Diane eyed her suspiciously. "Yes. You are. What happened?"
Dalian shrugged, tying her hair up lazily. "Nothing. Just… had a good night's sleep."
Diane wasn't convinced but decided not to press further. Instead, she rolled her eyes and grabbed her bag. "Hurry up, or we'll be late."
Dalian hummed in response, still feeling unusually light-hearted. As she went about getting ready, her phone buzzed.
Jack: Morning, partner.
She bit her lip, warmth blooming in her chest.
Dalian: Morning.
With that, she grabbed her things and followed Diane outside, the morning air crisp and refreshing.
The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dewdrops settling over the quiet streets. Dalian walked beside Diane, their footsteps light against the pavement. The sun had barely risen, casting a soft golden hue over the neighborhood.
Dalian felt a quiet energy buzzing inside her, a warmth that lingered from the night before. She held onto the strap of her bag, fingers occasionally brushing against her phone in her pocket. It was silly, really—how a simple message could make her feel this way.
Morning, partner.
Jack's words were casual, but the thought of him sending it first made her stomach flutter in a way she didn't quite understand yet.
Diane walked slightly ahead, glancing at her sister briefly. Dalian usually moved sluggishly in the morning, dragging her feet, but today she seemed… lighter. Her steps were quicker, her expression softer. Diane noticed, but she said nothing, keeping her thoughts to herself.
As they neared the bus stop, Lydia was already there, standing with her hands in the pockets of her jacket. She turned when she saw them approaching, offering a small smile.
"Morning," she greeted, her voice still laced with sleep.
"Morning," Diane replied.
Dalian simply nodded, adjusting her bag as they stood in comfortable silence, waiting for the bus.
Lydia studied Dalian for a moment, noticing the slight shift in her demeanor. It wasn't anything obvious, but there was a certain lightness to her presence. Instead of mentioning it, she simply tucked the thought away.
Moments later, the bus arrived with a low hum, and they stepped inside. The seats were mostly empty, allowing them to settle comfortably.
Dalian leaned against the window, watching the scenery pass by. Her phone remained in her pocket, but the warmth of Jack's message still lingered in her thoughts.
For some reason, it made the morning feel a little brighter.
As the bus rolled forward, the soft murmur of students filled the air, but Dalian barely registered it. Her fingers drummed lightly on her lap as she gazed out the window, the world passing in a blur of morning light.
She wasn't used to feeling like this—this quiet excitement bubbling inside her, as if something new was unfolding, something she didn't quite understand yet.
Her phone vibrated softly in her pocket.
She hesitated for a moment before finally pulling it out.
Jack: Did you get on the bus yet?
A small smile tugged at her lips before she quickly schooled her expression, stealing a glance at Diane, who was flipping through her notebook, and Lydia, who had her earphones in.
Dalian: Yeah, just now.
The response was simple, but her fingers hovered over the screen, wondering if she should say more. Before she could decide, another message popped up.
Jack: Don't be late today, partner.
Dalian exhaled softly, shaking her head. Partner. He kept calling her that, and for some reason, it made her heart stutter every time.
Dalian: You're the one who always strolls in at the last second.
Jack: Maybe I just like making an entrance.
She bit her lip, warmth creeping up her neck. He was impossible.
Lydia shifted beside her, pulling out one earphone. "You're smiling at your phone. Who's texting you?"
Dalian quickly turned off her screen. "No one."
Lydia raised an eyebrow but didn't push. Instead, she leaned back in her seat, a knowing smirk lingering on her lips.
The ride continued, and as they neared the school, Dalian tucked her phone away, inhaling deeply to steady herself.
It was just another morning. Just another school day.
And yet… something about it felt different.
As the bus slowed to a stop in front of the school gates, students filed out, voices blending into the morning hum of activity. Dalian stepped off with Diane and Lydia, the crisp air brushing against her skin.
She glanced around instinctively, her heart doing something odd in her chest when she spotted Jack leaning casually against the school entrance. His hands were in his pockets, his posture relaxed, but his gaze was already on her.
She quickly looked away.
"Go on, go say hi," Lydia murmured teasingly.
Dalian shot her a look. "Stop that."
"I didn't say anything."
Lydia chuckled, nudging Diane forward. "Let's go, we'll see you inside."
Dalian huffed but didn't argue, knowing they were giving her space on purpose. She exhaled, steadying herself before walking toward Jack.
"Surprised you made it before the bell," she said as she reached him.
Jack smirked. "Told you, partner, I like making an entrance."
Dalian rolled her eyes but couldn't fight back her smile. "So, are we ready for today?"
"Are you nervous?"
"Not really," she lied.
Jack tilted his head, studying her. " Don't overthink it."
She hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah… you too."
For a moment, they just stood there, the usual rush of students moving past them. The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting shifting shadows on the pavement.
Jack shifted slightly, as if he wanted to say something more, but then the warning bell rang, breaking the moment.
"We should go," Dalian said, adjusting her bag strap.
"Yeah."
They fell into step together, walking side by side toward the building. Dalian wasn't sure why her heart was still racing, but she didn't try to stop it.
As they entered the school building, the familiar hum of morning conversations, shuffling footsteps, and locker doors slamming filled the air. The warmth from outside faded into the cool, air-conditioned hallway, but Dalian barely noticed.
Jack walked beside her, their strides naturally falling into sync. He didn't say anything, but the silence between them wasn't awkward. It was… steady. Comfortable.
Dalian snuck a glance at him. His expression was unreadable, but his usual smirk had softened. He looked ahead, his hands still tucked in his pockets, as if he had all the time in the world.
The moment stretched until—
"Dalian! Jack!"
They turned at the sound of Lydia's voice. She was waving them over, standing by Diane and a few other classmates near their lockers.
Jack's smirk returned, playful this time. "Saved by the bell," he murmured.
Dalian shook her head at him before heading toward their friends.
As Dalian grabbed her books, Jack casually leaned against the locker beside hers, his presence easygoing yet undeniably noticeable.
Lydia, of course, wasn't about to let the moment slip past her. "So," she started, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. "Did you two have another moment out there?"
Dalian rolled her eyes. "You're imagining things."
Jack chuckled under his breath but didn't add anything, making it even worse.
Diane, quieter but no less observant, spoke up. "You two have been talking a lot lately."
Dalian hesitated for a fraction of a second before shutting her locker. "huh?" she said, voice deliberately neutral.
Lydia exchanged a glance with Diane, her smirk widening. "Nothing, nothing at all."
Dalian sighed, deciding she wasn't going to entertain this any longer. She adjusted her bag and turned toward the hallway.
Jack pushed off the locker, falling into step beside her.
Behind them, Lydia's voice rang out dramatically. "Look at that! Partners in crime."
Dalian ignored her, but the warmth in her chest refused to fade.
As they reached the classroom, the usual morning chatter filled the air. Students settled into their seats, flipping through their notebooks or discussing weekend events.
Dalian took her usual spot, and Jack slid into the seat beside her. It had become routine now—so natural that neither of them questioned it.
Mr. Collins walked in, his presence instantly commanding the room. He placed his books on the desk and scanned the class. "Alright, everyone, settle down."
Dalian straightened in her seat, flipping open her notebook. Jack, however, leaned back slightly, arms crossed.
As the class settled down, Mr. Collins adjusted his glasses and picked up a book from his desk. He tapped it lightly against his palm before speaking.
"Today, we're focusing on Classic Literature and Its Timeless Influence." His deep voice filled the room, commanding attention. "Many of you might wonder why we still study works written centuries ago. What makes them relevant even now?"
The room was silent except for the faint scratching of pens against paper as students jotted down notes.
Dalian rested her chin on her hand, her gaze fixed on the board but not entirely focused. She liked literature, but Mr. Collins had a way of making even the most fascinating topics feel heavy.
Jack, sitting beside her, shifted slightly in his seat. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see him absentmindedly spinning his pen between his fingers. He wasn't writing anything.
Mr. Collins continued, pacing slowly. "Writers like Shakespeare, Austen, and Dickens didn't just tell stories. They captured emotions, society, and human nature—things that remain unchanged despite time."
Dalian sighed quietly, tapping her pen against her notebook.
Jack leaned in slightly, just enough for his voice to reach her ears. "Bored yet?"
She shot him a warning look without turning her head.
"Miss Dalian?"
Her back stiffened at the sudden mention of her name.
"Yes, sir?" She straightened immediately.
Mr. Collins raised an eyebrow. "Would you care to summarize what I just said?"
Dalian's heart pounded. She wasn't completely lost, but had she been paying enough attention? She stole a glance at her notes before answering.
"You were talking about how classic literature remains relevant because it captures universal human emotions and society," she said carefully.
Mr. Collins studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good."
She exhaled silently as he moved on. Beside her, Jack smirked.
"Nice save," he whispered.
Dalian shot him a glare but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips.
Mr. Collins continued his lecture, his voice steady as he moved from discussing the themes of classic literature to analyzing a passage from Pride and Prejudice.
He read aloud, "'I could easily forgive his pride if he had not mortified mine.'" He paused, glancing around the room. "Elizabeth Bennet's words are simple, yet they hold depth. What does this line reveal about her character?"
A few hands went up, and Mr. Collins gestured toward Anna.
"She's independent and self-respecting," Anna answered. "She refuses to be looked down upon, even by someone like Mr. Darcy."
"Exactly," Mr. Collins nodded. "Pride and dignity—two strong forces driving this story. Now, how do these themes connect to modern society?"
The class grew quiet, students glancing at each other, hesitant to speak up.
Dalian tapped her pen against her notebook, her mind slowly piecing together a thought. Before she could decide whether to raise her hand, Jack spoke up.
"In a way, people today still struggle with the same thing," he said casually. "Pride can push people apart, and misunderstandings happen when no one wants to back down."
Dalian turned slightly toward him, surprised. She hadn't expected him to contribute, but his words made sense.
Mr. Collins nodded, pleased. "Very true. And what about you, Miss Dalian? Do you agree?"
Dalian straightened in her seat. "Yes. I think it also shows how people sometimes judge others too quickly. Elizabeth thought she knew what kind of person Darcy was, but she was wrong. That still happens today—people assume things without knowing the full story."
Mr. Collins smiled approvingly. "Well said. That's why literature remains timeless—it reflects who we are, no matter the century."
As the lesson continued, Dalian found herself more engaged, her initial boredom fading. When the final bell rang, signaling the end of class.
she packed her things, still thinking about the discussion.
Jack nudged her lightly with his elbow. "See? You survived."
She rolled her eyes. "Barely."
He grinned as they stood up and made their way to the next class, the morning passing by quicker than expected.
The morning classes moved along at a steady pace, the usual rhythm of the school day settling in. After Literature, Dalian and her classmates headed to their next subjects, the hum of chatter filling the hallways.
As they walked to their next class, Diane adjusted the strap of her bag, her expression thoughtful. "That discussion wasn't too bad," she admitted. "Mr. Collins really knows how to keep things engaging."
Lydia groaned dramatically. "Speak for yourself. I almost fell asleep."
Dalian chuckled. "That's because you stayed up too late watching dramas again."
Lydia shot her a playful glare. "Excuse me for having taste."
Jack, walking beside them, smirked. "So, what's next?"
"Mathematics," Diane answered.
Jack sighed. "Great. Numbers and headaches."
Lydia nudged him. "Better start preparing yourself. I heard today's lesson is a tough one."
Dalian listened to their banter, but her mind kept drifting. The morning had been… different. The conversation in Literature, Jack's unexpected insight, the way he casually interacted with her—it all lingered in her thoughts longer than it should.
She shook it off as they reached the classroom, settling into their seats.
The math teacher, Mr. Johnson, wasted no time, launching straight into complex equations. The board quickly filled with formulas, and Dalian focused, taking careful notes.
Jack, seated a few rows ahead, stretched lazily before leaning over his desk, his pencil tapping rhythmically. At one point, he turned slightly, catching her gaze. It was brief, but something in his eyes made her heartbeat hitch.
She quickly looked back at her notebook.
Focus, Dalian.
The lesson continued, numbers and calculations filling the hour. When the bell rang for lunch, Dalian exhaled, relieved.
As she gathered her things, Lydia clapped her hands together. "Time to eat! Let's go before all the good stuff is gone."
They made their way to the cafeteria, the midday sun streaming through the windows. The scent of food filled the air, students chatting and laughing as they lined up.
Jack casually fell into step beside Dalian. "So, partner, feeling smart after all that math?"
She scoffed. "I survived."
He smirked. "That's becoming your favorite response."
She rolled her eyes but smiled.
The group grabbed their food and found a table, the usual lunch conversations unfolding. Dalian let herself relax, enjoying the easy company.
For now, the thoughts stirring in her mind could wait.
As they made their way out of the cafeteria, the usual buzz of students filled the hallways. Dalian walked beside Jack, their conversation flowing effortlessly, laughter slipping in between words.
"You seriously think that was the toughest math problem?" Jack scoffed. "Please, I could solve that in my sleep."
Dalian raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Then why were you staring at the board like it personally offended you?"
Jack smirked. "I was just giving it a fair chance before completely destroying it."
Dalian chuckled, shaking her head.
Just then, Alex appeared, clapping a hand on Jack's shoulder. "Oh, we have a spot today," he reminded him. "I think it's time already." He checked his wristwatch before nodding. "Let's go."
Jack sighed. "Right, almost forgot." He turned to Dalian just as Lydia, with a mischievous glint in her eye, suddenly spoke up.
"Umm, hey, Jack, Dalian wants to say something to you."
Dalian froze mid-step. "Huh? Me? No, I—"
Jack arched an eyebrow in amusement. "Oh yeah? That's funny because I actually have something to say too." He tilted his head slightly. "We'll meet after school, okay?"
Dalian's breath hitched, her mind scrambling to process his words. "Uh—oh. Okay."
Jack gave her a small smirk before following Alex down the hall.
Lydia, meanwhile, was grinning like she had just won a grand prize.
Dalian spun to her, eyes wide. "What was that for?" she hissed. "I don't have anything to say! Why did you do that?"
Lydia crossed her arms. "Oh, c'mon, girl. You think I forgot?"
Dalian frowned. "Forgot what?"
Lydia rolled her eyes dramatically. "We agreed you would make a move after the presentation. Now's your chance—use it."
"No way." Dalian shook her head, her heart still racing. "Are you insane?"
Lydia leaned in, whispering, "C'mon, don't wait forever. You never know if another opportunity like this will come."
Dalian groaned, covering her face with her hands. This was not how she had imagined her day going.
Jack and Alex weaved through the bustling courtyard, making their way toward the sports center where groups of boys were already warming up. The rhythmic bounce of basketballs echoed through the open space, sneakers scuffing against the polished wooden floor inside the gym. The air buzzed with energy as players called out to each other, stretching and getting ready for the games ahead.
Jack rolled his shoulders as they stepped inside, scanning the court. "Who are we up against today?" he asked, slipping off his jacket.
Alex smirked. "Same guys from last week. They want a rematch."
Jack chuckled. "Didn't they get enough humiliation already?"
"They think today's their redemption arc," Alex joked, tossing Jack a basketball.
Jack caught it effortlessly, spinning it between his fingers before giving it a quick bounce. His eyes flickered across the court, his competitive spirit kicking in. "Let's not make it easy for them."
---
Meanwhile, the girls made their way to the other side of the field, where students were gathering for various activities. The cool breeze carried the sound of laughter and cheers as some played badminton, while others set up a casual soccer match.
Dalian trailed slightly behind Diane and Lydia, her mind still occupied with what had just happened in the hallway. She shook her head, trying to push it aside.
Lydia nudged her playfully. "Still thinking about it?"
"No," Dalian said too quickly.
Lydia smirked. "Uh-huh. Anyway, we should do something instead of just standing here."
Diane sighed. "You two can go ahead. I think I'll just watch."
Lydia groaned. "Diane, you can't just sit on the sidelines all the time."
Diane folded her arms. "And you can't force me to join either."
Lydia huffed but didn't argue. Instead, she turned to Dalian. "Okay, what about you?"
Dalian glanced around, spotting a few girls rallying for a game of volleyball. The ball flew across the net, hands slapping against it as teams worked together to keep it in play.
She hesitated for only a second before rolling up her sleeves. "Fine. Let's play."
Lydia beamed. "That's the spirit!"
The two jogged over, and soon, they were mixing into the teams. The sun hung high, casting warm golden light over the field as the game began. Cheers erupted with every successful serve, excitement thrumming in the air as they got lost in the rhythm of the match.
The game picked up pace quickly, the ball flying across the net as players leaped and lunged to keep it in play. Dalian found herself getting swept up in the energy, her focus narrowing as she moved with her teammates.
Lydia was just as competitive, her sharp reflexes keeping their side in the game. "Dalian, to your right!" she called out.
Dalian reacted instantly, shifting her stance just in time to intercept the ball. She jumped, striking it with the edge of her palm. It sailed over the net, just grazing the fingertips of the opposing player before hitting the ground.
"Yes!" Lydia cheered, high-fiving Dalian. "You're better at this than you let on!"
Dalian smiled, slightly breathless. "Beginner's luck."
Their opponents groaned in frustration but quickly reset for the next play. The game continued, the intensity rising with each round. Laughter and shouts filled the air, blending with the other sports activities happening around them.
On the other side of the field, Jack wiped the sweat from his forehead, catching his breath between plays. His team had just won their round, and as he walked toward the water station, his gaze naturally drifted toward the volleyball game.
His eyes found Dalian almost instantly.
She was focused, her brows slightly furrowed as she kept her attention on the ball. A loose strand of hair fell across her cheek, but she didn't seem to notice, too caught up in the moment.
Jack lingered for a second longer before Alex nudged him.
"Something interesting over there?" Alex teased, smirking.
Jack scoffed, turning away. "Just watching the game."
Alex raised an eyebrow but let it go, chuckling under his breath. "Sure."
As the games continued, the afternoon stretched on, filled with easy laughter, playful competition, and a lightheartedness that made the day pass by faster than expected.
As the games continued, the sun climbed higher, casting a golden glow over the field. The volleyball match had turned intense, with both teams refusing to back down. Dalian wiped the sweat off her brow, breathing hard, but she wasn't ready to stop.
Lydia smirked beside her. "Tired yet?"
Dalian shook her head. "Not even close."
"Good, because we're not losing."
Their opponents served the ball, sending it soaring over the net. Dalian reacted on instinct, rushing forward to dive for it. Her hands barely managed to push the ball up before it hit the ground. Lydia took over from there, spiking it back with force. The other team scrambled, but it was too late—the ball hit the sand.
Cheers erupted as their team won the round, Lydia pulling Dalian into a quick hug. "We did it!"
Dalian laughed, still catching her breath. "That was intense."
Meanwhile, across the field, Jack finished another match of his own, stretching his arms as he walked back toward Alex. He grabbed a water bottle, taking a long sip before glancing toward the volleyball court again. His eyes naturally found Dalian, who was laughing, her face glowing with excitement.
Alex followed his gaze and smirked. "You're staring again."
Jack didn't even bother denying it this time. He simply exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "She looks happy."
Alex tilted his head. "And you like seeing her happy?"
Jack didn't answer immediately. He just watched as Dalian playfully shoved Lydia, grinning as they celebrated their win. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Yeah," he admitted, almost to himself. "I do."
Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "Man, you're in trouble."
Jack only smirked in response, tossing his empty bottle aside as the next game was called.
The day stretched on with more friendly matches, laughter, and moments stolen between plays. By the time the games finally wrapped up, the students were tired but buzzing with excitement from the fun-filled afternoon.
Dalian grabbed her water bottle, sighing in satisfaction. "That was a good game."
Lydia stretched her arms, nodding. "It really was. Now, I need food."
As they gathered their things, Jack and Alex walked over. Jack's gaze settled on Dalian, his lips twitching into an easy grin. "You were pretty good out there."
Dalian raised an eyebrow. "Surprised?"
Jack shrugged. "A little. Didn't think you'd be that competitive."
Dalian smirked. "Well, I like winning."
Jack chuckled. "Noted."
The five of them fell into step together as they made their way toward the school gates, the afternoon sun casting long shadows behind them. There was an unspoken lightness in the air, an easy warmth between them that made the day feel just a little more special.