During the lunch break before third period, the library was bustling with fourth-year students, all engaged in last-minute cramming for their significant literacy test. The looming requirement of composing a substantial essay on the back page of the exam paper had prompted many students to scour the library shelves for any last-minute information on their chosen topics. Among these diligent scholars was Shane, earnestly gathering more knowledge from the books, while his best friend discreetly observed him from a nearby shelf.
Aleena sat on the floor, leaning against the bookshelves, feigning her own research for the essay. In reality, she was stealing glances at Shane from behind the stack of books.
Suddenly, another student appeared on the opposite side of the shelf where Shane was searching, her fingers delicately trailing over the book spines. Shane stole a glance and noticed Daisy, apparently also in search of books to aid her preparations for the upcoming test.
The gentle sunlight streaming through the window gave a quiet sparkle to her hair and eyes in the dusty library, and Shane found it difficult to divert his gaze. He had always been aware of Daisy's presence ever since she first arrived at the school. She possessed a striking beauty and displayed remarkable intelligence, always striving to excel academically. She didn't have many friends, her sole companion being a boy named Jayden, known for his humor and antics in class. Although Shane yearned to initiate a conversation and get to know her, he was perpetually gripped by shyness and nervousness, leaving him unable to utter even a simple greeting.
Aleena noticed her friend sneak glances at someone while pretending to peruse books. She followed Shane's gaze and saw Daisy through the gaps in the bookshelves. Turning her attention back to Shane, she noted the starry-eyed expression on his face.
Her gaze softened as she regarded her friend, but simultaneously, a pang of uneasiness tugged at her heart upon seeing Shane's interest in Daisy. She had been aware of Shane's affection for her for quite some time, but due to Shane's shyness, Aleena had always assumed her best friend was safe from entering into a romantic relationship.
However, as she watched them from behind the shelves, she couldn't help but question why she felt they shouldn't be together. Both Shane and Daisy were reserved, introverted individuals who seemed like they would naturally complement each other. Yet, this thought discomforted her, and she redirected her focus to her book, attempting to quell the strange emotions that had stirred.
***
As the bell chimed, signaling the end of lunch, students swiftly stowed their belongings and made their way to their third-period classes for the day. Jayden and Daisy walked closely side by side, navigating the crowded halls with care to avoid any accidental collisions.
"I'm doomed for that test in the next period!" Jayden lamented, playfully tapping Daisy on the shoulder.
"That's what you get for shooting hoops when you should have been hitting the books!" Daisy retorted, chuckling at her friend's predicament.
She was so engrossed in teasing Jayden that she didn't notice the student heading in her direction until their shoulders collided, causing her books to scatter. Jayden promptly bent down to help collect them, while Daisy turned her attention to the person responsible for the collision. It was William. He met her gaze with an intense look that briefly stole her breath, sending shivers down her spine. She had always acknowledged his attractiveness, but she was equally aware that he was the school's notorious bad boy, and getting involved with him was synonymous with trouble. William didn't offer an apology; instead, he simply walked away, his gaze shifting between her and Jayden. The other students instinctively made way for him, eager to avoid any interaction.
"Gosh, he didn't even bother to say sorry," Jayden remarked, handing Daisy her scattered books.
Daisy heard his comment but remained silent, her eyes trailing William as he continued his departure. Her heart quickened slightly in her chest, but she dismissed the feeling and shrugged it off. She turned her attention back to Jayden, casting one last glance in William's direction.
Daisy remained silent, her gaze following William's retreating figure. Her heart raced, but she chose to dismiss the peculiar sensation. With a slight shake of her head, she turned back to Jayden, offering him a reassuring smile.
"Let's not dwell on that. We've got a test to conquer," she said, her determination resolute.
As Jayden and Daisy made their way to their third-period class, the anticipation for the upcoming test hung heavy in the air. Jayden couldn't shake off the anxiety gnawing at him, a testament to the last-minute cramming he was indulging in during lunchtime.
"Seriously, Daisy, I don't know if I can pull this off," he confessed, his voice betraying a hint of worry.
Daisy, on the other hand, seemed much more relaxed about the impending test. She flashed him an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, Jayden. You got this! Besides, I've seen you ace tougher exams before."