Dalian stepped inside, closing the door behind her as if that could somehow contain the whirlwind of emotions stirring inside her. The warmth of the house enveloped her, the familiar scent of Aunt Beatrice's home-cooked meals lingering in the air.
She had barely taken two steps forward when Lydia's voice rang out from the living room.
"Well, well, well… look who finally made it home."
Dalian groaned internally.
She turned to find Lydia sprawled out on the couch, a knowing smirk already in place. Diane sat beside her, flipping through a book, seemingly uninterested—though Dalian knew better.
Lydia patted the seat next to her. "Come, dear Dalian, tell me everything."
Dalian narrowed her eyes, slipping off her shoes before walking past her. "There's nothing to tell."
Lydia gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "Oh? Nothing to tell? You just happened to walk home with Jack? Just happened to have a cute little conversation? Just happened to have him call you Jo?"
Dalian's entire body tensed at the mention of the nickname. She turned sharply. "How do you even know about that?"
Lydia grinned, wiggling her brows. "A good friend always knows."
Dalian shot a glare at Diane, who simply turned a page in her book. "Don't look at me. I didn't say a word."
Dalian groaned, dropping onto the armchair across from them. "It wasn't a big deal."
Lydia tilted her head. "Wasn't it, though? Because from the way your face turned three shades of red the moment you walked in, I'd say it was."
Dalian grabbed a throw pillow and hugged it to her chest, as if that could somehow shield her from Lydia's relentless teasing. "We just talked. That's all."
Lydia leaned forward, her voice dropping into something softer—but no less mischievous. "Did you feel anything?"
Dalian hesitated.
Because the truth was… yes. She had felt something. A small, strange warmth at his words, at the way he had looked at her. But she wasn't ready to admit that. Not even to herself.
So she shook her head. "It's not like that."
Lydia sighed dramatically, flopping back against the couch. "Denial, the first stage."
Dalian threw the pillow at her. Lydia yelped, laughing as she dodged it.
Diane, who had been quiet through most of this, finally set her book down and looked at Dalian. Her expression wasn't teasing, nor was it judgmental. Just… curious.
"Do you even know what you want?" Diane asked.
The question caught Dalian off guard.
Did she?
She wasn't sure.
Lydia nudged her playfully. "Well, whatever it is, you'll figure it out. And when you do… you better tell me first."
Dalian rolled her eyes, but she couldn't stop the small smile tugging at her lips.
She didn't have all the answers yet.
But maybe… just maybe… she was starting to find them.
After the teasing subsided—well, after Lydia finally decided to give her some breathing room—Dalian retreated to her room. Diane followed soon after, but they didn't talk much. Diane had her head buried in a book, as usual, while Dalian lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Her mind kept replaying the way Jack had looked at her, the way his voice had sounded when he called her Jo so casually.
She turned onto her side, frustrated.
Why was she even thinking about this?
It wasn't as if he had done anything special. He had simply walked with her, talked with her, bought her food. That was normal… right?
She groaned into her pillow.
"You're thinking too much," Diane said without looking up.
Dalian peeked at her sister, frowning. "I am not."
"You are."
Dalian huffed and turned her back to her. "Goodnight, Diane."
Diane smirked slightly before flipping a page. "Goodnight, Dalian."
But sleep didn't come easily that night.
And when it finally did, it was filled with fleeting, unspoken thoughts of warm eyes and a quiet voice calling her name.
A New Day Begins
Morning arrived with its usual chaos.
The scent of breakfast filled the air as Dalian hurriedly braided her hair, trying to keep up with the rhythm of the house. Aunt Beatrice was already in the kitchen, flipping pancakes while her baby cooed happily in the high chair. Dalian rushed to help, stirring the eggs while trying not to let her thoughts wander back to yesterday.
Lydia arrived at the doorstep just in time, grinning as she walked into the house uninvited. "Good morning, lovebirds."
Dalian nearly dropped the spatula. "Lydia—"
"I meant you and breakfast," Lydia teased, laughing at Dalian's flustered expression.
Aunt Beatrice chuckled as she set the table. "You two are always so lively in the morning."
Dalian gave Lydia a pointed look. "She's the lively one."
Lydia only winked. "You love me anyway."
Soon, they were out the door, Diane joining them as they made their way to the bus stop.
The morning air was crisp, a slight chill lingering from the night before. At the stop, students gathered in clusters, chatting about assignments, upcoming tests, and gossip.
As the bus arrived, Lydia nudged Dalian. "Excited for another day of seeing him?"
Dalian sighed heavily. "I'm not answering that."
Lydia smirked. "You just did."
Dalian stepped onto the bus without looking back.
But she could feel her heart beating just a little faster.
Would she see Jack right away?
Would he say anything to her?
She shook the thought away as she found a seat.
It was just another school day.
Right?
The school gates loomed ahead as the bus came to a stop, spilling students onto the campus grounds. The usual morning buzz filled the air—friends greeting each other, some hurrying to grab coffee before the first bell, others frantically flipping through notes, cramming for last-minute quizzes.
Dalian walked with Lydia and Diane through the halls, blending into the familiar flow of students.
Midweek.
That meant their presentation was creeping closer.
Diane sighed as she adjusted her bag strap. "Anna and Jack will want to meet soon. We need to finalize everything before next week."
Lydia hummed, throwing a glance at Dalian. "Sounds like someone's got more chances to spend time with a certain someone."
Dalian nearly tripped. "Lydia—"
Diane, oblivious to the teasing, simply nodded. "We'll talk after class. Just make sure you're prepared."
Dalian muttered under her breath, ignoring Lydia's knowing smirk as they entered their first class of the day.
First Class: Settling In
The classroom was already half full when they arrived. Mr. Collins, their homeroom teacher, stood at the front, flipping through a stack of papers. He didn't acknowledge them immediately, too focused on whatever was in his hands.
Dalian slid into her seat, exhaling slowly.
The seat beside her was empty—for now.
She stole a glance around the room, scanning faces. Jack hadn't arrived yet.
Lydia sat in front of her, twisting slightly in her seat. "Still looking for him?" she whispered, a teasing glint in her eyes.
Dalian shot her a glare. "I was not—"
Before she could finish, the door swung open, and Jack strolled in.
Her breath hitched, but she forced herself to look away, busying herself with taking out her notebook.
Jack moved toward his usual seat, which happened to be not too far from hers. He seemed as calm as ever, barely acknowledging the chatter around him.
Mr. Collins cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Settle down, everyone."
The murmurs faded, and the lesson began.
Dalian tried to focus. Really, she did.
But her mind kept drifting—to the upcoming presentation, to Jack's presence in the room, and to Lydia's words that refused to leave her head.
Would she really ask him out after the presentation?
Or was she just getting ahead of herself?
Mr. Collins adjusted his glasses as he tapped a finger against his desk, signaling the class to open their books. "Alright, everyone, let's continue where we left off yesterday. Turn to page seventy-four."
The rustling of pages filled the air as students flipped through their textbooks. Dalian glanced at her own, though her mind wasn't entirely on the words in front of her.
"Who can summarize the key points from our last discussion?" Mr. Collins asked, his sharp gaze scanning the room.
A few hands hesitantly went up—Diane's among them.
Mr. Collins nodded toward her. "Diane, go ahead."
Diane straightened in her seat, her voice steady. "Last class, we talked about the shift in modern consumer behavior and how traditional markets are struggling to maintain relevance. While some have adapted by integrating technology, others still rely on cultural significance and personal connections to survive."
Mr. Collins gave an approving nod. "Good. Now, does anyone remember the primary economic factors influencing this shift?"
Silence.
Dalian tapped her pencil against her notebook, eyes flickering between the text and the front of the classroom.
Jack's voice cut through the quiet. "Consumer convenience, globalization, and pricing competition from large-scale retailers."
Dalian turned slightly in her seat, her eyes landing on him.
He was leaning back, effortlessly relaxed, as if the answer had required no thought at all.
Mr. Collins seemed pleased. "Exactly. Convenience plays a major role in modern shopping habits. People prefer accessibility, online platforms, and competitive pricing over traditional experiences. But that brings up a question—" He paused, then glanced around the room. "Are traditional markets truly fading, or are they simply evolving?"
A murmur spread through the class.
Lydia nudged Dalian with her elbow. "This sounds like something you'd have thoughts on," she whispered.
Dalian hesitated, then lifted her hand slightly.
Mr. Collins caught the movement. "Dalian?"
She took a breath. "I think traditional markets are evolving more than fading. Sure, big businesses have changed how we shop, but local markets offer something they can't—community. People still want that personal connection, the sense of familiarity. It's not just about buying something; it's about experiencing it."
Jack turned his head slightly, watching her as she spoke.
She felt the weight of his gaze but forced herself to stay focused.
Mr. Collins nodded. "That's an important perspective. While economic factors do play a role, emotional and cultural ties influence consumer habits just as much."
He continued explaining, but Dalian barely registered it.
Jack was still looking at her.
When their eyes met, he gave the slightest tilt of his head—acknowledging her point, maybe even agreeing with it.
And for some reason, that tiny gesture made her heartbeat quicken.
Class Ends:
The bell rang, breaking the spell of focused discussion. Students stretched, gathering their books as chatter filled the room once more.
Dalian hurriedly packed her things, still processing the way Jack had looked at her.
Lydia leaned close. "That was interesting."
Dalian swallowed. "What was?"
"The way he listened to you."
She tried to brush it off, but her mind replayed the moment anyway.
Was it possible that Lydia was right?
Before she could think too much, Diane turned to her. "Lunch?"
Dalian nodded, grateful for the distraction.
The cafeteria awaited, but her thoughts were already tangled in something else.
Something—or someone—she hadn't quite figured out yet.
The cafeteria buzzed with life—students lining up for food, laughter echoing between tables, and the scent of warm meals drifting through the air. Dalian walked beside Diane and Lydia, but her mind still lingered on the earlier class discussion.
The way Jack had looked at her. The way he had listened.
She shook off the thought.
"Alright," Lydia said as they stepped into the food line. "I'm starving. What are we getting?"
Dalian hummed in thought, scanning the options. She wasn't particularly hungry—her stomach felt unsettled for a different reason.
Then, as she turned toward the trays, a familiar voice spoke beside her.
"What are you thinking of getting?"
Her breath caught. Huh
Jack stood there, casual as ever, hands in his pockets.
Dalian's grip on her tray tightened. "Oh, um…" she swallowed, trying to sound normal. "I haven't decided yet."
Jack glanced at the options before turning back to her. "I'd recommend the grilled chicken. It's probably the safest choice today."
She blinked, surprised. "You actually pay attention to the food here?"
He smirked slightly. "I try to avoid bad choices."
Before she could respond, he picked up two trays and handed one to her. "Here. Just in case."
Her fingers brushed against his as she took it. A small, fleeting touch, but enough to send a shiver through her.
Dalian forced herself to act natural, nodding. "Thanks."
Jack didn't say anything, just moved ahead to pay for his meal.
Dalian exhaled sharply, her heart still hammering.
Lydia, standing a few steps behind, gave her a knowing look. "I saw that."
Dalian rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up her face. "It's just food."
Lydia grinned. "Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that."
Lunch Table: Lydia's Teasing Continues
Dalian sat down, trying to ignore the way her hands still tingled. Lydia and Diane joined her, but before they could start eating, Lydia leaned in, smirking.
"So… Jack just happened to be next to you in line?"
Dalian stabbed at her food. "It was a coincidence."
Lydia tilted her head. "And he just decided to recommend something to you?"
Dalian groaned. "Can you drop it?"
Lydia grinned. "Not a chance."
Diane, uninterested in their conversation, focused on her meal. "If you spent half as much time on studying as you do teasing Dalian, you'd be top of the class, Lydia."
Lydia waved a hand. "Academics can wait. Love lives are more interesting."
Dalian coughed. "There's no love life."
Lydia just smirked, her expression saying we'll see about that.
Across the cafeteria, Jack sat with his usual group. He wasn't looking at her, not anymore. But for some reason, Dalian felt his presence.
And she wasn't sure if that was a good thing… or dangerous.
Lunch was nearly over, but the cafeteria still buzzed with life. Diane had left early to check something for their presentation, leaving Dalian and Lydia to finish up.
Dalian pushed her tray away, feeling full but restless. "I think I need some air."
Lydia arched a brow, chewing lazily. "Or maybe you need a distraction?"
Dalian shot her a look. "It's just a walk, Lydia."
Lydia smirked but didn't argue. "Alright, enjoy your totally innocent walk."
Rolling her eyes, Dalian grabbed her drink and stepped outside.
The crisp air was refreshing after the crowded cafeteria. She leaned against a tree near the walkway, sipping her drink and letting her thoughts settle.
Then, footsteps.
"Skipping the rest of lunch?"
Dalian turned, startled.
Jack stood a few steps away, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable.
"I—" she hesitated. "Just needed a little air."
Jack nodded, stepping closer. "Yeah. It gets a bit loud in there."
She watched as he leaned slightly against the tree next to her, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp.
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Not awkward, but charged with something else.
Dalian shifted, glancing at him. "So… are you usually this quiet?"
Jack smirked faintly. "Only when I don't have much to say."
"And right now?" she asked, testing the waters.
He looked at her then, his dark eyes unreadable. "I guess I'm just listening."
Dalian's heart did something strange in her chest.
Is he flirting?
Before she could figure out what to say next, the bell rang in the distance, signaling the end of lunch.
Jack straightened. "Guess that's our cue."
Dalian exhaled, pushing off the tree. "Yeah."
They fell into step together, walking back toward the school.
She wasn't sure what had just happened, but one thing was certain—Jack had a way of throwing her off balance.
And she wasn't sure if she hated it… or liked it.
The classroom was already half-full when Dalian and Lydia stepped inside. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow on the desks. The atmosphere was calmer now, the post-lunch sluggishness settling over the students.
Dalian slid into her seat, still slightly distracted by her brief moment with Jack outside. She barely noticed Lydia watching her until her friend nudged her.
"So," Lydia whispered, a knowing grin creeping onto her face. "Did you happen to run into someone outside?"
Dalian busied herself with arranging her notebooks. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Lydia gasped dramatically. "You so do! You left for air, and somehow, somehow, Jack also ended up needing air? Come on, Dalian."
Dalian shot her a look but couldn't fight the small smile tugging at her lips. "It wasn't anything."
Lydia hummed. "If you say so." But her smirk said otherwise.
Before Dalian could argue, Mr. Collins entered the room, calling the class to order.
"All right, settle down," he said, adjusting his glasses. "Let's get started."
The murmurs faded as students straightened in their seats.
Mr. Collins turned to the board, writing the topic of the day: "Understanding Market Dynamics in a Changing Economy."
Dalian exhaled, shifting her focus. The moment with Jack would have to wait—right now, class demanded her attention.