There was a STEM festival at school, full of exciting exhibits and hands-on activities. Students could only explore within their scheduled time, but during recess, anyone was free to check it out. There was so much to see—scientific experiments, interactive displays, and various games.
As Monica wandered around, she couldn't help but glance at Lynx from time to time. Sometimes, he looked hilarious messing around with a skeleton model in the lab. Other times, he looked effortlessly cool, playing games on one of the computers as if it was the easiest thing in the world. Then, there were moments when he seemed genuinely intrigued, listening intently to a senior explain how something worked. He looked different from the first time she met him—just a little more outgoing, a little more engaged.
Lynx even participated in some of the games set up for the festival, something Monica wouldn't have expected months ago.
Not long after the festival ended, another event was held by a certain class, featuring a photo booth and other fun activities. Monica wanted to ask Lynx if he wanted to take a picture together but was too afraid, so she asked her circle of friends instead.
At this time, Chelz was already skipping school, not because of an early holiday, but simply because he was too lazy to come. He was probably having fun in another district, not a care in the world. Well, that was his fault. At least she still had Nana and Dan, a student who had moved in a few months after Chelz.
As expected from Nana, she made sure to drag Lynx along. Great job, Nana—always bringing the lovebirds closer.
At first, they all took a group photo together, but then Nana suggested, "How about you two take one alone?"
Monica hesitated, but Lynx didn't seem to mind, so they agreed. Unfortunately, they ran out of Polaroid film, so the student in charge said they would send the digital version via Telegram. Monica gave them her contact.
Later, when the pictures arrived, Monica was surprised to see an extra one—Lynx had actually gone to the photo booth alone. It seemed like whoever sent the pictures thought that one was meant for her as well. Not that she would complain—it was a nice surprise. Of course, she didn't tell Lynx about it.
Later, when she told Chelz what had happened, he was immediately jealous. "What? You guys went to a photo booth together? And I wasn't in the frame?"
"Well, no one asked you to ditch school," Monica replied with a smirk.
"Still! That's so unfair," Chelz groaned dramatically.
It was his own fault, really. But his reaction made Monica laugh.