The next morning, everyone got up early—everyone except me.
Being the stubborn sleepyhead that I am, not even their yelling could wake me. They all gave up eventually, but then Xavier had to go and flash his phone's torchlight right into my eyes.
I groaned and squeezed my eyes shut, whining like a child. "Just two more minutes," I pleaded.
"No. We're already late. Class is about to start," Xavier replied coldly—and I hated that tone.
"Get up already, Ella," Sofi said.
"Okay, okay! Give me ten minutes. I'll be ready."
I grumbled and struggled my way out of the stubborn blanket cocoon I'd wrapped myself in.
After a quick shower, I heard the others chatting about yesterday's class outside.
Miss Luna had left quite an impression—kind, calm, and the way she taught values and feelings so effortlessly… I was starting to become a fan myself.
Ten minutes later, I was ready. We headed to the garden where chairs were arranged in neat rows between patches of beautiful, blooming plants.
It was stunning—the most beautiful view I've ever seen.
The cold morning breeze, combined with the peaceful silence, created a feeling I didn't want to leave.
"I want to start waking up early just to come here," I sighed, breathing in the fresh air.
"First, try to wake up on time even once, sleepyhead."
Sofi playfully smacked the back of my head.
Xavier chuckled, and I shot them both a death glare.
Then, Mr. Jason walked in, his expression unreadable, almost like someone had just pissed him off. We all froze in silence. He took a seat in front of us and stared for a long moment.
Just when the tension became unbearable, he broke into a laugh.
"Calm down. You don't have to be scared of me. I'm not the aggressive type," he said. "But… if anyone says or does something that ticks me off, you'll meet the terrible version of me."
His gaze landed on Kai and Rhen, who both rolled their eyes.
He let it slide.
"So, any guesses what this class is about?"
No one answered. We were still unsure if he was genuinely chill or just pretending.
"No guesses?"
Kai raised a hand. "Considering we're surrounded by plants and flowers… maybe some sort of botany? Or a lesson about nature?"
"Close," Mr. Jason nodded.
"Or maybe... something about the nature of people through the symbolism of flowers?" I added.
"Very well said. What's your name?"
"Stella."
"Alright, Stella. Let me ask you, then—do you think flowers reflect human nature? Can you name one and explain?"
I looked around until my eyes landed on a tall, bright sunflower.
"Sunflower," I said. "The optimist. Always turning toward the sun. Some people naturally look for light and positivity—they remind us to face the bright side."
"But if you're always chasing the light," Xavier cut in, "you'll eventually get tired. Some people think they have to be happy all the time—even when they're hurting. That's exhausting."
"Nice debate," Mr. Jason nodded. "Anyone else?"
I glanced at Xavier. He seemed off somehow, quieter than usual.
"Sunflowers grow in fields, side by side, all facing the same way," Sofi said. "It shows how growth can be better when we support each other and share our light."
Mr. Jason smiled, then turned to the plant beside him.
"Good points. But Stella, you mentioned sunflowers always turn to the sun, just like people look for hope. Does that mean you have to rely on someone else to feel hope or find light?"
He gently plucked a flower from the plant and handed it to me.
"This is a Flamingo Flower. It blooms with a calm beauty even in the shadows. It's introverted, mysterious… but deeply powerful."
I stared at the flower, speechless.
"Now, the Moonflower," he continued, pointing to another plant. "It blooms only at night—unfolding its beauty in darkness."
Before he could continue, someone from across the group spoke up.
"Moonflowers show us that it's okay to exist in the dark… to sit with sadness, to feel deeply," the boy said. His voice cracked slightly, but he steadied it. "Sometimes the most beautiful growth happens when you're honest about your pain."
Mr. Jason nodded slowly.
"So, while the Sunflower says 'look at the light,' the Moonflower whispers, 'it's okay to rest in the dark.'"
He walked behind Xavier, who was staring down at his shoes.
"But then, there's the Daisy," he said softly, placing one in Xavier's hand. "It's a simple flower—yet it always rises again. It just trusts that the sun will come back."
Xavier didn't say anything. He just looked at the Daisy in his hand.
Mr. Jason moved toward Sofi next.
"The Lotus," he said, "grows in muddy water, surrounded by many others, yet blooms gracefully on its own. Unity is beautiful, but real strength—like the Lotus—comes from within."
"But my friends are my strength," Sofi countered.
"Some friends, maybe," he said gently. "But not all. Some only stay to borrow your strength to brighten their path. If you find a true friend, never let them go. But if you don't… learn to shine alone."
"What are you trying to say?" asked the same boy whose voice felt too familiar, though I still couldn't see his face.
Mr. Jason smiled as he returned to his seat.
"A great question," he said. "Everything in life has more than one meaning—many, even. But we humans see just one side and decide it's the whole truth. We judge too fast. We assume we know what someone is feeling, but often, we don't even know half their story."
The garden was silent after his words.
He stood up.
"Class is over—but you have a task. Look closely at different flowers, research their meaning, and choose the one that represents you."
And with that, he left.
Later, we all headed to the canteen. Well, almost all—Xavier went straight to the room.
"Guys, I'll skip lunch. I don't feel like eating," I said, buying two coffees before heading to the elevator.
When I reached the 54th floor and stepped out—
"Ouch!"
I collided with someone.
"I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" he asked quickly. That voice… it was so familiar. It was him—the one from today's class.
"You hurt your ankle—here, let me help."
He gently helped me to the nearest couch.
I finally looked up at his face. He was staring at my ankle with concern.
"Wait... you?" I gasped.
We'd gone to the same school. Lived on the same street. Best friends.
Until my parents suddenly put me in private classes.
We lost contact.
Our families… they hate each other. Always trying to one-up, humiliate, and prove they're better than the other.
But now… here he was.
He gently adjusted the way I was sitting, crouching in front of me with focus written all over his face. His hand hovered near my ankle, careful not to touch it too hard.
"I think it's just twisted a little. Not too bad," he murmured. "You always were clumsy."
"Tian... I can't believe it's you." I blinked, still trying to process it all.
"I was thinking the same when I saw you in class today. But I wasn't sure if you'd even remember me." He looked up and warmly smiled at me
"Of course, I remember you." I playfully hit his shoulder, "You were my favourite human back then."
"Until your parents dragged you into private classes and we stopped talking."
"That wasn't my fault. You know how our families are."
"That wasn't my fault. You know how our families are."
"I am sick of them," He sighed.
Before I could say anything, Xavier's voice came from behind.
"Ella," He ran to me, kneeling, "What happened to you? Did you trip? Did you hurt somewhere else?"
"I-I am okay, really," I said, trying to calm Xavier, who was panicking over this.
"She hurt her ankle," Tian said helpfully, leaning back on his heels like he had all the time in the world. "I was just checking it. Don't worry, I've got experience. She used to fall off her cycle every other day as a kid."
"Oh?" Xavier looked at him properly now, eyes narrowing slightly. "And you are?"
"Tian," he said, offering a smug little smile. "Childhood best friend. Probably knew her before you did."
Xavier didn't smile back.
"Well, that's cute," he said flatly, then turned his attention back to me. "Can you stand?"
"I think so…"
He offered his arm without hesitation. "Here. Lean on me."
Before I could react, Tian beat him to it, already holding my other arm. "Let me help, too. Just in case Xavier drops you."
"I won't," Xavier said through gritted teeth.
"Well, accidents happen," Tian replied innocently, lips twitching.
They both helped me stand together. The tension was so thick I could practically hear it buzzing between them. I blinked between their faces, realizing they were both still holding me.
Xavier's jaw was clenched. Tian was smirking like this was a game he was just starting to enjoy.
I cleared my throat. "Okay, I'm good now. Really."
But they didn't let go.
"Tian was just helping, Xavier," I said quickly. "He's in our class too."
Xavier's expression didn't soften. "Good. Then I'll make sure he doesn't try anything."
Tian raised both eyebrows. "Try what, exactly?"
"Let's go," Xavier muttered, ignoring him. He took the coffee cup from my hand and passed it to the other, supporting my uninjured side. "Come on. You need to rest that ankle."
I glanced back at Tian, who gave a small wink.
"I'll see you around, Stella."
"I'm sure you will," Xavier muttered.
I know Tian very well; he was trying something. He always likes to test people and play his little game, and maybe his next game target is Xavier. Oh god, I hate this. Xavier was so pissed right now but still soft to me. Is he jealous? But I don't think he feels anything towards me, after all, we aren't this close, but still.
I was pulled out of my thoughts when Xavier put an ice pack on my ankle.
"That's too cold," I whined.
"You have to put it otherwise, the injury may get worse," Xavier said calmly.
"So… childhood best friend, huh?"
"Oh yeah Tian, he is my bestie."
"You look so close to being just besties," Xavier murmured almost inaudibly, but I heard it.
"We are just besties. We met after a long time, so we were both happy seeing each other."
"Did he injure you?"
"It was an accident, I was in a rush and bumped into him."
"Why were you in a rush? You might get a serious injury if you don't take care of yourself."
"I am sorry," I said, pouting slightly. "But I was in a rush because I bought you a coffee, here," I said, handing him the coffee.
"You didn't join us at the canteen, so I thought you might get hungry," I said, sipping my coffee.
Xavier also took a sip, "Thank you," He said, still not convinced about the bestie thing
"What is going on?" Effie said, looking confused, "Stella, you okay?" She rushed to me as she noticed my ankle.
"Oh my!" Sofi did the same, "How did you get injured?"
"I-"
"Yeah, her childhood 'bestie' happened to appear from nowhere and bumped into her, making him fall on the ground, and she got injured," Xavier said with a dramatic tone, "jerk," he murmured, which no one was able to hear.
"I am okay, guys, no need to worry about me, it's just a small pain, it will go away in a few minutes," I said
"Good, you are safe," Ethan said, sitting on his bed.
"But what's wth that childhood bestie thing?" Antonio asked curiously, looking between me and Xavier
Xavier looked away as if he had a hearing disability.
"Yeah, he is Tian, I will introduce you all to him next time we meet."
"I will wait till then," Antonio said and throwing himself on Ethan's lap, "Ah, I am so tired."
"Can you guys do your shit somewhere else, it's annoying" Sofi said playfully rolling her eyes.
"Nope, you have to bear with it," Antonio said with a smirk.
"Don't mind him, guys, he is annoying like that," Ethan said calmly, but not letting him go. Instead, he started caressing his head.
"I can't help, my boyfriend is just so cute," Antonio said, clinging more to him.
"EW," we all said in unison and made a disgusted face.
We all stayed like that for a while—chatting, bickering, pretending like we weren't secretly waiting for someone to bring him up again.
Sofi passed me a pain relief patch. "Here, use this later if it still hurts."
"Thanks."
Xavier said nothing. But I felt his gaze flick to my ankle once, then away again.
Suddenly, our group chat buzzed.
[Notification: Garden Gathering Tonight - 8 PM | Compulsory Group Bonding Activity]
"Oh god, not this again," Ethan groaned. "Is this the 'staring at the moon and opening your heart' kind of thing?"
"I'm not emotionally available after 7 PM," Antonio said, still comfortably settled in Ethan's lap.
"I think it sounds fun," Sofi said, smiling. "We're all going."
My eyes met Xavier's. "You coming?"
He shrugged. "If I don't, who'll stop your bestie from tripping over you again?"
I rolled my eyes, but I kind of enjoyed this thing, whatever is going on with Xavier.
As night fell, the garden transformed.
It wasn't overly fancy, but still beautiful in a subtle, dreamy way. Warm fairy lights were strung from tree to tree, glowing like tiny stars. A few colorful lanterns hung from branches, swaying gently with the breeze. There were picnic blankets laid out, low tables with candles in jars, and cushions scattered everywhere like someone had decided comfort was more important than style—and somehow made it both.
A table on one side had board games, another had paint and blank paper with a sign that said "Draw what you feel." On the far end, there was a "truth tree" where you could hang a card with one honest sentence written on it. It looked cheesy, but kind of sweet.
"Okay, this is kinda cute," Sofi said, nudging my arm as we stepped in.
"I feel like I'm walking into a low-budget romance movie," Ethan added, looking around with his arms crossed—but the slight smile betrayed him.
"Low-budget? This is elite," Antonio corrected. "There's food."
Everyone headed off to explore. I slowly made my way toward one of the picnic setups and carefully sat on a cushion. My ankle still throbbed a little, but it wasn't too bad anymore.
A few minutes later, someone plopped down beside me.
"Hey," Tian said casually, handing me a cup of warm cocoa. "Thought you might want this. You always liked it more than coffee."
I blinked. "You remember that?"
"Of course," he said with a grin. "You used to dip your fries in it. Still weird, by the way."
I laughed. "Old habits die hard."
Before I could say more, Xavier walked by and gave Tian a sharp look.
"Is he your bodyguard or what?" Tian said, holding that smirk on his face.
"Well, whether I am or not doesn't concern you."
"Of course it does, I am her childhood bestie, I care about her," Tian said, standing and moving close to Xavier.
"And I am also her friend, and I worried about her as well." Xavier steps closer, "At least I don't bump into her and make her injured," He whispered in Tian's ear, defeating him this time as Tian can't find the comeback on time.
I rolled my eyes and took a sip of the cocoa. It was actually perfect.
Sofi plopped down beside me. "I just made a drawing of a potato with wings. I don't know what that says about me, emotionally, but it's out there now."
Antonio flopped beside her. "It says you're dramatic and hungry."
Ethan followed. "We're all dramatic and hungry."
"True," I muttered.
"GUYS, I found something interesting." Effie came and put a bowl of folded chips on the paper
"What's this?" Tian said, coming to sit beside me again, but Xavier was fast. Tian groaned but sat beside Sofi.
"Well, you are...?" Effie questioned
"Tian, Ella's friend," I nodded
Everyone greeted him
"So there are some chits in the bowl and we have to do or answer anything it's saying."
"Then I will go first," Antonio said
He opened his card dramatically and read it out loud:
"Do an impression of someone here."
He turned toward Ethan instantly. "Oh, look at me, I'm Ethan. I only express feelings through forehead wrinkles and long sighs."
Ethan stared blankly. "That's not even—" He sighed, but accepted the truth.
Next was Sofi.
"What's a secret you've never told anyone?"
"Ooh," she said, grinning. "Okay. I still secretly ship Antonio and Ethan with different people."
Antonio gasped. "Betrayal!"
Ethan only blinked. "Seriously?"
Then it was Xavier's turn.
He opened the card slowly, unreadable as ever.
"Say one thing you feel but never say out loud."
Everyone immediately went quiet. Even Tian was paying attention now.
Xavier looked at the card a moment longer before shrugging, almost too casually.
"I hate it when I care about someone and genuinely want to know more about that person, but someone interrupts it." Xavier glared at Tian, who only smirked in response
Everyone went oohhhh, and I just chuckled.
Finally, it was my turn. I reached into the bowl and pulled out a card.
"Describe the person you feel closest to without saying their name."
Oh. Oh no.
"Ah..." I hesitate
"Come on, Ella, say something," Tian said with a grin.
"Okay… um… this person is… quiet, sometimes frustratingly so. But they notice things. More than they let on. They can be harsh sometimes, but it's like… they care too much and just don't know how to show it. And when they do show it, it's usually in the smallest ways." I looked at Xavier and passed him a smile, then turned towards Tian
"I am closest to one more person, that person can be annoying sometimes... every time, but when he is concerned, he will do whatever to keep me warm. This person notices small things and remembers them for a lifetime, like what drink I like the most."
"Okay, who are these two mystery people?" Sofi gasped dramatically.
Antonio leaned in like he was solving a crime. "I vote for Xavier and Tian."
"I vote potato with wings," Ethan said, sipping from his juice.
Tian raised both eyebrows. "Annoying? Wow. Harsh."
"But accurate," I added.
Tian placed a hand on his heart. "You wound me, Ella. I was out here bringing you cocoa like a gentleman."
"You also smirk like a villain," Xavier muttered under his breath.
"Boys, relax," Sofi sighed. "You both made the list. Feel special."
Xavier looked down, trying to hide a smile.