A whole week of exams was finally over. The campus, which had been packed with stressed-out faces, was starting to feel alive again. The usual quiet was gone, replaced by students joking, complaining about tests, or just enjoying the freedom after all the chaos.
Lyra finally let herself breathe. She'd spent most of the week holed up in the secretary's office, sorting through notes and trying to catch up on work she'd been putting off. Still, she was pretty wiped out.
As she was stacking some papers, a familiar voice called from behind. "Hey, there you are! How'd your exams go?"
She turned to see her friend walking up with a big smile. Walter was right behind her, hands casually shoved in his pockets.
Lyra smiled a little. "Not too bad. Could've been worse. At least I don't think I totally tanked."
Suzie laughed. "See? I told you, you've got this."
Lyra glanced at Walter, then raised an eyebrow at Suzie. "Wait, what are you doing here? Isn't your class over in the design building?"
Suzie looped her arm through Walter's. "Duh, I'm here to hang out with Walter. Since he's business too, maybe we can grab lunch or something."
Lyra tried to keep her face neutral, but something tightened in her chest. She was used to seeing them like this, but it still threw her off sometimes.
Walter chuckled. "I'm down, but looks like Lyra's busy."
Lyra shook her head softly, pushing the weird feeling away. "Nah, just cleaning up a bit."
Suzie nodded, all fired up. "Oh, and you have to come to the campus event this week!"
Lyra frowned. "Event?"
"Yeah! I'm performing with the cheer squad. You have to come watch!" Suzie grabbed Lyra's hand like a kid begging for candy.
Lyra smiled faintly. "I'll try. If I'm free, I'll be there."
Suzie pouted. "You better! It means a lot to me. Plus, we can grab food after."
Walter laughed, ruffling Suzie's hair. "Chill out. If Lyra's busy, don't push it."
Suzie snorted. "Still, I really hope she shows up. It's been forever since we hung out."
Lyra looked at her, feeling the truth in those words. She'd been drowning in work and hadn't seen her friends in ages. Maybe it was time to change that.
"Alright, I'll try," she said.
Suzie's face lit up. "Yay! Don't forget! I'm gonna check if everyone shows."
Walter shook his head with a grin, and Lyra smiled, but inside she wondered—how long could she keep this up?
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The late afternoon sky glowed golden-orange as the girl in a knee-length skirt and long-sleeved top stepped into one of the campus cafés still open.
Pushing open the heavy glass door, she spotted someone sitting inside, scrolling on his phone and sipping from a cup.
"Hey..." Lyra greeted, setting down her bag and sliding into the seat across from him.
The guy, dressed in a varsity jacket, looked up. "Oh, you're here…" He put his phone on the table. "How'd your exams go?"
Lyra let out a long sigh, hunched her shoulders. "Pretty smooth, I guess. But still exhausting."
Robin smiled faintly, raising an eyebrow. "See? I told you, you gotta take breaks sometimes. But at least it's over."
She smiled back, feeling a little lighter after hearing that. "Have you been waiting long?"
He shook his head. "Not really. I was with Nelson earlier, but he had to head home—probably back to gaming or catching that indie band's concert he loves."
Lyra nodded.
"Wanna order something first?" Robin asked. "No plans after this, right?"
Lyra nodded. "Of course. Who else would I have plans with besides you?" She picked up the menu lying on the table.
For some reason, Robin felt a little happy hearing that and watched her quietly as she focused on deciding what to order.
"Order whatever you want. I got this," Robin said.
Lyra looked up, frowning a bit. "No need… you've treated me plenty already."
"Come on, order. You even treated me at the festival. Think of this as a little reward for finishing exams."
"What is that? You're the one who had exams too, and you sound like my mom…" Lyra chuckled.
"Oh yeah? Then your mom's really caring—giving you treats after exams, huh?"
The dark-haired girl laughed softly. "Yeah... Mom always cooks me something delicious after exams. Man, I miss her."
Robin chuckled. "Sounds like my mom. If you met her, I bet you'd feel right at home."
Lyra frowned. "Why would I meet your mom?"
"Well, you said you miss your mom... maybe mine could help with that."
She shook her head in disbelief but laughed softly too. "That'd be nice…"
Robin smiled, watching Lyra relax a bit, though beneath her light laughter, something else lingered. Since they first met, she'd seemed a little frustrated, weighed down by heavy thoughts.
Once Lyra ordered, silence settled between them until Robin finally broke it.
"Hey," he said suddenly, making her look up. "What's on your mind?"
Lyra blinked, then glanced away briefly. "I'm just... confused."
His brow furrowed. "Why? Exams are over, right? What's still bothering you? Or are you really missing your mom?"
"Not exactly..." Lyra narrowed her eyes. After a week apart, he hadn't changed much. "Suzie asked me to come to a campus event. She said it's important because the cheerleading team's performing."
Robin didn't say anything at first, just stared at her with an unreadable look.
Hearing that, he figured out what Lyra had been trying to do—bury her feelings, try to move on. But hearing she still hesitated because of Suzie and Walter made him a little sad.
He sighed softly and asked, "So... you still have feelings for Walter?"
Lyra went quiet. That question hung in her mind. A few months ago, the answer would've been a clear yes. Feelings like that usually stick around, leaving a hard-to-shake ache. But now?
Somehow, it wasn't as strong anymore. She could still sense it, but it no longer ruled her heart. No longer hurt.
Maybe it was because of Robin. Because he was always there when she needed him. Because he helped her stop fixating on someone she couldn't have.
She looked down for a moment, then quietly said, "Not really. It's just... kind of awkward, I guess."
Robin studied her a beat, then smiled softly. "Like I said before, do what feels right for you. If you're not comfortable, don't force it."
Lyra met his calm gaze, feeling the honesty behind his words. Her heart warmed, like it was slowly finding a new place to rest.
Back when she was with Walter—even if they were just friends—he often said things like, "No," "Don't," or "What are you doing?" It felt like there were always limits, making her tread carefully. But with Robin? It was different. He never held her back or tried to control her. He let her be herself, do whatever she wanted, without fear of judgment.
She sighed quietly. Maybe, without realizing it, something inside her was changing. Something that pushed old wounds further behind.
Buzz... their phones vibrated at the same time, jolting them both. They glanced down at their screens.
"Hey, everyone! Before the Christmas break starts, we're throwing a little party to decorate the tree and exchange gifts in the Student Council secretary's room on Wednesday afternoon! Don't forget to bring a gift! Oh, and get ready—there'll be lots of surprises tomorrow."
Robin skimmed the message, then looked at Lyra with a small smile. "Looks like the student council's event is gonna be pretty packed."
Lyra stared at her phone for a moment, then set it down. "Yeah... I think there's a small celebration every year before Christmas."
Robin sipped his hot chocolate, eyes shining like he'd just had a new idea. "Gift exchange, huh? Hmm... I better find something good."
Lyra eyed him suspiciously, like she knew exactly what he was thinking. "Don't do anything weird."
Robin shrugged, looking innocent. "Who, me? No way."
Lyra sighed, pretending not to care. But inside, a warm feeling spread.
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After a long, draining day, Lyra finally stepped into her apartment. She shrugged off her coat, hanging it by the door, and shuffled toward her tiny kitchen. Most evenings, she'd just heat up leftovers from the fridge, but tonight, laziness won. With a flick of her thumb, she opened a food delivery app on her phone, picking something simple yet satisfying.
While waiting for her order, she slipped into the bathroom, letting warm water wash away the day's fatigue. Emerging refreshed, she threw on a loose sweater and shorts—her go-to for unwinding at home.
Sinking into the sofa, she flicked on a small table lamp and grabbed the novel she'd been neglecting. Soft music drifted from her speaker, setting a calm vibe as she dove into the pages, letting fiction pull her in. But her focus wavered. Her gaze drifted to a notebook on the table, and without thinking, she started doodling in the margins—abstract lines slowly forming snowflake-like patterns.
Her phone, still glowing beside the book, caught her eye. Her thoughts shifted to the upcoming gift exchange with the student council. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she pondered what to bring—something meaningful but not over-the-top.
Then, unbidden, her mind wandered to Robin.
Lately, they'd been spending a lot of time together. Robin, always there when she needed someone to talk to. Robin, with his teasing quips. Robin, who somehow made her days feel lighter.
She let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head. 'Why am I even thinking about him?' she muttered.
Her doodling paused. She stared at the little sketch she'd absentmindedly crafted—a nearly perfect snowflake.
With a small smile, she murmured, "Maybe… something simple but memorable."
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The student council room buzzed with an unusual warmth and energy. Normally a chaotic mess of books, scattered papers, and laptops humming with deadlines, today it glowed with festive cheer. Soft Christmas tunes floated from a small speaker in the corner, and twinkling fairy lights cast a cozy glow across the space. In the center stood a towering Christmas tree, half-decorated, surrounded by boxes of colorful ornaments.
Alton, the president, stood proudly in the middle, clapping to grab everyone's attention. "Alright, team! Let's split up. Tree decorators, grab ornaments here. Table decor crew, head to that corner. And anyone helping Mei and Adam with food, move fast before they eat all the cookies!"
A ripple of laughter spread through the group. Robin, standing near Lyra, shot her a lazy grin. "Wanna tackle the tree?" he asked.
Lyra eyed the half-bare fir and nodded. "Sure, why not?"
They approached the ornament boxes, picking through shiny baubles, red ribbons, and delicate snowflake decorations. Robin casually hung a golden orb on a branch, while Lyra took her time, ensuring each piece was perfectly balanced.
Their hands brushed as they both reached for the same red bauble. Lyra flinched, pulling back, while Robin just smirked at her reaction.
"Getting nervous?" he teased.
"Not a chance," she shot back, puffing out her cheeks before refocusing on the tree.
He chuckled, returning to his carefree ornament-hanging.
Minutes later, as Lyra carefully adjusted a red ribbon near the tree's top, Robin slipped something behind her ear—a tiny bell ornament.
She jolted, turning to him with a mix of annoyance and confusion. "What's this about?" she huffed.
Robin's grin widened. "You look cute with it."
Her cheeks warmed. She quickly plucked the bell off and hung it back on the tree, ignoring his smug stare.
Across the room, Mei and Adam, arranging snacks on a table, watched the scene unfold. Mei nudged Adam, whispering, "Are we witnessing a rom-com moment right now?"
Adam nodded. "They should just date already."
Robin, catching their words, let out a soft laugh. Lyra, pretending to be absorbed in hanging another ornament, acted like she heard nothing.
The room grew livelier, and though Lyra wasn't fully used to moments like these, she couldn't deny it—they felt… nice.
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The Christmas tree now sparkled, decked out with twinkling lights and colorful ornaments. Alton clapped his hands, pulling everyone's attention back.
"Alright, gift exchange time!" he announced, brimming with enthusiasm.
A cheer rippled through the room. Gift boxes piled up on a table draped with a red snowflake-patterned cloth. Some were neatly wrapped, others tossed into paper bags with minimal effort.
Alton raised a hand, ensuring all eyes were on him. "Rules are simple. You've all dropped off your anonymous gifts, right?" He paused for nods before continuing. "Now, we draw randomly. No complaining about what you get. Ready?"
The room erupted in excited chatter. One by one, members stepped up to grab a gift from the pile. Laughter broke out as quirky presents were revealed—a mug with a goofy cartoon, a tiny stuffed animal, even a bath set that left its recipient raising an eyebrow.
When Robin and Lyra's turn came, they stepped up almost in sync. Robin snagged a dark blue box tied with a silver ribbon, while Lyra picked a red one speckled with stars. Back at their spots, they tore into their gifts.
Robin ripped his open with a casual tug, pulling out a handmade resin snowflake keychain and a cozy gray beanie. He raised an eyebrow, surprised but intrigued.
"Who's the sweetheart behind this one?" he asked, twirling the keychain, inspecting its delicate details.
Lyra, sitting beside him, kept her cool, though her heart skipped a beat. She knew exactly who'd picked that gift. The snowflake reminded her of quiet winter days, and the beanie? Well, Robin wasn't one for warm clothes, but he'd need it in this chilly season. Of course, the anonymous rule kept her secret safe.
"At least it's not something weird," Robin said with a chuckle, trying the beanie on.
Lyra laughed, unwrapping her own gift—a soft, navy-blue knitted scarf, carefully crafted and warm to the touch. She ran her fingers over it, loving its cozy feel, wondering who'd chosen it.
The night rolled on with jokes and laughter, some trying to guess their gift-givers, though few got it right. For Lyra, the night felt special—more than just a holiday party. There was a warmth, a closeness, and maybe someone making it all feel a little brighter than years past.
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As the student council's Christmas bash wound down and folks started saying their goodbyes, Robin and Lyra lingered by the tree, soaking in the quieting vibe. The tree's tiny lights flickered, casting soft shadows across their faces.
Outside, winter's chill had settled over the city. Through the room's big window, the first snowflakes danced under streetlights.
Robin glanced at Lyra, who was fiddling with the fringe of her new scarf. "Hey," he said, catching her eye. "Wanna grab dinner? I know a great spot."
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Tonight?"
He nodded, all easy confidence. "Yeah, the party's wrapping up. Plus, we haven't really celebrated surviving exams, have we?"
She hesitated, glancing at the snow piling softly against the window. The cold outside clashed with the warmth in the room.
Finally, she cracked a small smile. "Fine. But if this place you're hyping up is a dud, I'm out."
Robin laughed. "Relax, I don't pick lame spots."
They said quick goodbyes to the remaining crew and stepped out of the campus building. The crisp air hit them instantly, but Lyra didn't mind. The night sky was stunning, snowflakes dusting their hair and shoulders.
Robin led the way to his car parked nearby, opening the passenger door. "Hop in. I'm driving."
Lyra smirked. "When have I ever driven when we're out together?"
"Fair point, but you never know when you'll get a wild urge," he teased, chuckling.
She rolled her eyes, sliding into the car. As Robin started the engine, the heater kicked in, wrapping them in warmth.
He drove off, and Lyra gazed out the window, taking in the city aglow with Christmas lights. It felt peaceful, comforting.
Without warning, Robin tugged off the gray beanie he'd gotten and plopped it on her head. "Wear this. Don't want your head freezing."
Lyra froze for a second, then shot him a playful glare. "Isn't that yours?"
"I'm a guy. My head's tough enough," he said lightly. "Besides, I've got the car heater."
She sighed, muttering to herself, Is he some kind of superhero? But she left the beanie—her gift to him—on, its warmth oddly soothing, his small gesture calming.
They cruised through the snowy night toward Robin's chosen restaurant. Along the way, Lyra felt something shift. The evening was serene, warm, and with someone by her side, it all felt… more meaningful.
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*** TO BE CONTINUE ***