RYENNE

[ 3.20 ] - Intermediate: The faster the better.

Intermediate: The faster the better.

[ 3.20 ]

R Y E N N E A T S T E L L I

『 Year 12 』

I arrived early to the gymnasium, setting up with the other members who were also present. As I pushed the ball cart, I felt a presence approaching me from my right.

I glanced over before looking forwards again, not paying much attention to Litheon who walked alongside me.

"Need some help?" He offered. I just rolled my eyes. Although he offered a helping hand, I knew that he was just asking for the sake of asking. Not with the intentions of actually doing it for me.

"No, thanks." I said blandly.

My enthusiasm had long been drained since midday break. I should've known better than to eat as many tarts as I did but I couldn't help myself. I just love them too much, but now I'm bearing the consequences. My energy was thoroughly drained and I would much rather be alone than around others.

Litheon stared at me quietly for a moment before tilting his face in front of mine.

"I can see two dark circles forming under your eyes." He let out a short, exaggerated gasp as he furrowed his brows together. "Ryn, you should really start taking care of your skin or else it'll become saggy by the time we enter high school."

I pursed my lips and watched as he continued to make fun of me.

"Litheon?" When I called his name, his laughter faded away. "Would you like me to crush your toes? Or crush your face?"

"Ehuh..." Litheon made an unintelligible sound as I continued towards the volleyball courts, rolling the carts without another word. I decided not to roll over his toes in the end.

"I think you've been influenced too much by Isa. What'd she say to make you hate me so much? I thought you were my best friend!" Litheon became dramatic as he squeezed tears out the corners of his eyes.

"She didn't say anything. She doesn't even talk about you anymore." I commented. I studied Litheon's face that went slightly stiff, but he tried to not show it.

"Is that so..."

"You seem disappointed." I raised a questioning brow, to which he fervently shook his head.

"I am NOT disappointed. If anything, good riddance." Litheon refuted. I watched him, a small grin finally forming on my lips.

"Well, if you say so."

"I meant it."

"Yes. Yes. You meant it." I repeated after him, nodding my head in large motions. Litheon pursed his lips and let out a sigh before shaking his head.

Finally putting the cart in place, I then turned to Litheon with bright eyes.

"Hey, do you want to come with me to get some tarts? I made them during the break and if we wait any longer, it won't taste as good as it's meant to be."

Litheon took a look around a gym before agreeing.

"Let's make it quick. I don't want to get lectured by Ryun or Coach Maret." I gave a reassuring smile as I pat his shoulder.

"Don't worry about it. With these tarts, they can sway even the toughest cookies."

Soon, I began making my way towards the salon, Litheon following behind me closely. We walked leisurely, but when we turned a corner, I immediately stopped, causing Litheon to nearly stomp over me.

Ignoring the curious boy behind me, I peaked over the side of the building to see what was going on.

Before my eyes stood a girl with short, dirty blonde hair and pale blue eyes. Across from her was a tall boy with pitch black hair, standing with a gloomy cloud hanging over his head.

"Pardon me." The boy said as he attempted to walk passed the girl. Ignoring his clear intentions to leave, the girl shut her eyes as she spread her arms out wide, preventing him from moving any further without bumping into her.

"Hey isn't that—" I immediately covered Litheon's mouth and shushed him as I continued watching the pair. 

"Pl-please spare me just a moment of your time!" The girl shouted. Her voice was soft and sweet, but the air around the boy was continuously becoming gloomy as his patience dwindled.

The boy didn't speak as he stopped and waited for the girl to say what she needed.

"I—I like you! If you'd be willing, I would like to get to know you better!" Her voice was so loud it almost echoed throughout the outdoor corridor.

With a bright red face filled with expectations, I couldn't help but feel slightly sorry for the girl. It was obvious what the outcome would be.

"My apologies, but I can not accept your feelings." The boy spoke slowly, making sure she heard every single word of his before walking passed her.

Like a bucket of ice had just been poured over her body, the girl's face paled as she froze in her spot.

"Wow. Xael is harsh." Litheon commented. "Has he never heard of letting someone down slowly?"

I glanced over to him and just shook my head as I began to walk towards the salon once again, a faint smile resting on my lips.

"Sometimes it's better to just let them down quickly. It doesn't give false hope. For Xael, the faster the better."

『 12 May x029 』

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Author's note:
I'm going to knock out right after I post this.
But I'm gonna admit, not my best work. Probably one of the worst chapters, but I'm getting closer to what I need.
But anyways...it's current 1:30 in the morning...
Yeah. I'm just gonna go now.

Question:
I feel like there was a lot given in this chapter. What do you think?

3.9.2020