After school, the air was thick with the hum of students chattering as they spilled out of classrooms and onto the streets. Diane, Anna, and Jack parted ways with Lydia and Dalian, heading toward the library to work on their research.
Dalian and Lydia, on the other hand, took their time walking home. The evening breeze was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly baked bread from a nearby shop. The golden hues of sunset stretched across the sky, painting everything in a soft glow.
Lydia nudged Dalian playfully. "Alright, now that we're away from prying ears, let's talk about you and Jack."
Dalian groaned, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck. "Again?"
Lydia grinned. "Yes, again! Because I know you, and I know you keep overthinking it."
Dalian sighed, kicking at a stray pebble on the path. "It's not that simple, Lydia."
"Sure it is," Lydia countered, her voice light. "You like him. He might like you. The only way to know is to let things play out instead of running away."
Dalian hesitated, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. "But what if—"
"Nope," Lydia cut her off, shaking her head. "No 'what ifs.' Just be yourself and see where it goes."
Dalian glanced at her, a small, uncertain smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You make it sound so easy."
Lydia winked. "That's because it is."
By the time they reached Dalian's house, the warm scent of dinner filled the air. Aunt Beatrice was sitting in the parlor, gently rocking her baby in her arms, humming softly to him. The little boy cooed, his tiny hands grasping at the air.
Dalian set her bag down and stretched. "We should start cooking."
Lydia clapped her hands. "Great! But just so you know, I'm only here to supervise. You're the chef."
Dalian rolled her eyes with a laugh. "You mean you're here to snack while I cook."
Lydia grinned. "Exactly."
As they moved into the kitchen, Dalian tied an apron around her waist, while Lydia leaned against the counter, watching.
"So," Lydia started, her voice teasing, "Jack."
Dalian groaned again, but this time, she didn't hide the small smile creeping onto her face.
The rhythmic chopping of vegetables filled the kitchen as Dalian focused on slicing onions with careful precision. The scent of sizzling garlic and herbs mingled in the air, a comforting warmth wrapping around the space. Lydia, true to her word, leaned against the counter with an apple in hand, taking slow bites as she watched Dalian work.
"So…" Lydia's voice carried an unmistakable lilt of mischief.
Dalian didn't look up. "Don't."
Lydia grinned. "Don't what? I haven't even said anything yet."
Dalian sighed, setting the knife down and wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. "I know that tone."
Lydia chewed thoughtfully, then gestured with the apple. "Alright, hear me out. After the presentation, you ask Jack out."
Dalian nearly dropped the towel. "What?!"
Lydia laughed, clearly enjoying the reaction. "It's perfect! You'll have an excuse to talk to him more because of Diane's group project, and once that's over, there's nothing stopping you."
Dalian shook her head, returning to the stove and stirring the pot of simmering stew. "That's ridiculous."
"Is it, though?" Lydia pressed. She set her apple down and hopped onto the counter, swinging her legs. "You like him, Dalian. And let's be real, Jack is either clueless or too reserved to make the first move."
Dalian didn't respond immediately, her grip tightening on the wooden spoon. The bubbling stew filled the kitchen with a rich aroma, but her thoughts were elsewhere. "And what if he says no?"
Lydia scoffed. "Then at least you'll know, instead of driving yourself crazy wondering."
Dalian frowned, staring into the pot as if the answer could be found between the floating chunks of meat and vegetables. The thought of putting herself out there made her stomach twist.
Lydia slid off the counter, stepping closer. Her voice softened, the teasing edge gone. "Look, I get it. It's scary. But you deserve to go after what you want, Dalian. You spent so long putting everyone else first. Maybe it's time you do something for yourself."
Dalian swallowed, her chest tightening. Lydia wasn't wrong. For so long, she had lived in Diane's shadow, always the quiet one, the careful one. Maybe it was time to change that.
She exhaled slowly. "I'll think about it."
Lydia beamed, bumping her hip against Dalian's. "That's all I'm asking."
Dalian rolled her eyes but couldn't fight back the small smile creeping onto her face. Maybe… just maybe… she could be brave this time.
The library was quiet except for the occasional rustle of pages and the soft hum of the ceiling fans. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting golden streaks across the wooden tables. Diane, Anna, and Jack sat at a corner table, textbooks and notes spread out between them.
Diane tapped the end of her pen against her notebook, eyes scanning the page in front of her. "The economic impact of traditional markets in modern society…" she murmured. "We should start by outlining key points—what do we focus on first?"
Anna, flipping through a thick economics book, didn't look up. "Maybe we should begin with the history of traditional markets. How they started, their role in local economies."
Jack leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "That's good, but we also need to compare them to modern supermarkets and online commerce. Show the contrast."
Diane nodded, jotting down notes. "Right. We can break it into three parts: history, economic relevance today, and comparison with modern markets."
Jack reached for his notebook and scribbled something. "And we need real examples—local markets, maybe statistics on how they still contribute to employment."
Anna smiled. "That's a great idea. If we can find case studies, it'll make our presentation more solid."
As they worked, the table filled with open books, highlighters, and the occasional scribbled note passed between them. Diane, lost in thought, bit her lip as she wrote. She loved the rush of organizing research, of shaping it into something meaningful.
Jack watched her for a moment before speaking. "You're really into this, huh?"
Diane looked up, caught off guard. "Huh?"
Jack smirked. "This whole project. You look like you're having fun."
Anna laughed. "That's Diane for you. She's probably already planning how to make our slides look perfect."
Diane rolled her eyes. "Someone has to make sure we don't go up there unprepared."
Jack chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I'll admit, it's better than I expected. I thought this topic would be boring, but it's actually interesting."
Anna leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "That's because we make a good team."
Diane smiled, feeling the steady rhythm of their work settle in. The research was coming together, and for the first time in a while, she felt a sense of accomplishment.
Maybe this school year wouldn't be so bad after all.
Dalian stirred the pot, steam rising in soft curls. Beside her, Lydia leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching her with an amused smirk.
"You know," Lydia began, tilting her head, "Diane, Jack, and Anna are at the library. You should go join them."
Dalian didn't even look up as she continued stirring. "They don't need me. Besides, they're researching. I'd just be in the way."
Lydia snorted. "That's the worst excuse I've ever heard."
Dalian sighed, shifting her weight. "I just… I don't see the point. Diane and Anna already have a good grip on the topic, and Jack—" She hesitated, lowering her voice. "Jack's probably focused on the work."
Lydia leaned closer, grinning. "Or maybe he'd like a little distraction."
Dalian shot her a look. "I am not going to the library just to stare at him while he works."
Lydia laughed, stealing a piece of carrot from the cutting board. "I never said that. But let's be real—you're always thinking about him. And let's not forget, you need an opportunity to talk to him. You can't just sit here and hope something magically happens."
Dalian let out a small groan. "I hate how much sense you make."
Lydia grinned. "I know. It's one of my best qualities."
Dalian turned off the stove, exhaling slowly. "What if it's awkward?"
Lydia shrugged. "Then make it not awkward. Just be yourself. Besides, it's not like you have to confess right this second. Just go, help with the research, and see how things play out."
Dalian hesitated, staring at the bubbling pot. She knew Lydia was right, but the thought of sitting across from Jack, trying to focus while her heart pounded, made her feel ridiculous.
Still… wasn't this exactly what she had wanted?
Lydia nudged her with a teasing smile. "Come on, you're not scared, are you?"
Dalian huffed. "Fine. But if this goes horribly wrong, I'm blaming you."
Lydia clapped her hands together. "That's the spirit! Now, go before you change your mind."
With a final deep breath, Dalian wiped her hands, untied her apron, and grabbed her bag. As she walked toward the door, Lydia called after her, "And remember—confidence!"
Dalian shook her head but couldn't stop the small smile tugging at her lips.
Maybe… just maybe, this wouldn't be so bad.
The cool evening air brushed against Dalian's skin as she hurried toward the library, her thoughts still lingering on Lydia's teasing words.
"Just go. You might not get another chance like this."
She had rolled her eyes at the time, but now, as she neared the library, she couldn't ignore the small flutter of anticipation in her chest.
Then, just as she turned the corner—
She nearly collided with someone.
"Whoa—"
Dalian stumbled back, her heart skipping a beat before she registered who it was.
Jack.
She blinked up at him, taking in the slightly amused tilt of his lips.
"Why are you alone?" she asked, her voice steadier than she expected. "Are you done already?"
Jack nodded, adjusting the strap of his bag. "Yeah, we wrapped up a little while ago."
Dalian frowned. "Where are Diane and Anna?"
"They already left." His tone was casual, like it wasn't a big deal.
Dalian hesitated. She had rushed all the way here, expecting to walk into a full study session, only to find him alone.
"This is your chance," a small voice in her head whispered.
She shifted her bag and fell into step beside him as they naturally started walking. "I guess I came for nothing, then."
Jack smirked. "You in a hurry to study?"
Dalian shrugged. "Not really. I was just curious."
Jack gave a small hum. "Well, if you're that curious, I can give you a summary."
Dalian scoffed. "Let me guess—Diane and Anna did all the work?"
Jack pressed a hand to his chest in mock offense. "I contributed."
Dalian arched a brow. "Oh really?"
Jack grinned. "Okay, maybe not much. But I found a source."
Dalian smirked. "One source?"
Jack chuckled. "A good source."
Dalian couldn't help but laugh, the sound slipping out before she even realized it. It was strange—she had spent so much time overthinking how to talk to him, yet here they were, walking side by side like it was the most natural thing in the world.
As they turned onto the main road leading home, Jack glanced at her. "You live this way, right?"
Dalian nodded.
"I'll walk you back."
Her steps faltered for just a second. "You don't have to."
Jack shrugged. "I know. But I'm already headed that way."
Dalian bit the inside of her cheek, fighting back a small smile. She kept her pace steady, not letting herself overthink the fact that they were alone, that he was choosing to walk with her.
The streets were quieter now, lined with dimly lit shop windows and the occasional sound of passing cars.
"So," Jack said, breaking the silence, "what's your take on all this presentation stuff?"
Dalian exhaled, letting herself relax into the conversation. "I think it's interesting. Traditional markets are still important, even with big businesses taking over."
Jack tilted his head slightly. "That's pretty much what Diane and Anna were saying. They're all about the small vendors keeping communities running."
Dalian smirked. "Sounds like Diane."
Jack let out a short laugh. "Yeah. She's intense about it."
Dalian tilted her head, sneaking a glance at him. "And you? What's your actual opinion?"
Jack rubbed the back of his neck. "Honestly? I just go with the flow."
Dalian scoffed. "Wow, such dedication."
Jack grinned. "Hey, I never said I was passionate about it."
Dalian shook her head, but she couldn't hide her smile.
As they reached her street, she slowed her steps, the moment stretching just a little longer.
"Well," she said, glancing up at him, "thanks for the escort."
Jack stuffed his hands into his pockets, offering her a small nod. "No problem."
Dalian hesitated, debating whether to say something—flirt just a little more. But instead, she settled on a simple, "See you tomorrow."
Jack gave her one last glance before turning away. "Yeah. See you."
As she stepped inside, closing the door behind her, she let out a slow breath.
It was subtle—barely noticeable—but something was shifting between them.
And for now, that was enough.
The door clicked shut behind Dalian, the warmth of home wrapping around her like a blanket. She barely had a second to catch her breath before—
"Did you really go after him, Dalian?"
Dalian froze.
Diane stood near the living room, arms crossed, her sharp gaze locked onto her like a spotlight.
Dalian's stomach twisted. She hadn't expected to walk straight into an interrogation.
"I…I—" she stammered, her throat suddenly dry.
Lydia, lounging on the couch, practically bounced in place. "You met him, didn't you?" She shot up, her excitement practically vibrating off her. "How did it go? Did you two talk? Did he say anything interesting?"
Dalian tore her gaze away from Diane's scrutinizing stare, focusing instead on Lydia's eager face.
"It was…fine," she muttered, slipping out of her shoes.
Lydia gasped. "Fine? That's all I get?" She grabbed Dalian's arm, dragging her toward the couch. "Come on, details! You can't just leave me hanging."
Dalian groaned, but before she could say anything, Diane spoke again, her tone laced with warning.
"You shouldn't be chasing after him."
Dalian tensed. "I wasn't—"
Diane gave her a pointed look. "You went to the library just to see him, didn't you?"
Dalian clenched her jaw. "I was going to meet you guys, but by the time I got there, you had already left."
Diane's expression remained unreadable, her silence heavy.
Lydia, ever the peacemaker, waved a hand between them. "Okay, okay, let's not turn this into an interrogation." She turned back to Dalian with a teasing grin. "Did he walk you home?"
Dalian hesitated, then gave a small nod.
Lydia squealed, clapping her hands together. "Oh, this is progress!"
Diane, however, didn't look impressed. "You barely know him, Dalian."
Dalian's shoulders stiffened. "And? That's how you get to know someone, isn't it?"
Diane exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. "I'm just saying—don't get too comfortable. People aren't always what they seem."
Lydia sighed dramatically. "Diane, not everyone is a hidden villain."
Diane shot her a glare, but Lydia only smirked, unfazed.
Dalian shifted, suddenly feeling drained. "Look, I'm not throwing myself at him or anything. We just talked. That's it."
Lydia nudged her playfully. "And did you like talking to him?"
Dalian hesitated before mumbling, "…Maybe."
Lydia grinned. "That's all I needed to hear."
Diane sighed, clearly done with the conversation. "Just be careful, okay?"
Dalian met her sister's gaze, something unspoken passing between them. "I will."
Diane gave a small nod before walking toward the kitchen, ending the discussion.
Lydia, on the other hand, leaned closer, her eyes twinkling. "So…what exactly did he say?"
Dalian groaned, already regretting telling Lydia anything at all.