Ephemeral

by evanlevan

The mix of curiosity and subtle challenge in Vi's eyes was almost overwhelming, drawing Caitlyn in like a moth to a flame. In a low, flirtatious tone that was almost a purr, Vi said, "You know, if you wanted to spend more time with me, you could've just asked, Cupcake." Caitlyn's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, and she fumbled for a response. C-Cupcake!

4. Unlikely

🎶: POP/STARS - Seraphine, Jasmine Clarke

The student government meeting room buzzed with quiet energy, but as Caitlyn Kiramman stepped to the front, the hum stilled. With a composed confidence that came naturally to her, she surveyed the room, her sharp blue eyes meeting those of her peers. Weeks of meticulous planning had led to this moment, and today's meeting would determine the final details of their much-anticipated charity event.

"Alright, everyone," Caitlyn began, her voice calm but authoritative, cutting through the lingering whispers. "We've made great progress so far, but there are still a few things we need to iron out before the event. Samantha, could you give us a quick rundown of where we stand?"

Samantha nodded and stood up. "Sure thing," Samantha said, glancing at her notes. "We've secured most of the vendors for the event, and we have a solid lineup of activities and performances. The marketing team has been doing a fantastic job with promotion, and we've already sold a decent number of tickets. However, we still need to finalize the volunteer schedule and ensure we have enough hands on deck for the day of the event."

Caitlyn nodded, her mind already racing through potential solutions. "Great, thank you, Samantha. I know some of you have already recruited volunteers, but we need to make sure we have full coverage. Let's go around the room and get an update on volunteer recruitment."

The student government members took turns sharing their progress, and it quickly became clear that while they had made significant strides, there were still some gaps to fill. Caitlyn listened intently, her mind working through the logistics and potential obstacles.

"Alright," she said, bringing the meeting to a close. "Let's regroup tomorrow to finalize the volunteer schedule and make sure we're ready for the big day, which is in about two weeks. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. We're almost there."

As the meeting adjourned, the room buzzed with renewed energy. Members began to pack up their belongings, chatting animatedly about their tasks. Caitlyn remained at the front, collecting her notes and preparing for the next steps.

Samantha approached her, her knowing smile a mix of amusement and curiosity. "So," she said, leaning slightly against the table, "thinking about our new friend, Vi?"

Caitlyn froze mid-motion, a faint flicker of surprise crossing her face before she quickly masked it with her usual composure. "Vi?" she asked, feigning indifference.

Samantha's grin widened, undeterred. "Oh, come on, Cait. Don't pretend you haven't been thinking about inviting her to help out. She's got that… magnetic charm. Would definitely draw a crowd."

Caitlyn flustered a little but showed remarkable composure as she responded, "Vi's interesting, that's for sure. But I'm more focused on making this event a success." She kept her voice steady, her gaze unwavering.

Samantha nodded thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing in contemplation. "Hey, why don't we actually involve her?"

Caitlyn paused mid-motion, considering her friend's suggestion in silence. The rebellious boxer certainly had an undeniable presence—the kind that drew attention whether she wanted it or not. And the freshies would likely join the event just to catch a glimpse of her sweat. It's a long shot, Caitlyn mused, maybe… she'd be interested?

Her mind began to weigh the pros and cons. Vi's charisma and magnetic energy were undeniable assets. She had a knack for commanding attention, and Caitlyn couldn't deny the potential boost Vi could bring to the event—more volunteers, more attendees, more energy. But on the other hand, Vi was unpredictable. Caitlyn worried about whether Vi would take the event seriously or if she would end up causing more chaos than help.

She's not exactly known for following rules, Caitlyn thought, her mind flashing back to Samantha's words at the fair a few weeks back. But maybe that's not such a bad thing. Maybe we need someone who can shake things up. She sighed internally, knowing that involving Vi could either be a stroke of genius or a complete disaster.

Caitlyn sighed, her lips pressing into a thin line. It was a risk, no question about it. Vi was a wildcard—chaotic, but undeniably captivating. The thought of trusting her with something as important as the charity event felt both thrilling and terrifying.

It could either be a stroke of genius, Caitlyn acknowledged, or an absolute disaster. But as much as her pragmatic side screamed at her to avoid the risk, a small part of her—a part she rarely let out—was intrigued by the possibility.

Samantha leaned back in her chair, tapping her pen against her notebook. "You know, Vi has that whole rebellious, badass vibe going on. People can't help but notice her. I feel like that could totally work in our favor—make the event seem, I don't know, cooler? More interesting for the crowd that normally wouldn't care." She paused, then tilted her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "And let's be real, she's got the Zaun crowd wrapped around her finger. If anyone can get them to show up and actually join in, it's her. Isn't that what you want? To get everyone more involved?"

Caitlyn crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful as she considered Samantha's words. "You have a point. Vi's presence would definitely bring a certain energy to the event. And if she gets involved, it might inspire others—especially those who look up to her—to step in and volunteer as well."

Samantha grinned, leaning forward with a spark of amusement in her eyes. "Exactly. Vi's got this whole magnetic vibe going on. Like, she's all tough and edgy, but there's this je ne sais quoi about her that just pulls people in, you know?"

Caitlyn laughed, a genuine sound that caught Samantha off guard. "Je ne sais quoi? Really, Sam? When did you become so poetic?"

Samantha shrugged, tossing her pen onto the table with a playful smirk. "What can I say? She's not your average girl, Cait."

Caitlyn nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I suppose it's about time we took a few risks with our planning. I am not even sure if Vi is the type to… volunteer."

Samantha snickered, leaning back in her chair. "You never know, Cait. She might surprise you. Everyone's got their own way of showing they care, right? And let's be real—we're totally banking on her Zaun pride for this one."

Just then, the door swung open, and Seraphine strolled in, her usual bubbly energy filling the room. She was mid-vlog, holding her phone up high as she chatted animatedly to the camera. "Hey, besties!" she called out, pausing the recording as she stepped inside. "What's going on?"

Caitlyn smirked, leaning back in her chair. "Oh, nothing much. Just trying to figure out how to recruit more volunteers. Think you can take a break from your influencer life to help us out?"

Seraphine's face lit up, her enthusiasm unmistakable. "Are you kidding? Anything for you guys! Just tell me what you need."

Caitlyn exchanged a glance with Samantha, who gave her a subtle nod of encouragement. "We were thinking about ways to draw in more people. You've got a knack for getting everyone's attention. Would you be up for performing at the event and helping us promote it on HexGram?"

Seraphine's eyes practically sparkled. "Perform? Um, YES. I'm so in! And don't worry, I'll get the hype going on HexGram. This is going to be huge! I can already feel the energy."

Without missing a beat, Seraphine whipped out her phone and hit record. "Hey, guys! Big news—I'm performing at our school's charity event, and it's gonna be epic! We've got an amazing lineup, so many fun activities, and it's all for a great cause. You do not want to miss this. I'll post all the details soon, so keep an eye out, mark your calendars, and let's make this event something to remember. Let's gooo! #CharityEvent #GoodVibesOnly #LetsDoThis"

She finished with a wink to the camera before turning her megawatt smile on Caitlyn and Samantha. "Done! That should definitely get the ball rolling. I'll keep posting updates too—gotta keep the momentum going, right?"

Moments after hitting upload, Seraphine's phone buzzed relentlessly. Notifications flooded in, with likes, comments, and shares rolling across her screen. Her grin widened as she scrolled through, but one notification made her freeze mid-scroll. Her eyes lit up, and she practically squealed. "Oh my gosh, Caitlyn! Look at this!" She turned her phone around, shoving the screen toward Caitlyn. "Vi liked my post!"

Caitlyn's brows shot up, intrigue flickering in her blue eyes. "Wait—Vi? You have her following you on HexGram?"

Samantha leaned closer, her own curiosity piqued. "Seriously? That's impressive. She doesn't strike me as the 'social media' type at all."

Seraphine beamed, her excitement bubbling over. "I know! Isn't it great? This is totally a sign! If she's already paying attention, it might be easier to get her involved in the event." Without missing a beat, she clapped her hands together and declared, "I'm gonna start prepping my setlist right now. This is going to be iconic!"

As Seraphine turned her attention back to her phone, the notifications continuing to flood in, Caitlyn and Samantha exchanged a look. A mix of amusement and surprise passed between them, both impressed by how effortlessly Seraphine could grab attention and turn a moment into an opportunity.

"She's really something," Samantha muttered, her eyes wide with amused disbelief as she watched Seraphine dive back into her flurry of notifications. Caitlyn chuckled softly, shaking her head

-୨ ୧-

🎶: No Shame - 5 Seconds of Summer

Meanwhile, Vi was back at the boxing gym, her second home. The air was thick with the scent of sweat. She was in the middle of a grueling workout, her muscles burning with the satisfying ache of exertion. Her fitted tank top clung to her skin, glistening with a thin sheen of sweat, and her ripped jeans had been swapped for a pair of black compression shorts that highlighted her toned legs.

Vi's workout routine was intense, designed to push her limits and build her strength. She started with deadlifts, the barbell loaded with heavy weights that made even the most seasoned gym-goers pause in admiration. Each lift was executed with perfect form, her back straight and core engaged. As she gritted her teeth, the muscles in her arms and shoulders rippled with effort.

After a few sets of deadlifts, she moved on to pull-ups. Grabbing the bar with both hands, she hoisted herself up with a controlled, powerful motion. Her biceps flexed and her back muscles stood out in sharp relief as she completed rep after rep. Sweat dripped down her forehead, but Vi didn't pause, her focus unwavering.

Next, Vi hit the punching bag, unleashing a series of rapid-fire jabs and hooks. Her fists moved with lightning speed, each punch landing with a satisfying thud. Her breathing was steady, her movements fluid and precise. She lost herself in the rhythm, her mind clearing with each strike.

Finally, she ended her session with some intense core work. Lying on a mat, she performed a series of leg raises and Russian twists. Her abs tightened with each movement, the lines of definition becoming more pronounced. The gym lights cast shadows that accentuated every curve and muscle, giving her an almost statuesque appearance.

As Vi took a break to catch her breath, she grabbed a towel and ran it over her face, the adrenaline from her workout still coursing through her. She reached for her phone, idly swiping through notifications until HexGram caught her attention. Her thumb paused on Seraphine's latest post, the screen filling with glittering emojis and over-the-top enthusiasm.

"Hey, guys! Big news—I'm performing at our school's charity event, and it's gonna be epic! We've got an amazing lineup, so many fun activities, and it's all for a great cause. You do not want to miss this. I'll post all the details soon, so keep an eye out, mark your calendars, and let's make this event something to remember. Let's gooo! #CharityEvent #GoodVibesOnly #LetsDoThis"

Vi snorted, watching the bubbly video with mild amusement. She scrolled down to the comments, her interest piqued as she noticed the flood of excitement from students. But one comment stood out, crisp and polished: "Looking forward to it! Thanks, Sera!" Caitlyn.

Her smirk deepened, a sharp edge to it now. "Well, well, Princess," she muttered under her breath, tapping the like button with deliberate slowness. The idea of Caitlyn all composed and in charge, trying to wrangle a crowd, was too entertaining to ignore. The thought of stirring the pot a little? Even better.

Just then, the gym door swung open, and Loris walked in, his eyes immediately spotting Vi. He made his way over with a grin. "Hey, doofus. Slacking as per usual, I see."

Vi looked up from her phone, a smirk playing on her lips. "Did you finally decide to stop skipping leg day, or are you just here for the free air-conditioning?"

Loris leaned dramatically against a nearby machine, crossing his arms with an exaggerated sigh. "Actually, I heard this gym was graced with the presence of some so-called 'badass boxer.' Figured I'd come see if the hype was real… and honestly? I'm disappointed. Thought I'd catch some Rocky-level stuff, not someone scrolling through HexGram."

Vi's grin turned wicked as she flicked the towel at him with a casual snap. "Loris, you'd hit the floor faster than you could spell 'punch.' Stick to spectating, champ—your face can't afford the damage."

He caught the towel with a flourish, pressing a hand to his chest in mock horror. "Oh no! Please, don't hurt me, Vi the Invincible! I might not survive the sheer power of your legendary scrolling thumb. Truly, I'm in the presence of greatness."

Vi leaned back, her smirk cutting as she held up her phone, the screen angled toward Loris. "Keep running that mouth, and I might just let you pick which hand shuts it. But first, check this out." Her grin widened as she tapped the screen. "Seen Seraphine's post yet?"

Loris raised an eyebrow, pulling out his phone. "What? The charity event?"

Vi's grin turned devilishly sharp, her tone dripping with mockery. "Oh, yeah. And guess who's front and center? Little Miss Perfect herself." She tapped her phone thoughtfully, her smirk widening. "You know, maybe I should help out—shake things up a bit. Imagine the look on her face if I decided to get involved."

Loris scrolled through his feed until he found Seraphine's video. He watched in silence for a moment before deadpanning at Vi. "So, because Princess is managing this shindig, you're suddenly interested in charity?"

Vi shot him a quick look, her expression somewhere between mock innocence and exaggerated annoyance. "What's that supposed to mean?" she drawled, rolling her eyes for emphasis. "It's called having an open mind, Loris. You should give it a try sometime."

Loris threw his head back and laughed, a deep, hearty sound that echoed through the gym. "You? Doing charity? Now that I've got to see. Seriously, Vi, that's impossible to believe. What are you and where is the wild, drunk ass Vi that I keep having to carry back home when she can't stand on her own gay ass feet?"

Vi rolled her eyes, her smirk cutting like a blade. "Chill, Loris. She's just switching things up. Who says I can't stir the pot and play the hero? Gotta keep life interesting, right?"

Loris, still laughing his ass off, shook his head in disbelief. "Oh, I'm sure you'll find a way to stir the pot. Fucking charity HAH."

Vi's smirk turned downright wicked as she grabbed her sweaty boxing gloves, the smell of damp leather and wet socks wafting up. With a deliberate motion, she aimed them right at Loris's still-laughing, wide-open mouth. "Now, shut the fuck up and let's start punching, shall we?"

-୨ ୧-

🎶: Take A Slice - Glass Animals

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the campus as Caitlyn made her way towards the library. The air was filled with the quiet murmur of students, the rustling of leaves, and the distant hum of traffic. Caitlyn, taking a break from her meticulous planning, decided to clear her mind with a stroll. Her thoughts were consumed by the upcoming charity event and the many details still needing attention.

As she rounded the corner near the library, she spotted Vi walking by, her confident stride unmistakable. The sunlight caught her burgundy hair, the rich tones glowing like fire against her pale skin, giving her an almost ethereal edge amidst the mundane backdrop of campus life. Caitlyn's eyes trailed over the toned muscles in Vi's arms and shoulders, each movement emphasizing her strength and precision.

There was something striking about her—handsome in the way her sharp jawline and angular features, yet undeniably beautiful in how the sunlight softened her edges. Vi was simply gorgeous.

And yes, Caitlyn was ogling. She found herself gulping at one point, taken aback by Vi's magnetic appeal. Catching herself, Caitlyn mentally scolded herself for being so obvious.

For the love of God, Cait, focus!? This is neither the time nor place to get distracted.

Vi walked on, her gaze cast downward, utterly unaware of the effect she was having. Her relaxed demeanor was so effortlessly dashing and peaceful that Caitlyn had to bite her lip just to keep from gawking outright. She summoned every ounce of courage she had to seize the opportunity and approach Vi, her heart beating so hard like a goddamn drum in a rock concert, each thump echoing in her ears.

Caitlyn finally stepped into Vi's lane and waved to catch her attention like a little school girl.

"Hey, Vi," she called out, her pitch a little too high for her liking, still friendly but not at all purposeful.

Vi looked up slowly, her gaze fierce at first, but then softened when she realized it was Caitlyn. She removed her headphones, letting them rest on her neck, her lips curling into a lopsided smile as she let out a low, breathy "heh" -a mix of amusement and mild disbelief.

"We gotta stop bumping into eachother like this. You're gonna give me a heart attack someday, princess."

Caitlyn was taken aback, her cheeks flushing slightly as she fumbled for an apology. "Oh! My apologies, I-I didn't mean to startle you."

Vi chuckled, her smirk widening. "Relax princess, I'm just messing with you. What's up?"

"We're organizing a charity event, and, well… we could really use some extra hands." She shifted her weight slightly. "I was wondering if you'd be interested in helping out?" Her voice softened at the end, unsure if she was bracing for rejection or just dreading how casually Vi might brush her off.

Vi's eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise, though she quickly masked it with her usual nonchalance. "You want me to help? Why?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her tone curious but edged with amusement. Truthfully, she had already been toying with the idea of crashing the event just to see what Caitlyn would do. But being asked outright? That was a curveball she hadn't expected—and it made her smirk.

"Because," Caitlyn said, meeting Vi's gaze, "you have a way with people. You're charismatic, and I think you could really make a difference. Plus, I saw you liked Seraphine's post about the event, which surprised me. It doesn't seem like you to get involved with social media."

Vi considered her words for a moment, a mix of skepticism and curiosity in her eyes. She then leaned in slightly, a playful smirk on her lips. Vi stared at Caitlyn with an intensely captivating, smoldering gaze, locking onto hers with a fierce intensity that sent shivers down Caitlyn's spine. The mix of curiosity and subtle challenge in Vi's eyes was almost overwhelming, drawing Caitlyn in like a moth to a flame.

In a low, flirtatious tone that was almost a purr, Vi said, "You know, if you wanted to spend more time with me, you could've just asked, Cupcake."

Caitlyn's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, and she fumbled for a response. C-Cupcake?! "I-it's not about that! It's about the event and making a difference," she stammered, clearly flustered.

Vi chuckled, unabashedly enjoying Caitlyn's discomfort. "Alright, alright. I'll think about it. But no promises."

Caitlyn tried to regain her composure, straightening her posture. "That's all I ask. Thank you, Vi."

Caitlyn felt her heart skip a beat, but she held her ground.

"You're welcome." Vi brushed past Caitlyn with a feline grace, her movements smooth and deliberate, like a cat weaving through a crowd. Caitlyn felt a shiver run down her spine as Vi's presence lingered, leaving her both intrigued and slightly breathless. As Vi put her headphones back on and walked away, she couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

That was fun. The thought amused her as she replayed the conversation in her mind. Caitlyn's reaction had been priceless, and the way she had struggled to maintain her composure only made Vi more excited about what else she can do to see Caitlyn lose it again. It wasn't often that someone could catch Vi off guard, and Caitlyn had managed to do it with her earnest plea for help -and make her want to return the favour.

Vi's smirk widened as she considered the possibilities. Caitlyn was clearly dedicated and serious about the charity event, and there was something… riveting about that kind of passion to Vi. It was a stark contrast to Vi's usual carefree and rebellious nature. Maybe that's what made their interactions so interesting—the clash of two very different worlds.

The idea of participating in the charity event was starting to grow on her. It wasn't just about helping out; it was about the challenge, the thrill of doing something unexpected. And maybe, just maybe, it was about getting to know Caitlyn a little better. There was an undeniable spark between them, almost like a biochemical warfare if we want to be aggressive about it.

But let's just say, Vi is completely into it.

Meanwhile, Caitlyn stood there, her feet rooted to the spot as she watched Vi walk away with the graceful, predatory elegance of a leopard casually strolling by. She could still feel the lingering intensity of Vi's smoldering gaze. Caitlyn took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't help but replay the encounter in her mind, wondering what had just transpired and what it meant for her feelings. How the fuck did she get under my skin like that?!

-୨ ୧-

🎶: Screwed - Paris Hilton

Caitlyn shook her head slightly, trying to summon all of nature's power to dispel the lingering thoughts of her encounter with Vi. She took a deep breath, feeling the cool, crisp air fill her lungs, and began to walk purposefully towards the library. Her mind kept replaying the intense moment—the way Vi's smoldering gaze had locked onto hers, the playful smirk on her lips, and the low, flirtatious tone that sent shivers down her spine.

This is not real. This is not happening. I am getting complacent and I cannot have that. I will not allow it.

Someone like her wouldn't take Vi on seriously. How could anyone take Vi seriously? They're both so different, it's hilarious really. She reluctantly replayed Vi's words in her mind again, the playful motherf-. Caitlyn found herself strangely allured by the way Vi's lips moved, each word rolling off them with a captivating ease.

"…You could've just asked, Cupcake."

FUCK.

Caitlyn rarely swears but this occasion most definitely called for it. Oh how her mother would flip her ridiculously expensive rare Ionian porcelain plates if she heard her thoughts right now. Caitlyn felt the adrenaline-fueled flush of warmth on her cheeks, a mix of embarrassment, excitement, and a load of frustration that she immediately smacked her forehead lightly. She couldn't believe how easily Vi had gotten under her skin, and she is mad about it. She let out a sound of exasperation, like a kid stomping their feet and muttering, "Erghhh!" No. Fucking. Way.

By the time she reached the library, Caitlyn's thoughts were still a jumble, how fucking annoying. As she entered the familiar building, she spotted Samantha and Seraphine sitting at a table near the window, their heads bent together in deep conversation.

Caitlyn sighed deeply, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of Vi. "Hey, you two," she greeted them, managing a warm smile despite her turmoil.

Samantha looked up, her expression brightening. "Cait! We're just going over some songs that Sera is gonna sing for the event. Trying not to make it her concert though." She noticed Caitlyn furrowing her brows in a way that made her look both constipated and oddly satisfied at the same time.

"Err, Cait. You okay there?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, a little concerned but mostly confused.

Caitlyn blinked, as if snapping back to reality. The realization of her interaction with Vi earlier finally dawned on her. "I actually talked to Vi about helping out with the event. She seemed interested, and... well, let's just say it was an interesting conversation." Her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and disbelief.

Seraphine's eyes widened with excitement. "Vi? That's awesome! What did she say? Did she agree? I can't believe it!" she asked, her curiosity and excitement bubbling over.

"She said she'd think about it," Caitlyn admitted, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. Caitlyn didn't really want to verbally repeat what happened to her, still trying not to smack herself again for thinking how those soft lips moved an-

Samantha noticed Caitlyn's increasingly distracted look mid-conversation, so she waved her hand in front of Caitlyn's face, snapping her fingers to get her attention. "Hello? Anyone in there?"

Caitlyn responded with a scowl and swatted Samantha's hand away. Samantha laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Before Caitlyn could respond with a witty comeback, Seraphine's eyes lit up with an idea. "You know what? We should totally feature Vi in my HexGram. It'll boost our appeal and get everyone excited!"

Caitlyn opened her mouth to protest, but before she could say anything, Seraphine had already pulled out her phone and started recording. She flashed a bright smile at the camera and began speaking with her usual enthusiasm.

"Hey, everyone! It's Seraphine here, and I have some exciting news about our upcoming charity event! Guess who's going to be helping out? The one and only Vi! Even though she couldn't be here with us right now, she's super excited and ready to make this event unforgettable."

She continued, "I just spoke with our super student body prez, and we've got Vi interested in helping out. So stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an amazing time! -winks- #CharityEvent #Community #GetInvolved #ViAndSeraphine"

As she posted the story, Seraphine looked at Caitlyn and smiled. "There! That should get everyone excited!"

Caitlyn's face turned a deep shade of mortified red as she stared at Seraphine in shock, disbelief, and utter horror. "I can't believe you just did that!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of mortification and sheer incredulity.

Samantha burst into laughter, unable to contain herself. "Oh my gosh, CAIT, your face!" she turned to Seraphine, in between laughter, "You should have taken that in your HexGram!"

Seraphine giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, Cait, I didn't think it would be that big of a deal!" She winked playfully at Samantha. "But hey, now everyone knows and gets excited, right?"

Just then, Seraphine's phone buzzed with a notification. She glanced at the screen and saw a new comment on her story. It was from Vi, filled with laughing emojis. Seraphine's grin widened as she showed it to Caitlyn and Samantha.

Seraphine giggled even more as she read the comment. "Look, Cait! Vi's already loving this," she said, showing the screen to Caitlyn and Samantha. "I think she's even more excited than we are!"

Caitlyn's eyes widened even further, her face still a deep shade of red. "Oh no," she groaned, burying her face in her hands. Just fucking kill me, somebody.

Samantha and Seraphine's laughter drew the attention of the old grumpy librarian that honestly looked like she sleeps in the basement of the library. Some prissy students nearby, who turned towards them with disapproving looks. The librarian raised a finger to her lips and whispered angrily, "Shh!"

Seraphine, unbothered, gave a small, guilty smile and whispered, "Hehe, sorry!"

-୨ ୧-

🎶: Breathe - Fleurie

Laughter and conversation mingled with the steady rhythm of a cheerleading routine drifting from the practice field, creating a vibrant backdrop to the day.

At the center of it all was Lux, her movements graceful and precise as she led the cheer squad through their routine. Her golden hair shimmered under the sunlight, bouncing with every leap and twist. Each stunt was executed with practiced ease, her confidence evident in the way she carried herself—focused, composed, yet radiating an infectious energy that lifted the entire team.

The squad followed her lead seamlessly, their formations sharp and coordinated. Lux's smile, warm and genuine, lit up the field, a reflection of the joy and passion she brought to every move. It wasn't just skill—it was the way she made it all look effortless, as if she belonged in the air as much as she did on the ground.

As practice drew to a close, Lux landed from a particularly impressive stunt and took a moment to catch her breath. She reached for her bag at the edge of the field, pulling out her phone as the screen lit up with a flurry of notifications. Swiping it open, she scrolled through HexGram and immediately caught sight of Seraphine's latest post about the charity event.

"Hey, everyone! It's Seraphine here, and I have some exciting news about our upcoming charity event! Guess who's going to be helping out? The one and only Vi! Even though she couldn't be here with us right now, she's super excited and ready to make this event unforgettable. So stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an amazing time! -winks- #CharityEvent #Community #GetInvolved #ViAndSeraphine"

Lux's breath caught in her throat as she watched the video. The thought of Vi being involved in the event made her heart flutter with excitement. She scrolled through the comments, her eyes landing on Vi's response filled with laughing emojis. It was so typical of Vi to react that way, and it only made Lux more excited.

Lux's mind flickered back to the day Vi had kicked that motherf— She cringed, her stomach twisting as she shook her head, desperate to push the memory away. No. Don't think about it. Don't go there.

But it hit her like a slap, the memory crashing in with the force of a tidal wave. She'd been so naive, so helpless back then. Too frozen with fear to fight back. Everyone was out at the campus field for the big homecoming game, and she'd been sure—absolutely sure—there was no one around to help.

And then—Vi.

Out of nowhere, there she was. Fearless, her presence so sharp it felt like the air had shifted. Lux could still hear the echo of that brutal punch, see the wild defiance in Vi's eyes as she stepped between her and danger like it was the most natural thing in the world.

The image was burned into Lux's memory, not just because Vi had stepped in, but because of the way she had done it. She hadn't wasted a second—her fist had connected with the guy's face before he could even finish his slimy remark.

Her heart pounded at the memory. She didn't even know me, Lux thought, stunned all over again. But she saved me.

Vi's swift, decisive action hadn't just put the guy in his place—it had obliterated any chance of him returning to campus. He was expelled within the week, a whisper of a threat erased as swiftly as Vi had dealt with him.

Lux stared at her phone, Seraphine's charity post still glowing on the screen. A slow, contemplative smile crept onto her lips as her thoughts drifted. She leaned back against the bench, tapping her finger against the edge of the phone as if weighing her options.

Maybe it's time I show her, she thought, her heart picking up pace. Vi saw me at my weakest once. She saved me when I couldn't save myself. But I'm not that girl anymore.

Lux started typing, her mischievous grin returning.

END OF CHAPTER TWO