Who We Are (A Zodiac Story)

POV: Sagittarius (Part 1)

I forcefully slammed my hand against a nearby locker, causing a loud bang that reverberated through the hallway. The sudden noise startled Gemini, who swiftly turned around to face me.

"Oh hey, Sagittarius," Gemini greeted me reluctantly, her voice lacking the usual warmth and excitement that accompanied our encounters.

I couldn't help but playfully question her choice of address, arching an eyebrow in mock confusion. "Sagittarius?"

Confusion flickered across Gemini's face as she tried to process my comment. "What?" she asked, genuinely puzzled by my remark.

Attempting to keep the playful banter going, I pouted slightly and asked, "Why aren't you calling me Sagi?"

Realization dawned on her face, and she offered a sheepish apology, "Oh, sorry."

Chuckling softly, I reassured her, "No need to apologize. It just took me by surprise, that's all."

Gemini turned her attention back to her locker, her movements slightly subdued. It was the middle of the school day, and I couldn't help but notice that she didn't seem to be her usual energetic self.

"You're unusually quiet today," I pointed out, a tinge of concern slipping into my voice.

She sighed softly, her eyes fixed on her locker. "I just have a lot on my mind."

"Like what?" I teased, knowing that she wasn't one to get lost in thought easily.

A fleeting glimpse of vulnerability crossed her face, but she quickly dismissed it with a soft-spoken reply. "Nothing you need to worry about."

"Okay," I replied, studying her expression closely, searching for any clues to the thoughts that troubled her. "but you'd tell me if something was bothering you, right?"

Gemini nodded, turning towards me to offer me a reassuring smile before adverting her gaze.

"Good," I muttered, my hand instinctively reaching out to gently grasp her waist, a subtle gesture to refocus her attention on me. The sound of a ringing bell shattered the moment.

"I'll see you around," I said, briefly interrupting our conversation to press a tender kiss upon her lips, before reluctantly leaving to attend my next class.

...

"...to do this spell one must be in tune with their mind and emotions."

As the instructor gracefully demonstrated the spell, the air in the classroom seemed to shimmer with mystical energy. Just as I was fully immersed in the demonstration, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I was greeted by Aquarius, a mischievous grin adorning her face.

"Aqua," I greeted her with a reciprocating grin, curious about what she had to say.

"So, your birthday," she began, an air of intrigue in her voice.

"Oh? What about it?" I replied, leaning in slightly, eager to engage in the playful guessing game we had developed over the years. The Zodiacs always managed to surprise me with their creative birthday plans, and I relished the excitement of trying to unravel their intentions.

"What kind of cake flavor would you like?" Aquarius asked with a lively spark in her eyes.

I paused for a moment, considering the vast array of flavors at my disposal. Vanilla and chocolate, the traditional favorites, didn't particularly excite me.

"Red velvet," I declared, a smile forming on my lips as I imagined the sweet indulgence that awaited me.

Aquarius jotted it down in her notebook, her pencil moving swiftly across the page.