INVISIBLE STRINGS ~ Scoups [C]

🎀12

"The class has voted" the teacher continued, "and we'll be running a Maid & Butler Cafe"

Y/N blinked. "We're doing what now?"

Yeri grinned. "Oh, this is gonna be fun."

The teacher clapped their hands. "Alright, roles will be assigned later. Start brainstorming ideas for decoration and menu items. We want to make this the best cafe of the festival!"

As students began discussing ideas, Y/N felt a nudge on her arm.

"Guess what?" Yeri whispered. "I peeked at the pairing list."

Y/N narrowed her eyes. "And?"

Yeri smirked. "You and Scoups? Same shift."

Y/N groaned, dropping her head onto the desk. "Of course."

From a few seats away, Scoups overheard and stole a glance at Y/N. Maybe-just maybe-this was his chance.

°
°

A few days later, the class gathered in the gym to start preparing decorations for their cafe.
Y/N and Yeri were assigned to painting signs, while Scoups and Mingyu worked on assembling the furniture.

"You sure you don't want to switch with me?" Yeri teased as she dipped her brush in paint. "I mean, you're only two tables away from a certain someone."

"I'm fine" Y/N replied, focusing on her brushstrokes.

But despite her best efforts, she was very aware of Scoups' presence. She could hear his occasional laugh when Mingyu joked around, the way he called out instructions, the sound of wood scraping against the floor.

It shouldn't matter. But somehow, it did.

A sudden splash of paint landed on her sleeve, pulling her from her thoughts.

"Ugh" she groaned, glaring at the blue stain.

Yeri bit her lip to keep from laughing. "I mean... it kinda looks cool? Abstract fashion?"

Y/N shot her a look. "Not helping."

Across the gym, Scoups glanced over, noticing the paint on her sleeve. Without thinking, he grabbed a napkin and walked over.

"Here" he said, offering it.

Y/N looked at him, then at the napkin. "I'm not five, Scoups. I can handle a little paint."

Scoups sighed but didn't move. "I know. Just take it."

She hesitated before grabbing it and wiping her sleeve. "Thanks," she mumbled.

Mingyu, who had been watching from the sidelines, leaned over to Yeri. "They're exhausting."

Yeri nodded. "Painfully so."

Festival Day

The day of the festival arrived, and the campus was bustling with excitement. Students ran around in costumes, booths were set up all over, and music played through the speakers.

Inside the cafe, Y/N adjusted her uniform-a simple yet elegant maid outfit. She wasn't thrilled about wearing it, but at least she wasn't alone. Even the guys had to wear their designated butler uniforms.

"Not bad," Yeri commented, spinning in her dress. "Maybe I should change careers."

Y/N chuckled. "You do look cute."

Before Yeri could respond, the café doors opened for business and customers began flooding in.

Y/N kept herself busy, taking orders, avoiding unnecessary conversations, and-most importantly-keeping her distance from Scoups.

But fate had other plans.

"Table four, order delivery" one of the students called.

Y/N grabbed the tray and walked over-only to find Scoups already standing there, holding another tray for the same table.

They both paused.

"You can go" Y/N said, shifting slightly.

Scoups raised an eyebrow. "So can you."

A moment of silence stretched between them. The customers at the table exchanged awkward glances.

Yeri, watching from the counter, whispered to Mingyu, "Ten bucks they argue."

Mingyu smirked. "Fifteen bucks they drop the tray."

Before either could collect their winnings, Y/N exhaled sharply. "Fine. Let's just deliver these and go."

Scoups nodded, and for once, they worked together-no sarcasm, no tension, just... neutral cooperation.

It was a small moment. But for Scoups, it felt like a step forward.

Maybe just maybe there was still hope.

🎀 TO BE CONTINUE 🎀

Thank you for reading my fanfiction. I would like to apologize if there are any mistakes in my language usage and this story has no relation to anyone. This story is purely my imagination and if any part seems similar to another story, it is purely coincidental. If you have the chance, please give it a star! 🌟🌟