Red String

Chapter 3 - Crossing Paths

The morning air carried a crispness that hinted at the approaching winter, and the gates of Saint Elysia High stood tall against the soft golden light. Rose Blanc adjusted her glasses, her bag slung over one shoulder, and took a deep breath as she stepped into the familiar chaos of the schoolyard. Today felt... different.

She wasn't exactly sure why.

Maybe it was the lingering thought from yesterday—the way Clei had glanced her way in the library, fleeting but undeniable. Or perhaps it was the subtle tension she now felt whenever she passed him in the hallways, a mix of curiosity and determination.

Whatever it was, Rose had made a mental promise to herself: today, she would take small steps to interact with Clei Mendez.

The familiar sounds of lockers clanging and sneakers squeaking filled the corridors. Rose wove through the crowd, waving at friends and laughing softly at Adrian's exaggerated groans over his math homework. But her eyes constantly darted toward the badminton courts, where she expected to see him.

Sure enough, Clei was there, leaning casually against the fence, racket in hand. Evan stood beside him, tossing a shuttlecock in the air, eyes flicking toward Rose.

"Morning, Rose," Evan greeted with a grin. "Ready for your quiet, mysterious partner to ignore you again?"

Rose rolled her eyes, tugging slightly at her bag strap. "I'm going to try today. Small steps, remember?"

Evan chuckled. "Good luck. You're going to need it."

Clei's head was half-covered by his hoodie, his eyes focused on the court. He didn't notice Rose approaching—or maybe he did, and simply didn't acknowledge it.

Of course, Rose thought, that's just Clei being Clei.

In Classroom 2B, Mr. Santos announced the next big assignment: a group presentation on the Industrial Revolution. Rose felt her heart skip slightly when she saw her group: herself, Clei, and Evan.

"Looks like we're stuck together," Evan teased, raising an eyebrow.

Rose shrugged. "Perfect. A chance to actually talk to Clei."

Clei, sitting quietly at the back, didn't respond. He simply opened his notebook, flipping through pages. Not that I care, he thought. It's just convenient to have them in the same group.

Rose pulled out her laptop and notebook, setting everything neatly on the table. She glanced at Clei and smiled softly. "So... we should probably start with an outline. I can do research if someone wants to do the slides or writing."

Clei looked up briefly, then back at his notebook. "I'll handle the writing," he muttered, tone flat but calm.

Rose blinked, momentarily thrown off by the abruptness. "Okay... I can handle the rest."

Evan leaned back in his chair, smirking. "This should be interesting."

The group decided to start in the library. Rose set up a small workspace, her laptop open, notebooks scattered. She noticed Clei's pencil moving over a page of notes, precise and deliberate. Every so often, his eyes flicked toward her, assessing, observing.

Rose took a deep breath and decided to initiate conversation. "Um... Clei?" she said softly. "I think I need help with the outline. I'm... a little confused about how to structure it."

Clei paused, pencil hovering. He glanced at her notebook and said quietly, "Start with the causes, then the effects. Keep each section short. It's clearer that way."

Rose's heart fluttered. A response! He actually spoke to me! She quickly typed notes, muttering a small "thanks" under her breath.

Clei returned to his own work, pretending not to notice her flustered excitement. Not like I care, he muttered to himself. I just want this done efficiently.