Red String

Chapter 4 - Close Encounters

The morning at Saint Elysia High began like any other, yet for Rose Blanc, the air felt charged with a subtle thrill. Today was different. Today, she would spend the day in close proximity with Clei Mendez—not just fleeting glances or small interactions, but actual teamwork, side by side.

The history teacher, Mr. Santos, had announced a group project for the upcoming presentation: each group would research a key figure of the Industrial Revolution, prepare slides, and present to the class. Rose's heart skipped when she saw the pairings. Her group consisted of herself, Clei, and Evan.

Evan grinned at her knowingly. "Looks like you two are stuck together," he teased, leaning against the edge of her desk.

Rose shrugged, trying to play it cool. "It's fine. Maybe it's a good chance to actually work with Clei... get to know him."

Clei, sitting quietly at the back, didn't look up. His pencil moved across the page of his notebook with deliberate precision, drawing lines with the same measured attention he gave to every action. Why do I have to work with her? he thought. Not that I care... it's just... convenient.

Rose ignored his silence, setting up her laptop and notebooks, laying everything neatly on the table. She had learned over the past weeks that taking initiative was her best approach.

In the library, Rose opened her laptop. "Okay, we need to outline our presentation. I can do research, and maybe someone else can organize the slides?"

Clei glanced up, eyes flicking briefly toward her. "I'll do the writing," he said flatly.

Rose blinked. Direct. Minimal words. Classic Clei. "Alright... I'll handle research and formatting."

Evan leaned back, smirking. "This should be fun. The quiet guy and the lively girl... what could go wrong?"

Rose laughed softly. "Ignore him. Let's focus."

For the next thirty minutes, the group worked quietly. Rose typed quickly, pulling up articles and organizing facts. She occasionally glanced at Clei, curious about his meticulous handwriting, the way he annotated and highlighted notes with precision.

Finally, she decided to break the silence. "Clei... can I ask you something?"

He didn't look up immediately. "Depends," he muttered, pencil moving.

"Um... how do you structure your writing? You make it look so organized."

He paused, glanced at her screen, then replied simply, "I outline first. Each paragraph should have a main point. Then supporting facts."

Rose nodded, quickly scribbling notes. "Thanks... that's actually really helpful."

Clei returned to his notebook without another word, but Evan, watching from a few feet away, whispered, "See that? She's persistent, and he's... noticing her. Tiny acknowledgment, but it counts."

Rose grinned quietly. Exactly. That's all I need for now.

Between classes, the hallways were alive with chatter, laughter, and movement. Rose walked toward the courtyard, noticing Clei and Evan near the badminton courts.

Clei leaned against the fence, racket in hand, watching students practice with quiet attention. Evan nudged him. "Go talk to her or something."

Clei shook his head slightly. No. Not necessary.

Rose approached casually, keeping her tone light. "Hey... Clei. Are you joining practice later, or just watching?"

"Watching," he replied simply.