Red String

Chapter 4 - Close Encounters

She shrugged, smiling faintly. "Alright. I'll be there, anyway. Maybe I'll see some of those impressive smashes."

Clei didn't respond further, but his eyes lingered slightly longer on her than usual. That subtle glance sent a small thrill through Rose. He noticed me... even if he won't admit it.

In class, the group resumed work on their presentation. Rose had typed a first draft of the outline, and Clei was reviewing it carefully.

"Some of these points are redundant," he said, tone calm, almost indifferent. "Remove this paragraph and merge these two. It will make your argument stronger."

Rose paused, feeling a flicker of hesitation. "Oh... okay. I didn't notice that."

Clei gestured briefly toward the section. "It's not a critique... just efficiency."

Rose smiled softly. Efficiency or not, he's noticing my work. That counts.

Throughout the lesson, Rose tried to maintain a balance: contributing without seeming overbearing, observing without staring. She noticed small details—the way Clei held his pencil, the subtle movement of his eyes when reading, how Evan occasionally whispered comments that made Clei pause or nod slightly.

By mid-class, Evan leaned quietly toward Rose. "You know... he's actually reacting to you more than before. Not much, but progress."

Rose whispered back with a grin, "I'll take what I can get."

The cafeteria buzzed with energy as Rose joined her usual group. Across the room, Clei sat with Evan, sketchbook open. He moved with quiet precision, sketching the cafeteria scene while occasionally glancing at Rose.

She noticed it—just a flicker, a brief acknowledgment—but it made her heart race. She waved casually. Clei's head tilted slightly, then returned to his work. That's enough, she thought. Small victories.

Evan nudged him. "She waved. Did you see that?"

Clei's expression remained neutral. It's just a wave. Nothing more.

Rose chatted with her friends about weekend plans and minor school gossip, but her eyes kept wandering subtly toward him. She wanted to see more. Even a hint of interest.

After classes, Rose went to the gym for badminton practice. Today, she was paired with Clei for doubles, and the excitement in her chest was almost overwhelming.

"Mind if I practice with you for a few minutes?" she asked nervously.

Clei paused mid-swing. "If you want," he said, tone flat, eyes briefly assessing her form.

Rose smiled brightly. "Great!"

As they played, she chatted lightly, trying to keep things casual. "Your smashes are really strong. Any tips?"

Clei observed her swings, adjusting subtly. "Watch your angle. Don't swing too hard too early."

Rose nodded, attempting to adjust. She noticed him occasionally glancing at her shots, silently assessing. He's... noticing me again, she thought, heart fluttering.

Evan, standing nearby, whispered to himself, "Look at him. He's actually paying attention. Not much, but enough."

After the match, Rose wiped the sweat from her forehead. "That was fun! I think we make a good team."

Clei adjusted his grip on the racket, giving a small nod. "Your timing improved. Not bad."

Rose smiled, quietly proud. He actually noticed. Even a little counts.

After practice, the group returned to the library. Rose struggled with formatting slides, muttering in frustration.

Clei passed by, glanced at her screen, and said quietly, "Use this shortcut. Faster than doing it manually."

Rose blinked, startled. "Oh... thanks."

He didn't wait for a reply, simply nodding once before continuing. She could feel the subtle care behind his words, though he tried to mask it with neutrality.

Kevin appeared, holding a tray of snacks. "Still working with Mr. Mysterious? Careful, Rose. You might start to like his calmness."

Rose frowned. "Kevin! Stop teasing!"

Clei, overhearing, frowned slightly. "Does it matter?" he asked calmly.

Rose's heart skipped. That tiny defense... even subtle, it meant something.

As the school emptied, Rose and Clei exited the building with Evan trailing behind. Gathering courage, she fell into step beside him.

"Thanks for today," she said softly. "I learned a lot... from practice and the project."

Clei glanced at her, expression neutral. "You did fine," he replied, voice calm.

Rose smiled faintly. He notices. That's enough for me.

Without overtly saying it, Clei subtly adjusted his pace to match hers, walking together for a few blocks. It was small, almost imperceptible, but for Rose, it felt monumental.

Evan, walking behind, whispered, "He's paying attention... quietly, but it's there."

At home, Rose collapsed onto her bed, strumming her guitar softly. She replayed the day: library work, badminton practice, small guidance, and subtle glances. Each moment felt like a step forward.

Meanwhile, Clei sat at his desk, sketchbook open, silently reviewing the day. He muttered to himself, She's persistent. Annoying. Weird. But... fine. Don't overthink it.

And yet, even as he tried to push the thought away, he acknowledged, silently, that Rose Blanc had entered his awareness in a way few others had.

Tomorrow... another chance. Another day. Another subtle step.