Before they knew it, finals week had arrived. The festive buzz of the holidays was thickening on the streets, while groups of students, exams finally behind them, drifted out of the academic buildings in twos and threes.
After months of navigating the cutthroat world of business, walking side by side through campus felt like a rare moment of calm for Alessia and Cole.
Around them, ssmates debated where to go to celebrate, some stillparing answers, the kind of ordinary day–to–day scene they’d almost forgotten existed. For Alessia and Cole, it all felt strangely surreal, likeing back to a world they’d left behind.
“Lessie!” Ste suddenly popped up behind them, Pierce trailing close behind.
“Ste.”
“Cole.” Pierce gave him a quick pat on the shoulder, his greeting brief as always.
Cole smiled at him. “How’d the exams go?”
<b>“</b>At least my parents won’t be cutting off my allowance anytime soon,” Pierce replied, grinning.
Some things never changed–Pierce was still as carefree as ever.
“Are you guys heading home? Want to grab dinner together?” Ste asked.
Alessia and Cole shook their heads in perfect sync. Karen had already called earlier, insisting theye straight home for dinner after exams.
“Next time, I really want to try your mom’s cooking,” Ste said, a touch of envy in her voice.
<i>“</i><i>Oh</i>, and don’t forget about tomorrow<i>,</i><i>” </i>Ste added. “I’lle pick you up?”
“Just make sure you bring a car with four wheels this time,” Alessia teased.
“Wouldn’t dream of anything less.”
Cole ruffled Alessia’s hair and the two of them said their goodbyes, heading out through the school gates.
Pierce and Ste watched them walk away, leaning into each other, and both felt a pang they couldn’t quite name. But as friends, there was only so much they could do.
<b>1/3 </b>
“At least Cole’s got Alessia by his side.” Pierce said quietly.
Ste pressed her lips together. “I should get going, too. See you next semester.”
Pierce waved as she left, then turned to join the friends who’d been waiting for him. “Is it true Queenie Windsor’sing back?” someone asked as they walked.
“Yeah,” Alessia replied, her eyes shining with a hint of anticipation. “She’s returning for an exhibition, and she’s transferring to our ss next semester.” Thest time Alessia had seen Queenie was over the summer, and now–just like that–winter break was already upon them.
“That’s great. After all, it’s ourst semester,” Cole said, well aware of the close bond between the three girls.
Alessia nodded. “Mom said she made your favorite crispy pork bites.”
“Then what are we waiting for?”
Alessiaughed. “How many times does that make this month?”
“And there’ll be plenty more in the future,” Cole replied with a grin.
They tucked away their sadness and longing, determined to keep moving forward. Life didn’t stop for heartache; they were all just trying to be better versions of themselves.
They kept walking, memories trailing behind, the past’s regrets still lingering. Maybe that’s what made the present so precious.
We only get one shot at this life. Because we don’t want any more regrets, we throw ourselves into every moment, trying to truly live.
The next morning, Ste and Alessia found themselves waiting at the airport. The ce was packed–men and women alike, all clutching banners and buzzing with excitement.
“Since when did Queenie get so popr?” Ste asked, eyeing the crowd warily as she and Alessia stuck to a corner, half afraid the fans would sweep them up.
“Didn’t you hear? She was on a reality show recently–she’s gorgeous, insanely talented, and she managed <i>to </i>wow everyone by promoting some traditional culture overseas. Plus, she’s got that winsome, delicate vibe going on. No wonder she’s blown up.”
Alessia had seen her share of celebrities. She might not run in those circles, but
she understood fans better than most–how else could she have trained so many
stars?
Ste nodded thoughtfully, but then her expression shifted. “What if the crowd gets too loud and freaks Queenie out?”
“Don’t worry–the fans are probably more anxious about that than we are. Look, they’re already getting organized.” Alessia folded her arms, perfectly calm.
Ste followed Alessia’s gaze and, sure enough, spotted a girl with a massive camera and a megaphone rallying the crowd, barking orders <i>to </i>keep everyone in line.
<b>3/3 </b>