Quinn wasn’t at all convinced that going shopping had been a good idea. He had found the games he wanted on sale, but he had also managed to embarrass himself royally. He had never gotten stuck in an elevator, so of course the first time it happened had to be with the only person in the whole building who knew him. He had cried. He must’ve been a complete loser in Stella’s eyes.

Quinn opened his computer in hopes that Spica would be online. He could share his terrible day with her and maybe get a few words of support. It was always nice to talk with her.

Spica’s name was on the top of the online list, and Quinn’s smile brightened.

[GeminiWarrior]: Hello ^_^

[Spica]: Hi :)

[GeminiWarrior]: How’s your day? Did you go shopping?

[Spica]: I did. I came back a while ago.

[GeminiWarrior]: Did you have fun?

[Spica]: Well, it could’ve been better.

[GeminiWarrior]: Wdym? Did you not find what you wanted?

[Spica]: I did. But I got stuck in an elevator :/

I got stuck in an elevator. 

Quinn stared blankly at the words. His hands trembled as he wrote the next message.

[GeminiWarrior]: What? Are you alright?

[Spica]: Yeah, I’m fine.

[GeminiWarrior]: How did you even get stuck? Did the elevator break or something?

[Spica]: Power cut out because of a thunderstorm.

Quinn’s pulse jumped in his throat. No way.

[GeminiWarrior]: Good that you’re alright. Were you alone? It must’ve been scary

[Spica]: One of my classmates was there too. So, luckily I didn’t have to be alone.

[GeminiWarrior]: That’s good :)

Quinn’s heart hammered in his chest, and his hands trembled. His ears were humming. He was dizzy. It was Stella. There were too many similarities for not to be. Spica was Stella. 

Oh god.

Quinn buried his face in his hands. He had suggested they’d go to the movies. He had made weird, potentially flirty jokes. Oh no. 

Quinn peeked at the screen from between his fingers. A new message from Spica. His heart jumped.

[Spica]: What about you?

[GeminiWarrior]: What?

[Spica]: Did you go buy the games?

[GeminiWarrior]: No. Something came up

He couldn’t tell the truth.

[Spica]: That’s a shame :(

[GeminiWarrior]: Yeah, but I’ll go another day

[GeminiWarrior]: I just remembered I have to do one important thing

[GeminiWarrior]: See you later

[Spica]: Ok. Bye :)

Quinn didn’t reply or even log out. He pressed the power button on his computer to forcibly shut down the machine. He leaned against the backrest of his chair and covered his face. His heart was still beating fast. That had been an unexpected reveal. Stella Wilde, the vice president of the student council and a straight A student, was Spica, level 26 battlemage and his gaming buddy. Who would’ve thought?

There was a quick knock on the door to Quinn’s room. Before Quinn could reply, Jamie opened the door and walked in. Quinn spun around with his chair and looked at his brother.

“What would you do if you found out you know your online friend irl?” he asked.

“What?”

“I found out I know the person I’ve been talking with.”

“What about it?”

“Because I might’ve said some dumb things to them.”

“But if they don’t know who you are, then what does it matter if you’ve embarrassed yourself?”

“Because they’re a girl, and I feel like I shouldn’t have found out.”

The thought of Stella being Spica flashed in his brain. Quinn blushed and a mischievous grin rose to Jamie’s face.

“So, you have a crush on her, and you’re thinking how you can see her without acting weird.”

“Yes! I mean no! I don’t have a crush. But yes to the other parts.”

“Well, you could let her be. And if it really bothers you, tell her. Pretty simple,” Jamie said. “Where do you know her from?”

“School.”

“Ooh, who is it?”

Jamie didn’t care who Quinn played games with, but he was curious to know who his brother had a crush on. Quinn pursed his lips tight and shook his head. He’d never tell. Stella would probably murder him if he did. Her family probably had enough relations to get rid of unwanted people without a trace. 

“Fine, don’t tell me,” Jamie said with an ominous tone, ”but I will find out sooner or later.”

With a grin he headed to the door, before stopping. Right. He had a reason to come here.

“Dad said we’re getting Chinese and wanted to know what you want.”

Quinn jumped from the chair and hurried downstairs. He wanted to give his order personally, so he wouldn’t get spring rolls again. The thought of food made Quinn forget about Stella for a bit.