The days blurred together in a strange rhythm. Classes, lunch, swimming practice and in the middle of it all, Chloe found herself in a quiet battle of persistence with Sora.

Every morning, she’d sometimes try a simple “Good morning,” gesture and other times a little comment about class. Every time, Sora would brush it off with silence or a look sharp enough to cut. Chloe wasn’t used to being ignored like that, and it only fueled her determination to keep trying.

What surprised her even more was David. He wasn’t just persistent; he was relentless in his own calm, almost gentle way. He’d talk to Sora between classes, or just sit nearby, even when it was obvious Sora was pretending he didn’t exist.

Chloe often caught herself watching them, both baffled and fascinated and wondering what it was that made him keep coming back. 

One late afternoon, after practice, Chloe saw it again. David stood waiting just outside the gym doors, leaning against the wall with his bag slung over his shoulder. Once she came out, David once again tried to talk to her, but Sora walked past him like he wasn’t even there, her expression unreadable as usual so it was difficult to know what she was thinking. 

Chloe watched and frowned at the sight as she felt that David should've taken a hint and back off, but that apparently still hasn't happened. 

Chloe: (to herself) What is with them?

Curiosity got the better of her, and when Sora’s figure finally disappeared down the street, she approached David.

Chloe: (smiling awkwardly) Uh… hey. I’ve seen you around a lot. I’m Chloe. I'm new here. 

David gave her a polite glance and a faint smile.

David: Oh yeah I remember you.... I'm David and it's nice to meet you.

David offered out his hand for a handshake and Chloe took it willingly and shook it. 

David: So how's our school treating you?

Chloe: Yeah it's been great so far. Everything has been like an upgraded experience from what I was used to back in my hometown.

David: Oh, so you're not from around here? 

Chloe: Not really, no. It was a nice school and all but they didn't have a swimming club back there so I always ended up going to the public swimming pool to practice by myself. So when I found out this school was in this place, I just had to be here. 

David: (smirks) Hmph. It must be nice finding what you're looking for. 

Chloe: Yeah... It is...

There was a bit of silence before Chloe decided to bring up the topic that had been lingering at the back of her mind. 

Chloe: (hesitant) You… um, you and Sora—

But before she could finish, David shook his head.

David: Oh that? It’s nothing... She's always like that. 

Chloe: Yeah... I've been told. But...

David however, interrupted her before she had the chance to continue. 

David: I'm sorry but can we please just not talk about that? 

He offered another faint smile, then walked off toward the main road without looking back. Chloe blinked and watched as David walked towards the school gate and disappeared as he walked down the street. 

Chloe: (to herself) Well that went really well...

*******

The next day rolled in and as Chloe walked into the school building, she saw David talking to a couple of friends. But when she tried to wave at him, he quickly noticed her presence and quickly turned the other way and pretended not to have seen her. 

This left Chloe puzzled but not too surprised considering how yesterday's conversation has ended up, so she sighed and just continued walking towards her classroom. 

However, during lunch break, Chloe was on her way back to her class from the cafeteria when a teacher called her from one of the classrooms. 

Teacher: Chloe, could you help me bring these papers to the staff room?

Chloe hurried over, only to realize the stack was massive. She tried to lift them, but her legs were wobbling under the weight.

Teacher: (frowning) Too heavy huh? Let’s see… ah. You there... help her.

Chloe turned her head just as the teacher gestured toward the nearest student.

It was David.

He looked just as surprised as Chloe, but without a word, he walked over and picked up half the stack with ease. Chloe blinked, caught between her lingering questions about him and the strange tension she felt anytime Sora’s name brushed her thoughts.

Chloe: (muttering under her breath) …this is gonna be interesting.

*****

David carried the last of the papers into the empty staff room, setting them down on one of the tables with an ease that made Chloe let out a relieved sigh as she did the same.

Chloe: (smiling faintly) Thanks… I don’t think I could’ve done that without you.

David: (shrugs) Sure.... No problem.

He turned to leave, but Chloe’s voice caught him just before he stepped out the door.

Chloe: Wait—David. About yesterday… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off the way I did. I wasn’t trying to upset you.

David paused. For a moment, Chloe thought he was going to brush her off, but instead he gave a small, tired smile.

David: You don’t need to apologize. It’s not your fault.

Chloe: (confused) It wasn't? 

David: (scratches his hair nervously) …I just assumed you were gonna mock me or call me a masochist or something like most people do.

Chloe blinked, surprised by his honesty.

Chloe: I wasn’t going to do that. 

David gave a faint laugh, then his expression softened.

David: (quietly) The truth is… the reason I always try to talk to Sora…. it’s because I have feelings for her.

The words caught Chloe completely off guard.

Chloe: (staring at him) …What?