It was four days before their movie date. Zach bought a bouquet of modest flowers that came in different colors and anonymously gave it to Asari.

He failed at the anonymity part mainly because Asari bowed her head in thanks when she saw him in the hallway. He tried his best to act cool and innocent.

Three days to go; Zach found out from Oresa that Asari, despite her sweetness and cute exterior, likes bitter-sweet dark chocolates.

The redhead immediately ran to the nearest sweets shop and purchased a whole box of the most expensive one he could find, he planned to worry about the expenses some other time. He can save up again for the new RPG game coming out that week.

With Oresa’s help, he managed to sneak the box of chocolates inside Asari’s locker with a note that said:

'I’m feeling as bitter as this when you’re not around and as happy as a kid given sweets when I see your smile.'

It was corny, yes. But it was the truth.

And thank goodness, it was definitely worth it.

Zach saw her expression as she saw the contents of the scarlet box; her eyebrows were raised above her eyes that were wide open and red crept across her cheek as her nose twitched slightly. It was a mix between surprise and happiness, which he found very cute.

He tried well to manage his extra-curricular activities, school work, and efforts to try to put his best foot forward to impress the girl who caught his attention and recently, his heart.

Two more days; Zach woke up early in the morning and headed to the school library. He walked around and saw the person he was looking for.

“If it isn’t the Great Nise Naismith.” He greeted with sarcasm. “I was looking for you.”

“Oh? What brings you here, Zach? I rarely see you in the library.” The guy behind the desk asked without looking. He turned another page of the book that he was reading. “If this is about Rosie, I’m treating her well and am taking things slowly, contrary to the ridiculous overprotective thoughts you have in your head as her brother.”

Zach frowned and looked away with shyness, “I’m not like that. I’m not even here for that anyway.”

“Oh? Should I ask why you’re here then?”

“Hmmm… I was wondering what sorts of books do Asari like?”

Nise closed the hard-bound book in his hands and grinned. “Shouldn’t you be asking this to her yourself?”

********************************************************************

The most-awaited event this week was only a day away. Zach hummed a random tune as he recalled his success in indirectly asking what sorts of books Asari would like to read. He was able to get one for a very good price, thanks to Rosie’s haggling skills. Although in the end, the shopkeeper wasn't too happy that Rosie had him around her finger.

His fourth gift, a book, was in his hands as he approached Asari who was sitting on a bench inside their school’s premises. Zach was a couple of feet away from her when someone practically screamed his name from behind him.

“Z-Zach!” There were sobs in between.

He saw a miserable-looking Thelea, she had puffy red eyes that had black make up splattered across. It wasn't like her to ignore such a mishap. It wasn't like her to cause such a scene. But somehow, she didn't mind what other people would think as she rushed towards Zach and plunged into a hug.

Before he could say anything, the hug tightened. He glanced at Asari’s direction and saw dismay flashed on her face before she stood up walked away. Zach’s fists were clenched and furrowed; he felt frustration welling up within him. He tried to tone it down; she must have a reason for this. "Calm down, let's go elsewhere. This isn't the best place to talk about this."

Zach sighed as he turned his gaze to her. She was still sobbing her heart out and it made him feel a pang in his heart as it reminded him of something that happened in the past.

“You shouldn’t be doing anything like that in public especially since you already have a boyfriend. What would he say if he saw you hugging another guy - or worse, your ex?" He led her to a more secluded area; they stepped inside a small gazebo with flowers and greens around them. They sat next to each other but were face-to-face.

“WELL!!! He IS the problem.” she was still in sobs when she grabbed him into a hug. “Daneo... I wanted to surprise him so I went to the place he always hangs out at and I found him lip-locking with another girl…that bitch! I helped her gain her social status and she repays me by doing that to my boyfriend?!" 

"AND THAT DANEO!!! Ever since we were going out he’s being getting popular and a lot of girls suddenly notice him and start to flirt with him… I think he was actually tounging her back… I..I…I don’t deserve this. Why is this happening to me? I didn’t do anything to Daneo or to that girl, why are they doing this behind my back?! I don’t even know how long that has been going on… I must know! Those traitors, they deserve to die!”

“Woah, hang on there.” Zach pushed her away from him, his hands on her shoulders. “Let’s say he’s a jerk and the girl’s a flirt, but maybe you still need to talk it out you know? Maybe it was a misunderstanding? And I think you’re smart enough not to even think about violence or whatnot.”

Thelea looked up to him, eyes now red from too much crying that she can barely keep them open. She then looked down on the floor. “I thought he was different, I thought I finally found my prince… Someone who understands me for who I am and someone who just loves me for me. It’s just so depressing." 

"I'm sorry that you had to go through this..."

"The only comforting thing I can think of right now is that every time I’m all miserable like this, I can still come crying to you and you comfort me just by being there, so thank you. My only regret is that I let someone as good as you out of my grasp, I’m a fool, no wonder Daneo cheated on me.” She forced a smile and used her sleeves to wipe her eyes.