Ch. 39
Adrian Vale
Selene strolled past the booths leisurely, holding a new cup and this time a strawberry milkshake. She planned to just enjoy the rest of the afternoon alone, maybe check the art club's gallery or peek at the dance competition.
But fate, as usual, had other plans.
"Selene."
The familiar low voice made her pause mid-sip. Turning, she saw Adrian Vale, the student council president himself, walking toward her with his clipboard in hand.
His crisp white uniform fit him perfectly neat, composed, and every bit the picture of responsibility.
Great, she thought, just when I was having a peaceful moment.
"President Vale," she greeted flatly, trying not to sound too sarcastic.
He raised a brow, clearly amused.
"You don't have to sound like I'm your teacher, you know."
"Well, you do act like one," she replied under her breath, making him chuckle softly.
Adrian walked beside her, checking the booths and clubs as they passed the Robotics Club showing off drones, the Culinary Club handing out free pastries, the Debate Team practicing under a tent. Selene followed, pretending she was just tagging along out of boredom.
It was kind of... nice. Peaceful, even.
"Everything looks organized," Adrian murmured, jotting notes. "I'm proud of how the first years handled their responsibilities this year."
Selene gave a small nod, then muttered, "You really take this whole student council thing seriously, huh?"
He smiled slightly. "Someone has to."
There was a quiet pause until he spoke again, tone softer this time.
"By the way..." Adrian turned to her. "Your performance during the opening ceremony... it was beautiful. A masterpiece, honestly."
Selene blinked, caught off guard.
He continued, "I'm glad I got to hear you perform again. The last time was at my grandmother's birthday, remember?"
She looked away, feigning disinterest, though her ears warmed slightly.
"You're exaggerating. It was just a short piece."
"Maybe," Adrian said, his eyes glinting. "But short pieces can still leave a long impression."
Selene rolled her eyes, sipping her milkshake again to hide the tiny smile threatening to form.
Why does he talk like he's in a novel's confession scene? she thought irritably. Does he practice that tone?
They stopped when they reached the Theatre Club, where students were rehearsing in the open courtyard.
Colorful curtains hung loosely around the temporary stage, and a few students practiced lines dramatically, waving wooden swords and fake roses.
Selene tilted her head. "Theatre Club, huh?"
"Yes," Adrian said, flipping a page on his clipboard. "They're preparing for a mini play tomorrow something classic, I think. 'The Count's Promise.'"
"Oh? I've read that story before," Selene said, intrigued. "Tragic ending."
Adrian looked at her curiously. "You like tragedies?"
"I like stories that don't lie about happy endings."
That made Adrian pause, his eyes softening for a moment.
"That's... a very Selene answer."
"Meaning?" she asked with a slight glare. He smiled faintly.
"You always sound like you've seen the ending before anyone else."
Selene didn't respond, instead focusing on the stage where the actors fumbled their lines.
But deep down, she couldn't help but admit maybe he wasn't entirely wrong.
As one of the props fell, the stage erupted into laughter. Adrian helped one of the students fix it while Selene quietly observed, sipping the last of her milkshake.
He really was the type to take everything seriously even a fallen curtain.
And somehow, watching him like that... felt weirdly peaceful.
Ugh, she thought, turning away.
I'm definitely overthinking again.
When Adrian rejoined her, he said lightly, "Thanks for accompanying me."
"I didn't say, I was," she replied, crossing her arms.
"Then, I'll just take it as fate."
"Fate?" Selene blinked.
He smiled small, calm, but with that quiet charm that always left her speechless for half a second.
"Fate tends to drag me toward the same people," he said simply, before walking off to the next booth.
Selene just stood there, staring at his retreating back.
"...Did he just flirt?" she muttered, furrowing her brows.
Then she sighed.
"What the hell, Adrian. You're so unpredictable."