At the Prep Class Door
Seren, still gripping Kaelan's arm, gasped for breath as they stood before the classroom door.
"S Sir… may we come in?" she asked, her voice shaky from all the running.
Both of them stood there, panting, cheeks slightly flushed. Kaelan tried to play it cool, but his chest rose and fell just as fast.
Professor Hale arched a brow. "You two… acquaintances from before, perhaps?"
Kaelan blinked, surprised by the question.
"I've been watching since this morning," the professor continued, narrowing his eyes with a teasing smile. "You arrived together, entered late together, ran together… Is there something going on between you two?"
Kaelan gave a helpless shrug, breathing heavily. "Professor… even I wish that were true."
Whack.
Seren smacked his arm with a scowl, her face now turning red from more than just the running. "It's not like that at all, sir! We just… met today. For the first time. On the way to prep class."
The professor chuckled lightly. "Alright, alright. Come in. But just a word of advice—youth is generous and wild, but don't let it interfere with your studies."
"Yes, sir," they both replied in unison, then quickly took their seats.
After Class Ends
"Alright, Mr. Dummy," Seren said, stretching as she packed up her books, "are we walking or taking the bus today?"
Kaelan gave her a smirk. "Hmm… I say bus. My royal legs are tired."
"Okay," she nodded. "Let's head out then."
Once they reached the school gate, Kaelan casually turned right.
"Uh… hey!" Seren grabbed his sleeve. "Didn't you say we're taking the bus?"
Kaelan looked confused. "Yeah, I did. Why?"
Seren gave him a look like she was about to strangle him. "Then why are you going right? The bus stop is left, genius."
"Oh… uh…" Kaelan scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I got a text from home and just started walking. My bad."
Seren rolled her eyes. "Seriously, you're a disaster. Let's just go."
As they turned, she instinctively linked her arm with his.
"Wait—not again!" Kaelan gasped. "You have a habit of grabbing me whenever we're walking or running."
"Oh hush. Let's go," she said, grinning as they broke into a jog toward the bus stop.
At the Bus Stop – Out of Breath Again
Both leaned against the bench, panting.
Kaelan looked at her. "Okay, no offense… but why do I feel like I've been running a marathon ever since I met you?"
Seren raised a brow. "Me? You're the one always getting lost or turning the wrong way."
Kaelan shook his head dramatically. "You blame me for everything."
"Figure it out yourself," she said, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "Anyway, the bus is coming!"
Kaelan squinted. "Wait, not that one."
"What do you mean not that one?" Seren asked, confused.
"My bus pass," Kaelan explained, rubbing the back of his neck. "I accidentally left it on the bus I usually take. That's why I was using the map earlier."
"You left your pass…?" she stared at him in disbelief. "Seriously—who's going to marry a guy this dumb and forgetful?"
Kaelan smirked. "Careful, goddess. Karma might hear you. Maybe you'll end up marrying this dumb, forgetful guy."
Seren scoffed, looking away to hide her blush. "Hah! I'd rather die than marry a dummy like you."
Kaelan leaned closer, teasingly. "Then what kind of guy would you marry, huh?"
"Why do you care?" she said, flustered. "Don't tell me the worshipper is getting greedy, now wanting the goddess for himself?"
"I don't want her," Kaelan said with a sly grin. "I've already fallen for her. Obsessively."
Seren's breath caught. "Y You…"
Kaelan tilted his head, teasing. "Did I just make the goddess blush?"
Seren looked away quickly. "Don't get the wrong idea, Mr. Dummy."
He grinned, then gently took her hand.
"You know, if you're going to hit me for being dumb," he said softly, lifting her hand to his chest, "aim here instead. This is where the damage really happens."
Seren's fingers curled slightly in surprise, but then she smiled—softly. "You're seriously a no brainer, Kaelan."
Just then, the bus rumbled into view.
"Ah! That's mine!" Kaelan said, still holding her hand. "Let's go!"
"Hey! You're dragging me again!" Seren laughed, letting herself be pulled along. "You're the one always blaming me for doing that!"
"Well now I understand," he grinned. "You only let me hold you when we're running, so I figured this counts."
"Hmph. So Mr. Dummy finally figured it out," she whispered.
On the Bus
Kaelan climbed aboard and asked the driver, "Excuse me, sir—did I leave my bus pass here yesterday?"
The driver turned and squinted at him. "What's your name, kid?"
"Kaelan."
"Ohhh! Yep, I remember. Here you go," he said, handing over the pass. "Be more careful next time. Can't just go losing stuff like this."
Kaelan took it, smiling gratefully. "Thank you, sir. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
"Good. Take a seat. We'll be off shortly."
Kaelan and Seren slid into a seat together. For a few moments, neither said anything. The gentle hum of the engine, the motion of the bus, and the soft sunset light falling through the windows filled the silence.
Then Seren turned slightly toward him.
"Hey… you meant that?"
"Huh?" Kaelan looked over.
"What you said. About falling for the goddess?"
Kaelan smiled, eyes meeting hers.
"I never say things I don't mean."
Seren looked out the window, a smile slowly blooming on her lips.
"Mr. Dummy…" she whispered. "You're still dumb… but you're kind of charming too."
Kaelan chuckled. "Careful, goddess. You're making it hard for me to breathe without blushing."
She bumped his shoulder gently. "Don't get used to it."