“You should go catch up with your friends, huh?” Hayes said to her, a weak smile playing on his lips. Their hands parted, and she instinctively reached for the strap of her bag.
They were now in music class, a place Inessa adored. Music had always been a highlight of her life. She had been taught to play many instruments, but the piano was her first love, a talent inherited from her mother. The violin, too, held a special place in her heart, its haunting melodies resonating with her soul. Yet, dancing to the music was her ultimate joy…
The sight of the gleaming instrument brought a small, genuine smile to her face. She glanced back at Hayes, catching his eye for a brief moment.She nodded towards him, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly. Yeah, I guess I should," she agreed softly, her voice carrying a mixture of reluctance and acceptance.
Did she really want to say goodbye to him? Not really, but they didn’t hang out much outside the library or walks around campus. They had different groups of friends, and she was not one for mixing friend groups. Sometimes she would wonder what it would be like to bridge those gaps, to let the lines blur a bit more.
As she glanced back at Hayes, a pang of reluctance tugged at her. Their time together was always a step back from the complexities of her social circles, a space where she could be more of herself without the pressures of expectations. Their dynamic was unique, built on shared moments in quiet corners and deep conversations that rarely saw the light of day.
“I guess I’ll see you around,” she said, her voice softer than intended.
Inessa did like school. Most people didn’t really. She liked going to class. She liked the routine. She liked learning. After all, knowledge is power. She knew that to be very true. She had that edge: actual school knowledge. She excelled in her studies, and she had a knack for social knowledge as well.
Inessa’s academic prowess set her apart. She thrived in the classroom, always eager to participate and push herself to learn more. Her grades were impeccable, a testament to her dedication and intelligence. Teachers appreciated her enthusiasm, and classmates often sought her help with subjects.
But it wasn’t just the academics that she mastered. Inessa also understood the subtleties of social dynamics. She navigated the intricate web of friendships, alliances, and rivalries with ease. She knew who to trust, who to be wary of, and how to use her charm to her advantage.
Her ability to balance these two worlds, academic and social, gave her a unique advantage. She was well-rounded, capable of engaging in intellectual debates one moment and seamlessly shifting to light-hearted conversations the next.
Inessa walked through the classroom with confidence, her sundress swaying with each step.
Though when she caught a glance at who was now next to her, a sigh was released and a fake smile plastered onto her face. “What did I do to have you in the class with me?” she joked, but was it really a joke? She had been planning to avoid Dante. She had no reason to be around him now that summer was over anyway. They had very little in common. Though summer had been fun, it was over now.
Inessa rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the slight upward tug at the corner of her mouth. She glanced around the classroom, trying to find a seat far enough from Dante but close enough to her usual spot.l
Her mind flashed back to the late nights and lazy days they’d spent together, the laughter and moments shared. It had been fun, but it was also a distraction.
Inessa shook her head, a reluctant smile had formed now.