Academic lovers

29 | Talk

As the door creaked open, Miss Daniel grinned warmly. "Hi honey, the girls are upstairs!" Returning her smile, I gave her a hug before making my way upstairs.

Today was the day we planned to pack our suitcases for the upcoming senior trip, which is just a few days away. We had decided to do it together. After the incident with Michael the other day, I called Ciara and asked if we could talk about it while packing today.

As I entered the room, I was greeted by the sight of my friends, all dressed in their pajamas, surrounded by scattered clothes and packing materials.

"Hello, ladies," I greeted them with a warm smile. I was trying to hide my surprise at the mess around the room.

"Hey Zhera!" they chimed in unison, their voices filled with excitement.

My brows furrowed as I glanced around the room. Clothes were scattered everywhere, and by everywhere, I mean everywhere. How did two people create such a mess?

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as I picked up one of the clothes from the floor. "Do we really need this many outfits for the trip, guys?" I asked, trying to sound both curious and amused as I made my way to the cozy bean bag chair.

"What kind of question is that, Z? Of course we do," Ciara replied, sounding a bit offended.

"Yeah, I mean, the trip is for like five days, Z, so we need a lot, but not too overboard like Ciara," Khelani chimed in, struggling to fold a shirt properly.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ciara asked defensively.

"Exactly what I said," Khelani responded with a grin.

I couldn't help but giggle. "What Khelani is trying to say, Ce, is that you're a clothing enthusiast." I playfully raised my finger in the air before she could counter back. "But before you say anything, remember that one trip to France when you overpacked? You had to remove so many clothes and put them in your parents' suitcases."

"Haha, funny."

Khelani giggled. "Yes, very funny."

They both then looked at each other for a moment and nodded. I glanced between the pair. What was that?

"So, Zhera." Ciara began, her voice seeming different than before.

"yea.."

"You know how we're your best friends ever, and you love us so much?" Khelani continued.

"Sure."

"And as your best friends, it's only our job to know what's happening in your love life."

"It is?" I scoffed, knowing where this was going.

"Yes, Aiden. Talk, now."

I shrugged my shoulders, trying to play it cool. "There's nothing to talk about," I said, hoping to brush off their observations.

But they both let out a sigh, exchanging knowing glances. "Come on, we've noticed how you've been lately," Ciara hinted. "You've been happier, smiling more whenever his name comes up, and you get all excited when it's time for your sessions."