The next day, the weather was warm and calm, with soft sun rays entering through the tall classroom windows of Maplewood High. The five girls—Evelyn, Hazel, Riley, Autumn, and Scarlet—were all in class, sitting together like they always did. They were chatting softly, smiling, and for the first time in a while, Evelyn was laughing with them. Her laughter was gentle and pure, like a melody that had been hidden away for too long.
But one chair was still empty. Lemon hadn't come yet.
Just as the teacher was about to begin, the door creaked open slowly. Lemon walked in quietly. She looked around the room and spotted her group of girls at the back, laughing together. Her eyes stopped on Evelyn. Evelyn was laughing just like before—before the rumors, before the pain, before everything had changed.
Lemon stood by the door for a moment, not moving, just smiling faintly. She thought to herself, Evelyn is happy now, just like she used to be. I'll make sure nothing ever takes that smile away again. I'll protect her... and the others too. No matter what.
As she walked toward them, a thought crossed her mind like a shadow. It was about Leon. Her heart skipped a beat, and she told herself, Maybe I should tell him how I feel... how scared I am... But the fear of the unknown kept her silent. No, not now. I don't even know what he's thinking. What if I ruin everything? It's better to say nothing.
She brushed the thought away and finally reached the girls.
"What's going on here, girls?" she asked, trying to keep her voice casual. "Why are you all laughing so much?"
Hazel grinned and said, "Oh, we were just talking about you. And Leon."
The other girls broke into giggles.
Riley leaned in, pretending to swoon. "The way you fell into his arms! Oh my God! That was such a moment."
Autumn joined in, "And remember how quickly he accepted your friend request? Like, no delay at all."
Evelyn laughed too, her eyes bright with joy. "Oh! And every time he asks what you're doing? Seriously, it feels like one of those web series. So dramatic but so romantic."
Lemon rolled her eyes, but her cheeks turned pink. "Oh please, I thought you guys were talking about something else. You girls are unbelievable. Just forget about it."
Autumn smirked. "Nope, not forgetting this ever."
The others laughed louder, and even Lemon cracked a smile, though she tried to keep her serious face. Deep down, her heart felt warm. This was what she wanted—her friends happy, safe, and smiling.
Later that day, after all their classes ended, Lemon sat alone in the dorm lounge, scrolling through her messages. She opened her chat with Leon and typed:
Lemon: I feel like Evelyn became the Evelyn she was once before.
A reply popped up within seconds:
Leon: That's really great news. I knew you'd be the one to bring her back.
Lemon smiled and typed back:
Lemon: Not just me. The girls helped her too. And you did as well.
There was a pause, and then...
Leon's POV
Should I say it now? Should I finally tell her? Yes, Leon, you should. Come on. But... what if she doesn't feel the same? What if I ruin everything? No, no, don't think like that. You can do this.
His hands shook slightly as he picked up his phone and dialed Lemon's number. His heart pounded louder with each ring.
"Hello?" Lemon answered.
"Hey... I want to tell you something," Leon said, his voice nervous.
"What? Tell me, I'm all ears," Lemon replied, sounding curious.
Leon hesitated. "First tell me you won't be angry."
Lemon laughed softly. "I won't be angry. Just tell me already."
Leon took a deep breath. "I..."
Lemon teased, "You what?!"
"Okay, so... I—"
Suddenly, a voice interrupted. "Lemon! Let's go to the library! Please! I have something really important to do there," Riley said, tugging her friend's arm.
Lemon looked between her phone and Riley. "Hey Leon, if it's really important, call me again later, okay? I need to go with Riley now. It's urgent. Bye."
"Oh... okay. Bye," Leon said softly and ended the call.
He stared at his phone screen and muttered, "Shit. Shit. Shit. I wasn't able to say it. Again."
He sat on his bed, ruffled his hair in frustration, and leaned back. He looked up at the ceiling, thinking hard.
Day after tomorrow is a two-day break. Maplewood might be off too. If she goes home, I'll say it then. I'll make it perfect.
He closed his eyes and made a promise to himself.
Mission: Tell Lemon I love her. Start the moment I see her next. I won't back down this time. She's my first love... and she'll be my last too..