Forty-seven

Eloise slumped her shoulders, feeling a heavy burden of emotions. She couldn't shake off the unease that gnawed at her. She sighed quietly and whispered to herself, "I don't care about revenge, and besides, Jade and I are nothing, so it's none of my business what she does." Her words betrayed her inner conflict, barely audible in the noisy school.

Eloise didn't notice the enigmatic presence that hovered over her, watching her every move. This mysterious figure, hidden in the shadows, seemed bored by Eloise's lack of action. It said, "You're no fun at all." Its voice echoed in Eloise's mind, luring her into a trap. "You're wasting your life away. There's no excitement in what you do. You need some spice in your life," it said, hiding its true intentions.

Meanwhile, Maria was chatting with Alice after school. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and orange. The campus was bathed in a warm glow, creating long shadows on the ground.

Alice asked Maria with a friendly smile, "Do you want to walk home together after school?" Her eyes shone with affection, and her smile showed a deep connection.

Maria smiled back, feeling happy and relaxed. She answered with enthusiasm, "Sure, why not? That way we can hang out more." Her words expressed her fondness for her friend.

Suddenly, Naoka popped up out of nowhere, interrupting their conversation. She joked with amusement, "Wow, you two are inseparable." Her unexpected appearance surprised Alice and Maria.

Alice laughed with delight, teasing Naoka, "Naoka, you're such a ninja. We didn't see you coming."

Maria joined in the teasing, saying, "Yeah, you're always so sneaky. What are you up to anyway?" Her tone was playful and light-hearted.

Naoka seized the opportunity to change the topic. She focused on Alice and asked, "Alice, how about joining the inter-school tournament? There are still two spots left on Maria's team." Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Alice was intrigued by the offer. She asked eagerly, "Really? That sounds interesting. But what do I have to do to join her team?" Her voice showed her curiosity.

Maria took charge of the situation and explained, "Well, there's a selection test in two weeks. Until then, I can help you train." Her tone showed her willingness to support Alice's goals.

Alice was thrilled by the idea. She said excitedly, "Yes, that sounds awesome!" The prospect of joining Maria's team filled her with enthusiasm.

The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Maria looked at Alice and said, "See you after class then." Her smile showed her anticipation for their training sessions.

Alice nodded and smiled back, saying goodbye, "Yes, see you later."

With Alice gone, Naoka and Maria were alone in the fading light. Naoka couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. She asked Maria with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "So, do you have a crush on Alice or what?"

Maria shrugged nonchalantly and answered with confidence, "That's for me to know and you to find out. Gotta go, see ya." Her enigmatic answer left Naoka wondering about her feelings.

Naoka's thoughts drifted to love as the day went on. She scoffed and thought to herself, "Why is everyone so crazy about love? It's not for me. It's just a hassle, and it only hurts you in the end."

After class, Eloise checked her watch and groaned. She had to talk to Naoka about the restaurant. She felt nervous and anxious, wondering how Naoka would react to her plan. She clenched her fists and said to herself, "I can do this. I have to do this." She gathered her courage and headed for the garden.

There, she saw Naoka with Jade, chatting and laughing. Eloise felt a pang of jealousy and anger, but she pushed it aside. She reached out and grabbed Naoka's hand, pulling her away from Jade. "Come on, Naoka," Eloise said firmly, "We need to talk." Her fingers squeezed Naoka's, sending a silent message.

Naoka was surprised by Eloise's sudden move, but she followed her anyway. She trusted Eloise, even if she didn't understand her. "Where are we going, Eloise?" Naoka asked curiously.

Eloise smiled mysteriously and put a finger to her lips. "It's a secret," she said playfully, "You'll see when we get there." Her eyes sparkled with mischief, hinting at the surprise she had planned.

Jade, who had been watching the scene unfold, felt confused and left out. She wondered what was going on with Eloise, and why she didn't even acknowledge her. She thought to herself with concern and frustration, "What's up with her? She didn't even say hi to me."

Amber, who had just arrived on the scene, noticed Jade's dismay and decided to cheer her up. They teased Jade with a playful tone, "So, are we walking home together, princess?" Their voice was affectionate and friendly, trying to ease Jade's discomfort.

Jade smiled weakly and joked back, "Since when did I become a princess?" Her banter showed her fondness for Amber.

Amber grinned and looked at Jade with adoration. "No, you're not a princess. You're my princess," Amber said warmly, their words full of love and admiration.

Jade laughed genuinely, and Amber enjoyed the sound of her laughter. "You know that when you smile, you're beautiful," Amber said sincerely, their words full of honesty and compliment.

A blush crept up Jade's cheeks, and she looked at Amber with vulnerability. She asked softly, "Do you really mean it?"

"Of course I do," Amber reassured her. "I've never seen such a beautiful smile." Their words were unwavering and heartfelt.

Feeling a warmth in her heart, Jade nodded in agreement. "Well, let's go home then."

Amber nodded happily, savoring the moments they had shared. "Yes, let's go."

Back to Eloise's perspective, she and Naoka walked. Naoka didn't know where they were going, but she was curious to find out.

"Where are we going, Eloise?" Naoka asked again, her voice laced with curiosity.

Eloise winked at her and pressed a finger to her lips again. "Shh, it's still a secret," she repeated playfully, "But trust me, you'll love it." Her eyes shone with excitement, promising a surprise that would change everything.