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“It was nice of you to volunteer for this fundraiser.” She said with a hint of a smile. “It means a lot since Stella and I have been struggling to set it all up.”

Why did no one tell me Sawyer was planning it?

Benjamin was about to step in and open his big mouth, so I immediately placed my hand over it to shut him up.

“It’s our pleasure,” I said. “Anything to help the team.”

Her eyes sparkled with a mix of delight and surprise. I ignored my friends’ bewildered glances as if I’d sprouted a second head.

“I’ll text you later to give you some more details.”

Benjamin smacked me on my head. I winced and pressed my palm against the area.

“What was that for?”

They shook their heads in disbelief, their lips twitching as they fought to suppress a laugh.

“Suddenly, your school spirit is at an all-time high.” Liam remarked, shaking his head in mock disapproval.

“Shut up.”

I tried to play it cool, but the teasing heightened my embarrassment. I was usually reserved, but in this instance, I’d lost all control.

“We better meet up later for rehearsal,” Sebastian said. “We only have a week.”

As if the bell was listening in on our conversation, it rang, signalling for us to say our temporary goodbyes.

??

18

“I got a long term plan with short term fixes.”

Story of Another Us, Five Seconds of Summer

Joshua

A sense of tranquillity washed over me as I stepped into the library. A contrast to the hustle and bustle of the hallways. Sunlight peered in through the windows, casting patterns of light and shadow across the rows of shelves. My footsteps echoed on the polished floors as I made my way deeper into the library in search of Sawyer. My eyes scanned the area until I spotted her in the far corner. Her focus was on her notebook.

With a soft smile, I made my way to her table. I pulled out the chair beside her and sat down. My eyes never left her face. She hadn’t noticed my presence. I reach out to tuck the stray strand of hair behind her ear, marvelling at the softness of her skin. My touch must have alerted her back to reality, as a surprised smile etched her features.

“Hey,” she said, her voice filled with warmth. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to whisk you away.” I placed my hand on top of hers to yank the pen held firm in her grip. “You need a break.”

“I still have so much to plan.”

I shook my head, grabbing the pen from her. She reached out for it, but I recoiled.

“Just a quick break.” I said, my expression gentle but firm.

She hesitated for a moment, torn between her desire to finish her planning and her craving for a break. She looked into my concerned eyes and closed her notebook with a weary sigh.

“Fine,” she said, as her corner lip twitched. “What do you have in mind?”

“Well, since you’re helping so much with the fundraiser, I thought I’d let you see what hockey is all about.”

She raised her left brow.