Girl from Parallel universe -Part 1

7 | Whisper

Surely she must think I'm a coward after what happened this afternoon, Kai mused, his nerves fraying with each passing moment as he braced himself for what he assumed would be a confrontation.

But to his surprise, Grace simply smiled in response to Kai's greeting, her expression warm and genuine as she echoed his sentiments. "Same here," she replied, her words carrying a sense of ease that washed over Kai like a wave of relief.

Sebastian's laughter suddenly filled the air, breaking the tension that had settled over the table like a heavy shroud. Grace glanced at him with a puzzled expression, prompting Lucas to nudge him discreetly in an attempt to silence his mirth.

Kai couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Grace for her gracious response, her kindness easing the weight of his earlier apprehensions. And as the laughter subsided and the conversation turned to lighter topics, Kai found himself relaxing into the warmth of their newfound camaraderie, grateful for the unexpected bond that had begun to form between them.

As Sebastian's mischievous inquiry hung in the air, Kai braced himself for the inevitable embarrassment he was about to face. But much to his surprise and relief, Grace came to his rescue with a response that shifted the focus away from their earlier awkward encounter.

"We met this evening in the art room," Grace explained, her tone casual as she recounted their brief interaction. "Kai helped me put my painting in the storage room."

Sebastian's eyes lit up with excitement at the revelation. "So you paint!" he exclaimed, his curiosity piqued. "I heard you're a selected student. What are the three things you're selected in?"

Grace shrugged, her expression thoughtful as she considered Sebastian's question. "I don't know exactly," she admitted with a sheepish smile. "Well, I don't know anything about this whole thing."

Sebastian leaned forward eagerly, his enthusiasm palpable. "They must have given you a card after your examinations and all those tests," he suggested. "You can check on it."

A brief lull descended over the table as everyone waited for Grace's response, the only sound the quiet hum of conversation drifting from nearby tables. Kai couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Grace's predicament, his own discomfort momentarily forgotten in the face of her uncertainty.

"I can help you with that," Lucas offered, stepping in with a reassuring smile. And before Grace could respond, Sebastian chimed in with an invitation of his own.

"You can join us on the terrace after dinner with your card," he suggested, his tone friendly and inviting.

As Kai listened to the exchange, a sense of gratitude washed over him for his friends' kindness towards Grace, their willingness to include her in their plans despite the awkwardness of the situation. And as they resumed their meal, Kai couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that perhaps, despite his earlier missteps, there was still a chance to make things right with Grace and forge a genuine connection with the newest addition to their group.

**

As Grace and Kai ascended the stairs together, a sense of camaraderie began to blossom between them, their earlier awkwardness fading away in the shared simplicity of the moment. With a chocolate in one hand and her report card in the other, Grace exuded a quiet confidence that put Kai at ease, his nerves dissipating with each step they took together.

"Hey there," Kai greeted, mustering up the courage to speak as they climbed the stairs. To his relief, Grace responded with a warm smile, offering him a piece of chocolate from her hand. With a grateful nod, Kai accepted the sweet treat, their shared indulgence serving as a silent bond between them as they continued their ascent.