EXT. EAST SIDE GARDEN — CONTINUED
"What do you mean it's Ice?" Oriel blinked, pulling her head back as if Fire's words were a bright light stabbing her eyes.
"Ice," Fire whispered, cheeks burning, her eyes darting nervously around as if someone might overhear.
"Ice?" Oriel arched a brow, seeking confirmation.
"Yes, Aysu," Fire said again, this time slower, quieter—like saying it too loud would summon trouble.
But Oriel's response came out the complete opposite: sharp, precise, and painfully loud.
"You mean Keice Atlas! The brutal SSC president who happens to be your seatmate and la—"
Before she could finish, Fire's palm clamped over her mouth.
"Oriel! Not out loud!" she hissed, holding her captive in panic.
Oriel broke free, eyes wide. "No way!"
For the first time ever, the soft-spoken Oriel actually disagreed with her.
Fire, on the other hand, looked like she expected it. She sat with both hands on her lap, staring at the grass while sunlight spilled across her face, warming the blush that bloomed on her cheeks.
"I know," she whispered, voice small and shy—so unlike the ever-confident Fire Oriel knew.
It was strange. Fire's blonde hair caught the light like spun gold, her flushed cheeks glowing like she was lit from the inside. Oriel had always adored that brightness, but this was different.
This was softer. Quieter. Almost fragile.
She wanted to object—to tell Fire to stop before she got hurt. She always did.
But maybe this was what Dhylan meant.
I've never seen her like this, Oriel thought.
"I know you'll be mad," Fire said, still staring at the ground.
"But I have no one to talk to, and I feel like exploding!"
She lifted her head, puffing her cheeks out like a frustrated chipmunk.
Oriel couldn't help but smile. "I'm not mad."
"Really?!" Fire leaned forward, eyes wide.
"Well… kind of," Oriel admitted, looking away. "But—" she met her gaze again, softening, "I'm here as your friend. So your feelings first before mine."
Fire's guard melted instantly, replaced by a warm, grateful smile. Then, before Oriel could blink, she was pulled into a sudden hug.
"You're the best! I knew I could count on you!"
When Fire finally let go, she grabbed both of Oriel's hands between hers.
"Okay, what's the plan?" Oriel asked, determined to help.
"Um… make sure he doesn't find out?" Fire said, uncertainty all over her face.
"Why?"
"I mean, Ice rejects everyone. I've seen it more times than I was prepared for." She pouted, reminding herself of the promise she made—not to fall for him. But her heart clearly didn't listen.
"You have a point," Oriel sighed. "Eighty percent of the population here practically worships him. I still don't get why."
"It's because you have Dhylan. That's why you don't notice Ice," Fire shot back, protesting.
Oriel immediately scowled. "No way! I wouldn't like that emotionless guy even if Dhylan didn't exist!"
The second the words left her mouth, Oriel froze—realizing what she just implied.
Fire's hand flew to cover her mouth, trying not to laugh.
"That was a trap!" Oriel protested.
"No, it wasn't!" Fire giggled between breaths. "I was just saying Ice isn't as bad as you think!"
"Yeah, yeah." Oriel rolled her eyes, but Fire was already spiraling.
"Well, technically, I also said a thousand times that I'd never like that Iceberg," Fire groaned, clutching her head dramatically. "And look at me now!"
"I don't like this at all!" she complained, punching her lap like it was Ice's face.
"But you do like him?" Oriel asked, amused.
Fire turned to her, cheeks puffed and pink, and nodded miserably.
Oriel couldn't help laughing.
"You're supposed to help, not laugh!" Fire shot up, stamping her foot with a pout. "You're just like Ice—laughing when I don't need you to!"
Realizing what she said, she immediately dropped back down, hugging her knees, burying her face in them.
A muffled voice came out between groans. "Nooo! Why am I thinking about Ice again!"
Oriel just smiled, shaking her head. Fire looked absolutely flustered—her face red, her words a mess—but somehow, even in her chaos, she was painfully cute.