[Two days before the contest]
The chosen ones were gathered in the headmaster's office—naturally, because they'd been summoned there.
Emma and William arrived a little late, though it hardly mattered since the man himself hadn't shown up yet.
Natalie glanced up as they entered, exchanging a faint smile with Emma. She noticed right away how much brighter Emma looked—her eyes, her posture, even the way she smiled.
*She's changed so much.*
It had been about a month since Emma and William had grown closer, and in that time, not just Natalie but everyone could see the difference in her.
She no longer seemed detached or lost in thought. She didn't avoid people anymore. She even dressed with care—not out of obligation, but because she wanted to.
It was as if she'd found a new purpose. Someone she wanted to look beautiful for. Someone who made her smile without reason, who added color to her once dull world.
