Julian's best friend, Takeshi Kuroda, was the opposite of him—outgoing, loud, and always up for a good time. They had become friends when Julian first moved to town, and despite their differences, they balanced each other out.
One day, as they walked to class, Takeshi nudged Julian with a grin. "So, what is up with you and Scarlet? I saw you two in the library yesterday."
Julian felt his cheeks heat up. "Nothing, we just ran into each other," he mumbled.
"Come on, man. It would be best if you talked to her more. She is cool and into art like you are into books. You have stuff in common."
Julian shrugged, unsure. But later that week, fate gave him a push in the right direction. Julian and Scarlet were paired up for a group project during a school event. They spent more time together, and as they worked, they started to open up to each other.
"I love painting," Scarlet admitted one afternoon as they sat in the art room. "But my family wants me to take over our tea shop. I feel like I am being pulled in two different directions."
Julian nodded, understanding the feeling all too well. "I want to write a novel, but I never seem to find the right inspiration. And I am scared no one would want to read it."
Scarlet looked at him, her eyes softening. "You should go for it, Julian. If it is something you love, it is worth the risk."
Her words stuck with him. Over the next few days, Julian found himself writing more, drawing inspiration from his conversations with Scarlet. He realized that she was more than just a classmate—she was becoming someone important to him.