Ivy knelt there with the book balanced on her head, gazing up with wide eyes. "A hundred times? I'll be past college before I even finish!"
Kate's fists clenched with restrained force, yet her expression remained calm and unbothered. "Then, keep reading until it's done."
Ivy let out a sigh, lowering her head. "Maybe I'm just too lazy and love food too much to be serious about acting."
Kate lifted Ivy's chin, looking at her intently. "You're more than suited for this. Don't ever say that again."
In this moment, she truly resembled a strict yet caring mentor.
Ivy blinked up at her, eyes bright. "So… can we watch a movie first?"
With a firm pinch to Ivy's chin, Kate replied, "What do you want to watch?"
Ecstatic, Ivy immediately dropped the book and sprang to her feet. "Anything's fine, as long as it's with you!"
"You said you wanted to watch to learn," Kate reminded her.
Ivy stuck out her tongue. "I just didn't want you thinking I wasn't serious! But if we can skip the studying part, even better."
A faint smile crossed Kate's lips. "You'll watch anything I choose?"
Ivy nodded eagerly.
The screen was set to project straight across the bed, meaning they'd have to sit together. Adjusting the pillows at a comfortable angle, Kate took her place on the bed, leaving a single pillow's distance between them.
Settling in beside her, Ivy slumped comfortably against the pillow, while Kate remained poised and upright as if cast in marble. Seeing Kate's elegant posture, Ivy tried to sit up straighter but soon gave up, sinking back into her relaxed sprawl.
Kate turned off the bedside lamp, leaving only the glow of the projector. Their shadows danced on the wall, creating a scene like a shadow play. Ivy was filled with excitement at sharing this movie moment with Kate.
But the excitement soon turned to dread as the title screen appeared.
The Shining.
"Wait… this is what we're watching? Isn't this just a preview?" Ivy slid a few inches closer to Kate, hoping.
"It's fine to change it if you're too scared to watch," Kate suggested coolly.
"I love horror movies!" Ivy straightened up. "If you're scared, you can always hide in my arms."
Just as the bold words left her mouth, a sudden jump scare sent Ivy scrambling back, legs kicking but held in place by her pillow.
Kate, unaffected, sat perfectly still like an unyielding statue.
With each passing moment, Ivy crept closer to Kate, now separated by only half a pillow. She closed her eyes, thinking she could brave it by just listening to the sounds.
Then, suddenly, she felt something tap her shoulder.
"Aaaah!" Ivy shrieked, eyes squeezed shut, only daring to peek after a long moment to see… nothing on her shoulder.
She swallowed nervously, leaning close to whisper, "Did… did you touch me?"
Kate simply shook her head.
Ivy's face went pale as her fingers trembled like little claws clutching Kate's arm. "Kate…"
"Let's switch to a different movie," Kate said, quickly changing the film to a well-rated drama.
Throughout the entire next movie, Ivy remained frozen in place, her grip steady on Kate's arm, afraid to let go and draw attention to her closeness.
"So, what did you think of that one?" Kate asked as the credits rolled.
"Good movie," Ivy answered, barely remembering anything but the lingering tension.
"What do you think drove the protagonist's actions?"
"Fear?" Ivy managed, still on edge.
Kate leaned in. "You enjoy calling me 'Ms. Stone' so much; surely, you enjoy being quizzed by a teacher, too?"
Ivy said nothing. Was Kate still annoyed about the title?
"Oh wow, it's already nine!" Ivy said, eager for an escape. "Maybe it's time to… you know, wash up?"
"By the way, you're still holding my arm," Kate pointed out.
In an instant, Ivy withdrew her hand, cheeks flushed as she scrambled to her feet.
Without another word, Kate headed to the shower, leaving Ivy to fret alone. She hadn't thought this through; she'd have to stay in the room alone while Kate showered. And the idea of washing up alone later, especially after that terrifying movie, left her thoroughly rattled.
Nervously, she reached out to grab Kate's sleeve. "Can… can we shower together?"
Kate stood there, eyes unwavering as she studied Ivy.
"Just kidding!" Ivy laughed awkwardly. "Not funny? Ha ha…"
Kate silently closed the door behind her.
Watching the door separate them, Ivy willed it to open again, her imagination running wild.
Just then, Kate's phone lit up with a video call. The unexpected sound made Ivy jump, almost causing her to burst through the bathroom door in a panic.
The name on the screen read 'Elise.'
She suddenly forgot her fear, caught up in a different kind of unease as the call rang on.