Last Day of Exams
The classroom was deserted except for Gozay and Maya. Gozay stretched, as if he'd been hauling bricks all week. "Finally! First term's over."
Maya side-eyed him. "Oh, sure. Like you've been studying 24/7."
"Hey, I'm not a bookworm like you." He smirked.
She stood up and lightly smacked him with her book. "Shall we?"
"Where?"
"Not on a date, ofcourse. To the SC office."
"Oh, sure. After you," he said, bowing like a butler.
On the Way
Maya walked ahead, lost in thought. How do I ask without sounding interested? Which I'm not. Finally, she glanced at him. "By the way… I haven't seen your girlfriend around."
Gozay blinked. "Girlfriend?"
"Yeah."
"Care to enlighten me? Who exactly is my 'girlfriend'?"
Maya rolled her eyes. "Jiya, duh. Isn't she?"
Gozay raised an eyebrow. "No. Yeah, we're close, but not like that."
Maya crossed her arms. "Why hide it? Don't you trust me? You go on dates, nap on her lap, and still claim you're not a couple?"
Gozay sighed, debating whether to spill the truth. "Look, she's like family. That's all."
Maya froze, her expression softening. "Oh… really?" Okay, that's better. But they're still very close?! 'Like family' doesn't actually mean family... but at least he doesn't have romantic feelings for her. Her shoulders eased slightly, though the idea of their closeness still nagged at her. Whatever, it's not my business… right?
"Anyway… what kind of girl do you even like?"
Gozay hesitated. Why is she asking? Does she… like me? He felt a rush of nerves. "Why do you wanna know?"
Maya shrugged. "You must want a girlfriend, right? I'll help you find one. Now spill."
He sighed, his earlier hopes deflated. Of course, she's matchmaking, not interested. "Fine. She should be… beautiful, have green eyes, and be a little crazy. That's it. When are you finding her?" He replied, not taking her seriously.
Maya's jaw tightened. You absolute MORON!! I'm right here! And you're thinking of someone else? Blue eyes are way more attractive! Or maybe he's just messing with me? She forced a smile, masking her irritation. "Great. I know someone who fits perfectly," she said flatly.
Gozay blinked, confused, as they reached the SC office. "Wait—what?"
In the SC Office
As they entered, Gozay looked around, "Thank God Wenda isn't here," he muttered, settling into a chair.
Yasaki chuckled. "Yeah, she, Jenny and Kayzin are handling an issue." He said, then turned to Gozay. "So, about that party idea—you're organizing it with Maya."
Gozay groaned. "I didn't want a party that badly. Can't we skip it?"
"Nope. I'm training you two. You'll lead the Unity League in the near future," Yasaki said with a grin.
"I'm ready, Pres," Maya chimed in.
"Fine, let's start with the budget," Gozay muttered.
"Plan first. Then budget," Yasaki corrected. "We'll host it on the last day before summer break. Sound good?"
"Got it!" Maya and Gozay said in unison. Maya smirked. Let's see how well you handle this, Mr. Perfect.
A short while later, Maya and Gozay stepped out of the SC office. She side-glanced at him. "So... what's cooking in that tiny brain of yours?" she asked.
"Uh…" He scratched his head. "I was debating: cheesy fries or juicy steaks?"
Maya groaned. "I meant the party, nerd."
Gozay chuckled awkwardly. "Right, sorry. I was thinking—why not ask the students what they want? You, esteemed SC member, and me, your charming assistant, could do a poll. It'll make us look approachable instead of like dictators."
Maya gave him a side-eye but nodded. "Not bad."
Just then, she stopped abruptly and yanked Gozay into a random corridor.
"Whoa! What's your deal?" he asked, stumbling.
"Keep walking. I just saved you."
"From what?"
"Wenda," she whispered. "She's with Kayzin and Jenny. If she spots you, she'll glue herself to you." And that's what I really hate!!
Gozay grinned. "Thanks for the rescue."
Maya, now a few steps ahead, smirked. Without looking back, "Speaking of Wenda… she's pretty, crazy, and practically lives to annoy you. Sounds like your type. Wanna date her?"
Say yes, and I'm smacking you.
Gozay laughed nervously. Why is she so invested in my love life? Pity? "No way. She's dangerous. The kind of girl who'll keep any guy in her back pocket—and not in a cute way. Besides, I'm nothing special to her. She flirts with everyone."
Maya raised an eyebrow. "Not Kayzin."
Gozay sighed. Yeah, because he's yours.
As they stepped outside, Rina appeared out of nowhere, her smirk as sharp as ever. "Well, well, well! Once mortal enemies, now BFFs?" She slapped Gozay's arm playfully.
"OW! Easy, Hulk!" he winced.
Maya laughed. "Yeah, we've upgraded to 'friends.' Actually, Rina, I needed to chat with you. Gozay, you can go. This is personal."
Gozay gave them a salute. "Got it. Later, ladies."
"See ya around," Rina called after him. Then, turning to Maya, she crossed her arms. "Alright, sweet cousin. Spill it. What's so personal?"
As they walked, Maya glanced at Rina. "I need a girlfriend."
Rina's eyes widened as she gasped. "Excuse me?—what? Don't tell me you're a Les—"
"Oh, shut up, idiot. Not for me. For Gozay," Maya groaned.
Rina blinked. "For Gozay? Why?"
"You're going on a date with him. Simple as that," Maya declared.
Rina's cheeks flushed. "Wh-what? He's in love with you. Why would he agree?"
I hope you're right, Maya thought, her resolve faltering. He won't actually date anyone, right? This is just a test... but what if he says yes? She steeled herself. Whatever. Who cares?
"Uh, hello?" Rina waved a hand in front of Maya's face. "Earth to Maya?"
Maya snapped out of it. "Huh? Oh, yeah. So, about the date…"
Rina grinned slyly. "You don't actually want him to date anyone."
Maya's face turned red. "No! I do! That's why I'm asking you. But you've gotta spill every detail about the date, alright?"
Rina turned away, smirking. "I see what's happening here. Be careful, though—I might just steal him away."
Maya forced a smile. "Why would I care if he dates you? Doesn't bother me at all."
"Sure, it doesn't," Rina said, grinning knowingly. You'll see, my sweet cousin. You're not as indifferent as you think.
At Gozay's Home
Gozay walked into his room and froze. Jiya was sprawled across his bed, flipping through one of his novels like she owned the place.
"Hey, brother," she said without even glancing up.
"Why are you here?" he asked, dropping into his chair.
She shut the book and stretched lazily. "Came looking for cash. Found your thrilling library instead."
"You're not getting a penny," he said, narrowing his eyes.
Jiya grinned, all fake sweetness. "Hmm, I could take it if I wanted. You know me."
"Yeah," Gozay muttered. "That fake innocence of yours could start wars."
"Exactly! Anyway, how's your new bestie?"
"She's fine." He leaned back, groaning. "If you meet her, just tell her the truth—I said you're family."
Before Jiya could respond, Gozay's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, smirking. "Speak of the devil," he said, answering. "Hey, Maya. What's up?"
"Guess what? I found you a date!" Maya chirped, her excitement as fake as her apologies. "She's waiting. Get ready!"
Gozay shot upright. "WHAT? Are you joking?"
Maya spun in her room, enjoying this far too much. You're not actually going. I know you're not. "Nope, dead serious. Now hurry up!"
"Who is she?"
Maya plopped onto her bed, biting back a laugh. "Think of it as a blind date. But trust me—she's gorgeous. Big, beautiful eyes. Slightly unhinged, just your type."
Gozay frowned, rubbing his neck. If I go, she'll think my feelings for her are fake. But if she doesn't care, why should I? After a long pause, he sighed. "Alright. What time?"
Maya froze, her smile faltering. WHAT THE HELL!! She thought, before clearing her throat "Uh… 5:30. Wait outside Emberlight Cafe," she stammered, hanging up fast. He agreed? So easily? Good for him. Not like I care. Huh, I don't care. He's just a stupid nerd. She fell back in bed, clearly angry.
In the meanwhile, Gozay stared at his phone, stunned.
"What happened?" Jiya asked, sitting up.
He blinked. "I have a date."
Jiya jumped off the bed, her eyes wide. "You? On a DATE? With who?"
"It's… a blind date."
Jiya squinted at him like he'd lost his mind. "Wait, WHAT? Okay, forget it. Just take pics, alright? Oh, and…" She gave him a once-over, shaking her head. "Go fix yourself. You look like a lost cause."
Moments Later
Gozay stood outside Emberlight Café, adjusting his olive-green shirt over a white tee, paired with black jeans. He eyed the road like he was mentally tallying every car. His watch read 5:40.
He exhaled. Who's it gonna be? Will I even want a second date? Imagine if Maya's the blind date... He smiled at the thought.
"Gozay?" a voice interrupted his daydream.
He turned to see Rina approaching, radiant in a fitted lilac midi dress with delicate lace details, a matching handbag casually hanging off her shoulder. She looked beautiful, confident, and completely at ease.