Sarah's POV
Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting a glow on the campus square, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of spring. I walked out of the teaching building and saw Charlotte standing quietly in the corner of the square, waiting as usual, unassuming and unobtrusive. He was the polar opposite of his good friend Chris, who was an extroverted guy with no "threatening" looks.
Although he never voluntarily shared his inner thoughts with others, I always thought he was a good person—mild, intelligent, and kind-hearted.
I ran over, feeling excited; today, I could finally tell him some news that made me very happy. Chris agreed to go to the movies with me, and I knew he would be available, filling me with anticipation. I also hoped Charlotte could join us; although he was usually quiet, I knew Chris would always be happy to be with him.
"Charlotte, look at the sky today!" I said with a smile as I approached him.
He turned around and gave me a polite smile. Although he wasn't as lively as me, I could tell he didn't mind my approaching him.
" Yeah, it's really nice," he replied softly, his tone gentle.
As I spoke, I was contemplating how to steer the conversation.
"I just talked to Chris about us going to the movies this weekend, and he seemed quite interested!" I tried to sound excited, hoping to infect him with my enthusiasm.
Charlotte nodded slightly, not showing too much emotion, his face still gentle.
" Yeah, it should be fun," I could sense his tone was a bit indifferent, but he didn't refuse me; there shouldn't be any major issues.
I wanted to say more, but then an idea flashed in my mind; maybe I should tell him more about Chris.
"I also told Chris that you've been a bit quiet lately, and if you're not in a good mood? He's a bit worried, saying you might have some troubles lately?"
These words blurted out, and I didn't realize Charlotte's expression stiffened instantly, even with a subtle hint of pain. Although he tried to laugh it off, "It's nothing, maybe just a bit tired lately."
I didn't detect anything amiss in his tone and even thought I was overthinking.
Just as I tried to ease the awkwardness in the air, Chris suddenly walked over. He always had a warm smile that seemed to brighten the whole world.
"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" he broke the silence.
"We're discussing the movie this weekend, Chris, you have to come," I said casually, trying to get the atmosphere back on track.
Chris nodded, his gaze sweeping over both of us, seemingly noticing Charlotte's silence.
"Sounds good," he then turned to Charlotte and asked, "Charlotte, is there something on your mind lately?"
I was a bit surprised that Chris was so concerned about Charlotte's emotions. Charlotte seemed stunned, his expression as if trying to break free from the silence but eventually replied, "Nothing, just a bit confused, I guess."
I noticed a flicker of unnaturalness in his eyes but didn't ask more.
Chris laughed, turning to look around, "Are you two so out of the loop? Really, you could all go and relax together."
He looked at a group of students playing on the playground, seemingly wanting to shift the topic to something more relaxed.
I quickly agreed, "Yeah, Charlotte, don't always stay alone, come and walk with us!"
Charlotte just nodded slightly, forcing an unnatural smile, as if he didn't want to break this delicate atmosphere.
Charlotte always hid a lot; maybe he didn't really want to join us, just thought refusing would make the atmosphere more awkward.
"Alright, I got it," he finally agreed.
I felt a mix of emotions. Although I knew he wasn't completely happy, at least he didn't refuse me.
And I hoped, at least this spring, to spend a relaxed and enjoyable weekend with Chris and Charlotte.
"Well, let's go to the playground later; Chris wants to play tennis," I suggested, trying to keep the atmosphere light.
Charlotte nodded, forcing a smile. She looked a bit helpless, but I didn't notice the complexity in her heart.
Maybe she really had some troubles she was unwilling to speak out, even though I cared so much about her.
I only hoped that time would make our relationship clearer, whether it was friendship or something else.