"What's taking so long?" their vice-president, **Damien**, irritatingly said.

"Relax, she'll be here," their secretary, **Maya**, replied calmly.

"Why would we waste our time waiting for that witch to arrive when I'm already here?" he said, putting his hand on his waist, a smug expression on his face.

"Enough! You might be the vice-president, but I will not tolerate what you just said!" shouted one of their members, **Jade**.

While everyone was arguing, **Sophia** arrived.

"Sorry, if I'm late, everyone. I had a meeting with the higher-ups earlier," Sophia said, her voice steady but apologetic.

"Thank goodness you've finally arrived," Damien said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

"And what's with that attitude, Mr. Damien?" Sophia retorted, her tone sharp. "Remember, you're just a vice-president, a co-leader—not the boss around here, so stop getting your hopes up about bossing everyone around!" She pointed directly at him.

"Excuse me?" Damien shot back, clearly taken aback.

Sophia smirked. "I've heard everything you said earlier, that I'm a witch? Maybe you're the one who's a witch— a witch that doesn't do much around here," she added, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Damien's eyes narrowed, clearly not expecting Sophia to retaliate. "You've got some nerve, don't you?" he snapped, stepping forward. "You think just because you're late and the higher-ups like you, that you can walk all over me?"

Sophia stood her ground, her gaze unwavering. "Oh, I don't need anyone to like me to do my job, Damien. I get things done, unlike some people around here," she replied coolly.

Maya, trying to ease the growing tension, quickly stepped in. "Enough, you two," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "We all have a job to do. Let's focus on what's important."

Jade shot a warning glance at Damien before adding, "Maya's right. We don't need any more drama today."

Sophia turned to the rest of the group, her expression softening. "Sorry for the delay. Let's get back to business," she said, taking her seat at the table.

Damien clenched his jaw but said nothing more. He was clearly irritated, but he knew it was pointless to argue further.

As the meeting continued, the tension lingered, but everyone knew that despite their differences, they would need to work together to move forward.

The room fell into an uneasy silence as the meeting resumed. Damien crossed his arms, still clearly irritated, but kept quiet, while Maya made sure everyone was on track. Sophia glanced at him once more, her expression unreadable.

"Alright," she said, addressing the group. "We have a lot to cover today. Let's start with the budget report and then move on to the upcoming event preparations."

Jade nodded, opening her laptop to present the first set of data. As she began speaking, Sophia noticed Damien subtly rolling his eyes, clearly disinterested. His actions didn't go unnoticed, and the tension between them lingered like an invisible thread pulling at the air.

"So, are we just going to pretend nothing happened?" Damien suddenly muttered, his voice low but pointed. "Because I can't pretend to respect someone who keeps walking in late and throwing sarcastic remarks."

Sophia didn't flinch. "I wasn't the one wasting time before the meeting, was I?" she countered, her tone sharp as she turned her attention back to Jade's presentation.

Damien was about to retort, but Maya intervened again, her voice calm but firm. "Damien, Sophia, let's focus on the work. We're all here for the same reason—to make things happen. Arguing over petty things won't help."

Sophia gave a small nod of agreement, her sharpness fading as she turned her attention back to the group. "Let's continue. Jade, go ahead."

The rest of the meeting passed with a mix of quiet tension and professionalism. Sophia and Damien kept their distance, their words few but pointed when they did speak. By the end of it, the group had made progress on the tasks ahead, but the strained atmosphere between the two leaders remained.

As everyone began to pack up, Maya gave Sophia a look. "You okay?"

Sophia nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'm fine. Just another day with *him*."

Maya chuckled lightly. "You two have a strange way of getting along."

Sophia sighed, standing up from the table. "It's a work in progress."

"I just wish you two would get along," Jade added with a sigh, looking between Sophia and Damien as they both gathered their things in silence.

Sophia leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. "I wish," she remarked, her tone laced with frustration. "But, it's Damien. We can't do anything about it."

Damien shot her a quick glance, clearly irritated by her words, but he didn't respond. Instead, he stood up and began walking toward the door, not bothering to make eye contact with anyone.

Jade exchanged a look with Maya, who simply shrugged, her expression a mix of understanding and resignation. "It's like you two are always on opposite sides," Jade muttered.

Sophia sighed. "You have no idea," she said, her voice quieter now, almost thoughtful. "I don't know what his deal is. He used to be more... tolerable."

"Maybe something happened between you two," Maya suggested, her tone gentle.

"Nothing happened between us," Sophia replied with a shake of her head. "It's just that he always had beef with me, and I don't know why."

Jade raised an eyebrow. "That's strange. If it's something that's been going on for a while, he should've said something."

Sophia shrugged, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. "Believe me, I've tried. Every time I approach him, he brushes it off like it's nothing. It's like he enjoys being difficult."

"You know, if it makes you feel any better, why don't we go out for lunch later?" Maya suggested, offering a reassuring smile.

Sophia's eyes softened, grateful for the gesture. "I think I could use a break from all the drama," she replied with a small laugh. "Thanks, Maya. Lunch sounds perfect."

Jade grinned. "It'll be a nice change of pace. We can forget about work for a little while."

Sophia nodded, feeling a bit lighter. "Yeah, it's been a long day already, and it's only going to get more stressful. A break sounds like just what I need."

Maya stood up, grabbing her bag. "Great, let's go to that café down the street. I hear they have amazing sandwiches."

"Sounds perfect," Sophia said, standing up as well. "I'm in."

As the three of them headed out of the room, Sophia couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.

Maybe the day hadn't gone as planned, but with friends like Maya and Jade, things felt a little more bearable.

"I just wish work would be easy, but every day is a challenge," Sophia said with a sigh as they walked down the hallway. "Don't you think we should change our vice-president?"

She said it with a playful tone, but her words were laced with a hint of frustration. Maya raised an eyebrow, glancing at her.

"Change the vice-president? You know that's not going to happen," Maya replied with a chuckle. "As much as Damien gets on your nerves, he's still in charge."

Jade smirked. "And if you did replace him, I'm guessing you'd be the one to take over, right?"

Sophia laughed, shaking her head. "Not in a million years. I'd rather keep dealing with Damien's attitude than be stuck in his shoes."

Maya grinned. "True. But, hey, a little bit of humor never hurts. Maybe we should all start a petition for *a new vice-president*—one who's less *grumpy*."

Sophia chuckled at the thought. "I wouldn't mind, but I don't think anyone else would either. They probably think I'm the one who causes all the problems."

Jade rolled her eyes. "Let's just focus on lunch for now. Maybe food will solve all our problems."

Sophia smiled, her mood lightening. "I'm all for that." The three of them continued down the hall, their laughter filling the space as they headed out for a much-needed break from the chaos.

"It wouldn't hurt if we did change it," Sophia added with a playful grin. "Besides, I'm the president after all. And as much as I hate the drama between me and him, it might be difficult to get rid of him."

Maya laughed, shaking her head. "True. As much as you're in charge, I don't think it's that easy to just replace him. But hey, a girl can dream, right?"

Jade chimed in, "You're definitely not alone in wishing for a smoother path. But it's not like Damien will go down without a fight if you try to take him out of the equation."

Sophia sighed, a little more seriously now. "Yeah, I know. He might be a pain, but he does his job... kind of. It's just the attitude I can't stand."

Sophia sighed, a little more seriously now. "Yeah, I know. He might be a pain, but he does his job... kind of. It's just the attitude I can't stand."

"None of us can stand him," Maya replied, rolling her eyes. "Honestly, I don't know how you manage to work with him every day."

Sophia chuckled, but there was a hint of exhaustion in her voice. "It's not easy. But I guess that's what being president is about—dealing with the difficult ones and keeping the peace, even when you don't want to."

Jade nodded in agreement. "You're doing a good job, though. Despite Damien's attitude, you're handling everything with more patience than I would have."

Sophia smiled faintly. "Thanks, Jade. I try. But some days, I just want to throw in the towel."

Maya nudged her playfully. "Well, at least you've got us. And lunch. For now, let's just focus on that. No vice-president drama allowed."

Sophia laughed, feeling her mood lighten. "Deal. Let's enjoy this break before we dive back into the chaos."

With that, the three of them headed into the café, leaving the frustrations of work behind, if only for a little while.

As they entered the café, the cozy atmosphere instantly eased the tension. The faint hum of quiet chatter and the smell of fresh coffee filled the air, offering a much-needed break from the chaos of the day.

Maya led them to a corner booth, and they sat down, the weight of the morning's drama beginning to lift. A moment of peace, even if temporary.

"I'll take my usual," Jade said, looking over the menu. "You know, the sandwich with extra cheese and that huge cup of iced tea."

Maya smirked. "Of course. And I'll go with my usual too—salad and water. Gotta keep things light."

Sophia smiled, finally feeling herself relax. "I'll go for the soup today. Something warm sounds nice."

As they placed their orders, the conversation shifted to lighter topics—plans for the weekend, upcoming events at school, and even a bit of gossip. But even in this space, the thought of Damien lingered in the back of Sophia's mind.

"I still don't get it," Maya said after a while, her tone casual but curious. "What do you think his problem with you is? I mean, has he always been like this?"

Sophia paused, tapping her fingers on the table. "Honestly, I don't know. We used to get along fine, back when we were just classmates. But once he got the vice-president role, it's like something shifted. Maybe he thinks he needs to prove something or… I don't know."

Jade raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe it's not you at all. Maybe he's just a jerk."

Sophia chuckled, but the hint of truth in Jade's words made her wonder. "Maybe you're right. I just wish we could get past this. It's exhausting, dealing with this tension every day."

Maya gave her a sympathetic smile. "Well, no matter what happens with Damien, we've got your back. Always."

Sophia's heart warmed at her friends' words. "Thanks, you guys. It means more than you know."

Their food arrived, and they quickly fell into a comfortable rhythm, chatting and eating, leaving the stresses of the day behind, at least for a little while.

"By the way, I was wondering if you can give me some advice," Maya said, stirring her water slowly, her gaze focused on the glass.

Jade raised an eyebrow and leaned forward. "What is it? Do you have a boyfriend?" she asked, clearly teasing.

Sophia glanced over at Maya with a grin. "Is it related to a boy? Because I've got nothing to give you advice on that. I don't have any of those guys," she said with a playful shrug.

Jade shot a quick look at Sophia. "What do you mean, you've got none? Sophia, are you blind or something? Because you've got tons of admirers and suitors. Honestly, I don't know how you don't see it," she replied with a teasing smirk.

Sophia flushed a little, shaking her head. "I'm really not that observant, I guess."

Maya chuckled but seemed a little shy. "It's not about me having a boyfriend... I've just been thinking about someone. But I'm not sure what to do about it."

Sophia leaned in, suddenly intrigued. "Someone? Now you have to tell us more."

Jade mirrored Sophia's curiosity, her eyes widening. "Yeah, spill it, Maya!"

"Okay, okay. So, I have this guy in my class who's also my seatmate," Maya began, her voice lowering slightly as she glanced between her friends. "We're close—like, super close. The kind of close that feels like we're in a relationship, but he keeps giving me mixed signals, and I don't know if he has feelings for me or not."

Sophia and Jade both leaned in, their interest piqued.

"Mixed signals?" Sophia echoed, her curiosity growing. "What do you mean by that?"

Maya sighed, trying to find the right words. "Well, one minute, he's acting all sweet and caring, like he's really into me, and the next, he's distant, almost like he's pulling away. It's confusing. I can't tell if I'm reading too much into it or if he's actually into me."

Jade raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like he's playing games. But honestly, guys can be pretty confusing when it comes to stuff like this."

Sophia nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I get what you mean. It's hard to tell sometimes, especially if he's not being direct. Have you tried talking to him about it?"

Maya bit her lip, looking uncertain. "I don't know if I should. I don't want to ruin the friendship, but at the same time, I can't keep second-guessing everything he does. It's exhausting."

Jade leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "Well, it's either you talk to him and get some clarity, or you risk driving yourself crazy over what could be nothing."

Sophia gave Maya a sympathetic look. "Yeah, sometimes you just have to ask, even if it feels awkward. It might be better to know where you stand than keep wondering."

Maya nodded slowly, feeling a little better after talking it out. "I guess you're right. Maybe I just need to find the courage to ask him."

Jade grinned. "You've got this, Maya. Just go for it."

Sophia smiled. "And if he's truly your friend, he'll be honest with you, no matter what. You'll figure it out."

"I also got something on my mind," Jade added, looking a little hesitant. "I know you guys might see me as the boy-ish friend, but a guy from my history class just asked me out."

Maya and Sophia both blinked, surprised by the sudden revelation.

"Wait, what?" Maya said, leaning forward with wide eyes. "You? Someone actually asked you out? That's a first!"

Sophia raised an eyebrow, trying to hold back a grin. "I'm honestly shocked. You? The girl who always acts like she's too cool for anything like that?"

Jade shrugged, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the unease she felt. "Yeah, I guess he didn't see me that way. He's really sweet, and he's been kind of persistent. But I don't know if I'm ready for something like that. I'm not really used to it."

Maya gave Jade a sympathetic look. "I get that. It's a big deal, especially if you don't normally think about relationships. What does he seem like? Is he someone you can see yourself with?"

Jade shook her head. "I don't know. I like him as a person, but I'm just not sure if I'm ready to start anything. The whole dating thing feels... complicated. Plus, I'm not even sure I want to risk changing our friendship."

Sophia nodded, understanding her hesitation. "It's definitely tricky when you're not sure about your feelings, especially with someone you see often. But maybe you should give it some thought. You don't have to make a decision right away."

Jade sighed, feeling a little lighter after getting it off her chest. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I just needed to talk about it, you know?"

Maya smiled warmly. "We're always here for you, Jade. Whatever you decide, just make sure it's what feels right for you."

Sophia added, "And if anything, you've got us to back you up, no matter what happens."

Jade smiled gratefully, feeling reassured. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."

"So, when did this whole asking out thing happen?" Maya asked, her curiosity piqued. "Like, did it just happen recently, or was it weeks ago?"

Jade paused for a moment, trying to remember the exact timeline. "It actually just happened a few days ago," she said, her fingers absentmindedly tapping the side of her cup. "We were talking about the upcoming history project, and out of nowhere, he just asked me if I wanted to grab coffee after school. He seemed really casual about it, but... it caught me off guard."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "That's so sudden! Was there any hint that he liked you before?"

Jade shook her head. "Honestly, no. He's always been friendly, but we've mostly kept things professional or just talked about class. Nothing ever gave me the impression that he was interested in anything more. I was kind of surprised, to be honest."

Sophia smirked. "Well, sounds like someone's got a little admirer. Maybe he's been building up the courage to ask you out."

Jade rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the slight blush on her cheeks. "I guess. But I just don't know. I don't want to rush into anything or end up in a weird situation with him, especially if it doesn't work out."

Maya nodded understandingly. "That's fair. It's a big decision, especially since you're not sure if you want to take that step."

Jade sighed, clearly conflicted. "Yeah, I mean, I like him as a person, but I'm just not sure if I'm ready for something like that."

Sophia smiled kindly at her. "It's okay to take your time and think it over. Don't feel pressured to make a decision just because he asked. You'll know when the right time is."

Jade smiled, grateful for her friends' support. "Thanks, guys. I think I just needed to talk about it and hear your thoughts."

"How about you, Sophia? Got someone on your mind?" Maya and Jade asked in unison, both leaning in towards her with expectant expressions.

Sophia blinked, caught off guard by the sudden attention. "Who? Me?" She chuckled, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly. "As of the moment, none that I've thought of."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "Really? No one at all? I find that hard to believe."

Jade smirked. "Yeah, right. You're always so calm about things, but I'm sure there's someone out there who's caught your attention."

Sophia shook her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Honestly, I've been so focused on other stuff lately that I haven't really had time to think about anyone. Plus, with everything going on at school, a relationship isn't exactly on my radar."

Maya leaned back, clearly intrigued. "Hmm, so no secret crush? No one who's making you smile in the halls?"

Sophia shrugged again, her expression turning a little more thoughtful. "If there was anyone, I guess they'd have to be someone who could match my energy... and right now, I'm just not looking for that kind of distraction."

Jade laughed. "Okay, okay. I guess we'll just have to wait and see when someone finally catches your eye."

Sophia smiled, glad her friends were giving her space. "Maybe, but for now, I'm good just focusing on other things. No need for any drama."

Maya and Jade exchanged a look, both agreeing that Sophia was just being modest. They'd probably find out soon enough if someone did manage to catch her interest.

As they were busy talking, three guys passed by their table, each carrying a tray of coffee. The group was laughing among themselves when suddenly, one of the guys lost his footing, slipping on the wet floor.

"Whoa!" he exclaimed as he stumbled, his hands flailing to regain balance. In the process, the coffee in his hand was thrown forward, splashing all over Sophia.

"Ah!" Sophia gasped, immediately feeling the hot liquid seep through her clothes. She jumped back, trying to shield herself, but it was too late.

Maya and Jade jumped to their feet in unison, both of them looking at Sophia in concern. "Are you okay?!" Jade asked, her voice tinged with worry.

The guy who had slipped scrambled to his feet, his face turning bright red with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry!" he stammered, his hands fumbling as he reached out. "I didn't mean to—"

Sophia, though startled, managed to stay calm. She wiped the coffee off her shirt with a napkin, a slight frown on her face but no sign of anger. "It's alright," she said, her voice steady despite the situation. "Just... be more careful next time."

The guy nodded frantically, his face still flushed. "I'm really, really sorry. I'll pay for your drink, anything, just please let me make it up to you."

Sophia looked at the guy for a moment, then sighed. "It's fine, really. Just... watch where you're going next time." She stood up and brushed herself off.

Jade couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "Looks like you made quite an impression," she teased, her eyes glinting with amusement.

Maya smiled, though she could tell the guy was still embarrassed. "Well, at least he's apologizing. No harm done, right?"

Sophia looked back at the guy, who was still standing there nervously. "Yeah, no harm. Just... be careful." She gave him a small smile before sitting back down.

The guy, still apologetic, nodded gratefully. "Thanks again, and I'll be more careful next time." With one last glance, he walked away, leaving Sophia to shake her head with a small laugh.

"Well, that was eventful," Sophia remarked, leaning back in her chair.

Jade snorted. "I'd say that's one way to catch someone's attention."

Maya gave Sophia a teasing look. "You've got a fan now, huh?"

"I highly doubt that," Sophia said, rolling her eyes. "Hopefully, I don't see him again. That would be super awkward if he ends up going to the same school as ours," she added, dabbing at the coffee stain on her shirt.

"Apparently not," Maya chimed in. "He goes to a different school called HA."

"HA?" Sophia raised an eyebrow. "What does that stand for?"

"Harbor Academy," Maya explained. "You know, that fancy private school on the other side of town. It's where all the rich kids go."

Sophia let out a small laugh. "Figures. He did kind of give off that vibe, didn't he?"

Jade smirked. "What vibe? Clumsy and rich? Seems like a perfect combination to me."

Maya giggled. "Well, at least you won't have to worry about running into him here. Unless fate has other plans, of course."

Sophia groaned. "Let's hope fate takes a break this time. I've had enough drama for one day."

"Knowing your luck, though, I wouldn't count on that," Jade teased, leaning back in her chair. "Fate seems to have a habit of throwing unexpected things your way."

Sophia shot her a mock glare. "Oh, come on. Can't a girl catch a break?"

Maya chuckled softly, stirring her drink. "Honestly, it's not every day someone spills coffee on you and looks like they're about to pass out from embarrassment. He might even be thinking about it all day."

"Well, I hope he moves on quickly," Sophia muttered, brushing her damp shirt again. "Because I sure am."

Just as they were settling back into their conversation, a familiar voice called out from the counter. "Hey, isn't that the guy who spilled coffee on you?" Maya whispered, gesturing with her eyes.

Sophia turned, her heart sinking. Sure enough, there he was, the same guy—this time balancing a new tray of drinks. He seemed to hesitate when he spotted their table, clearly debating whether or not to approach.

"Great," Sophia groaned under her breath. "Fate didn't even wait a day."

The guy hesitated, then approached their table cautiously. "Hey," he began awkwardly, his eyes darting between Sophia and her friends. "I, uh... just wanted to apologize again. I really didn't mean to—"

"It's fine," Sophia interrupted, giving him a polite but firm smile. "No hard feelings. Really."

He nodded quickly, still looking nervous. "I know, but I still feel bad. Can I at least cover your dry-cleaning or something?"

Sophia sighed, trying to keep her patience. "Look, it's not that big of a deal. Accidents happen. Just let it go, okay?"

Before he could respond, Jade piped up with a sly grin. "What's your name, by the way? You know, in case Sophia changes her mind about that dry-cleaning."

The guy blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, uh, Lucas. Lucas Everett."

"Well, Lucas Everett," Maya said with a teasing smile. "Sophia says it's fine, so maybe you should take the out while you can."

Lucas laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "Right. Got it. Well... sorry again." With that, he retreated to his table, still glancing back a couple of times.

Jade burst out laughing the moment he was out of earshot. "That was priceless. Poor guy couldn't even handle a conversation without tripping over his words."

Sophia groaned, burying her face in her hands. "This day just keeps getting better and better."

Maya grinned, patting Sophia's shoulder. "Look on the bright side—at least you made a memorable impression."

"If spilling coffee on my shirt is a memorable one, then I should've let the ground eat me right then and there," Sophia grumbled, shaking her head as she grabbed her bag. "Why don't we head back? I've had enough excitement for one day."

Maya chuckled, standing up alongside her. "Alright, let's go. Besides, we have a meeting later, and we can't keep Damien waiting." She smirked at Sophia, who groaned loudly.

"Don't remind me about him," Sophia said, rolling her eyes. "I'd rather deal with a hundred more Lucas Everetts than sit through another meeting with Mr. Attitude."

Jade laughed as they walked toward the exit. "You're seriously going to have to figure out a way to coexist with him, you know. You can't avoid him forever."

"I'm not avoiding him," Sophia replied defensively, pushing the door open. "I'm just... tolerating him from a safe distance."

Maya and Jade exchanged amused glances but said nothing more, letting the conversation shift to lighter topics as they made their way back to campus.

Little did Sophia know, her day wasn't done surprising her just yet.