"It seems you really are excited about leaving."
A man with curly, mid-length hair, dressed in a crisp white shirt, black pants, and black loafers, approached a woman standing by the floor-to-ceiling glass window.
She was humming a cheerful tune, her lips curving into a contented smile. Outside, the airport buzzed with activity as planes took off and landed, their sleek forms moving gracefully across the sky.
She wore casual attire: a plain sky-blue t-shirt, dark blue pants, and white rubber shoes.
Her long, wavy black hair cascaded down her back in glossy waves. When she turned to face him, her smile widened into a radiant grin, her dark-brown eyes shimmering with joy. Her dimples became prominent, and a delicate mole beneath her right eye added a touch of playfulness to her already captivating appearance.
Her beauty wasn't the kind that would stop traffic or turn heads on a grand scale, but there was something about her that lingered in the memory—an understated charm that effortlessly captured hearts.
Even a few of the surrounding passengers couldn't help but glance her way, drawn in by her genuine, radiant smile. Yet, she and her companion remained engrossed in their conversation, seemingly unaware of the attention.
"How can I not be?" she replied, accepting a steaming cup of coffee from him.
"Starting a new chapter is always exciting."
He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, "You're not even a little sad about leaving us behind?"
She laughed lightly, a warm, musical sound.
"With how connected the world is now, staying in touch is so easy. It's not like we'll be out of each other's lives."
He shrugged, a smile tugging at his lips, "So, it's really time, then."
She sighed contentedly, her eyes reflecting a mix of anticipation and contentment.
"Yes, it's definitely time."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay of flight AA123 to Country V. The delay was due to unforeseen technical issues that have now been resolved. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Boarding will commence shortly. Thank you for choosing to fly with us."
As the announcement played, they both turned their attention to the intercom.
"I guess that's your cue," he said, his tone light and knowing.
"Yep. I'll see you again soon," she said cheerfully.
He nodded his expression a blend of farewell and encouragement.
"See you soon. Take care of yourself."
After exchanging short goodbyes, she walked confidently toward the departure area. Her steps were light and eager. She didn't look back, her focus firmly set on the journey ahead.
"You really are excited. You didn't even glance back," he remarked, shaking his head with a hint of amusement.
As the plane ascended and the city below grew smaller, she gazed out the window, watching the familiar landmarks fade into the distance. Her expression was a mix of resolution and satisfaction, her eyes reflecting a sense of purpose rather than sadness.
"It's finally time to go back," she whispered to herself, a soft smile touching her lips.
She gripped the armrest, feeling a surge of anticipation for the adventures and opportunities that awaited her.
...
The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as students crowded around the bulletin board. The midterm exam results had just been posted, and everyone was eager to see how they had fared.
"As expected of you, Patricia. You've held onto your number three position ever since we were first-year high schoolers," one student complimented the lady with long, straight hair, styled with a blue checkered headband and rimless glasses perched on her nose.
Patricia, modest and composed, smiled warmly, "I was quite nervous about the exam, but I'm relieved to have maintained my rank. It was a tough competition."
"You didn't seem nervous at all," another student said with a giggle.
"I was nervous, truly. Despite my anxiety, I was fortunate that my answers turned out to be correct," Patricia admitted with a soft laugh.
The conversation was interrupted by a shout from the crowd, "Luca!!"
Everyone turned to see who was being called.
Luca, with his medium-length hair styled in a scissor cut, exuded a bright, captivating aura.
He flashed a charming smile at the caller, "What's up?"
"Since you're first, you'll be treating us," declared a youth with a classic French cut and a headband, his tone playful but firm.
"When did we agree on that, Ken?" Luca laughed, his expression a mix of amusement and mock indignation.
He abruptly stopped, his face momentarily clouded with a frown, then confusion, before he shook his head with a smile.
"That's impossible," he mumbled, rubbing his nose before joining the rest of the group.
"What was that about?" Ken asked, puzzled why his friend suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Luca shook his head, "It must have been my imagination. Forget it."
"Anyway," he continued, glancing back at the bulletin board.
"You're saying I should treat you, but shouldn't you also be asking Gabriel? It's not fair that I'm the only one being asked when he's consistently held his place as well."
"That's right. You both should be treating us," another one chimed in agreement.
"And what about those who won their contests?" Gabriel interjected, raising an eyebrow with a smirk.
"That's right. You guys should treat us, Ken and Justin," Luca readily agreed, a grin spreading across his face.
Ken being the one who called out to him, Kenneth as his full name. Justin was the one who chimed in and was sporting a short curly quiff hairstyle.
"Watching these four interact is always a highlight," Patricia remarked with a sigh, shaking her head as she walked away.
"Their presence really makes school life more vibrant."
The four of them—Luca, Kenneth, Gabriel, and Justin—were the heartthrobs of their school.
Despite their popularity and the admiration they received, they remained grounded and approachable. They interacted openly with their classmates and schoolmates, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
"To have them as our schoolmates is truly a blessing," Patricia reflected as she walked down the hallway.
All students felt the same towards this group.
Their dedication and camaraderie inspire them to challenge themselves and strive for excellence. Their presence makes every day at school an opportunity for growth and learning.