"Well, the reason we're famous is… honestly, I'm not completely sure, but I think it's because of our personalities."
"As for Kings of Rusties… let me break it down for you guys. The 'King' that's obviously me," he said, pointing at himself like he was presenting a grand title.
"And the 'Rusties'…" he pointed at them and burst into laughter.
"What?! What do you mean we're the Rusties? And why are you the king?" Lea asked, both surprised and irritated. Ivy, equally stunned, simply gave him a seriously? look.
Havey laughed even harder, clearly enjoying their reactions. "Well, well… what can I say? Given our personalities, it only makes sense they'd crown me the king."
"What the heck? And what's wrong with our personalities?" Lea asked, sulking.
"Do you even know what you guys are called?" he said with a teasing smile.
Lea and Ivy looked at each other and shook their heads.
"Then let me have the honor of explaining. Lea is known for her… unusual behavior."
They both frowned at him.
"What I mean is ,when she's alone, she has a habit of talking to herself, which other students find creepy. And the boys… well, they have a slightly different opinion."
"…What do you mean?" she asked, confused.
"Are you seriously asking me? The last time I was in the lab with you, you had this creepy smile on your face. Everyone thought it was safer to stay away. For heaven's sake, even I got scared seeing you like that!"
He shivered dramatically. "Even now, I get chills just thinking about it."
"And as for Ivy… she goes by the name 'One-Word Girl' , also called the 'Goofy Cold Chick.' People are too intimidated to get close to her. More than scared, they're worried they'll get embarrassed. She can end a whole conversation with just a single word."
"It's not like people enjoy being embarrassed in front of everyone. When she gives those half-hearted replies, they just choose to avoid her."
Ivy gave him a blank stare.
"Anyway, forget wanting to be famous. We're already famous… just in a bad way."
"You.. " Lea was about to snap back, but Havey sighed, his attention shifting to his phone.
"Bro, we're supposed to go to a gathering with the seniors. They're celebrating with us, and I have to inform everyone and start preparing for the party."
"Mm… do we all have to go? Is it mandatory?" Lea asked.
Havey turned his phone toward them, showing the message ,every student must attend without exception.
"What do you think?" he said, forcing a smile.
"I should go now, guys. Let's meet tonight at the gathering."
With that, Havey left.
Lea and Ivy also walked out of the cafeteria and headed to their classroom. But when they entered, they found it completely empty.
Confused, they stopped a passing student and asked what was going on. That's when they learned that everyone had already gone home to prepare for the party.
They exchanged a glance and decided to head back as well.
Looks like I'll have to stay out until the party ends. I don't want to see them again and again. Seeing them once in the morning is enough to make me sick. There's no need to go back…
Instead of going home, Ivy wandered into a nearby park. She sat on a swing, gently swaying back and forth, lost in her thoughts
Suddenly, she felt it
someone's presence behind her.
A shadow stretched closer.
Before she could react, a voice called out
"Ivy? What are you doing here?"
She turned back.
It was Lea.
"Didn't you go back home?" Lea asked.
Oh no… I got caught. What should I say? I can't exactly tell her I don't want to see them… what do I do?* Internal screaming.*
"I… I'm just too lazy to go," Ivy said, averting her eyes.
Lea laughed. "So you're just too lazy to go back and forth, huh?"
Ivy nodded.
"Then why don't you come to my condo? It's close to where the party is."
They went to Lea's condo. Lea offered her some refreshments while Ivy quietly looked around.
"Oh! Wait a minute—did you bring a change of clothes with you?"
Ivy stayed silent.
"I knew it. Well… would it be okay if I lend you some of my clothes?"
"Do I really have to change?" Ivy asked lazily.
"Yes, yes, you do! How can you not dress up for a party?" Lea said, dragging Ivy toward her closet and starting to pick out outfits for her.
"Okay, since the outfits are ready, let's do some touch-ups and fix your hair."
Lea quickly got to work, and soon both of them were dressed comfortably yet stylishly.
Just then, Ivy's phone rang.
"Hey! Ivy, send me your address. I'll pick you up, and then we'll get Lea."
"We're both at Lea's condo. I'll send you the location."
"Okay, perfect."
Havey picked them up and drove toward the venue.
"But Ivy, what are you doing at Lea's place?" he asked.
"I'm too lazy to move back and forth."
Havey burst out laughing. "Seriously, bro? That's the reason? I thought you two were having some secret pre-party without me!"
"Lea, don't you live with your family?" Havey asked.
"Well, my family lives in another city. I came here for college."
"Oh… then what about you, Ivy? Do you live separately too?"
"…Yes," she replied without batting an eyelid.
"Then why don't you guys live together? Since you're both on your own, wouldn't it be better?"
Lea's eyes lit up instantly. She grabbed Ivy's hand.
"Ivy, why don't we? I'll do all the chores ,you won't have to lift a finger. Will you live with me?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Ivy couldn't resist Lea's hopeful eyes ,but she couldn't agree either. Trouble was still waiting for her at home. She needed to ask her foster parents before making any decision.
"I'll… think about it," she said.
To divert the conversation, she turned to Havey.
"Havey, do you live separately too?"
He smiled. "Nah, bro. I live with my parents. They don't want me staying outside."
"So… are your parents strict or something?" Lea asked curiously.
"Nope. They're not strict at all. In fact, they're really supportive."
"Then why?" Ivy asked.
He gave a mischievous laugh. "Well… they said I could do anything and become anything I want…"
He paused dramatically.
"So I… became problem."
Lea , stunned, her mouth wide open in shock.
For a moment, there was silence
Then Ivy burst out laughing.
Lea and Havey were both amused by Ivy's laughter. They had never seen her like that before until now, she had always worn a cold, unreadable expression.
They laughed together the rest of the drive.
Soon, they reached the restaurant. Havey dropped them off at the entrance.
"You guys go in first," he said. "I'll park the car."
Lea and Ivy walked inside, and a waiter guided them to their reserved room. They followed him and stepped in.
All the classmates were already there. Lea and Ivy quietly took a couple of empty seats as the room buzzed with excitement.
Everyone was in a cheerful mood, laughing and chatting.
Soon, the seniors called for attention.
"Hey, hey, my dear freshers! It's great to have you all gathered here. Now, we're going to conduct a game ,so that both seniors and juniors can strengthen their bonds!"
"Now, now—Havey will come around to each of you. You need to pick a slip from the bowl. The bowl contains your partner for the game. Everyone, are you ready?"
Havey went around, handing out slips to everyone, and then came to sit beside Ivy and Lea.
"Havey, what's the game?" Lea asked curiously.
"Hmm… it's about compatibility," he replied. "If you and your partner have high compatibility, that senior can become your mentor."
"Do you know the interesting part? That senior might become our lifesaver… or maybe even our life partner later," Havey added with a grin.
Lea and Ivy showed no reaction.
Havey sighed. "You guys are no fun."
"Now it's time to begin! Everyone, open your slips but remember, exchanges are only allowed before opening. Once you open it, no changes are allowed… Now, open!"
Everyone unfolded their slips some looked disappointed, while others were excited.
"Now, everyone, go to your respective partners. I'll explain the rules after a short break. In the meantime, introduce yourselves."
"Oh! And remember seniors, no bullying, and no giving spoilers about the game. I'll be back."
"Hey, who did you guys get? I got… Ludwig. Who's that?" Havey said, looking around.
Lea opened her slip. "It's Alian. What about you, Ivy?"
"It's...."
1.WHO IS IVY'S PARTNER?
2. WILL IVY DECIDE TO LIVE WITH LEA AS HAVEY SUGGESTED?
COMMENT YOUR GUESSES AND DON'T FORGET TO LIKE MY STORY.