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Chapter Text

Chapter Text

The doors of the school store greeted Kieran with a mechanical whir as he stepped inside. The moment he walked in, the students already inside the store paused what they were doing and turned to stare at him, their eyes lingering a moment too long, their whispers hanging in the air like a heavy fog. The previously lively atmosphere seemed to quiet down like a switch had been flipped, and hushed whispers began spreading around the room like wildfire. It was an unusual reaction, one that had started after he became the BB League champion. However, it wasn't until after his defeat that he realized just how uncomfortable it really was. 

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to steady his nerves. He looked around and quickly spotted the items he needed - some Pokeballs, Iron, and Protein. With a determined stride, he made his way over to the shelves, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to block out the murmurs swirling around him. As he grabbed the items, Kieran overheard hushed whispers from a group of girls behind him. He recognized them from his class: Yuchen, Elli, and Seori. Despite feeling self-conscious, he tried to act naturally and pretended not to hear them. 

Suddenly, Yuchen's voice rang out above the others, “Hey, look! It's Kieran!” Kieran's heart skipped a beat, and he felt a flush of heat rise to his cheeks. He tried his best to focus on something else, but his ears strained to hear what the girls were saying. 

“Oh, he’s so cute!” mused Elli, her voice laced with admiration. 

“I thought it was super cute when he had his hair down,” Seori chimed in, her words punctuated by a soft giggle. 

“No, no, now that he has his hair up, he’s cuter!” Yuchen countered, her enthusiasm evident in her tone.

Despite his attempts to maintain his composure, Kieran couldn't help but feel a mixture of embarrassment and flattery at their words. Feeling the weight of their stares, Kieran made his way to the counter, carefully placing his items down as he tried to keep his hands from trembling. With his cheeks burning bright as a Charmander's tail flame, he stole a quick glance at the girls, who were still engrossed in their whispered conversation, before turning his attention back to the cashier, silently willing himself to remain composed until he could escape the suffocating gaze of their admiration. 

It wasn't the first time he had overheard Yuchen, Elli, and Seori talking about him. Their hushed whispers and stolen glances had become a recurring presence in his life.

The girls' conversations often revolved around him, dissecting his every move, from his battling techniques to his choice of attire. Sometimes their words were flattering, like today, when they complimented his appearance. Other times, their discussions bordered on invasive, speculating about his personal life and relationships.

As the cashier handed him his items, Kieran politely thanked him before quickly putting the items in his backpack and making a beeline for the exit. With each step, he could feel the tension in his muscles slowly begin to ease, the cool air of the school hallway a welcome relief after the stifling atmosphere of the store.

Kieran walked down the hallway, his footsteps echoing against the floors as he made his way into the League Club Room. The room was surprisingly quiet, with only one other person sitting at the table in the center, bathed in the warm glow of the artificial afternoon sunlight filtering through the fake windows. It was Crispin, one of Kieran's closest friends at the academy and fellow club member.

As soon as Crispin noticed Kieran, his face lit up with a bright smile, his eyes sparkling with warmth and familiarity. With a wave of his hand, he beckoned Kieran over to the table, the gesture filled with an unspoken invitation to join him. Kieran's heart swelled with gratitude at the sight of his friend. As he made his way over to the table, a sense of relief washed over him like a warm and comforting fireplace on a cold winter's day. 

With a small smile of his own, Kieran made his way over to the table, his footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floor. As he sat beside Crispin, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders, the tension of the day melting away in the presence of his friend.

Crispin's easygoing demeanor and genuine enthusiasm were infectious, and soon, they were chatting away like old times, their conversation ranging from the latest Pokémon battles they had engaged into the new strategies they were brainstorming for their upcoming matches.

Despite the lighthearted banter, however, Kieran couldn't shake the nagging feeling in the back of his mind, the memory of the girls' whispers still haunting him like a lingering ghost. He had always been a topic of conversation. Even before he became a champion, people found it necessary to point out the stark contrast between him and his sister, who seemed to steal the limelight wherever she went. As the champion, he had grown accustomed to both admiration and fear from those around him. His skills as a battler were unmatched, and he had worked tirelessly to earn his position.

Now, in the aftermath of his defeat, there was a subtle shift in the way people looked at him. Some still regarded him with a mixture of awe and fear, as if he were still the unbeatable champion they had once known. But others... others looked at him with a different kind of admiration, a softer, more personal kind that made him feel strangely vulnerable. 

Just as Kieran was about to get lost in his own thoughts, Crispin's enthusiastic voice snapped him out of his reverie. “Hey, did you see that they're making a new Proteam Omega movie?” Crispin exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Ooh, I just know it's gonna be so lit!”

Kieran forced a smile, his mind still preoccupied with the events of earlier, but he couldn't help but feel a flicker of interest at Crispin's words. The prospect of a new Proteam Omega movie was certainly intriguing, and he found himself momentarily drawn into Crispin's excitement.

“Yeah, I heard about it,” Kieran replied, his tone a little distracted as he tried to shake off the lingering unease. “Sounds like it could be pretty cool. Maybe we should check it out when it comes out.”

Despite his efforts to feign interest, Crispin's keen eye didn't miss the subtle shift in his demeanor. “Hey, are you okay?” Crispin asked, his voice tinged with concern as he regarded Kieran with a furrowed brow. “You sound a little out of it.”

Caught off guard by Crispin's perceptiveness, Kieran hesitated for a moment before mustering up a weak grin. “Yeah, I'm fine,” he replied, his voice betraying the truth of his words. “Just... got a lot on my mind, I guess.”

Crispin studied him for a moment, his gaze searching, before nodding understandingly. “Well, you know I'm here if you ever need to talk, right?” he said, his voice soft with sincerity. “It’s just like I always say! If you wanna say something, just say it! If you wanna do something, just do it!”

Kieran appreciated Crispin's genuine concern, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him at his friend's offer of support. "Thanks, Crispin," Kieran replied, his voice a little more steady as he met his friend's gaze. “I appreciate it. Really.”

As Kieran's words trailed off, he grappled with the weight of his own thoughts, unsure of how to articulate the swirling turmoil that churned within him. Crispin's unwavering support was a comforting presence, but the thought of burdening his friend with his own troubles weighed heavily on his mind.

But as he glanced into Crispin's earnest eyes, filled with genuine concern and a readiness to listen, Kieran felt a surge of determination welling up inside him. He couldn't keep bottling up his emotions. Crispin was his friend, his confidant, and he deserved to know what was troubling him.

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Kieran met Crispin's gaze head-on, his voice steady despite the tumult of emotions swirling inside him. “Actually, Crispin, there is something on my mind,” he began, his words cautious yet resolute. “You know Yuchen, Elli, and Seori? From our class?”

Crispin nodded while listening intently, his expression a mixture of concern and curiosity as he waited for Kieran to continue. Encouraged by his friend's supportive presence, Kieran forged ahead, his words tumbling out in a rush as he recounted the unsettling encounter with the group of girls and the lingering unease it had left in its wake.

“I stopped at the school store before coming here, and they were inside the store. They... they said things,” Kieran admitted, his voice barely above a whisper as he struggled to put his feelings into words. “About me, about how they thought I was... cute.” The word felt foreign on his tongue, a stark reminder of the unfamiliar territory he found himself navigating.

Crispin's eyebrows rocketed skyward in surprise at Kieran's revelation, his expression transforming from concern to an explosive mix of disbelief and excitement. “Wait, seriously?” he burst out, his voice booming with incredulity. “Those girls actually said that about you? That's... whoa.”

Kieran nodded solemnly, his gaze anchored to the tabletop as he braced himself for Crispin's reaction. He was well aware of his friend's tendency to explode with enthusiasm, and he wasn't quite prepared for how he might react to this unexpected news.

“Huh,” Crispin pondered, his voice quieter now, albeit still with a booming resonance. “Well, that's certainly... unexpected. But hey, look at it this way: you've got a fan club now! That's gotta count for something, right?” His words echoed through the room, carrying with them the unmistakable energy of a fireworks display.

Kieran couldn't help but chuckle at Crispin's attempt to lighten the mood, his friend's irrepressible enthusiasm proving to be a welcome distraction from the weight of his own thoughts. “Yeah, I guess you're right,” he admitted, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “It's just... weird, you know? I'm not used to that kind of attention.”

Crispin nodded sympathetically, his eyes shining with understanding. “I get it, man," he said, his voice softening with empathy. “But hey, if it makes you uncomfortable, just let me know, and I'll make sure they back off. No one messes with my best friend!”

Kieran couldn't help but smile at Crispin's fierce loyalty, grateful for his friend's unwavering support. “Thanks, Crispin,” he said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I knew I could count on you.” 

Crispin grinned back, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. “Of course, dude! That's what friends are for, right?” he replied, his tone brimming with determination.

"So, speaking of admirers," Kieran interjected with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "how's your own fan club doing? Any new developments with Lacey?"

Crispin's cheeks flushed a bright crimson, his reaction as explosive as ever. “Who, me? N-nothing much,” he stammered, a nervous laugh bubbling up from his chest. “Just, you know, keeping the flames of passion alive!” He punctuated his words with an exaggerated wink, his attempt at casual nonchalance falling spectacularly flat.

Kieran couldn't help but laugh at Crispin's antics, the tension from earlier dissipating like smoke in the wind.

 “But hey, enough about that. Let's focus on something more exciting!” Crispin enthused, trying to change the subject.

Kieran raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued by Crispin's sudden change of topic. “Like what?” he asked, a hint of amusement coloring his voice. 

"C'mon, dude, Juliana's coming for her exchange program! Don't tell me you forgot! I mean, she gets here tomorrow," exclaimed Crispin.

Crispin's announcement ignited a burst of excitement in Kieran's heart, a surge of anticipation rippling through him at the news of Juliana's upcoming visit. How could he have possibly forgotten? He'd been eagerly awaiting her arrival ever since she'd brought it up, counting down the days until her return for another semester of her exchange program.

Kieran's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Juliana's name, his cheeks flushing with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He had been trying to push thoughts of Juliana to the back of his mind, burying his feelings deep down where they wouldn't cause any trouble. But now, with Crispin's reminder, the reality of Juliana's impending arrival crashed over him like a tidal wave, filling him with a heady mix of anticipation and nervousness. 

“Oh, right,” Kieran replied, forcing a nonchalant tone despite the butterfree fluttering in his stomach. I can't believe she's finally coming back. It feels like it's been forever since we last saw her.” Crispin seemed blissfully unaware of Kieran's crush on their friend.

Crispin's eyes lit up with excitement, oblivious to the turmoil churning inside Kieran. “I know, right? It's gonna be awesome!” he exclaimed, his voice ringing enthusiastically. “I can’t wait to have some blazing battles with her!”

As Crispin launched into a flurry of ideas for Juliana's visit, contemplating the spicy meal he was going to serve up to celebrate her arrival. Kieran found himself nodding along, his mind consumed by thoughts of how to navigate the impending encounter with his secret crush. Despite his trepidation, he couldn't deny the flutter of excitement building within him at the prospect of spending time with Juliana, even if it meant enduring Crispin's oblivious enthusiasm along the way. 

The following day had finally arrived. Kieran found himself breathing a sigh of relief as he navigated through his classes, grateful to have avoided any further awkward encounters with Yuchen, Elli, and Seori. With that hurdle behind him, his attention could finally shift to the eagerly awaited arrival of Juliana at the academy. Just as he began to immerse himself in thoughts of their impending reunion, a gentle vibration in his pocket interrupted his musings. Hastily retrieving his phone, he was greeted by the sight of a new message from Juliana, sparking a surge of excitement within him. 

Almost at the academy, see you soon!

As Kieran read Juliana's message, a rush of anticipation flooded through him, mingling with the nervous fluttering in his chest. The simple words on his screen ignited a spark of excitement, reminding him of the warmth and comfort her presence always brought. With a quick tap of his fingers, he typed out a response, trying to contain the eagerness that threatened to spill over.

Can't wait! I'll be waiting for you at the entrance when you get here. Safe travels!

With a satisfied smile, Kieran hit send, the message disappearing into the digital ether as he slipped his phone back into his pocket.

As Kieran made his way through the bustling halls towards his dorm room, his mind still buzzing with anticipation for Juliana's arrival, he was suddenly brought to a halt by the sight of Yuchen, Elli, and Seori standing before him, their expressions a curious mix of determination and nervousness.

"Hey, Kieran," Yuchen began, her voice tinged with an unusual hesitancy as she glanced at her friends for support. "Can we talk for a minute?"

Kieran's heart sank at the prospect of another uncomfortable encounter with the trio, but he plastered on a polite smile, trying to appear unfazed. "Sure, what's up?" he replied, his tone carefully neutral.

Yuchen fidgeted nervously, her eyes darting between Kieran and her friends before finally settling on him with a newfound resolve. "Well, um, I... I wanted to tell you something," she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she struggled to find the right words.

Elli and Seori exchanged knowing glances, their expressions filled with silent encouragement as they urged Yuchen to continue. Sensing her friend's discomfort, Elli stepped forward, her voice gentle yet insistent. "Yuchen has something she wants to tell you, Kieran," she said, her tone coaxing. "Go ahead, Yuchen. You can do it."

Yuchen took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come as she met Kieran's gaze with a determined look. “Kieran, I... I really like you,” she confessed, her words hesitant yet earnest. “I've liked you for a while now, and I couldn't keep it to myself any longer.”

Kieran's heart sank as he heard Yuchen's confession, a pang of guilt tugging at his conscience as he struggled to find the right response. He knew he couldn't reciprocate her feelings, not when his heart belonged to someone else, but he also didn't want to hurt her. 

His mind raced, panic seizing him as he searched for a response that wouldn't hurt her. In his flustered state, a desperate lie slipped past his lips before he could stop it. “I... I appreciate your honesty, Yuchen,” he began, his voice strained. “But I... I'm sorry. I can't reciprocate your feelings. I... I'm actually in a relationship.”

Yuchen's expression fell at Kieran's words, disappointment flickering in her eyes as she struggled to process his revelation. Beside her, Elli and Seori exchanged concerned glances, their silent support a comforting presence amidst the tension that hung in the air. 

"Oh," Yuchen murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she averted her gaze, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “I... I see. I'm sorry for... for bothering you.”

Before Kieran could utter a word of consolation, Yuchen's gaze sharpened, curiosity sparking anew in her eyes. “Wait,” she interjected, her voice gaining a newfound urgency. “If you don’t mind me asking. Who are you dating, then?”

Yuchen's piercing question pierced through the air, drawing the attention of nearby students who had inadvertently become spectators to the scene. Their curious glances only added to Kieran's mounting anxiety, amplifying the pressure of the moment.

Kieran's heart raced as he searched for an answer, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. In that moment of desperation, one name floated to the forefront of his mind, unbidden yet somehow comforting: Juliana.

It wasn't a conscious decision, but rather a reflexive response born out of his deep admiration for her. Juliana was kind, compassionate, and fiercely independent - qualities that Kieran had always admired from afar. Despite his attempts to keep his feelings hidden, there was no denying the flutter of his heart whenever she was near, the warmth of her smile enough to brighten even the darkest of days.

As Yuchen's expectant gaze bore down on him, Kieran felt a surge of nervous energy coursing through his veins. He knew that lying about being in a relationship with Juliana was a risky move, one that could potentially backfire in spectacular fashion. But in that moment of vulnerability, with all eyes on him, it felt like the only option.

“Uh, Juliana,” he blurted out, his voice shaky as he clung to the lie like a lifeline.

Yuchen's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. “Juliana? That girl from Paldea that became league champion?” she echoed, her tone incredulous. “I... I didn't know you two were together.”

The mention of Juliana elicited a chorus of surprised murmurs from the onlookers, their whispers adding to the cacophony of noise that enveloped the hallway. Yuchen's incredulous response only served to heighten the tension, her disbelief mirrored by the expressions of those around them. 

Kieran's heart hammered in his chest, the weight of his deception bearing down on him like a leaden anchor. “Yeah, it's... it's pretty new,” he stammered, his words stumbling over each other in his haste to maintain the facade. “She’s actually coming for her exchange program today. I... I should go see if she’s here, actually. We have plans.”

As Kieran stumbled through his explanation, the bustling hallway seemed to grow even louder, every passing student's footsteps echoing like thunder in his ears. He could feel the weight of their gazes upon him, their curious whispers adding to the suffocating pressure that enveloped him.

Without waiting for a response, Kieran hastily excused himself, his pulse racing as he fled down the bustling hallway, the sound of his hurried footsteps echoing off the walls. As he rounded the corner, a wave of guilt and anxiety washed over him, the knowledge that his fabricated relationship with Juliana had been overheard by the surrounding students weighing heavily on his conscience. Whispers followed in his wake, the news of his rejection of Yuchen and his supposed relationship status with Juliana spreading like wildfire through the bustling hallway. 

Rushing through the corridor, Kieran's mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions, each step echoing the tumult within him. His heart felt like a drum in his chest, beating out a rhythm of panic and uncertainty as he sought refuge in the solitude of his dorm room.

As he finally reached his destination and pushed open the door, he found himself engulfed in a whirlpool of conflicting thoughts. Collapsing onto his bed, he buried his face in his hands, the weight of his impulsive lies pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket.  

How had things spiraled out of control so quickly? The simple desire to spare Yuchen's feelings had led to a tangled web of deceit, trapping him in a web of falsehoods that seemed impossible to escape. And now, with the whole school buzzing with rumors of his nonexistent relationship with Juliana, the pressure was mounting with each passing moment.

Just when he felt like he couldn't bear the weight of his own deception any longer, a soft chime interrupted his thoughts, signaling the arrival of a new message on his phone. With trembling hands, he reached for the device, his heart pounding in his ears as he saw the sender's name.

Juliana. 

Hey Kieran, just wanted to let you know I'm about 10 minutes from the academy! Can't wait to see you!

The sight of her message sent a surge of warmth through him, momentarily easing the turmoil in his heart. But beneath the surface, a knot of guilt still lingered, a constant reminder of the tangled mess he had created with his lies.

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Kieran typed out a response, his fingers hesitating over the keys before he hit send.

Can't wait to see you too! I'll meet you at the entrance soon.

As he hit send, he couldn't shake the feeling that the worst was yet to come, his fabricated reality teetering on the edge of collapse with each passing moment. 

Kieran reached for the familiar comfort of his Furret's Pokéball, which he kept nestled in his backpack. With a practiced motion, he released the playful Pokémon into the room, its cheerful chirps instantly calming the tense atmosphere.

The Furret bounded over to Kieran, its long, furry body undulating with each step as it approached him. With gentle hands, Kieran began to stroke its soft fur, the rhythmic motion soothing both him and his Pokémon. He had had this Furret since he was a child, and its presence had always been a source of comfort in times of distress.

As Kieran continued to stroke his Pokémon, he found himself slowly beginning to relax, the knot of tension in his chest loosening with each passing moment. The Furret nuzzled against his hand affectionately, its playful antics bringing a much-needed smile to Kieran's face. 

After a few moments of shared tranquility, Kieran reluctantly withdrew his hand, signaling to his Furret that it was time to return to its Pokeball. With a soft chirp of understanding, the Pokémon obediently hopped back into the spherical container, its cheerful demeanor evident even as it vanished from sight.

Feeling slightly more composed now, Kieran secured the Pokeball back in his backpack and rose from his bed with renewed determination. He couldn't afford to dwell on his mistakes any longer; Juliana's impending arrival demanded his full attention, and he couldn't risk letting her down.

Taking one last steadying breath, Kieran straightened his shoulders and left his dorm room behind, setting a brisk pace as he made his way through the bustling halls of the academy. The whispers and curious glances of his fellow students still lingered in the air, but Kieran did his best to ignore them, focusing instead on the task at hand. 

Finally reaching the entrance, Kieran paused for a moment to collect himself, his pulse quickening with excitement as he scanned the area for any sign of Juliana's arrival. And then, just as he was beginning to wonder if she had gotten held up somewhere along the way, he spotted her familiar figure making her way toward him, a radiant smile lighting up her features.

With a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, Kieran made his way towards her, his heart pounding in his chest with each step. As he drew closer, he could feel the weight of his deception bearing down on him once more, but in Juliana's presence, it seemed to fade into the background, overshadowed by the warmth of her smile and the sparkle in her eyes.

“Kieran!” Juliana exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine warmth as the distance closed between them. “It's so good to see you!” 

Juliana opened her arms wide, a gesture of familiarity and affection that caught Kieran off guard. In a split second of hesitation, he debated whether to reciprocate, his mind racing with the implications of such an intimate gesture. But before he could react, Juliana enveloped him in a tight embrace, her warmth and sincerity washing over him like a tidal wave.

For a moment, Kieran froze, his body tensing at the unexpected contact. He was acutely aware of the eyes of their fellow students upon them, their whispers growing louder with each passing second. Panic surged through him like a bolt of lightning, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts at once.

As Juliana pulled away from the hug, her eyes shining with happiness, she seemed oblivious to the turmoil raging within Kieran. “I've missed you so much,” she said, her voice soft with sincerity. “I can't wait to catch up.”

Kieran forced a smile, his mind racing with a million thoughts. He couldn't let Juliana see how shaken he was, couldn't risk her discovering the truth. “Yeah, me too,” he replied, his voice strained. “Um, hey, do you... do you want to go somewhere more private? Like, uh, your dorm room?”

Juliana's smile faltered slightly, a hint of confusion flickering in her eyes. “Sure, we can do that,” she agreed, her tone uncertain. “But where is everyone? I was hoping to see them too.”

Kieran's heart sank at Juliana's mention of his sister and friends, a twinge of guilt pricking at his conscience. But he pushed aside his apprehension and forced a casual shrug, masking his inner turmoil. “Oh, um, they're... they're busy,” he improvised, his words tumbling out in a rushed blur. “But I'm sure they'll catch up with us later. Let's go to your dorm.” He felt a wave of relief wash over him, grateful that his sister and the elite four had not made their way to the entrance to greet Juliana. If they found out about the situation, it would've complicated things further. 

“Sure!” Juliana enthused. 

Kieran noticed Juliana's bags and suitcase by her side, prompting him to offer assistance. "Hey, need a hand with those?" he asked, gesturing toward her luggage.

Juliana's smile widened at Kieran's suggestion, and she nodded eagerly. "That would be great, thanks," she replied, grateful for the offer.

Together, they gathered her bags and suitcase, Kieran carrying the heavier load as they made their way toward the elevator. Despite Juliana's cheerful demeanor, Kieran couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at him.

As they entered the elevator and the doors closed behind them, Kieran could feel the weight of the silence pressing in on him, the tension between them palpable. The soft hum of the elevator's descent seemed to amplify the whispers of the students around them, their curious gazes following Kieran and Juliana with unabashed interest.

A hushed murmur broke out among the students, their voices barely audible above the dull thrum of the elevator. Kieran's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he caught snippets of their conversation, the words sending a shiver down his spine.

“Look, it’s Kieran and Juliana!”

“Oh, they are so cute! They’re my new OTP!”

“I heard they're dating. Can you believe it?”

Kieran's heart hammered in his chest at the realization that their whispers had not gone unnoticed, the weight of their scrutiny bearing down on him like a heavy burden. He stole a glance at Juliana, who seemed oblivious to the attention they were drawing, her focus solely on the floor display ticking down the floors.

As the elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open, Kieran stepped out into the hallway, the cool air a welcome relief after the stifling atmosphere of the elevator. Juliana followed close behind, her easy smile a comforting presence amidst the sea of curious stares.

Kieran's heart was racing as they walked down the dimly lit hallway, the sound of their footsteps echoing against the walls. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves before they reached Juliana's dorm room. When they entered, Kieran's eyes darted around the small space, taking in the details of the room - the posters on the walls, the books scattered on the desk, the neatly made bed. Kieran carefully placed Juliana's belongings on the floor, making sure they were out of the way.

As he settled onto the edge of Juliana's bed, Kieran's hands fidgeted nervously in his lap. He tried to ease the tension that lingered between them with some casual small talk, hoping to steer the conversation away from the uncomfortable topic of their faux relationship. "So, how was your flight?" he asked, his voice a little too high-pitched with nerves.

Juliana let out a weary sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Oh, it was awful,” she admitted, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. “There were delays, and then the turbulence was just... ugh, it was a nightmare. Thanks for asking, though.”

Kieran winced sympathetically, mentally cursing himself for bringing up the topic. “I'm sorry to hear that,” he said, his tone genuine. “At least you're here now, though, right?” He watched as she moved around the room, unpacking her suitcase and placing her bags neatly in the corner. Her movements were methodical, yet there was an underlying weariness in her demeanor that tugged at his heartstrings. 

Juliana managed a small smile, the tension in her expression easing slightly. “Yeah, that's true,” she agreed, her voice softening. “And seeing you definitely makes it better.” 

The girl offered him a tired smile before crossing the room and flopping down onto the bed, the mattress dipping beneath her weight. She let out a contented sigh as she sank into the softness of the bedding, her eyes fluttering closed in blissful exhaustion. 

As they lapsed into a comfortable silence, Kieran felt the weight of his guilt bearing down on him once more, the truth of his deception threatening to spill out with each passing moment. He knew he couldn't keep up the charade forever, but the thought of coming clean to Juliana filled him with dread.

Just as Kieran opened his mouth to speak, Juliana turned to him with a smile, her gaze searching his face with curiosity. “Hey, Kieran,” she began, her voice gentle. “I couldn't help but overhear what those students were saying in the elevator…”

Kieran's heart skipped a beat at Juliana's words, his pulse quickening with anxiety. He braced himself for her reaction, his stomach churning with nerves. “I... I can explain,” he stammered, his words tumbling out in a rush. He swallowed hard, the words tumbling out in a rush as he explained the situation with Yuchen and her friends. He recounted the events of the day, the lies he had told in a misguided attempt to spare Yuchen's feelings, the tangled web of deceit that had ensnared him in its grasp. 

Juliana listened in stunned silence, her expression unreadable as she processed his words. For a moment, Kieran feared the worst, feared that she would be angry or hurt by his confession.  

But to his surprise, Juliana's expression softened, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Kieran," she said gently, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on his arm. “I understand. You were just trying to help someone, even if it meant bending the truth a little.”

Kieran blinked in disbelief, his heart swelling with gratitude at Juliana's understanding. “You... you're not mad?” he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.  

Juliana smiled reassuringly, her hand squeezing his arm in a comforting gesture. “Hey, we all make mistakes,” she said with a shrug. “But if it makes you feel any better, I'm actually kind of flattered that you would go to such lengths to spare someone's feelings.”

Kieran couldn't help but smile at Juliana's words, her kindness and understanding a soothing salve for his troubled mind. “I'm just glad you're not mad,” he admitted, his voice filled with relief. 

Juliana reached out, placing a gentle hand on Kieran's arm. “Hey, it's okay," she reassured him, her touch grounding him in the moment. “We'll figure it out together, okay? Let’s just take it one step at a time.”

Despite the reassurance, a subtle tension lingered between them, both aware of the unspoken feelings that lay beneath the surface. They shared a brief, awkward glance, their gazes locking for a moment before Juliana looked away, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

Juliana cleared her throat, breaking the momentary silence that hung between them. “So,” she began, her voice slightly hesitant, “about what those students were saying…”

Kieran swallowed nervously, his heart racing as he waited for Juliana to continue. He couldn't shake the feeling that their conversation was tiptoeing around a much larger issue, one that neither of them seemed ready to address.

“Yeah?” he prompted, trying to keep his tone casual despite the turmoil roiling within him.

Juliana glanced up at him, her expression thoughtful. “Well, I was thinking…” she trailed off, chewing on her lip nervously.

Kieran's pulse quickened, his mind racing with a thousand possibilities. What was Juliana thinking? Was she going to suggest they come clean about their fake relationship? What if this would end up ruining their friendship? The thought sent a wave of panic coursing through him, his stomach twisting into knots.

“...maybe we should just go along with it,” Juliana finished, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kieran blinked in surprise, his brain struggling to process her words. “Go along with it?” he repeated, his voice tinged with confusion. 

Juliana nodded, her gaze meeting his with determination. “Yeah,” she confirmed, her tone more confident now. “I mean, it's not like we're hurting anyone by pretending to be together, right? And if it makes things easier for you with Yuchen, then... well, why not?”

Kieran felt a surge of gratitude wash over him, mingled with a healthy dose of disbelief. He had expected Juliana to be hesitant, maybe even resistant to the idea of fake dating. But here she was, suggesting they go along with it without a second thought.

“Y-you really think we should?” he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Juliana offered him a reassuring smile, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. “I do,” she confirmed, her hand reaching out to squeeze his arm gently. “I mean, unless you're completely against the idea?”

Kieran hesitated for a moment, his mind whirling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, the thought of pretending to be dating Juliana was terrifying, a minefield of potential awkwardness and misunderstandings. But on the other hand, the idea of being able to spend more time with her, even if it was under false pretenses, was undeniably appealing. 

In the end, he found himself nodding, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Okay,” he agreed, his voice barely above a whisper. “Let's do it.”

Juliana's smile widened, her eyes shining with excitement. “Great!” she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. “So, where do we start?”

Kieran shrugged, his mind still reeling from the sudden turn of events. “I guess we just... act like a couple?” he suggested, his tone uncertain.

Juliana nodded eagerly, already seeming to be brainstorming ideas. “Right,” she agreed. “And we'll just take it one step at a time, like I said. We can figure the rest out as we go.”

Kieran couldn't help but smile at Juliana's optimism, her confidence a comforting presence amidst the uncertainty. “Yeah,” he agreed, his voice stronger now. “One step at a time.”

Chapter Text

Juliana’s pov 

The soft glow of the LED window cast gentle shadows across Juliana's dorm room, creating an illusion of tranquility amidst the bustling academy. As she sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts were anything but calm. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, each one vying for her attention.

She couldn't shake the butterfree that fluttered in her stomach at the thought of pretending to be Kieran's girlfriend. It was a fantasy she had entertained countless times, but now that it was becoming a reality, she found herself grappling with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. She had harbored a secret crush on Kieran for what felt like an eternity, admiring him from afar while never daring to entertain the possibility of anything more.

But now, with their agreement to play pretend, the lines between fantasy and reality were beginning to blur. Juliana couldn't help but wonder if this could be the chance she had been waiting for, a way to bridge the gap between them and explore the connection she felt stirring within her heart.

This wasn't exactly how she had envisioned her exchange semester beginning—not by a long shot. She hadn't even been at the academy for an hour, and already, she was embroiled in a scheme that seemed straight out of a teen drama. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Juliana couldn't bring herself to complain; this was a far better start than her last exchange semester. 

Lost in her thoughts, Juliana was startled when Kieran's voice broke the silence. "So... uh... how do we act like a couple?" His question hung in the air, punctuating the tension that lingered between them.

Drawing in a deep breath, Juliana turned to face him, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of nerves and anticipation. "I guess we just... do couple things," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Hold hands, maybe? Or... I don't know, act affectionate?"

Kieran nodded, his expression mirroring Juliana's own uncertainty. "Right, yeah, couple things," he echoed, though the words sounded foreign on his lips. 

Juliana's mind raced with more ideas. "And we could... I don't know, go on dates?" she suggested, her cheeks flushing at the thought. "Like, to the cafeteria or something. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just spending time together." 

Kieran's eyes widened slightly at the suggestion, but he nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that could work," he replied, trying to hide his nerves with a forced smile. "And, uh, maybe we could, uh, cuddle or something? Like, while watching a movie or whatever."

Juliana's heart skipped a beat at the mention of cuddling, but she managed to maintain her composure. "Sure, that sounds good," she said, her voice betraying her excitement. "And we could also... I don't know, go for walks and battle together? Like, in the terrarium? Maybe do some BBQs together?"

Kieran nodded eagerly, grateful for Juliana's enthusiasm. "Yeah, I like that idea," he agreed, feeling a surge of confidence as they began to flesh out their plan. "And maybe we could, um, compliment each other? Like, say nice things and stuff?"

Juliana smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at the thought of exchanging compliments with Kieran. "I'd like that," she admitted, her eyes sparkling with affection. "I mean, it's all about making it seem like we're really into each other, right?"

Kieran's cheeks flushed at Juliana's words, but he nodded in agreement. "Right," he replied, his voice softening with sincerity. "We just have to make it convincing, and I think we can do that." He shifted awkwardly on the edge of Juliana's bed, the weight of their agreement settling heavily upon him.

Juliana's mind raced as she processed Kieran's words. She watched him shift uncomfortably on the bed, his sincerity apparent in his voice. The realization struck her suddenly—maybe it wouldn't be so difficult to pretend to be in a relationship with Kieran. After all, she already felt a flutter of something whenever he was near, a sensation she couldn't quite explain.

"Yeah," Juliana replied, her voice quieter than she intended. "I think we can pull it off." She looked down, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her blanket, unable to meet Kieran's gaze.

Her heart skipped a beat as she admitted it to herself—maybe it wasn't just pretending.

"Maybe we should start with something simple," Juliana suggested, her voice gentle as she reached out to take Kieran's hand in hers. "Like... this." She intertwined her fingers with his, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine.

Kieran's gaze flickered to their joined hands, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "Yeah, okay," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He squeezed Juliana's hand gently as if seeking reassurance in the contact.

Their intertwined fingers formed a tentative connection, a bridge between their worlds that neither dared to break. At that moment, Juliana felt a rush of warmth flood her heart, washing away the doubts and fears that had plagued her mind.

As they sat in silence, their hands clasped together, Juliana couldn't help but steal glances at Kieran, taking in the subtle curve of his smile and the way his eyes softened with a newfound warmth. It was a side of him she had rarely seen, vulnerable yet genuine, and it filled her with a sense of hope for what the future might hold.

But their moment of quiet intimacy was soon interrupted by the insistent buzz of Kieran's phone, breaking the spell that had enveloped them. With a sigh, Kieran reluctantly released Juliana's hand and reached for his phone, his brow furrowing as he scanned through the messages.

"What’s wrong?" Juliana inquired, her voice soft with concern.

"It’s my sister," Kieran replied, his tone tinged with frustration. He flipped his phone screen towards Juliana, allowing her to read the messages. 

Kieran.

Kiki.

Hello??!!!??

People are saying that you and Juliana are together? I can't believe you're keeping secrets from me! I need the scoop, pronto!

When were you planning to tell me this?? Ugh, you're so frustrating sometimes.

Don't you dare ignore me, Kiki! I demand answers about this whole Juliana situation! 

Juliana's eyes widened as she read the messages from Carmine, a mix of surprise and amusement flickering across her features. It wasn't uncommon for Carmine to be inquisitive and persistent, especially when it came to gossip, but this was a whole new level of interrogation.

"Wow, your sister doesn't waste any time, does she?" Juliana remarked, a hint of amusement lacing her words as she handed Kieran back his phone.

Kieran let out a weary sigh, running a hand through his hair as he glanced sheepishly at Juliana. "Sorry about that," he muttered, his voice laced with frustration. "Y’know my sis can be pretty... intense." 

Juliana chuckled softly, offering Kieran an understanding smile. "No need to apologize. I can handle a little interrogation," she said, though there was a teasing glint in her eyes. "But maybe we should come up with a plan."

Kieran nodded in agreement, grateful for Juliana's level-headedness in the face of his sister's relentless questioning. "Right, good idea," he replied, his mind already racing with potential strategies to keep their fake relationship under wraps. "We need to figure out how to handle Carmine without giving away the truth."

Juliana nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful as she considered their options. "Maybe we could... I don't know, be vague?" she suggested tentatively. "Tell her we're taking things slow or that we're still figuring things out. That way, we don't have to outright lie, but we also don't give away too much."

Kieran nodded in agreement, finding Juliana's suggestion to be a reasonable compromise. "Yeah, that could work," he agreed, a hint of relief in his voice. "And if she asks too many questions, we can always change the subject or pretend we're busy."

With a plan in place, Juliana and Kieran felt a renewed sense of confidence, knowing that they could handle whatever Carmine threw their way. But as they continued to brainstorm, another thought occurred to Juliana, causing her brow to furrow in concern.

"What about our friends?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry. "Crispin, Lacey, Drayton, Amarys... They're going to notice if we're suddenly acting like a couple out of nowhere. And Drayton especially... He's going to give us an even harder time than Carmine."

Kieran grimaced at the mention of their friends, realizing that they had completely forgotten about them in the midst of their own drama. "You're right," he admitted, feeling a pang of guilt for neglecting their friends. "We'll have to come up with something to tell them too, or they'll never let us hear the end of it." 

Kieran sighed heavily, feeling the weight of their growing web of lies pressing down on him. "Aw man, this is gonna be harder than I thought," he muttered, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

Juliana nodded in agreement, her brow furrowing with concern. "Yeah, we definitely don't want anyone finding out about this," she said, her voice laced with determination. "We need to be careful."

Kieran glanced down at his phone, the screen still illuminated with Carmine's barrage of messages. 

Juliana watched him anxiously, her fingers fidgeting nervously in her lap. "You should probably text your sister before we do anything else," she suggested, her voice tinged with concern. "We don't want her to think we're ignoring her." 

Kieran nodded in agreement, grateful for Juliana's reminder. With a deep breath, he turned his attention back to his phone, composing a message to Carmine in an attempt to placate her curiosity.

After sending a brief message to Carmine, Kieran set his phone aside. "Alright, I texted her," he said, looking over at Juliana with a small smile. "Hopefully, that'll keep her off our backs for a while."

With their immediate concern addressed, Juliana's stomach let out an audible growl, reminding her of another pressing matter. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving," she admitted sheepishly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Flying always makes me hungry."

Kieran chuckled softly, the sound sending a warmth spreading through Juliana's chest. "Yeah, I could definitely go for some food," he agreed, his own stomach rumbling in response. "How about we head to the cafeteria and grab something to eat? My treat." 

Juliana's heart fluttered at Kieran's suggestion, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through her veins. She nodded eagerly, a smile spreading across her lips. "That sounds great," she replied, trying to ignore the butterflies dancing in her stomach.

As they made their way out of Juliana's dorm room and down the hallway towards the cafeteria, Juliana couldn't help but steal glances at Kieran. His easy smile and the way he walked with a casual confidence sent a warmth spreading through her chest. She reminded herself that they were just pretending, but the way her heart raced told her otherwise.

When they reached the cafeteria, Kieran reached out and gently grabbed Juliana's hand, intertwining their fingers together. Juliana's breath caught in her throat at the sudden contact, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of surprise and excitement. It felt oddly natural, as if their hands were meant to be held together.

"W-we have to pretend to be a couple, r-remember?" Kieran whispered, his voice low and uneasy as he gently squeezed Juliana's hand.

Juliana nodded, unable to tear her gaze away from their joined hands. "Right, of course," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her chest at the simple gesture, igniting a spark of hope within her.

As they entered the bustling cafeteria, Juliana's thoughts were momentarily distracted by the delicious smells wafting through the air. Her stomach rumbled in anticipation, reminding her of her hunger.

Before they could make their way through the line, a familiar voice called out from across the room. "Juliana! Is that you?"

Juliana turned to see Lacey, a wide smile spreading across her face as she made her way towards them. Lacey was a member of the Elite Four and a close friend of Juliana and Kieran. Juliana couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the sight of her friend.

"Lacey!" Juliana exclaimed, returning her friend's smile with equal enthusiasm. "I can't believe it's been so long!"  

Lacey enveloped Juliana in a warm hug, squeezing her tightly before pulling back to take in her appearance. "I know, right? I've missed you so much," she said, her eyes shining with genuine affection. "I tried to meet you at the entrance when you arrived, but when I got there, you were already gone. What's up with that?" 

Juliana's cheeks flushed at Lacey's mention of Kieran, her mind racing to come up with an explanation. "Oh, um, yeah. Kieran met up with me early and helped me unpack… and…" she stammered, her voice slightly unsteady. "We... uh, we had some stuff to talk about. Academy stuff, you know?"

Lacey raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Is that what they're calling it these days?" she teased, her gaze flickering between Juliana and Kieran. "Well, whatever it is, you two are just adorable together."

Juliana felt her cheeks grow even warmer at Lacey's words, a rush of embarrassment flooding through her. She exchanged a nervous glance with Kieran, silently pleading for help.

Kieran stepped in, his easy smile never faltering. "Yeah, we're, uh, working on some stuff together," he said, his tone casual as he wrapped an arm around Juliana's shoulders. "You know how it is."

Lacey's eyes lit up with excitement, her smile widening even further. "That's so great to hear!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness. "I always thought you two would make a cute couple. It's about time you realized it too!"

Juliana's heart skipped a beat at Lacey's words, a surge of emotion welling up within her. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could find the right words, Kieran gently squeezed her hand, sending a silent message of reassurance.  

As they settled at a table, Lacey joined them, her presence adding a vibrant energy to their lunchtime gathering. Juliana couldn't help but feel grateful for the familiar warmth of her friend's company, a welcome distraction from the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

"So, Juliana, tell me everything!" Lacey exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "How's life been treating you? And what's this I hear about you and Kieran?"

Juliana glanced at Kieran, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment once again. "Oh, you know, just catching up and stuff," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

Lacey grinned knowingly, leaning in closer. "Uh-huh, sure," she teased, her tone laced with amusement. "Well, if you ever need any advice on being a power couple, you know where to find me."

Juliana chuckled nervously, grateful for Lacey's lightheartedness. "Thanks, Lacey," she said, her voice filled with genuine affection. "I'll keep that in mind."

Before their conversation could continue, the cafeteria doors swung open, and Crispin burst inside, his fiery enthusiasm lighting up the room. Juliana couldn't help but smile at the sight of her friend, his infectious energy never failing to lift her spirits.

"Crispin!" Juliana called out, waving him over to their table. "Over here!"

Crispin's eyes lit up with excitement as he spotted Juliana making a beeline towards their table with an eager grin. "Juliana, my favorite battling buddy!" he exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug before turning his attention to the others. "Hey, Kieran! Lacey! What's up?"

Kieran greeted Crispin with a nod while Lacey flashed him a warm smile. "Hey, Crispin! It's great to see you," she said, her tone cheerful. "We're just catching up. Care to join us?"

Crispin nodded eagerly, taking a seat beside Lacey with a grin. "Of course! I’m glad you're finally here! I've been dying to have some blazing Pokémon battles with Juliana," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "And I've got a new super spicy recipe I want you to try, Juliana. I think you'll love it."

Juliana's stomach churned at the thought of Crispin's fiery cooking, but she forced a smile nonetheless. "I can't wait," she replied, trying to sound enthusiastic. "Thanks, Crispin."

As they chatted and enjoyed their lunch, Crispin couldn't contain his excitement any longer. Leaning in close to Kieran, he whispered in a voice that was anything but discreet, "Hey, Kieran, I've been meaning to ask... Is the reason you were so weird about the situation with Yuchen, Elli, and Seori because you and Juliana are secretly dating?"

Juliana's eyes widened in shock, her cheeks flushing crimson as she shot Crispin a panicked glance. She prayed that Kieran would handle the situation with his usual calm demeanor, but deep down, she knew that Crispin's obliviousness could spell trouble. 

Kieran's expression remained remarkably composed despite Crispin's blunt question. He leaned back slightly, a thoughtful look crossing his features as he considered his response. "Oh, uh, well, you see, Crispin..." he began, his voice trailing off as he glanced at Juliana, silently seeking her approval.

Juliana's heart raced as she met Kieran's gaze, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew they had to maintain the facade of their fake relationship, but she couldn't shake the feeling of nervousness that gripped her.

Before Juliana could intervene, Kieran flashed her a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to Crispin. "Actually, Crispin, you're onto something," he said, his tone casual yet filled with a hint of mischief. "Juliana and I... well, we've been keeping it under wraps for a while now, but yeah, we're dating."

Crispin's eyes widened in surprise, his mouth forming a perfect "O" of astonishment. "Whoa, seriously?" he exclaimed, his voice loud enough to draw the attention of nearby students. "I had no idea! Man, you two really had me fooled."

Juliana bit her lip nervously, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for Crispin's reaction. She hoped he would buy into their charade, but there was always the chance that he would see through their lies.

But to Juliana's relief, Crispin's expression softened into a warm smile as he looked between Juliana and Kieran. "Well, I gotta say, you guys make a great couple," he said, his tone genuine. "I'm happy for you both."

Juliana felt a rush of relief wash over her at Crispin's words, a weight lifting from her shoulders. She exchanged a grateful glance with Kieran, silently thanking him for his quick thinking.  

As the conversation ebbed and flowed, laughter filling the air, Juliana found herself growing increasingly weary. Despite the excitement of being reunited with her friends, the long day of traveling had finally caught up with her, and her eyelids began to droop involuntarily.

Kieran, ever observant, noticed the telltale signs of fatigue in Juliana's demeanor. With a gentle smile, he interjected, his voice laced with concern. "Hey, Juliana, you look exhausted. Maybe it's time for you to head back to your dorm and get some rest. You've been on a plane all day, after all."

Juliana stifled another yawn, feeling a pang of guilt for letting her weariness show. "Yeah, you're right," she admitted, nodding in agreement. "I could definitely use some sleep." 

Lacey and Crispin exchanged knowing glances, understanding Juliana's need for rest after a long day of travel. "Don't worry, Juliana, we'll catch up again soon. We have a whole semester to catch up on lost time," Lacey reassured her, a warm smile lighting up her face. 

Crispin nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely! We'll plan something fun for tomorrow." 

With a grateful smile, Juliana nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan," she replied, her voice filled with genuine appreciation for her friends' understanding.

As they began to gather their belongings and prepare to leave the cafeteria, Juliana couldn't resist a playful glance at Kieran, a subtle twinkle in her eyes. "Hey, sweetheart," she teased, her tone light and affectionate as she nudged him gently with her elbow. "Shouldn't you be walking me back to my dorm? I mean, isn't that what loving boyfriends do?"

Kieran's cheeks flushed slightly at Juliana's endearing jab, his nerves betraying him as he struggled to maintain his composure. 

"Uh, yeah, of course," Kieran stammered, his heart pounding in his chest as he fought to keep his voice steady. "I mean, it's the least I could do, right?"

Juliana grinned, noticing Kieran's nervousness but deciding to play along to keep up the act. "That's right," she said with a teasing glint in her eye. "After all, what kind of boyfriend would you be if you didn't walk me back to my dorm?"

As they exchanged farewells with Crispin and Lacey, Juliana and Kieran stood up, ready to make their departure.

"Thanks for understanding, you guys," Juliana said warmly, giving Crispin and Lacey each a quick hug. "We'll catch up soon, I promise."

Crispin flashed them a bright grin. "Absolutely! And don't forget, we've got big plans for tomorrow," he declared, his enthusiasm infectious.

Lacey nodded in agreement. "Take care, you two," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "And make sure Juliana gets plenty of rest, Kieran. She looks like she's about to fall asleep on her feet."

Juliana chuckled at Lacey's teasing, shooting Kieran a playful wink. "Yeah, I'll make sure he keeps me in line," she teased, earning a sheepish grin from Kieran in return.

With a playful wink, Juliana linked her arm through Kieran's, leading him towards the exit of the cafeteria. 

As they stepped out of the cafeteria, Juliana leaned closer to Kieran, her voice soft and playful. "You know, I could get used to this whole 'boyfriend' thing," she teased, her eyes dancing with amusement.

Kieran chuckled nervously, feeling the weight of their fake relationship hanging over them like a cloak. "Yeah, it's, uh, definitely... interesting," he replied, his words stumbling slightly as he struggled to keep up the act.

Juliana glanced at him sympathetically, sensing his unease. "Don't worry, you're doing great," she reassured him with a gentle squeeze of his arm.

They walked in comfortable silence for a few moments until they reached the elevator that would take them up to Juliana's dorm room. As they waited for the elevator to arrive, Juliana couldn't help but steal glances at Kieran, her heart fluttering nervously in her chest.

When the elevator finally dinged open, they stepped inside, the small space suddenly feeling a lot more intimate. Juliana leaned against the wall, her eyes fixed on Kieran as she tried to suppress the butterflies in her stomach.

As they rode the elevator up to Juliana's floor, they exchanged small talk, their voices hushed in the confined space. But despite their efforts to keep up appearances, Juliana couldn't shake the feeling of nervousness that gripped her.

Finally, the elevator came to a stop, and the doors slid open to reveal Juliana's dorm room hallway. Juliana stepped out first, turning to face Kieran with a warm smile.

"Well, I guess this is goodnight," she said softly, her voice tinged with reluctance. "Thanks for walking me back, Kieran. I appreciate it."

Kieran returned her smile, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment longer than necessary. "Anytime, Juliana," he replied, his voice gentle. "Get some rest, okay? You deserve it."

Juliana turned the doorknob to her dorm room with a final nod, and a wave of uncertainty washed over her as she stepped inside. She closed the door behind her, leaning against it as she tried to clear her mind of the complicated dynamics of their fake relationship. Even though she tried hard to convince herself otherwise, Juliana couldn't ignore the flutter of excitement that stirred within her at the thought of spending more time with Kieran, even if it was all just an act.

As she lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, her thoughts raced with questions about the future. She wondered what was in store for them, both as friends and as something more. What was the real reason for agreeing to fake date Kieran, and why did he agree so quickly? Juliana wanted to help get Yuchen, Seori, and Elli off of Kieran's back, but was this the right plan of action? Her mind was in a constant state of flux, and she couldn't find any answers to her questions.

But eventually, the fatigue caught up with her, and she drifted off to sleep, hoping that things would become clearer in the morning.  

Kieran’s pov

As Kieran walked back to his dorm, his mind buzzed with thoughts of Juliana. The way she had teased him in the cafeteria, the warmth of her hand in his, the genuine concern in her eyes—it all felt so real, despite the fact that it was nothing more than a facade. He couldn't deny the flutter of excitement that had taken root in his chest, the thrill of pretending to be Juliana's boyfriend sending a rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. 

Once he reached his dorm room door and slipped inside, Kieran let out a tired sigh, his shoulders sagging with exhaustion. The events of the day had taken their toll on him, both physically and emotionally, leaving him drained and weary.

Before he could dwell on it any further, the door burst open, and his sister Carmine strode into the room with all the subtlety of a charging tauros. "There you are!" she exclaimed, her voice loud and exasperated. "I've been looking for you everywhere!"

Kieran's heart sank at the sight of his sister's determined expression, knowing full well that she wouldn't rest until she had all the answers. "Hey, Carmine," he greeted her, trying to sound casual despite the rising panic in his chest. "What's up?" 

Carmine crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes narrowing as she regarded him with suspicion. "Don't 'hey Carmine' me," she retorted, her tone stern. "You were super vague when I texted you earlier. What's going on? When did you and Juliana start dating? And why didn't you tell me?"

Kieran's heart raced as he searched for the right words, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew he couldn't let Carmine know the truth about his fake relationship with Juliana – not when she was so overbearing and prone to meddling in his affairs.

"We... uh, we've been seeing each other for a little while now," Kieran replied, his voice unsteady as he struggled to maintain his composure. "And as for not telling you... well, it just sort of happened."

Carmine arched an eyebrow, her gaze scrutinizing as she studied her brother's face. "Uh-huh," she said skeptically, clearly unconvinced by his explanation. "Well, spill the details. I want to know everything."

Kieran swallowed hard, his nerves getting the best of him as he tried to keep up the charade. "There's not much to tell, really," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We're just taking things slow, you know?" 

Carmine's expression softened slightly, her skepticism giving way to curiosity. "I guess," she conceded, her voice more thoughtful now. "But still, I can't believe you didn't tell me sooner. I thought we were supposed to share everything with each other."

Kieran's heart ached at the guilt in Carmine's words, his resolve wavering under the weight of her disappointment. He hated lying to his sister. "I know, and I'm sorry," he said, his voice heavy with remorse. "But I promise, I'll make it up to you. Just... give me some time to figure things out, okay?"

Carmine sighed, her shoulders slumping in resignation. "Fine," she said, her tone softened by a hint of forgiveness. "But you better not keep me in the dark for too long. I want all the juicy details, got it?"

Kieran managed a weak smile, his heart heavy with the weight of his deception. "Got it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks, Carmine."

Carmine nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer. "Well, I'm happy for you, Kieran," she said, her tone genuine as she reached over to give him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Just make sure you treat Juliana right, okay? She's a good girl."

Kieran forced a smile, his mind still reeling from the close call. "Don't worry, Carmine," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I will." 

As Carmine finally left his room, Kieran sank onto his bed, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. Despite the close call, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for his sister's support. Maybe, just maybe, this fake relationship with Juliana wouldn't be as unbearable as he had initially feared.

But as he lay there in the quiet of his room, the weight of his deception settled heavily upon him. Guilt gnawed at his conscience, twisting his stomach into knots as he grappled with the realization that he was using Juliana to escape the unwanted advances of Elli, Seori, and Yuchen.

Juliana didn't deserve to be caught up in his mess, to be dragged into a fake relationship simply to protect him from unwanted attention. She was kind and caring, and the thought of manipulating her feelings for his own benefit left a bitter taste in his mouth. They had only recently rekindled their friendship after a rocky period, and the memory of his jealousy over her Pokémon training skills still haunted him.

He remembered how he had let envy cloud his judgment, how he had lashed out at Juliana in a fit of pettiness. He had been so consumed by his desire to prove himself as the best trainer that he had pushed away the one person who had always believed in him. And now, here he was, pretending to be in a relationship with her as if nothing had ever happened.

It was a cruel irony, Kieran thought bitterly, that the very person he had once envied was now the one person he relied on to save him from his own mistakes. He knew he didn't deserve Juliana's forgiveness, didn't deserve her friendship, but he couldn't bring himself to let her go.

What choice did he have anyway? With everyone in school believing that he and Juliana were a couple, it seemed impossible to back out now without causing a scene. And with Yuchen's confession hanging over his head like a dark cloud, the pressure to maintain the facade was stronger than ever.

With a heavy sigh, Kieran buried his face in his hands, feeling utterly torn. He knew he had to find a way to navigate this situation without hurting Juliana in the process, but the path forward seemed murky and uncertain.

For now, all he could do was keep up the facade, no matter how much it weighed on his conscience. And as he drifted off to sleep, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was in for a world of trouble.

Chapter Text

Kieran’s pov 

As the artificial sun lazily crept through the curtains, signaling the arrival of a new day, Kieran stirred from his slumber, greeted by the soft glow filtering into his room. With a groggy yawn, he reached for his phone on the nightstand, blinking away the remnants of sleep as he scanned through the notifications. Among them was a message from Juliana, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he read her playful greeting.

Good morning boyfriend! 

Can I meet you at your dorm so we can get breakfast together?

As Kieran read Juliana's message, he felt a warmth spread through him, accompanied by a rush of nervous excitement. His heart fluttered in his chest as he reread her words, his cheeks flushing with a blush he couldn't control. It was silly, he knew, to get so worked up over a simple text, especially when their relationship was nothing more than a facade. But there was something about Juliana's playful teasing that sent his emotions into a tailspin.

Taking a deep breath to steady his racing heart, Kieran composed himself before typing out his response. 

Good morning girlfriend

Of course we can meet here. I’ll be waiting!

As Kieran hit send, he couldn't help but second-guess himself, his fingers hovering over the screen for a moment longer than necessary. Was his response too casual? Not casual enough? He shook his head, chastising himself for overthinking it. After all, it was just a text.

Suddenly, a faint buzz echoed through the room as Kieran's phone lit up with a notification, signaling Juliana's response.

Sounds good! I’ll be otw in a few!

Quickly, he set his phone down and hurried to get ready, his mind still buzzing with anticipation. He stripped off his sleep shirt and pulled on his league club uniform, the fabric crisp against his skin.

As he glanced at himself in the mirror, Kieran's eyes fell on the yellow hair band lying on the dresser. Without hesitation, he reached for it, deciding to forgo his usual ponytail in favor of a more relaxed style. He wrapped the band around his head, allowing his dark locks to fall freely around his face, reminiscent of his old style. It felt oddly comforting, a familiar reminder of when he and Juliana had first met.

The doubts that had plagued Kieran's mind the night before now seemed to dissolve into the ether. In their place surged a profound sense of joy as he came to a realization: their fabricated relationship could actually serve as a catalyst for strengthening their friendship to the way it once was. The mere thought of it filled him with anticipation as it dawned on him that this pretense would grant him more frequent opportunities to be in Juliana's presence.

As he contemplated the prospect of spending extended periods of time with her, Kieran couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within him. Each moment they would share together promised a chance for deeper connection and understanding. In the guise of their faux romance, they could explore facets of each other's personalities that might otherwise remain uncharted territory.

Pushing that thought aside, his hair in place and his outfit sorted, Kieran grabbed his yellow fanny pack and fastened it securely around his waist, tucking it under his jacket for safekeeping. He glanced at himself in the mirror one last time, adjusting his collar and smoothing down any wrinkles before nodding in satisfaction. 

Just as he finished making himself presentable, there was a soft knock at the door, followed by Juliana's cheerful voice calling out to him. "Hey, Kieran! It's me!"

Kieran's heart skipped a beat at the sound of her voice, his nerves kicking into overdrive as he hurried to the door. With trembling hands, he reached for the handle and pulled it open, revealing Juliana standing there with a bright smile on her face.

"Morning," Kieran replied, unable to suppress the grin that spread across his face at the sight of her. He stepped aside, gesturing for her to come in. "Come on in."

Juliana's gaze lingered on Kieran's new hairstyle, a nostalgic twinkle in her eyes. "Wow, Kieran, your hair," she remarked, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It looks just like when we first met."

Kieran couldn't help but grin at Juliana's reaction, a warmth spreading through him at the memory of their early days together. "Yeah, I thought I'd change things up a bit," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "Just felt like going back to my roots, you know?"

Juliana nodded in understanding, her smile widening. "I love it," she said, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind Kieran's ear. "It suits you."

Feeling a rush of affection for Juliana, Kieran couldn't resist the urge to lean into her touch, savoring the closeness between them. But their moment was interrupted by the rumble of his stomach, a reminder of their plans for breakfast.

"Shall we?" Kieran suggested, gesturing towards the door. "I'm starving."

Juliana nodded eagerly, falling into step beside him as they made their way out of the dorm room and toward the cafeteria. The walk was pleasant, filled with easy conversation and shared laughter as they navigated the halls of the academy. 

As they made their way through the bustling cafeteria, Kieran and Juliana exchanged light banter and shared laughter, enjoying each other's company despite the prying eyes of their fellow students. Kieran couldn't help but notice the lingering glances directed their way, the whispers and nudges from nearby tables as they passed by. 

After a calm breakfast, Kieran and Juliana decided to head towards the league club room, their footsteps echoing softly in the empty hallway. 

When they reached the door, Kieran hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the handle. Juliana gave him an encouraging smile, her presence offering him a semblance of reassurance. Summoning his courage, Kieran pushed the door open and stepped inside, Juliana following closely behind.

To his surprise—and mild horror—Carmine, Lacey, Crispin, and Amarys were already gathered inside the room, chatting animatedly amongst themselves. Kieran's heart sank at the sight of them, his mind racing with the implications of having to act out his fake relationship in front of their friends and his sister.

Kieran's heart skipped a beat as he realized the predicament they were in. He felt a surge of nervousness, his mind racing with thoughts of how to navigate the situation. With a forced smile, he greeted them, trying to keep his voice steady despite the butterfree in his stomach. "Hey, guys," he said, his tone tinged with nervous laughter. 

Carmine turned towards them, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she spotted Juliana. "Juliana!" she exclaimed, her tone bordering on admonishment. "You finally decided to show your face! You know you shouldn't keep me waiting!"

Kieran felt a pang of dread at Carmine's enthusiastic greeting, knowing full well that his sister's relentless questioning would only make their charade more challenging to uphold. He shot Juliana an apologetic glance, silently pleading for her help in navigating the situation.

Juliana flashed Kieran a reassuring smile before turning her attention to Carmine. "Sorry, Carmine," she said, her tone light and playful. I got a little caught up yesterday and this morning, but I'm here now!"

Carmine's expression softened, her excitement palpable as she wrapped Juliana in a tight hug. "Well, I'm just glad you're here," she said, her voice warm with affection. "And look at you two, all lovey-dovey. It's about time!"

The boy’s cheeks burned with embarrassment at Carmine's observation, his discomfort growing by the second. He shifted nervously on his feet, acutely aware of the expectant gazes of their friends fixed upon them.

As Carmine's attention shifted back to Kieran and Juliana, Kieran couldn't help but feel a surge of panic rising within him. He exchanged a quick glance with Juliana, silently conveying his apprehension about the situation they found themselves in. Despite his best efforts to maintain a composed facade, his nerves threatened to betray him at any moment.

Kieran and Juliana exchanged awkward glances, their discomfort evident as they tried to maintain the facade of their relationship. With a nervous laugh, Kieran attempted to deflect Carmine's attention. "Oh, you know us," he said, forcing a smile. "Just can't stay away from each other."

"It took a bit longer than I expected. I mean, Kieran can never really seem to take his eyes off you, all googly-eyed and whatnot," Carmine teased, a playful glint dancing in her eyes. “And don’t even get me started with how much he gushes about you.”

Kieran felt his cheeks flush with heat as Carmine's teasing hit the mark. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to muster a response while inwardly cursing his inability to hide his feelings. Caught in the spotlight of Carmine's jest, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of embarrassment and amusement at his own transparent infatuation. 

With a sheepish grin, he finally managed to stammer out a weak protest. "Aw man. Stop it sis!" he muttered, hoping to deflect her teasing with a half-hearted attempt at humor. But deep down, he knew there was no denying the truth in her words.

Carmine's gaze lingered on Kieran, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in his familiar hairstyle, now reverted back to its old form. A playful smirk tugged at the corners of her lips as she couldn't resist teasing her brother. “Whoa there, Kiki,” she quipped, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm. “Back to the old 'do, huh? That edgy phase didn’t last that long, now did it?”  

Juliana couldn't help but chuckle at Carmine's teasing, finding the interaction amusing. She glanced at Kieran, seeing the flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck as he hastily ran a hand through his hair, his discomfort evident. "I thought I told you I'm not trying to be edgy! It helps me let loose when I’m battling," he quipped, attempting to play off Carmine's teasing with a forced smile.

Carmine chuckled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Sure, sure," she replied, amusement dancing in her tone. "Just keep telling yourself that, Kiki." 

Attempting to steer the conversation away from something other than himself, Kieran turned to Crispin and Lacey, offering them a small, somewhat strained smile. "Hey, guys," he greeted them, his voice tight with tension. "What's up?"

Crispin and Lacey returned Kieran's greeting with polite nods, but there was a subtle curiosity dancing in their eyes that Kieran couldn't ignore. As they settled into conversation, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were observing him and Juliana more closely than usual. Their glances seemed to linger a moment longer, their questions carrying a hint of probing curiosity.

Kieran felt a bead of sweat forming at the base of his neck as he shifted uncomfortably under their gaze, acutely aware of the weight of their silent scrutiny. Juliana, too, seemed to sense the heightened tension in the air, her movements a touch more guarded than usual.

Desperate to defuse the mounting unease, Kieran searched frantically for a diversion. His mind raced, grasping for anything that could shift the focus away from the unspoken question hanging in the air. But as he opened his mouth to speak, the words seemed to catch in his throat, leaving him grasping for something, anything, to say.

His eyes nervously shifted around the room before landing on Amarys, who was standing off to the side, her posture rigid and her expression unreadable. Kieran couldn't help but feel a pang of apprehension at the sight of her, knowing all too well how formal and reserved she could be. He braced himself for her reaction, unsure of how she would respond to their abrupt relationship.

Amarys regarded them with a cool detachment, her gaze sweeping over them with analytical precision. "Good morning, Kieran, Juliana," she replied, her tone formal and reserved.

Juliana offered Amarys a warm smile, her demeanor friendly and welcoming. "Hi, Amarys," she said, her voice cheerful. "It's nice to see you again."

Amarys nodded in acknowledgment, a faint hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Likewise, I have been awaiting your arrival," she said, her tone softening slightly.

Kieran breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that Amarys seemed to be warming up to them. He knew she could be a tough nut to crack, but her approval meant a lot to him.

As their conversation with Amarys came to an end, she offered them a parting nod, her expression thoughtful. "I wish you both well in your relationship," she said, her voice sincere. "May it bring you happiness and fulfillment."

Kieran and Juliana exchanged a glance, touched by Amarys's words. "Thank you, Amarys," Kieran said, his voice filled with gratitude. "That means a lot to us."

Amarys nodded in acknowledgment, her expression softening ever so slightly as she regarded them. "Just remember," she said, her voice tinged with warmth. "Relationships are built on trust and communication. As long as you two are honest with each other, I have no doubt you'll do just fine." 

As the conversation continued, Kieran found himself gradually easing into the rhythm of their banter. Trying to lighten the mood, Kieran cleared his throat before interjecting, "So, what brings you all here today?" His attempt at casualness was betrayed by the faint quiver in his voice, a telltale sign of his lingering nerves.

Lacey, ever eager to contribute, seized the opportunity to chime in. "We were just discussing some upcoming league matches," she replied, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "And catching up, of course. But enough about us. What about you two? How's the lovebirds' nest treating you?"

Kieran forced a laugh, though it sounded hollow even to his own ears. "Oh, you know," he replied, mustering a semblance of cheerfulness. "Just enjoying each other's company."

Despite his efforts to maintain a facade of normalcy, Kieran couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort at Lacey's probing question. He glanced at Juliana, silently pleading for her to come to his rescue with her quick wit and charm.

Juliana, sensing Kieran's unease, flashed him a reassuring smile before addressing their friends. "We're doing well, thank you," she said, her tone light and breezy. "It's nice to spend some time together in person finally, isn't it?"

Kieran nodded in agreement, echoing her sentiment. "Definitely," he added, his voice carrying a hint of sincerity. "It's been too long."

Kieran's heart fluttered as he stole a glance at Juliana, his feelings for her bubbling to the surface once again. The boy found himself lost in Juliana's presence, his admiration for her growing with each passing second. He couldn't deny the rush of excitement that surged through him whenever she was near, her infectious energy drawing him in like a mothim to a flame.

Just as Kieran began to settle into the uneasy rhythm of their charade, the door creaked open once more, and in sauntered Drayton, the epitome of nonchalance. His easy smile illuminated the room as he greeted them with a casual wave.

"Hey, hey, hey, what's up, party people?" Drayton greeted with a wide grin, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he took in the scene before him. His gaze landed on Juliana, and his grin widened. "Well, if it ain't my favorite bud! Long time no see!"

Juliana's face lit up at the sight of Drayton, a warm smile spreading across her lips. "Drayton! It's great to see you too," she exclaimed, stepping forward to greet him with a friendly hug.

As Juliana embraced Drayton, Kieran's chest tightened with an unexpected surge of jealousy. His eyes narrowed slightly as he observed their interaction, feeling a twist of discomfort at the sight of Drayton's teasing grin. It was a cheesy expression, one that Kieran knew all too well – Drayton's way of needling him, of poking fun at the simmering jealousy he could sense brewing within Kieran.

As Kieran stood there, a silent observer of Juliana enveloped in Drayton's embrace, he was struck by a strange and unsettling sensation. It was as if an invisible hand had reached into his chest and twisted his heart into a knot, leaving him breathless and disoriented. He struggled to comprehend the whirlwind of emotions that swept through him like a turbulent storm, each one vying for dominance over the next.

In the depths of his mind, he attempted to dissect the complexities of his feelings, to unravel the tangled web of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. Yet, try as he might, the words eluded him, slipping through his grasp like grains of sand through clenched fists. All he could grasp was a vague sense of unease, a haunting awareness that something fundamental was shifting within him.

It was a realization that left him feeling exposed and vulnerable, stripped of the familiar cloak of certainty that had once shrouded his heart. In that moment, Kieran couldn't help but feel as though he stood on the precipice of something unknown, teetering on the edge of a new reality that beckoned with both promise and peril. And as he grappled with the unfamiliarity of his own emotions, he knew that he could no longer deny the profound impact Juliana had on him, nor the depths of his own vulnerability in her presence.

When Juliana finally pulled away from Drayton's embrace, Kieran forced a tight-lipped smile, attempting to conceal the tumult of emotions swirling within him."Hey, Drayton," Kieran greeted, trying to keep his tone neutral despite the unease gnawing at him. "What brings you here?"

Drayton shrugged casually, his grin never faltering. "Oh, you know, just thought I'd swing by and see what all the fuss is about," he replied nonchalantly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "And I gotta say, I'm loving the lovey-dovey vibes in here. It's positively heartwarming."

Kieran couldn't help but shoot Drayton a sideways glance, his suspicion growing at Drayton's seemingly innocent remark. There was something in Drayton's tone that set off alarm bells in Kieran's mind, a nagging feeling that Drayton knew more than he let on.

Drayton's playful grin widened as he caught Kieran's glance, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He seemed to relish in Kieran's discomfort, his teasing nature evident in the way he held himself with an air of casual amusement.

As Drayton continued to tease, Kieran's irritation simmered just below the surface, his patience wearing thin. He shot Drayton a pointed look, his voice laced with thinly veiled annoyance. "You find this amusing, don't you?"

Drayton's grin widened at Kieran's response, his playful demeanor unfazed by Kieran's irritation. "Oh, come on, Kieran," he said, his tone teasing. "Can't a guy appreciate a little romance when he sees it?" 

Kieran gritted his teeth, suppressing the urge to snap at his friend. Juliana sensed his growing irritation and shot him a sympathetic look, her eyes silently urging him to keep his cool.

But before he could gather his thoughts and respond, Lacey interjected, her voice firm and commanding. "Drayton, knock it off. You’re making them uncomfortable," she said, her tone laced with disapproval. "That's just not right."

She crossed her arms in an x formation, a clear sign of her disapproval. The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at Lacey, surprised by her sudden intervention. Even Drayton seemed taken aback by her stern tone, his playful grin faltering for a moment.

Kieran couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards Lacey for coming to his defense. He shot her a grateful smile, silently thanking her for stepping in to diffuse the tension.

“Yeah, Drayton. Stop being such an annoying bozo,” Carmine retorted, her irritation palpable in her tone.

Drayton's grin returned in full force, though there was a hint of mischief in his eyes as he turned his attention back to Kieran and Juliana. "Alright, alright, I'll behave," he said, his tone teasing. 

Amarys, standing nearby with her usual air of formality, chimed in with a prim tone, "It would be appreciated, Drayton, if you could refrain from causing unnecessary disruptions."

Crispin's fingers tightened around the handle of his frying pan as he tried to muster a serious expression, though his natural obliviousness peeked through. "Yeah, Drayton, quit trying to cook up trouble," he teased, a hint of amusement softening his tone despite his attempt at sternness.

Drayton countered with a playful smirk, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, Crispin, my dear friend, I'm just here to appreciate true love," he replied, his grin widening as he indulged in the banter.

Kieran rolled his eyes at Drayton's comment, though a small part of him couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of his mind. Drayton's words were meant to be playful, but there was something about the gleam in his eyes that sent a shiver down Kieran's spine.

Sensing Kieran's tension, Juliana decided to steer the conversation in a different direction. She turned to Drayton with a warm smile, her tone gentle and conciliatory. "Drayton, we appreciate your support in making our relationship more believable," she said, her words carefully chosen to convey sincerity while still maintaining their pretense. But you know, it's still quite new for us."

Drayton's playful smirk softened into a more understanding expression as he nodded in acknowledgment. "Of course, Jules," he replied, his tone genuine. "I'm just teasing, you know that."

Juliana squeezed Kieran's hand reassuringly, her touch grounding him in the midst of his swirling emotions. With a deep breath, Kieran forced himself to push aside his doubts and focus on the present moment.

The atmosphere in the room gradually lightened as they resumed their conversations, the tension from earlier dissipating with each passing moment. Drayton's teasing remarks were soon forgotten as they immersed themselves in discussions about upcoming league matches, shared memories, and plans for the future.

Kieran found himself relaxing in Juliana's presence, her warmth and humor serving as a welcome distraction from the lingering discomfort. He couldn't help but marvel at her ability to navigate even the most challenging situations with grace and charm, her infectious energy infusing the room with a sense of lightheartedness. Ever the life of the party, Juliana regaled them with tales of her latest adventures, her animated gestures, and infectious laughter drawing everyone in. Kieran couldn't help but admire her effortless charisma, her presence filling the room with a sense of warmth. 

Eventually, as the artificial sun began to dip below the horizon, signaling the approach of evening, Kieran realized with a pang of disappointment that their time together was coming to an end. He exchanged a glance with Juliana, silently conveying his reluctance to leave.

But before he could voice his thoughts, Juliana spoke up, her voice tinged with regret. "As much as I hate to say it, I think it's time for us to head out," she said, her tone apologetic. "We've got some things we need to take care of before it gets too late."

Kieran nodded in understanding, though a part of him wished they could stay a little while longer. He was aware that their excuse for leaving wasn't entirely truthful, but he believed it was for the best. It was better to leave before their friends brought up anything else about their relationship. He exchanged a round of farewells with their friends and his sister, promising to catch up with them again soon. 

Kieran felt a sense of relief wash over him. He was grateful for the chance to escape the prying eyes and probing questions. He reached for Juliana's hand, intertwining their fingers as they walked.

Juliana’s pov

Juliana walked alongside Kieran, their fingers intertwined, as they made their way down the hallway. Despite the comforting warmth of his hand in hers, Juliana couldn't shake the lingering tension that seemed to hang in the air, a residue of the awkward encounter they had just left behind.

As they reached the end of the hallway, Kieran turned to her with a tentative smile. "Hey, Juliana," he began, his voice soft. "I was thinking... Would you like to have a movie night?"

Juliana's eyes lit up at the suggestion, a smile spreading across her face. "I would love that!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm evident. "But where should we have it?"

Kieran paused for a moment, considering their options. "How about we go to my dorm first so I can grab some pajamas, and then we can head to your dorm for the movie night?" he suggested, his tone hopeful.

Juliana nodded in agreement, "Sounds like a plan!" she said, her voice cheerful.

With that settled, they continued down the hallway toward Kieran's dorm, their footsteps echoing softly in the empty corridor. Juliana couldn't help but steal glances at Kieran as they walked, her heart fluttering at the sight of him by her side.

When they reached Kieran's dorm, he quickly retrieved his pajamas and a few snacks for their movie night. As they made their way out of the building and towards Juliana's dorm, Juliana couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within her.

Once they arrived at her dorm, Juliana wasted no time in setting up their makeshift movie night, arranging blankets and pillows on the floor in front of the screen. Kieran offered to make popcorn, which she eagerly accepted, grateful for the chance to spend some time alone with him.

With everything ready, Juliana dimmed the lights in her dorm room, creating a cozy ambiance for their movie night. She gestured for Kieran to join her on the makeshift bed they had created, feeling a rush of excitement as he settled in beside her.

Snuggling up together, Juliana couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. Kieran's warmth enveloped her, soothing her frazzled nerves and filling her with a sense of peace.

As the movie began to play, Juliana found herself getting lost in the story, her attention completely captured by the screen. But as time went on, she felt herself growing increasingly relaxed, the comfort of Kieran's embrace lulling her into a state of blissful tranquility.

Without even realizing it, Juliana found herself resting her head on Kieran's shoulder, her body instinctively seeking out his warmth. She felt a surge of warmth spread through her at the contact, her heart fluttering in her chest at the intimate gesture.

To her surprise, Kieran responded by wrapping his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him. Juliana's breath caught in her throat at the sudden closeness, her heart racing as she struggled to process the flood of emotions coursing through her.

Internally, Juliana was freaking out. She couldn't believe that Kieran was holding her like this, her crush on him making every touch feel like a thousand fireworks going off inside her chest. She fought to keep her composure, desperately trying to suppress the butterflies in her stomach that threatened to overwhelm her.

As they continued to watch the movie together, Juliana couldn't shake the feeling of euphoria that washed over her. Despite the chaos of her racing thoughts, she felt a sense of contentment settle over her, a blissful calmness that could only be attributed to Kieran's presence by her side.

Lost in the moment, Juliana couldn't help but steal glances at Kieran, her heart swelling with affection for him. She marveled at the way his eyes sparkled in the dim light, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the screen.

With every beat of her heart, she could feel herself falling deeper and deeper for him, her feelings spiraling out of control. But she knew she had to keep her composure. She couldn't risk ruining their friendship by admitting her true feelings, not when their fake relationship was already complicated enough. 

As the movie progressed, Juliana found herself lost in a whirlwind of emotions, her thoughts consumed by the warmth of Kieran's embrace and the intensity of her feelings for him. She tried to focus on the movie, but every touch and glance exchanged between them sent her heart into a frenzy.

Suddenly, Kieran's voice broke through her thoughts, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush as he spoke. "U-um, I guess today went well," he said, his words hesitant but filled with sincerity.

Juliana's heart skipped a beat at Kieran's admission. Her cheeks flushed with warmth as she turned to him, her eyes meeting his in the dim light. "Yeah, it did," she replied softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I'm glad we were able to handle everything together."

Her mind whirled with conflicting thoughts as she responded to Kieran's remark. On one hand, she was relieved that their friends seemed to buy into their fake relationship, at least for now. But on the other hand, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of doubt. Were they really believable as a couple?

They hadn't done much to sell their story, she realized. Holding hands and telling their friends they were in a relationship seemed almost too easy, too simple. They needed to do something more, something that would make their relationship seem real, not just a facade they put on for their friends.

The idea of kissing crossed her mind, a fleeting thought that sent a shiver down her spine. Maybe they needed to practice, she thought, to make it believable and not like they were fumbling through their first kiss, awkward and uncomfortable.

But almost as quickly as the thought came, Juliana pushed it away, chastising herself for even entertaining such a notion. This wasn't some trashy romance novel she had read a hundred times before. This was real life, and their relationship, fake as it may be, deserved more respect than that.

Kieran's voice interrupted her internal struggle, his tone gentle yet concerned. "Is everything okay, Juliana?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for any sign of distress.

Lost in her thoughts, Juliana barely noticed when Kieran's expression shifted, his eyes clouded with concern as he studied her. "Hey, Juliana," he said gently, his voice pulling her out of her reverie. "Is everything okay?"

Juliana forced a smile, trying to reassure him. "Yeah, everything's fine," she lied, her voice sounding hollow even to her own ears. "I was just...lost in thought."

But Kieran didn't look convinced. "Are you sure?" he pressed, his eyes searching hers for any sign of the truth.

Juliana hesitated, torn between telling him everything and keeping her doubts to herself. But in the end, she opted for the latter, not wanting to burden him with her insecurities. "I'm sure," she insisted, plastering on a fake smile. "Let's just enjoy the movie, okay?"

Kieran nodded, though Juliana could tell he wasn't entirely convinced. But he didn't press the issue further, instead choosing to wrap an arm around her shoulders once again and pull her close.

Juliana felt a surge of guilt wash over her as Kieran settled back into their cozy embrace, his warmth providing her with a sense of comfort that she desperately needed. She knew she should tell him what was on her mind, that he deserved to know the truth. But the words stuck in her throat, her fear of ruining their friendship outweighing her desire for honesty.

But then, without warning, the words spilled out before she could stop them. "Maybe we should practice kissing," she blurted out, her cheeks flushing crimson as soon as the words left her mouth.

Chapter Text

Juliana’s pov

Kieran's eyes widened in surprise, his cheeks turning a matching shade of red as he stammered, "W-what? Practice kissing?"

Juliana cursed herself for her lack of filter, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to backtrack. "I-I mean, not that we need to! I just... I thought it might make our relationship seem more believable, you know?" she babbled, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush.

But Kieran just stared at her, his expression a mix of shock and embarrassment. "I...uh...I don't know..." he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Juliana's cheeks burned with embarrassment as she realized what she had just suggested. She wanted to disappear into the floor, to escape the awkwardness that now hung between them like a heavy curtain.

But to her surprise, Kieran didn't seem upset or offended. Instead, he let out a nervous chuckle, his eyes meeting hers in a shy glance. "I-I guess we could...if you want to," he said, his voice barely audible over the pounding of Juliana's heart. “I-I- mean, most couples do kiss. S-So it would probably be weird if we didn’t.”

Juliana's heart skipped a beat at his words, her cheeks flushing even deeper as she met his gaze. She hadn't expected him to agree to her ridiculous suggestion, let alone with such timid sincerity. 

Feeling a rush of adrenaline and nerves coursing through her veins, Juliana hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with uncertainty. But then, spurred on by a newfound determination, she leaned in slowly, her heart pounding in her chest.

As Juliana leaned in, her heart pounding louder with each passing second, she closed her eyes, her lips inching closer to Kieran's. But just as their lips were about to meet, there was a sudden collision, their foreheads smacking together with an audible thud.

"Ouch!" they exclaimed simultaneously, pulling back in surprise. Their hands instinctively reached to nurse their foreheads.

Juliana couldn't help but burst into nervous laughter, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry!" she managed to choke out between giggles, her eyes watering from the unexpected pain and amusement.

Kieran joined in her laughter, his own cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "No, it's my fault," he chuckled, rubbing his forehead tenderly. "I guess we're not very good at this whole kissing thing, huh?"

Juliana nodded, still giggling uncontrollably. "Definitely not," she agreed, her laughter gradually subsiding as she caught her breath.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Juliana met Kieran's gaze, a playful glint dancing in her eyes. "Well, they do say practice makes perfect, right?" she said, her voice laced with amusement.

Kieran grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I suppose we'll just have to keep trying until we get it right," he replied, his tone light and teasing.

Juliana felt a surge of determination coursing through her veins, her earlier nerves now replaced with a newfound sense of confidence. "Yeah, let's give it another shot," she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. 

Kieran's hands hovered uncertainly, unsure of where to place them, as their lips finally met in a clumsy, awkward kiss. Their hearts raced in unison, the awkwardness palpable in the air as they shared this tentative moment of intimacy.

Juliana's mind went blank as she focused solely on the sensation of Kieran's lips against hers, her body tingling with nerves and anticipation. It was awkward, fumbling, nothing like the romantic scenes she'd read about in books.

But despite the awkwardness, there was something undeniably thrilling about it, a sense of uncharted territory that left her breathless and wanting more.

As they pulled away, Juliana felt a rush of conflicting emotions flood her senses—embarrassment, excitement, uncertainty—all swirling together in a dizzying whirlwind.

She met Kieran's gaze, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment, unsure of what to say or do next.

Kieran's expression was a mix of surprise and amusement as he blinked in the aftermath of the kiss. His lips curved into a lopsided grin, and he let out a soft chuckle, breaking the tension that hung in the air.

"Wowzers," he said, his voice slightly breathless, a hint of laughter lacing his words. His eyes sparkled with a newfound warmth as he looked at Juliana, his fingers brushing against hers tentatively.

Juliana couldn't help but giggle nervously at his reaction, feeling a sense of relief wash over her at his lighthearted response. She smiled back at him, her heart still racing from the unexpected intimacy they had just shared.

Their eyes locked in a moment of shared understanding, a silent agreement passing between them. They might not have perfected the art of kissing just yet, but they were determined to keep trying, to stumble through the awkwardness together until they found their rhythm.

With a shy smile, Juliana leaned in once again, her lips meeting Kieran's in a slightly more confident kiss this time. They still fumbled a bit, their movements hesitant and unsure, but there was a growing sense of familiarity and comfort in their embrace.

Kieran's hands found their place, resting gently on Juliana's waist as they deepened the kiss. Their lips moved in sync with a newfound sense of ease. Juliana's heart fluttered with excitement as she savored the closeness, the warmth of Kieran's touch sending shivers down her spine.

As they finally pulled away, their breaths mingling in the air, lips tingling, Juliana couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and happiness wash over her. They might not have gotten it perfect, but they were getting there, one clumsy kiss at a time.

"Better?" Kieran asked, his eyes searching hers for reassurance.

Juliana nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, much better," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity.

Kieran's grin widened at Juliana's response, a sense of relief evident in his eyes. "Good," he said, his voice soft but filled with a hint of excitement. "I'm glad we're getting the hang of it."

Juliana felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, grateful for his patience and understanding. "Me too," she admitted, her gaze meeting his with a newfound sense of confidence.

As they sat in the aftermath of their kiss, Juliana felt a weight lift off her shoulders. There was something undeniably special about sharing this moment with Kieran, even if it had been a little clumsy and awkward.

"That... that was my first kiss, and my second one too. I guess," Juliana confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment once again.

Kieran's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of realization crossing his features. "Mine too," he admitted, his voice soft and earnest.

A wave of relief washed over Juliana at his words, realizing that she wasn't alone in her inexperience. But at the same time, a pang of guilt tugged at her heart—she hadn't meant to steal his first kiss, just as he hadn't meant to steal hers.

"I'm sorry," Juliana blurted out, her voice filled with regret. "I didn't mean to... I mean, I didn't know it was your first kiss too..."

Kieran reached out, gently lifting her chin to meet his gaze. "It's okay," he said, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "I don't mind that you were my first kiss."

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, her gaze locking with his in a moment of shared vulnerability.

Kieran's smile softened, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that sent a flutter through Juliana's heart. "No need to thank me," he replied gently. "I'm just thankful that you're willing to do this."

Juliana's brow furrowed in confusion. "Do what?" she asked, uncertainty coloring her voice.

Kieran hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering away before returning to meet hers with a newfound determination. "Pretend to be my girlfriend. You're here for your studies, not to pretend to be my girlfriend," he admitted quietly, his voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and regret.

Juliana's heart sank at his words, a pang of guilt washing over her. "Kieran, you didn't have to..." she started, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words.

Kieran shook his head, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "I know I didn't have to," he said softly. "But when Yuchen confessed her feelings for me, and things got complicated... I panicked. I didn't know what to do, and then you suggested fake dating as a solution."

Juliana felt a lump form in her throat at the mention of Yuchen's confession. She had known about Kieran's dilemma, but she hadn't realized the extent of his struggle until now.

"I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice heavy with regret. "I didn't mean to put you in this situation."

Kieran reached out, gently squeezing her hand in reassurance. "It's not your fault," he insisted, his gaze warm and sincere. "And besides, I'm grateful for your help. I don't know what I would've done without you."

Juliana nodded, her gaze softening as she squeezed Kieran's hand in return. "I'm here for you, Kieran," she said earnestly, a hint of warmth coloring her voice. "Whatever you need, I'll do my best to help."

Kieran's smile widened at her words, a sense of gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Juliana," he replied, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Feeling a sense of understanding and closeness enveloping them, Juliana and Kieran sat in comfortable silence for a moment longer, basking in the warmth of their shared connection.

Eventually, Juliana glanced at the TV screen, realizing that the movie they had been watching had ended some time ago. "Looks like the movie's over," she remarked, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Kieran checked his phone, his eyebrows furrowing slightly as he noticed the time. "Oh wow, it's getting late," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice. "I should probably head back to my dorm."

Juliana nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment at the thought of their evening coming to an end. "Yeah, I guess we should call it a night," she agreed reluctantly.

They stood up from the makeshift bed and made their way to the door in companionable silence. Juliana couldn't help but feel a sense of bittersweetness wash over her as they reached the entrance to her dorm.

As they stood facing each other, a brief moment of awkwardness hung in the air, neither of them sure how to say goodbye after the intimacy they had shared.

"Well, um, thanks for... you know, tonight," Kieran said, his voice slightly awkward as he shuffled his feet.

Juliana smiled softly, her heart warming at his gratitude. "Anytime," she replied sincerely, stepping forward to give him a brief hug.

They lingered in the embrace for a moment, the warmth of each other's presence a comforting reassurance in the midst of their uncertainty.

"Goodnight, Kieran," Juliana said softly as they pulled away, her gaze meeting his with a hint of reluctance.

"Goodnight, Juliana," Kieran replied, returning her smile with a warmth of his own before turning to leave.

Juliana watched as Kieran disappeared down the hallway, a sense of emptiness settling in her chest as the door clicked shut behind him. She leaned against the doorframe for a moment, her mind still buzzing with the lingering warmth of their shared evening.

With a sigh, Juliana turned back into her dorm room, her eyes falling on the makeshift bed they had set up on the floor. She couldn't help but smile at the memory of their impromptu movie night, the laughter, the awkwardness, and yes, even the clumsy kisses.

But now, as she looked around the dimly lit room, she realized that it was time to return to reality. Determined, she moved to put away the extra blankets and pillows, clearing the space beside her bed.

As she folded the blankets neatly and stacked the pillows in a corner, Juliana couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that lingered in the air. Despite the warmth of their shared evening, there was a sense of loneliness that settled over her as she tidied up the room.

With a heavy heart, Juliana climbed into her own bed, pulling the covers up to her chin as she stared up at the ceiling.

In her mind, Juliana replayed the soft brush of their lips, the warmth of Kieran's touch, and the sincerity in his eyes. She couldn't deny the flutter of excitement that stirred within her, nor could she ignore the growing fondness she felt for him.

A jumble of thoughts swirled in Juliana's head as she tried to process the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her. But amidst the chaos, one thing remained clear—she didn't mind that Kieran was her first kiss. In fact, she didn't mind at all. He could have all her kisses, for as long as he wanted them. 

In the darkness of her room, Juliana felt a sense of peace wash over her, a quiet acceptance of the feelings stirring within her heart. She knew that their pretend relationship was just that—pretend. 

Yet, despite the pretense, Juliana couldn't shake the lingering questions that tugged at her thoughts. She pondered over how they had ended up in this arrangement in the first place. It had all started with Yuchen's unexpected confession to Kieran and his subsequent reluctance to enter into a relationship with her.

Juliana couldn't blame him for not wanting to be in a relationship. After all, everyone had their reasons, their fears, and their reservations. But as she lay in bed, she couldn't help but wonder if Kieran's hesitance extended beyond just Yuchen. Perhaps he simply wasn't ready for any kind of romantic commitment.

The thought sent a pang of disappointment through Juliana's chest. She had enjoyed their evening together, relished the intimacy they had shared, even if it was all just an act. But if Kieran didn't want to be in a relationship, then what did that mean for their pretend dating arrangement?

Juliana sighed softly, pushing aside the lingering doubts that threatened to cloud her mind. She knew that dwelling on Kieran's intentions wouldn't change anything. They had agreed to pretend to be a couple, and for now, that was enough.

Closing her eyes, Juliana made a silent vow to herself—to enjoy their time together, to cherish the moments of laughter and closeness, regardless of what it meant for their future. After all, she reasoned, some connections were worth exploring, even if they were only temporary.

The next morning, Juliana stirred awake to the soft chime of her phone, signaling the arrival of new messages. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she reached for her phone and unlocked it to find several notifications waiting for her.

With a smile, Juliana saw that she had messages from her friends back in Paldea—Arven, Nemona, and Penny. Despite the time difference, they had taken the time to check in on her, asking how she was settling into her exchange semester at the academy and expressing how much they missed her.

Juliana felt a warmth spread through her chest at the thoughtfulness of her friends. Even though they were miles apart, their friendship remained as strong as ever. It was a comforting reminder of the bonds she had formed back home, and she was grateful for their continued support.

Quickly typing out a response, Juliana kept her message brief but heartfelt, assuring her friends that she was adjusting well and missing them just as much. She made sure not to mention anything about her fake dating arrangement with Kieran, not wanting to raise any unnecessary concerns.

As Juliana hit send on her messages to her friends, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for keeping the truth about her fake dating arrangement with Kieran from them. But she reasoned that it was better this way—there was no need to burden them with unnecessary details, especially when it was all just a temporary solution to a complicated situation.

Juliana's morning routine started with a groggy stretch as she reluctantly emerged from the warmth of her cozy blankets. With a soft sigh, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, letting her feet touch the cool floor. As she blinked away the remnants of sleep, her gaze fell on her neatly folded uniform laid out on a nearby chair.

With a sense of resignation, Juliana reached for the uniform, the crisp fabric of the academy's fall attire feeling foreign against her skin. She dressed herself in the Blueberry Academy's fall uniform, its pristine white turtleneck top adorned with the school's emblem, accentuated by three elegant buttons down the middle. Smoothing out the fabric, she felt the subtle texture beneath her fingertips as she fastened the buttons.

Next came the knee-length cotton pants, adorned with delicate blue and cream accents along the hem, accentuating the academy's signature colors and securing the pants with the matching belt. 

She slipped into her blue socks, their snug fit offering warmth against the chill of the morning air, before pulling on the sleek white boots with vibrant red detailing down the middle. The boots clicked softly against the floor as Juliana stood, their polished surface gleaming in the soft light filtering through her window. 

Her eyes landed on the vibrant red glove resting atop her dresser. With a determined nod, she slid it over her right hand. Its bold color provided a striking contrast against the subdued tones of her uniform.

As Juliana smoothed down her uniform, a thought crossed her mind about Kieran's recent change in hairstyle. She remembered how he had decided to switch things up, opting for a new look that seemed to suit him well. The idea lingered in her thoughts for a moment before she made a spontaneous decision to follow suit.

With a flicker of determination, Juliana let her fingers weave through her chestnut locks, releasing them from their usual braid. As her hair fell freely around her shoulders, forming soft waves that framed her face, she couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation. It was a small change, but it felt like a step towards embracing something new, just like Kieran had done.

After adjusting her uniform for the final time, Juliana slung her backpack over her shoulder, feeling the weight of her textbooks and supplies against her back. Glancing at the clock, she realized she was running short on time.

Quickly grabbing her phone, Juliana sent a message to Kieran, her fingers flying across the screen as she typed out a brief note. "Meet you in class," she said, a simple yet reassuring confirmation of their morning routine.

Upon arriving at the classroom, Juliana spotted Kieran and Crispin already there, engaged in a conversation near the entrance. She hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to approach them after their intimate evening together.

However, before Juliana could gather her thoughts, Kieran noticed her and flashed her a warm smile. "Hey, Juliana! Good morning," he greeted, his voice friendly but tinged with a hint of nervousness.

"Morning," Juliana replied, returning Kieran's smile as she approached them. She felt a flutter of anticipation in her chest, unsure of what to expect from their interaction today.

"Morning, Juliana!" Crispin greeted her with a wide grin, his eyes bright with excitement.

"Good morning, Crispin," Juliana replied with a smile, returning his greeting warmly.

She couldn't help but notice the slight change in their expressions when they caught sight of her hair. Kieran's eyes widened ever so slightly, a faint blush dusting his cheeks, while Crispin's grin seemed to grow even wider if that was possible.

"Your hair looks great today, Juliana!" Crispin exclaimed, his enthusiasm bubbling over.

Juliana's cheeks warmed at the compliment, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Crispin," she replied, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and pleasure at the attention.

Kieran's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than usual before he cleared his throat, his blush deepening imperceptibly. "Yeah, it looks really nice," he added, his voice soft but sincere.

Juliana's heart skipped a beat at Kieran's compliment, a warmth spreading through her chest at his words. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride, knowing that he had noticed the effort she had put into styling her hair differently.

"Thanks, Kieran," she said, her smile widening as she met his gaze. "Actually, I was inspired by you changing up your hairstyle the other day. It made me realize I should try something new too."

Kieran's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of disbelief flickering across his features. "Really?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity.

Juliana nodded, her cheeks flushing with warmth at the admission. "Yeah, really," she replied, feeling a surge of confidence coursing through her veins. Kieran's acknowledgment of her hair stirred a warmth in her chest she couldn't quite explain, though she dismissed it as her imagination playing tricks on her. Surely, he was just being polite. 

"How about we head inside?" Juliana suggested.

The boys nodded in agreement, and Juliana led the way toward the entrance. 

As they made their way into the classroom, Juliana couldn't shake the nagging thought that Kieran's compliment might mean more than just politeness. After all, wasn't that what a boyfriend would do? Notice the little changes, offer a compliment, show appreciation?

But then, Juliana reminded herself that Kieran was just playing the part of her pretend boyfriend. Any kindness or attention he showed her was simply part of their act to maintain the facade they had created.

Settling into her seat, she glanced around the classroom, taking in her surroundings. The room was filling up quickly with other students, their chatter filling the air with a buzz of anticipation for the day's lessons.

Suddenly, Kieran leaned towards her, his voice barely above a whisper. "Those three girls walking in right now," he murmured, nodding discreetly towards the entrance. "That's Yuchen, Elli, and Seori."

Juliana's brows furrowed in confusion as she followed Kieran's gaze, watching as the trio of girls made their way into the classroom. Yuchen, Elli, and Seori—she repeated their names silently in her mind, trying to place them.

But as the realization dawned on her, a surge of jealousy and anger coursed through Juliana's veins. Yuchen—she was the one who had confessed her feelings to Kieran, setting off the chain of events that led to their fake dating arrangement.

The memory of their evening together suddenly felt tainted by the presence of these girls, their mere presence a reminder of the complications surrounding her relationship with Kieran. Juliana couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment towards them, a sense of indignation that they hadn't left Kieran alone despite his reluctance to enter into a romantic relationship.

Juliana hadn't even considered the possibility of encountering the trio in her class, let alone finding them seated right across the room. A sense of unease settled over her, overshadowing the usual anticipation for the day's lessons.

Her fingers clenched around her pen, her gaze fixed on the trio of girls as they settled into their seats across the room. A storm of conflicting emotions raged within Juliana—jealousy, anger, frustration—all vying for dominance as she struggled to maintain her composure.

Pushing aside her doubts, Juliana forced herself to focus on the lesson at hand, determined not to let her emotions get the best of her. But deep down, she couldn't shake the lingering unease that lingered in the pit of her stomach, a silent reminder of the complexities of her relationship with Kieran.

She stole occasional glances at Kieran, noticing the subtle signs of nervousness in his demeanor. It was clear that he was aware of the girls' presence too, and Juliana couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him.

Throughout the lesson, Yuchen's gaze kept drifting towards Juliana, her eyes narrowed in what seemed like a glare. Juliana's heart pounded with unease under Yuchen's scrutiny, feeling the weight of her disapproval.

When the class finally ended, Juliana wasted no time in gathering her belongings, eager to leave the uncomfortable atmosphere behind. 

She could sense Kieran's tension beside her, his movements slightly hurried as he packed up his things. "Ready to go?" Kieran asked, his voice tinged with an edge of urgency.

Juliana nodded, her anxiety palpable as they made their way out of the classroom. 

But just as they reached the door, Juliana felt a gentle pressure on her hand. Startled, she glanced down to find Kieran's fingers interlocking with hers, his touch warm and reassuring.

Surprised yet oddly comforted by the unexpected gesture, Juliana's initial instinct was to pull away. After all, they were just pretending, right? But as she looked into Kieran's eyes, she saw a flicker of vulnerability, a silent plea for reassurance.

With a hesitant smile, Juliana tightened her grip on his hand, silently conveying her support. 

Crispin, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to the underlying tension, his usual enthusiasm undimmed by the class events. "Hey, where's the fire?" he joked, falling into step beside Juliana and Kieran as they hurried out of the classroom. 

Juliana's heart twinged with guilt as she realized they had left Crispin out of their conversation, too caught up in their own emotions. "Sorry, Crispin," she murmured, her voice tinged with regret.

Crispin chuckled, waving off her apology with a casual shrug. "No worries, Jules. Must be nerves kicking in for your first actual day here, huh?" he remarked, shooting her an encouraging smile.

Juliana managed a weak smile in return, grateful for Crispin's understanding. "Yeah, something like that," she replied, offering no further explanation.

Kieran nodded in agreement, his grip on Juliana's hand tightening ever so slightly. "Thanks for understanding, Crispin," he added, his voice earnest.

Just as she was about to suggest they part ways for a moment, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced down to see a message from Lacey asking if she wanted to hang out later. Juliana's heart skipped a beat at the invitation, grateful for the distraction.

"Hey, Kieran," she began tentatively, turning to him with a hesitant smile. "Lacey just texted me asking if I wanted to hang out later. Is that okay with you?"

Kieran's response was immediate. "Of course, Juliana," he replied, his tone reassuring. "You should go and have fun."

Crispin, sensing the shift in the conversation, perked up with interest. "L-Lacey? We should all hang out!" he exclaimed, his cheeks flushing slightly.

Juliana hesitated, a pang of guilt tugging at her heart. She knew Crispin had a crush on Lacey, but she also craved some one-on-one time with her friend.

"Actually, Crispin," she interjected gently, "I was thinking of just having some girl time tonight. Maybe catch up with Lacey alone."

Crispin's expression fell slightly, but he quickly masked it with a forced smile. "Oh, yeah, sure! Girl time sounds great," he replied, though Juliana could sense his disappointment.

With a final nod to Kieran and Crispin, Juliana bid them farewell and headed off to meet Lacey, leaving the boys behind.

Kieran’s pov

Switching his focus from Juliana's retreating figure to his surroundings, Kieran couldn't shake off the lingering sense of unease that settled in his chest. Her departure left him with a mixture of conflicting emotions swirling inside him. On one hand, he felt a twinge of disappointment that their time together was cut short, but on the other hand, he understood Juliana's need for some girl time.

His thoughts drifted back to their evening the night before, and he couldn't help but wonder why Juliana hadn't mentioned anything about it. Then again, he hadn't brought it up either. It was as if they had both silently agreed to leave that part of their encounter unspoken for now, buried beneath the surface of their pretend relationship.

Pushing aside his thoughts, Kieran turned his attention to Crispin, who was still processing Juliana's departure with a hint of disappointment lingering in his eyes.

"Hey, Crispin," Kieran began, trying to break the awkward silence that had settled between them. "Since Juliana's hanging out with Lacey tonight, how about you and I do something together?"

Crispin's face brightened at Kieran's suggestion, his disappointment quickly replaced by excitement. "Yeah, that sounds awesome!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident in every word. "What do you want to do?"

"How about we chill in your dorm?" Kieran proposed with a playful glint in his eye. "We can play some video games or whatever you're feeling."

"Oooh yeah! That’d be fire!" Crispin exclaimed, his enthusiasm lighting up his face.

As they settled into Crispin's dorm room, surrounded by the familiar comfort of their shared space, Crispin's curiosity got the better of him. With a playful grin, he turned to Kieran, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"So, Kieran," Crispin began, his tone casual yet laced with curiosity, "how's things going with you and Juliana?"

Kieran shifted slightly, feeling a flush of warmth spread across his cheeks as Crispin's question lingered in the air. For a moment, he hesitated, unsure of how to respond without revealing the truth about their fake relationship. But then, a rush of emotion surged within him, and before he could stop himself, the words spilled out.

"You know, Crispin," Kieran began, his voice tinged with a hint of excitement, "I can't stop thinking about her. Juliana, I mean."

Crispin's eyes widened with interest, a grin spreading across his face as he leaned in closer, eager to hear more. "Really? Tell me everything!" he exclaimed, his curiosity piqued.

Kieran's cheeks grew warmer at Crispin's enthusiasm, but he couldn't suppress the surge of emotion that surged within him. "She's just... incredible," he confessed, his voice softening with genuine admiration. "She's smart, funny, and she's always there for me, you know? And last night, when we were watching that movie together, I just couldn't help but feel this... connection."

Crispin's grin widened as he listened intently to Kieran's words, nodding along with each heartfelt admission. "Sounds like you're really into her, man," he remarked a hint of excitement in his voice.

Kieran's heart fluttered at Crispin's observation, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. "Yeah, I guess I am," he admitted, a shy smile playing on his lips.

Kieran took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "You know, Crispin," he said, his tone more serious now, "I really want to make things right with Juliana. After everything that happened between us, I feel like this is my chance to show her how much she means to me."

Crispin's expression softened with understanding as he listened to Kieran's earnest confession. "I get it, man," he replied, his voice sympathetic. "And I'm sure Juliana appreciates everything you're doing for her. You two seem really happy together."

Kieran's heart twinged with guilt at Crispin's words, knowing that their happiness was built on a foundation of lies. But he couldn't bring himself to shatter Crispin's perception of their relationship, not when he was being so genuinely supportive.

"Yeah, we are," Kieran replied, forcing a smile despite the unease gnawing at him. "Thanks, Crispin. I'm really glad to have you as a friend."

As Kieran and Crispin settled into their evening, engrossed in their video game session, the door to Crispin's dorm room suddenly swung open, revealing Drayton standing in the doorway, a curious expression on his face.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Drayton asked, his gaze sweeping over the room.

Crispin glanced up from the game with a grin. "Oh, hey, Drayton! We're just playing some video games," he replied enthusiastically.

Drayton's eyes flickered with interest as he stepped further into the room. "Nice! Mind if I join?"

Crispin shook his head, gesturing to the empty spot on the couch. "Of course not! Grab a controller and jump in."

As Drayton settled into the game, his attention shifted to Kieran, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, what have you guys been up to?" he asked, shooting Kieran a knowing look.

Crispin couldn't help but fumble over his words, his attempt at nonchalance failing miserably. "Oh, uh, we were just talking about, um..."

Kieran shot Crispin a warning glance, silently urging him to change the subject, but it was too late. Drayton's gaze sharpened, his curiosity piqued by the sudden shift in demeanor.

"Talking about what, exactly?" Drayton pressed, his tone casual yet laced with curiosity.

Crispin squirmed under Drayton's scrutiny, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Uh, just, you know, stuff," he stammered, his attempt at evasion falling flat.

Drayton raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering between Kieran and Crispin, his suspicions growing with each passing moment. "Come on, guys, spill it," he urged, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

Kieran felt the heat rising to his cheeks as he struggled to come up with a plausible explanation. "It's really nothing, Drayton," he insisted, his voice tinged with desperation. "Just some random conversation."

Drayton leaned back against the couch, a playful grin spreading across his face as he watched Kieran squirm under his questioning gaze. "Oh, just some random conversation, huh?" he echoed, his tone teasing.

Crispin glanced nervously between Kieran and Drayton, sensing the tension in the air. "Yeah, just, you know, guy stuff," he chimed in, his voice cracking slightly.

Drayton's grin widened at Crispin's response, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Guy stuff, huh? Interesting," he remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Kieran let out a nervous chuckle, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Yeah, just catching up on... things," he mumbled, his words trailing off.

Drayton's grin turned into a full-fledged smirk as he leaned in closer to Kieran, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Is this about your little romance with Juliana?" he teased, a knowing glint in his eyes.

Kieran's eyes widened in alarm at Drayton's words, his mind racing for a response. "What? No, of course not," he protested, his voice sounding unconvincing even to his own ears.

Drayton arched an eyebrow, his smirk widening into a knowing grin. "Don't try to change the subject, Kieran," he said, his tone teasing yet firm. "I'm interested in your guys' relationship."

Chapter Text

Kieran’s pov

Kieran took a deep breath, trying to compose himself as Drayton's gaze bore into him. He glanced over at Crispin, who sat beside him, offering a reassuring nod. Gathering his thoughts, Kieran met Drayton's gaze head-on.

Kieran took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Drayton's scrutiny. He glanced at Crispin, who sat next to him, and gave him an encouraging nod. With a sigh, Kieran turned back to Drayton, his expression earnest.

"Yeah, Drayton," Kieran began, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. "I won't deny it. I've had feelings for Juliana since the day we met. She's just... she's special to me, you know?"

As Kieran spoke those words, a strange sense of relief washed over him. It wasn't exactly a lie, his feelings for Juliana had always been there, quietly simmering beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to be acknowledged. Admitting them out loud, especially to Drayton and Crispin, felt like a weight lifted from his shoulders.

Drayton's expression remained serious, his brows furrowed as he listened intently. "Yeah, I get that, Kieran," he said, his tone grave. "But let's not forget what happened last time she was here. Your battle-frenzied state isn't an excuse for how you treated her. We can't brush that under the rug."

Kieran's jaw tightened, the memory of his actions weighing heavily on him. "I know, Drayton," he admitted, his voice tinged with remorse. "I messed up, big time. I let my emotions get the best of me, and I hurt Juliana in the process. I'm not proud of it. I care about her, you know? I'll make sure she's good."

Drayton raised an eyebrow skeptically, his expression unreadable. "You better, man," he replied gruffly, his voice laced with a hint of warning. "Juliana means a lot to us. You mess this up, and you're gonna have more than just me to deal with."

Kieran nodded, swallowing hard as he felt the weight of Drayton's words sink in. He knew Drayton was just looking out for Juliana, but the pressure was on him to prove himself.

Crispin cleared his throat, interjecting with a more optimistic tone. "Look, Drayton, I think we should give Kieran the benefit of the doubt here," he said, casting a supportive glance at Kieran. "He's been upfront with us about his feelings for Juliana. And they did tell us they're dating now."

Kieran's heart skipped a beat at Crispin's words. He hadn't expected Crispin to jump in like that, but he was grateful for the support. Still, he couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety, worried that Drayton might see through their facade.

Drayton regarded Crispin for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Alright," he conceded finally, his tone softening slightly. "But just remember, actions speak louder than words. Treat her right, Kieran. She deserves nothing less."

Kieran nodded, his determination resurfacing. "I will, Drayton," he promised earnestly. "I'll do whatever it takes to make things right with Juliana."

With Drayton's cautious approval hanging in the air, Crispin shifted the mood by reaching for the game controller. "Alright, enough serious talk," he said, offering a playful grin. "Let's get back to some gaming."

Kieran welcomed the change in atmosphere, grateful for the opportunity to unwind with his friends. He reached for his own controller, a sense of relief flooding through him as they settled into their usual routine.

Drayton, too, picked up a controller, his earlier seriousness giving way to a more relaxed demeanor. "Yeah, let's kick some butt," he declared with a smirk, the tension from their earlier conversation dissipating.

As Kieran immersed himself in the familiar rhythm of the game, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. For a brief moment, the weight of his worries about Juliana and the complexities of his feelings seemed to fade into the background.

He welcomed the distraction of the game, grateful for the semblance of normalcy it provided amidst the turmoil of his emotions. As his fingers moved deftly over the controller, his mind wandered back to Juliana.

Thoughts of her invaded his consciousness, swirling around in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He couldn't deny the intense feelings he harbored for her, feelings that had only grown stronger with time.

From the moment they met, there had been something about Juliana that drew him in a magnetic pull that he couldn't resist. Her intelligence, her kindness, her unwavering support, it all resonated with him on a level he couldn't quite articulate.

But amidst the chaos of his thoughts, one particular memory stood out vividly: the night before, when he and Juliana were hanging out in her dorm, watching a movie. They had been joking and teasing each other, enjoying each other's company in a rare moment of relaxation.

Then, out of nowhere, Juliana had blurted out the suggestion that they should practice kissing to make themselves look believable as a couple. Kieran could still feel the heat rising to his cheeks at the memory, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

The idea had caught him completely off guard, but there was an undeniable allure to it. A chance to explore the depths of his feelings for Juliana in a way he had never dared before. And as they had leaned in hesitantly, their lips brushing against each other in an awkward yet electrifying moment, Kieran had felt a rush of emotions he couldn't quite comprehend.

Now, as he sat with his friends, lost in the chaos of the game, Kieran couldn't help but replay that moment in his mind over and over again. The softness of Juliana's lips, the warmth of her breath against his skin. It was a memory he knew he would carry with him forever, even if they were just pretending.

Lost in his thoughts, Kieran's attention wavered for a split second, causing his character in the game to make a fatal mistake. With a sudden jolt, he watched in disbelief as his character fell victim to an unexpected attack, a virtual demise that mirrored the tumult of his own emotions.

"Oooh!" Crispin's voice broke through the haze of Kieran's thoughts, followed by Drayton's booming laughter. "Looks like someone needs to work on their skills," Drayton teased, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced over at Kieran.

Kieran felt a pang of embarrassment wash over him as he realized what had happened. He had been so lost in his own world that he had let his guard down, allowing his friends to capitalize on his momentary distraction.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Kieran muttered, trying to mask his embarrassment with a forced grin. Deep down, though, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling of frustration at himself for letting his thoughts get the better of him.

As Drayton and Crispin continued their banter over the game, Kieran's mind drifted back to Juliana. With a quick glance at the screen to ensure his friends were sufficiently distracted, he reached for his phone, fingers tapping out a message to her.

Hey, how's the hangout with Lacey going? :)

Juliana’s pov

Juliana glanced down at her phone, a smile lighting up her face as she read Kieran's message. It warmed her heart to know that he cared enough to check in on her, even while he was busy with his friends.

Quickly typing out a response, Juliana's fingers danced across the screen as she composed her message to Kieran.

We’re having a great time! Hope you are too! :)

As she set her phone aside and returned her attention to Lacey, she was met with a curious gaze from her friend. Lacey tilted her head slightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she leaned in closer.

"Who's texting you?" Lacey asked, her tone light but filled with curiosity. "Is it Kieran?"

Juliana's cheeks flushed slightly at the mention of Kieran's name, but she couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. "Yeah, it's Kieran," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of bashfulness. "He was just checking in to see how we're doing."

Lacey's eyes lit up with excitement, a grin spreading across her face as she nudged Juliana playfully. "Aww, that's so sweet of him," she exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable. "You two are just the cutest!"

Juliana chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at Lacey's words. Leaning back against the soft grass, Juliana let out a contented sigh, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the coastal biome. The sound of waves crashing against the shore in the distance provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation, and Juliana couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. It had been too long since she'd spent quality time with Lacey, and she was grateful for the chance to relax and unwind in such a serene setting.

"Yeah, he's pretty great," she agreed, her smile widening as she glanced down at her phone again, re-reading Kieran's message.

Lacey's gaze turned wistful for a moment as she glanced at Juliana's phone, a playful smirk still lingering on her lips. "I wish I had a boyfriend," she mused with a sigh, her tone laced with a hint of longing.

Juliana raised an eyebrow in surprise at Lacey's sudden confession, curiosity piqued. "Really?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine interest. "Why's that?"

A wistful smile tugged at the corners of Lacey's lips as she shrugged, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes. "Well, it's not for lack of trying," she admitted with a rueful chuckle. "But every time I tell a guy who my daddy is, they run off in a flash!"

Juliana couldn't help but laugh at Lacey's remark, though she could understand how her father's reputation as a gym leader might intimidate some guys. "Yeah, I can see how that might be a bit intimidating," she agreed, trying to stifle her amusement. "But hey, I'm sure you'll find someone who can handle it one day."

Lacey grinned at Juliana's words, a hint of hope brightening her gaze. "Thanks, Jules," she replied, her voice filled with gratitude. "I appreciate the vote of confidence. But for now, I'm content just living vicariously through you and Kieran."

"I'm glad we decided to hang out like this," Juliana remarked, a genuine smile on her face. "It's been too long since we've had a chance to catch up."

Lacey nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning their virtual surroundings with interest. "Totally! And hey, how's everything going with settling into the academy? Today was your first day of class." Lacey asked, her tone shifting to a more thoughtful one.

Juliana hesitated for a moment, her mind flashing back to the unsettling encounter with Yuchen in class earlier that day. The memory sent a shiver down her spine, and she quickly pushed it aside, not wanting to dampen the mood of their conversation.

"It's... fine," Juliana replied, her tone careful as she tried to brush off Lacey's inquiry. "You know, just trying to adjust to the new routine and all."

But Lacey wasn't so easily deterred, her keen intuition picking up on Juliana's hesitancy. Leaning in closer, she fixed Juliana with a concerned gaze. "Is everything really okay, Jules?" she pressed gently, her voice filled with genuine concern. "You seem a little... off."

Juliana's smile faltered slightly under Lacey's scrutiny, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty. She debated whether to confide in her friend about the unsettling encounter with Yuchen, but a part of her hesitated. After all, she couldn't exactly reveal the true nature of her relationship with Kieran, especially not when Lacey seemed so convinced they were together for real.

"Well, earlier today in class, there was this girl, Yuchen," Juliana began, her voice steady as she recounted the encounter. "She was... staring at me, and it felt really uncomfortable."

Lacey's eyebrows furrowed in concern, her expression shifting to one of empathy. "That does sound unsettling," she murmured sympathetically. "Did she say anything to you?"

Juliana shook her head slowly, a faint frown tugging at her lips. "No, not really," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But the way she was looking at me... it was like she had something on her mind."

Lacey's eyes widened slightly as she made a connection, her expression turning thoughtful. "Wait a minute," she said slowly, piecing together the puzzle. "Isn't Yuchen the same girl who confessed to Kieran a while back?"

Juliana's eyes widened in surprise at Lacey's deduction, stunned by how quickly her friend had pieced together the puzzle. "Yeah, she is," she confirmed, unable to hide the astonishment in her voice.

Lacey's expression softened with empathy as she reached out to squeeze Juliana's hand in a comforting gesture. "I'm so sorry, Jules," she murmured, her voice filled with sympathy. "That must be really awkward for you, especially since you and Kieran are together now."

Juliana nodded in agreement, a sense of relief washing over her as she realized she didn't have to explain everything to Lacey. "Yeah, it's been... interesting," she admitted with a wry smile, grateful for her friend's understanding.

"And I can tell that Kieran isn't exactly comfortable around her either," Juliana added, her thoughts drifting back to the uneasy tension she had sensed between Kieran and Yuchen earlier that day. "I just hope she gets the hint and backs off soon."

Lacey's expression shifted to one of disapproval as she processed Juliana's words. "That's just not right," she said firmly, making an X with her arms in a gesture of defiance. "I mean, Kieran already made it clear that he's with you. Yuchen needs to get the message and stop making things awkward for both of you." 

Juliana nodded in agreement, grateful for Lacey's understanding and support. "Exactly," she replied, her voice filled with determination. "I just wish she would respect our boundaries and give us some space."

Lacey's eyes sparkled with determination as she nodded in agreement. "Well, if she doesn't, you know I've got your back," she reassured Juliana, a fierce loyalty shining in her gaze. "We'll figure this out together."

A wave of gratitude washed over Juliana as she looked at her friend, feeling a renewed sense of strength and resolve. With Lacey by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges came her way.

"Thanks, Lace," Juliana said, her voice soft with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Lacey smiled warmly, squeezing Juliana's hand once more. "Anytime, Jules," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity. "That's what friends are for, right?"

Lacey's eyes widened slightly as she shifted the conversation, a mischievous glint returning to her gaze. "Well, besides that," she continued, her tone teasing. "Tell me more about you and Kieran. Have you guys kissed yet? Gone on any dates?"

Juliana felt her cheeks flush with warmth at Lacey's question, her mind momentarily flitting back to the night before when they had jokingly practiced kissing. "Um, well..." she hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "We haven't really gone on a proper date yet," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Lacey's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her expression incredulous. "What? No way!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. "How can you guys be together and not have gone on a date yet?"

Juliana shrugged sheepishly, feeling a twinge of embarrassment at Lacey's reaction. "I guess we've just been busy with classes and everything. Plus, it’s been kinda hard since I’ve been in Paldea," she offered as an explanation, though she knew it sounded feeble even to her own ears.

Lacey shook her head in disbelief, a determined glint in her eyes. "Well, that's going to change," she declared, her voice firm. "Consider this a mission. I'm going to set up the perfect date for you and Kieran."

Juliana's eyes widened in surprise at Lacey's proclamation, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension stirring within her. "You don't have to do that, Lace," she protested weakly, though a part of her couldn't help but be intrigued by the idea.

But Lacey waved off her protests with a dismissive gesture. "Nonsense," she insisted, her tone resolute. "Consider it a gift. Besides, it'll be fun! Trust me, Jules, you and Kieran deserve a proper date."

Juliana couldn't help but smile at Lacey's enthusiasm, feeling a surge of gratitude for her friend's unwavering support. "Alright, if you insist," she relented, her voice filled with laughter. "But just promise me it won't be too over-the-top, okay?"

Lacey grinned mischievously, a twinkle in her eye. "No promises," she replied with a playful wink. "But I guarantee it'll be a date to remember."

Juliana's cheeks retained their warmth as she chuckled at Lacey's determination. "Well, I appreciate the effort, Lace," she said, her smile genuine despite her lingering nerves about the prospect of a grand date. "Just don't go too crazy with it."

Lacey laughed, dismissively waving off Juliana's concerns. "Don't worry, Jules," she reassured her, her tone confident. I've got this all under control. It'll be the perfect balance of romantic and low-key, just like you guys."

Juliana nodded, a smile playing at the corners of her lips as she glanced down at her phone. Thoughts of Kieran filled her mind once again. She couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement at the prospect of going on a real date with him, knowing that whatever Lacey had planned was sure to be amazing.

"Thanks, Lace," she said sincerely, reaching out to squeeze her friend's hand in gratitude. "I really appreciate it."

Lacey grinned back at her, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Anytime, Jules," she replied, her voice filled with warmth. "Consider it my way of making sure you and Kieran get the happily ever after you deserve."

Juliana's heart fluttered at Lacey's words, a rush of warmth spreading through her. The idea of a "happily ever after" with Kieran seemed both thrilling and daunting, especially considering their current arrangement was more of a facade than reality. Despite her reservations, Juliana couldn't deny the pull of Lacey's infectious optimism.

"Thanks, Lace," Juliana repeated, her voice soft with emotion. "You're the best."

As Juliana and Lacey chatted further about the upcoming date, Lacey remained tight-lipped about the specifics, insisting that it would be a surprise. Juliana couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she imagined what Lacey might have in store for them.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and anticipation as they discussed everything from potential date ideas to Kieran's favorite foods. Lacey's enthusiasm was infectious, and Juliana found herself getting more and more excited about the prospect of spending time with Kieran outside of their usual routine.

After a while, they wrapped up their hangout, with promises to catch up again soon and plans to finalize the date arrangements. Juliana bid Lacey farewell and made her way back to the dorms, the anticipation for the date buzzing in her veins.

Making her way back to the dorms, she felt a ping on her phone—a message from Kieran.

Hey, Jules! Want to hang out at my dorm?

Juliana's heart skipped a beat at Kieran's text, her cheeks flushing with a mix of excitement and nerves. She quickly typed out a response, her fingers dancing across the screen.

Sure, that sounds great! I'll see you there.

Juliana arrived at Kieran's dorm, feeling a flutter of nerves as she knocked lightly on the door. When it swung open, revealing Kieran on the other side, she couldn't help but smile nervously.

"Hey," she said softly, her voice slightly shaky with anticipation.

"Hey," Kieran replied, his own voice tinged with a hint of shyness as he stepped back to let her in.

Entering the room, Juliana took a moment to glance around, noticing the familiar layout of Kieran's living space. It felt strange yet oddly comforting to be here, alone with him in the privacy of his dorm.

Settling onto Kieran’s bed, they exchanged small talk for a moment, each trying to ease into the conversation. Then, Juliana took a deep breath, mustering up the courage to broach the topic of their separate hangouts.

"So, uh, how was the rest of your time with Drayton and Crispin?" she asked, her voice gentle as she tried to keep the conversation light.

Kieran smiled warmly, his eyes meeting hers as he recounted the rest of their gaming session. "It was good," he replied, a hint of enthusiasm in his tone. "We ended up playing a few more rounds and then just hanging out for a bit."

Juliana nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as they settled into an easy rhythm of conversation. Then, she took a moment to gather her thoughts before venturing further.

"How about you? How was your time with Lacey?" Kieran asked, genuine curiosity shining in his eyes.

Juliana's heart fluttered as Kieran inquired about her time with Lacey. She shifted slightly on the bed, her nerves starting to get the best of her as she prepared to reveal Lacey's surprise.

"It was really nice," Juliana began, her voice soft but slightly hesitant. "We talked a lot about... well, about us."

Kieran's eyebrows lifted in mild surprise, a curious expression crossing his features. "Oh?" he replied, clearly intrigued. "What about us?"

Juliana bit her lip nervously, suddenly feeling the weight of the revelation she was about to make. "Lacey... Lacey is planning a date for us," she admitted, her words coming out in a rush.

Kieran's eyes widened in genuine surprise, his mouth slightly agape. "A date?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Juliana's heart went out to him, sensing his discomfort. She reached out a hand to gently touch his arm, offering a reassuring smile. "Yeah, but don't worry," she said soothingly, trying to alleviate his apprehension. "It's just Lacey being Lacey. I'm sure whatever she has planned will be fun."

Kieran nodded, though he still seemed uncertain. "Right, of course," he murmured, his gaze flickering back to Juliana. "I just... wasn't expecting it, you know?"

Juliana nodded sympathetically, understanding his feelings. "I know, it's a bit unexpected," she admitted, her voice soft. "But maybe it's not such a bad thing. I mean, it could be a fun way to spend time together and... well, maybe it'll help solidify our... uh, status as a couple."

Kieran's eyes widened slightly at Juliana's words, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. "Yeah, you're right," he replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It could be a good opportunity to, um, clarify things."

Juliana's heart warmed at Kieran's tentative agreement, relieved to see him warming up to the idea of the date. She smiled back at him, appreciating his willingness to go along with Lacey's plan.

"Exactly," Juliana said, her voice filled with encouragement.

Kieran's smile widened at Juliana's words, the tension in his expression easing slightly. "Yeah, I like the sound of that," he replied, his tone more relaxed now.

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the atmosphere between them becoming more comfortable. Juliana took the opportunity to shift the conversation to lighter topics, wanting to keep things easygoing.

"So, what did you do after class today?" Juliana asked, her tone light and curious.

Kieran's expression brightened at Juliana's question, seemingly grateful for the change in topic. "Oh, after class, I hung out with Crispin for a bit," he began, his voice becoming animated as he recounted his afternoon. "We played some video games in his room."

Juliana listened attentively, nodding along as Kieran spoke. "That sounds like fun," she commented, genuinely interested in hearing about the rest of his day.

"Yeah, it was," Kieran continued casually, though Juliana could sense a hint of reservation in his tone. "But then Drayton ended up joining us, so it turned into a bit of a gaming marathon."

Juliana's curiosity was piqued by Kieran's mention of Drayton, sensing that there might be more to the story than he was letting on. "Oh, really?" she prompted gently, a small furrow forming between her brows. "How did that happen?"

Kieran shrugged nonchalantly, avoiding Juliana's gaze for a moment before meeting her eyes again. "He just showed up out of nowhere, you know how he is," he replied vaguely, a small smile playing at his lips.

Juliana could tell that Kieran wasn't being entirely forthcoming, but she decided not to press the issue further. Instead, she offered him a reassuring smile, wanting to let him know that she trusted him. 

"Well, as long as you had a good time," she said warmly, hoping to put him at ease. "That's all that matters."

Kieran's smile widened at Juliana's understanding, a sense of relief washing over him. "Yeah, it was still a fun day," he agreed, grateful for Juliana's unwavering support.

Juliana smiled back at Kieran, her heart swelling with affection for him. She shifted slightly closer, feeling the warmth of his presence beside her on the bed. The tension between them had melted away, replaced by a comforting sense of ease.

"Good," Juliana replied softly, her gaze meeting Kieran's. "I'm glad you had a good time."

Kieran nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting gratitude. "Thanks, Jules," he said sincerely.

As they continued their conversation, Juliana's thoughts briefly drifted to the incident with Yuchen in class earlier that day. She had noticed Kieran's visible discomfort during the encounter, and she didn't want to bring up the awkward situation again, sensing that it had unsettled him.

Choosing her words carefully, Juliana shifted the topic back to lighter matters, eager to maintain the pleasant atmosphere between them. She wanted their time together to be a respite from any tensions or concerns they might face elsewhere.

Their conversation continued, flowing effortlessly between them. They chatted about lighter topics, sharing anecdotes and laughter. Juliana found herself drawn to Kieran's warmth and authenticity, feeling a deep connection with him that went beyond their current arrangement.

As they talked, Juliana couldn't resist the urge to reach out and gently touch Kieran's hand, feeling a surge of affection for him. Kieran turned to her, his eyes softening as he met her gaze.

"You know," Juliana began, her voice quiet but filled with warmth, "I'm really looking forward to our date. Whatever Lacey plans, I think it'll be fun."

Kieran's expression softened even more, a smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, me too," he replied, his voice tinged with genuine enthusiasm. "It'll be nice to do something together."

Juliana nodded in agreement, her heart fluttering with excitement. She felt a rush of affection for Kieran, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment.

Their conversation gradually lulled into a comfortable silence, the air filled with a sense of closeness. Juliana glanced up at Kieran, her eyes lingering on his gentle features. Without thinking, she leaned in slightly, her heart pounding in her chest.

Kieran met her gaze, his eyes filled with tenderness. In that quiet moment, Juliana felt a surge of courage. She closed the distance between them, pressing a soft kiss against Kieran's forehead.

His eyes widened in surprise, but a gentle smile played on his lips. Juliana pulled back slightly, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue.

Feeling a rush of warmth at the tender moment, Juliana nestled closer to Kieran, finding solace in his presence. The room was filled with a quiet serenity as they allowed themselves to simply be in each other's company.

As the evening wore on, fatigue began to settle over them, the events of the day catching up with their bodies. Juliana felt her eyelids grow heavy, her muscles relaxing as she leaned against Kieran's comforting presence.

Kieran noticed Juliana's drowsiness and gently wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer to him. Juliana nestled into his embrace, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. She closed her eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of Kieran's breathing as he held her close.

In the warmth of Kieran's arms, Juliana felt herself drifting off to sleep, the worries of the day melting away. She savored the feeling of contentment that enveloped her, grateful for the quiet intimacy they shared.

Chapter Text

Juliana’s pov

As the morning light streamed through the curtains, Juliana slowly blinked her eyes open, her surroundings unfamiliar. Her initial grogginess quickly gave way to confusion as she glanced around the room, trying to make sense of where she was.

"Wait... this is not my room," she murmured to herself, a furrow forming on her brow. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt the warmth of another body beside her, and she instinctively turned her head, her eyes widening in surprise.

Kieran's arm was draped lightly around her waist, his steady breaths indicating that he was still asleep. Juliana's mind raced as she tried to piece together the previous night's events. They had been hanging out, talking about... something. Lacey's voice echoed in her mind, mentioning something about a date.

Suddenly, it all clicked into place, and Juliana's eyes widened in realization. They had fallen asleep together in Kieran's room. Panic surged through her veins as she frantically tried to remember how they had ended up in this situation.

"Oh no, oh no," she muttered under her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She carefully extricated herself from Kieran's embrace, her movements slow and cautious as if not to wake him.

But her efforts were in vain as Kieran stirred beside her, his eyes fluttering open. Juliana froze, her breath catching in her throat as she braced herself for his reaction. 

For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the air thick with uncertainty and tension. Juliana's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she searched for something to say, her mind racing a mile a minute.

"Uh, good morning," she finally managed to stammer out, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kieran's lips curved into a faint smile, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Good morning," he replied, his voice warm and surprisingly calm.

Juliana exhaled a sigh of relief, grateful that Kieran didn't seem too alarmed by their current predicament. But the awkwardness of the situation lingered between them like a copperajah in the room. Juliana shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting around the room as she struggled to find the right words.

But before Juliana could gather her thoughts, Kieran spoke up, his cheeks tinted with a faint blush. "Whoops, I guess we both fell asleep," he said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry about that."

Juliana managed a small nod, her mind still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions. "Yeah, it's okay," she replied, her voice soft.

The sudden buzz of Juliana's phone on the nightstand startled them both. With a quick scramble, she reached for it, thankful for the timely distraction.

"Hello?" Juliana answered, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Juliana!" came Lacey's animated voice from the other end of the line. "I have some exciting news!"

Juliana glanced over at Kieran, who raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Um, what's going on?" Juliana asked, her confusion evident.

"Lacey, huh?" Kieran mouthed silently, a bemused smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Juliana nodded at Kieran before turning her attention back to the phone. 

"I've planned out your date with Kieran!" Lacey exclaimed, her excitement palpable even through the phone. "It's going to be amazing! A simple picnic out in the coastal biome of the academy. It's the perfect spot, trust me!"

Juliana's heart sank a little. She was already navigating the awkwardness of waking up in Kieran's room; now she had to contend with Lacey's grand plans. "Lacey, you really didn't have to—"

"Nonsense! I've got everything figured out," Lacey interrupted. "I've even made a checklist. Oh, and I thought I could come over to your dorm and help you get ready. You know, make sure everything's perfect!"

Juliana bit her lip, her mind racing. "Uh, Lacey, that's really sweet of you, but—"

"No buts!" Lacey cut her off, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll be there in an hour. See you soon!"

The line went dead, leaving Juliana staring at her phone in a mixture of shock and apprehension. She turned to Kieran, who was watching her with a curious expression.

Kieran's bemused expression turned to one of concern. "What's going on?" he asked, his tone gentle.

Juliana sighed, putting her phone down and running a hand through her tousled hair. "Lacey's planned a picnic for us in the coastal biome," she explained, feeling a mixture of apprehension and resignation. "And she's coming over to help me get ready."

Kieran chuckled softly, shaking his head. "She really doesn't hold back, does she?"

"No, she doesn't," Juliana agreed, a small smile creeping onto her face despite the situation. She took a deep breath and looked at Kieran. "I guess we should get ready for our big 'date.'"

Kieran nodded, standing up and stretching. "Yeah, I suppose we should. It might not be as bad as we think," he added, his tone hopeful. His usual shyness seemed momentarily replaced by a desire to make the best of the situation, something Juliana found reassuring. 

She gathered her things, and as they both made their way to the door, Kieran turned to her, his usual shyness giving way to a more confident demeanor. "I'll meet you there. It'll be... fun," he said with a small, genuine smile.

True to her word, Lacey arrived within the hour, practically bouncing with excitement. "Juls! You’re going to love this," she gushed, setting down a bag filled with makeup, hair products, and a carefully folded outfit. "Let’s get you ready!"

Juliana smiled, appreciating Lacey's enthusiasm. "Thanks, Lacey. This really means a lot," she said, feeling genuinely touched by her friend's effort.

As Lacey worked her magic, chattering about how perfect the coastal biome would be for a picnic, Juliana found herself relaxing. Lacey's excitement was infectious, and she couldn't help but feel a bit of anticipation for the date.

An hour later, Juliana stood in front of her dorm mirror, dressed in a simple yet lovely outfit Lacey had picked out. Her hair was styled, and a touch of makeup highlighted her natural beauty. Lacey beamed with pride. "You look amazing, Juls. Kieran's going to be speechless."

Juliana laughed softly. "I hope so," she replied, feeling a flutter of nervous excitement in her stomach.

"Ready to go grab the picnic basket?" Lacey asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Juliana nodded. "Sure. Is it in your dorm?"

"Yup, let's head over," Lacey replied, already moving towards the door.

As they walked to Lacey's dorm, Juliana felt a mix of curiosity and gratitude. "Did Crispin help you prepare the basket?" she asked, knowing Crispin was an excellent cook.

Lacey shook her head, a mischievous grin on her face. "Nope, I didn't want to risk you guys eating anything too spicy on your date. You know how Crispin loves his spices a bit too much. I made sure everything’s delicious and safe."

Juliana laughed, feeling more at ease. "Good call. Kieran and I appreciate it."

They reached Lacey's dorm, and Lacey quickly grabbed the picnic basket, which was neatly packed and smelled wonderful. "Alright, let's go get Kieran and head to the spot," she said, leading the way out.

Kieran was waiting at the entrance to the coastal biome, looking around with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. When he saw Juliana and Lacey approaching, he straightened up, offering a shy smile.

"Hey, Kieran," Lacey greeted cheerfully. "Ready for your picnic date?"

Kieran nodded, his eyes briefly meeting Juliana's. "Yeah, ready as I'll ever be."

"Great! Follow me! I picked the perfect spot," Lacey said, taking the lead.

They walked together through the academy grounds, the path winding gently towards the coastal biome. The area was serene, with soft sand underfoot and the sound of waves lapping gently against the shore. Lacey led them to a secluded spot shaded by a few trees with a beautiful view of the ocean.

"Here we are!" Lacey announced, spreading out a blanket and setting the picnic basket down. "Enjoy, you two. I'll leave you to it."

Juliana and Kieran exchanged glances, both feeling a mix of gratitude and anticipation. "Thanks, Lacey," Juliana said, giving her friend a quick hug.

Lacey winked at her before leaving them to their date. Juliana watched Lacey walk away, a knot of nerves tightening in her stomach. She turned to Kieran, who was already setting out the food. For a moment, neither of them knew quite what to do or say.

"So," Juliana began, her voice sounding a bit too loud in the quiet. "Lacey really went all out, didn't she?"

Kieran chuckled softly, nodding. "Yeah, she did. This looks great."

They settled onto the blanket, and Juliana opened the picnic basket, pulling out sandwiches, fruit, and a few other treats. As they started to eat, the initial tension began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of ease.

"These sandwiches are really good," Kieran said, taking a big bite. "Lacey did a fantastic job."

Juliana nodded, smiling. "She sure did. It's nice of her to put so much effort into this."

Kieran glanced at the sweets in the basket, his eyes lighting up. "Oh, look at these cupcakes! I love sweets."

Juliana chuckled, finding his enthusiasm adorable. "I know you do. Here, try this one," she said, handing him a piece of chocolate.

Kieran's eyes sparkled as he took a bite, savoring the flavor. "This is amazing. You have to try it," he said, offering her a piece.

Juliana accepted, their fingers brushing lightly. She couldn't help but smile at how much he enjoyed the sweets. "You're right, it's delicious," she said, feeling a warmth spread through her.

Juliana smiled, basking in Kieran’s company. They continued to talk and laugh, enjoying each other's company. As Juliana reached for another sandwich, she heard a rustling in the bushes nearby. She paused, looking in the direction of the sound.

"Did you hear that?" she asked.

Kieran nodded, his expression curious. "Yeah, probably just a Pokémon."

They both listened intently, but the rustling continued, followed by hushed whispers. Juliana's eyes widened as she recognized one of the voices. She exchanged a knowing glance with Kieran, who raised an eyebrow.

"Do you think...?" Juliana whispered.

Kieran nodded slightly. "Sounds like Lacey and... Carmine."

Juliana bit back a smile. "Should we let them know we can hear them?"

Kieran's cheeks flushed, and he glanced nervously towards the bushes where the whispers were coming from. "I-I don't know. Maybe we should just... pretend we didn't hear anything."

Juliana felt a thrill of mischief course through her as she contemplated the situation. "Agreed," she whispered back, feeling a mischievous smile tug at her lips. "Let's see how long they keep this up."

Juliana and Kieran continued their date, trying to enjoy the moment despite the knowledge of being watched. They engaged in conversation, sharing stories and jokes, both aware of the occasional rustling from the bushes nearby.

"So, what's your favorite part of the campus?" Juliana asked, taking a sip of her drink.

Kieran's eyes brightened with a smile, and he paused for a moment, mulling over Juliana's inquiry. "Oh, um, without a doubt, it's gotta be the League Club room," he answered, a bit shyly. "That's where everyone hangs out. We, uh, come up with new strategies and stuff. It's really fun."

Juliana nodded. "I think it's nice. Everyone is always welcoming when I visit."

Kieran smiled, feeling more at ease. "Yeah, it is. I really like spending time there."

Their conversation continued, but the rustling in the bushes persisted. Suddenly, they heard Carmine's voice, louder this time. "This date is kinda lame. But that's what I'd expect from Kieran."

Kieran's face turned crimson, and he glanced nervously at Juliana. "Uh, sorry about that," he mumbled, clearly embarrassed.

Juliana, sensing his discomfort, leaned in closer. "Hey, it's okay. Let's just have fun, alright?"

Lacey whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustling of the bushes, "Come on, Carmine, give them a break. They're trying their best. I mean this is their first date."

Juliana stole a quick glance at Kieran, whose discomfort was evident. "Hey," she whispered, her voice soft, "let's not let this ruin our date. How about we... um, do something to make it less awkward?"

Kieran nodded, his expression grateful for the suggestion. "Yeah, that sounds good. What do you have in mind?"

Juliana hesitated for a moment, her mind racing to come up with a plan. Then, an idea struck her. "Well," she began slowly, "how about we... kiss?"

Kieran's eyes widened in surprise, his cheeks flushing even redder. "K-kiss?" he stammered, clearly taken aback by the suggestion.

Juliana felt a blush creep up her own cheeks at her boldness. "I-I mean, only if you're comfortable with it," she hurriedly added, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation.

Juliana leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper, "Remember when we practiced kissing? Well, I guess this is one of those moments, huh?" She shot him a playful grin, hoping to ease his nerves. 

Kieran's eyes widened in realization, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, I guess it is," he replied. 

With a shared understanding, Juliana and Kieran closed the gap between them once more, their lips meeting in a gentle, hesitant kiss. It was tentative, yet filled with a sense of familiarity from their previous practice sessions. As they relaxed into it, the nervousness melted away, replaced with a comfortable rhythm. 

After their lips parted, Juliana couldn't help but smile nervously at Kieran, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Well, that wasn't so bad, was it?"

Kieran's shy smile widened into a genuine one, his cheeks still tinged pink. "No, it wasn't," he agreed, his voice soft.

Kieran glanced towards the bushes where Carmine and Lacey were hidden, his expression hopeful. "Hopefully that worked on selling us as a couple," he murmured, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

Juliana nodded, her own gaze flickering to where their friends were hiding. "Yeah, let's hope so," she whispered, her voice tinged with amusement.

The two of them shared a brief, amused glance before turning their attention back to the picnic, trying to act natural. 

From the bushes, Lacey's excited whisper broke the silence. "They look so sweet together."

Carmine, trying to maintain her composure but clearly thrilled, leaned closer to Lacey. "I know, right? They seem really into each other."

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the biome, Juliana leaned closer to Kieran. "I think our audience is satisfied," she whispered with a chuckle.

Kieran nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yeah, I think so too."

With a shared smile, Juliana and Kieran allowed themselves to relax, basking in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Chapter Text

Kieran’s pov

The days had turned into weeks, and the weeks into months. Outside the academy, the mainland of Unova was transforming into a tapestry of autumn colors. The crisp air and golden leaves signaled the arrival of fall, bringing with it the excitement of the annual Fall Festival.

Kieran stood in the bustling school hallway, surrounded by vibrant autumn decorations. The festival was just a few days away, and excitement buzzed around him. He glanced over at Juliana, who was chatting animatedly with their group of friends about their plans for the event. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and he couldn’t help but smile.

Lacey was already planning out which attractions to visit first. “We should definitely check out the pumpkin carving contest,” she suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I can’t wait to see all the cute designs.”

Carmine added, “If we start at the haunted maze, we can avoid the biggest crowds and then make our way to the games.”

Crispin chimed in, “And don’t forget about the new pumpkin spice treats! I’ve been waiting all year for this. We gotta hit the food stalls!”

Juliana laughed, shaking her head. “You guys have everything planned out. It’s going to be so much fun.”

Amarys adjusted her glasses and nodded. “We should stick to the schedule to make sure we get to experience everything.”

Drayton grinned mischievously. “Speaking of experiences, who’s up for trying the haunted house first? We can see who screams the loudest! I’m putting my bets on Carmine”

Carmine’s cheeks flushed slightly, a hint of irritation in her voice. “Hey, I don’t scream. And even if I did, it wouldn’t be because of some cheesy haunted house.”

Drayton chuckled, nudging her playfully. “Sure, sure. We’ll see about that.”

Carmine shot Drayton a glare. “Dream on, you bozo.” 

Kieran listened to their banter with a fond smile. As the teasing continued between Carmine and Drayton, he saw an opportunity to contribute.

“Well, regardless of who screams or doesn’t scream,” Kieran interjected, “I think starting with the haunted house could be cool. Plus, it’s right by the entrance, so it makes the most sense.” 

Juliana nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “That’s true. And afterwards, we can grab some snacks and head to the games. It’ll be a perfect way to kick off the festival. I’m so excited!”

Lacey clapped her hands together excitedly. “I can’t wait! This is going to be so much fun.”

Crispin grinned, already imagining the array of pumpkin spice treats awaiting them. “Agreed. Let’s make sure to try everything since it’ll be Juliana’s first time at the festival.”

With plans set and anticipation building, the group dispersed, each heading off to prepare for the festival in their own way. Kieran found himself walking alongside Juliana, the thrill of the upcoming event palpable in the air.

“So, Juliana,” Kieran began, “is there anything specific you’re really excited to see or do at the festival?”

Juliana thought for a moment, her smile widening. “Honestly, I’m just excited to experience everything with all of you. It sounds like such a blast.”

Kieran nodded, feeling a surge of happiness. “Yeah, it’s going to be great. I’m glad you’re coming.”

Juliana glanced at him warmly, her hand subtly slipping into his. “Me too, Kieran. It’s going to be a night to remember, I’m sure.”

A couple of hours later, the festival was in full swing. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the delicious aroma of festival treats. The group had reunited by the entrance, where a large, spooky haunted house loomed, its entrance adorned with cobwebs and eerie lights.

Kieran glanced around at his friends, all of them looking equally excited and slightly nervous. He squeezed Juliana’s hand, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation.

Juliana beamed at the group, her eyes shining with excitement. “Let’s do this!”

They lined up at the entrance, the anticipation building as they listened to the eerie sounds coming from within the haunted house. The line moved quickly, and soon they were at the front.

Drayton, with his usual mischievous grin, wagged his eyebrows at Carmine. “Remember, whoever screams the loudest has to buy the first round of pumpkin spice treats.”

Carmine rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. “You’re on, Drayton. Just don’t cry when you lose.”

They stepped inside, the darkness swallowing them as ghostly figures and sudden scares greeted them. The haunted house was filled with actors and Ghost Pokémon, their spectral forms adding an extra layer of authenticity to the eerie atmosphere. The group’s laughter and shouts echoed through the haunted house as they navigated the maze of spooky rooms and corridors.

Kieran kept a firm grip on Juliana’s hand, his eyes often drifting to her face, entranced by her expressions of excitement and surprise. The thrill of the haunted house was amplified by her presence, her laughter and occasional squeals making his heart race in more ways than one.

At one particularly dark corner, a Haunter emerged from the shadows, its menacing grin and eerie laugh causing both Carmine and Drayton to let out simultaneous screams. Their startled yells were quickly followed by laughter from the rest of the group.

Drayton, attempting to regain his composure, laughed nervously. “Alright, alright. Maybe I underestimated this place.”

Carmine, still catching her breath, smirked. "You think? That Haunter nearly gave me a heart attack!"

As they continued through the haunted house, the group encountered a particularly spooky section filled with fog and eerie lighting. Crispin tried to maintain his cool demeanor, but it was clear to Kieran he was on edge.

“I’m totally fine, guys,” Crispin said, his voice a bit shaky. “This is nothing.”

Lacey rolled her eyes playfully. “Sure, Crispin. Just don’t jump out of your skin if another Gengar shows up.”

Amarys, unfazed by the scares, glanced around curiously. “The special effects here are impressive. The coordination between the actors and Pokémon is seamless.”

Exiting the haunted house, Kieran felt a sense of relief. He was proud of himself for not showing too much fear during the experience; after all, he didn't want to be the one everyone teased about screaming. Feeling a bit smug, he walked confidently down the dimly lit hallway toward the exit.

Just as he relaxed a little too much, thinking he had made it through unscathed, Drayton silently crept up from behind and suddenly grabbed Kieran's shoulders, making a ghostly sound. Kieran jumped, startled, and let out an involuntary yelp.

Drayton burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. "Gotcha, Kieran! Oh man! You should've seen your face!"

Kieran turned to Drayton, trying to maintain his composure despite the surprise. "Yeah, yeah, very funny," he said, his heart still racing from the scare.

Juliana, who had been walking beside him, couldn't help but giggle at the exchange. "You got him good, Drayton."

Drayton grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "It was too perfect to resist."

Carmine, walking ahead with Amarys and Lacey, turned back with a playful smirk. "Don’t worry, Kiki. We won't tell anyone you screeched like a little girl."

Stepping out into the crisp autumn air, the sounds and smells of the festival welcomed them back. Music drifted from a nearby stage, mingling with the chatter of festival-goers and the tantalizing scents of food stalls.

Lacey clapped her hands together excitedly. "Alright, what's next on the agenda? Food? Games?"

Crispin rubbed his hands together eagerly. "I vote food first. I'm starving after all that excitement."

Amarys adjusted her glasses thoughtfully. "We should check the festival map to see where everything is. I think there's a map station near the entrance."

Juliana squeezed Kieran's hand gently, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "What do you think, Kieran? Food or games?"

Kieran smiled, grateful for the warmth of her hand in his. "Let's grab some food first. I'm curious about those pumpkin spice treats Crispin keeps talking about."

They made their way to a nearby food stall adorned with autumn decorations, where Crispin eagerly placed their orders for pumpkin spice treats. Drayton, as promised, stepped up to the counter and paid for everyone's snacks, adding a dramatic flourish as he handed out the treats.

"Now, let's find those games," Drayton said, wiping crumbs from his mouth.

As they strolled through the festival grounds, they came across a Pokeball throwing game, where a colorful array of plush Pokémon prizes hung tantalizingly from the booth. Among them was a particularly adorable stuffed Ribombee that caught Juliana's eye.

Juliana's face lit up with excitement. "Look at that Ribombee! It's so cute! I want to try for it."

Drayton leaned over to Kieran, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hey, since you're Juliana's boyfriend and all, why don't you try to win it for her?"

Kieran blinked, momentarily taken aback. Being referred to as Juliana's boyfriend by Drayton was unexpected, but he couldn't deny the flutter of warmth it brought to his chest. Juliana's enthusiasm for the prize only made him more determined. This was a perfect opportunity to prove just how great of a boyfriend he was. 

"Yeah," Kieran replied with a grin, playing along. "I'll give it a shot."

Juliana looked at him with a mix of surprise and delight. "Really? That would be amazing, Kieran!"

Juliana's eyes sparkled with anticipation as Kieran stepped up to the game booth, his competitive spirit ignited by her excitement. He took the Pokeball in hand, focusing intently on the target, which seemed deceptively simple.

The first throw was close but missed. Undeterred, he adjusted his stance and tried again. This time, the Pokeball sailed through the air and landed directly in the center of one of the targets.

A bell rang out, signaling success, and the attendant handed Kieran the plush Ribombee with a congratulatory smile. Kieran turned to Juliana, handing her the prize with a flourish.

"For you," he said, feeling a rush of pride at her delighted expression.

Juliana took the Ribombee, her cheeks flushed with happiness. "Thank you, Kieran! This is so sweet of you."

Drayton grinned mischievously, nudging Kieran playfully. "See, I knew you could do it, champ."

Carmine, standing nearby, smirked. "Looks like you've got some serious boyfriend points there, Kieran." 

As the evening wore on, the sky began to paint itself in hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped towards the horizon. The group meandered through the festival grounds, enjoying the various attractions and games under the warm glow of twilight.

Eventually, they found themselves near the towering Ferris wheel, its bright lights illuminating the darkening sky. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they debated whether to take a ride.

Juliana glanced at Kieran, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Hey, Kieran, want to go on the Ferris wheel with me?"

Kieran smiled, his heart skipping a beat at the prospect of a moment alone with Juliana. "Sure, I'd love to."

Drayton, catching on to their unspoken plan, winked at them. "We'll catch up with you guys later. Don't do anything too romantic up there!"

With a playful roll of her eyes, Juliana took Kieran's hand, leading him towards the entrance of the Ferris wheel. They climbed into a colorful gondola, settling in as the wheel slowly began its ascent.

Kieran's heart beat a little faster as he felt Juliana's shoulder against his, the gentle motion of the Ferris wheel creating a peaceful rhythm around them. Below, the festival lights twinkled like stars against the backdrop of the evening sky.

"This has been such a great night," Juliana said softly, her gaze fixed on the view before them. "Thank you for making it even more fun."

Kieran smiled, feeling a rush of warmth at her words. "I'm glad I could be here with you for your first time at the festival, Juliana. It's been amazing."

As they ascended further into the evening sky, Juliana's laughter mingled with the distant sounds of music and laughter below.

Juliana turned to Kieran, her expression thoughtful. "You know, Kieran, it's kind of funny how we ended up here tonight."

Kieran chuckled softly, remembering their spontaneous decision to play pretend as a couple several months ago. "Yeah, it is. Who would've thought our fake relationship would lead us to moments like this?"

Juliana nodded, her smile warm and genuine. "It's been really fun, hasn't it? Going along with this crazy idea and getting to know each other better."

Kieran nodded in agreement, grateful for the bond they had forged over their shared antics and adventures. "Definitely. I've enjoyed every moment, especially with you."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, enjoying the peacefulness of their elevated vantage point. The gentle swaying of the gondola and the occasional flicker of the Ferris wheel's lights created a serene atmosphere around them.

Juliana leaned closer to Kieran, her voice soft. "Thank you for being such a great fake boyfriend, Kieran."

Kieran smiled, feeling a rush of affection towards Juliana. "And thank you for being an amazing fake girlfriend."

He savored the quiet moment with Juliana by his side. Her head rested gently against his shoulder, and the soft breeze carried the distant laughter and music of the festival below.

"This has been such a great night," Juliana murmured softly, her voice filled with warmth and contentment.

Kieran smiled, his heart swelling with affection for her. "I'm glad I could share it with you, Juliana. It's been amazing."

Juliana lifted her head slightly to meet his gaze, her eyes reflecting the twinkling lights below. "You know, Kieran, tonight feels special, whether real or not."

Kieran nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the moments they had shared. "Yeah, it does."

Chapter Text

Kieran's pov

The classroom buzzed with the usual morning energy as students settled into their seats, their conversations blending with the soft shuffle of papers and the occasional clatter of chairs. Kieran slid into his spot near the back, his gaze drifting to the window where the morning sun filtered through the glass, casting a warm glow over the room.

As the noise level began to rise, the teacher’s voice cut through the chatter with practiced ease. “Alright, everyone, let’s quiet down and focus up.”

The students' conversations tapered off as they turned their attention to the front of the room. The teacher, stood with a stack of papers and a clipboard, ready to make the day’s announcement.

“Today, we’ll be starting a new project,” she said, her tone carrying a note of finality that drew everyone's focus. “You’ll be working in pairs on a project focusing on regional Pokémon variants. Specifically, you’ll choose a Pokémon that has regional variants and compare and contrast how the different environments affect its appearance and typing.”

A wave of murmurs swept through the classroom, a mix of excitement and apprehension. Kieran glanced briefly at Crispin, who was seated a few rows away, then at Juliana, who was seated near him. The anticipation of who would be paired with whom added a sense of nervous energy to the room.

The teacher began to read off names from her list. “Crispin, you’re paired with Elli.”

Crispin, who had been talking animatedly with a few classmates, looked up in surprise but quickly masked his reaction with a nod. Elli, who had been seated a few rows ahead, offered a smile of approval, clearly happy with the pairing.

“Kieran, you’re paired with Yuchen.”

Kieran felt a jolt of disappointment as the announcement hit him. He glanced over at Yuchen, who was already looking his way with an eager expression. Her enthusiasm was almost palpable, and it made Kieran’s chest tighten. He forced himself to acknowledge her with a nod, trying to ignore the rising discomfort.

“And Juliana will be paired with Tsukasa.”

Kieran's attention snapped back to the teacher, his mind already racing through the implications of his own pairing. The classroom began to buzz with excitement as students started discussing their projects. Kieran forced himself to focus on the task ahead, trying to push aside his initial disappointment.

“Remember, you’ll have the rest of the class period to start working on your projects with your partners,” the teacher said. “Be sure to discuss your ideas and plan your approach. We’ll have check-ins throughout the week, so make sure you’re making progress.”

The classroom began to buzz with activity as students gathered with their partners. Kieran and Yuchen quickly moved to a corner of the room, setting up their materials. Kieran tried to shake off his discomfort and focus on the project.

“Alright, Kieran,” Yuchen said cheerfully. “Let’s decide on a Pokémon to research. I was thinking about looking into Kantonian Vulpix and Alolan Vulpix. They have some interesting differences.”

Kieran nodded absently. “Sure, that sounds good. Let’s start by finding some information on how their environments affect their appearance and typing.”

Kieran tried to mask his frustration as Yuchen started to outline their approach. He could hear Juliana and Tsukasa chatting animatedly on the other side of the room, but he forced himself to ignore it. The idea of working on this project with Yuchen was already challenging enough without being distracted by Juliana’s laughter.

Yuchen began outlining their project. “So, we’ll need to research how the environment of Kanto has influenced Kantonian Vulpix compared to the icy conditions of the Alolan mountain peaks for Alolan Vulpix. We should look at their typing changes, their physical adaptations, and maybe even their behavior differences.”

Kieran nodded, trying to stay engaged. “Right. We can start with their typings and appearances. I’ll look up the Kantonian Vulpix first. What do you want to focus on?”

“I’ll take Alolan Vulpix,” Yuchen replied with a bright smile. “Let’s see how their environments have shaped their traits.”

They worked together, occasionally discussing their findings. Kieran did his best to contribute, but his attention kept drifting to the other side of the room, where Juliana and Tsukasa were working together. The way Juliana’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she spoke to Tsukasa, combined with Tsukasa’s relaxed demeanor, was starting to wear on Kieran’s nerves.

His frustration was only compounded by the way Yuchen seemed oblivious to his distraction. She chatted animatedly about Alolan Vulpix’s ice typing and the effects of its snowy environment, while Kieran struggled to focus on the screen in front of him.

As the class wore on, Kieran’s frustration grew. He couldn’t help but steal glances over at Juliana and Tsukasa. Juliana’s laughter, which was genuine and carefree, seemed to cut through the haze of his own thoughts. Each time he looked up, he saw her eyes light up with a warmth that made his chest tighten uncomfortably.

At one point, Yuchen tapped him on the shoulder. “Kieran, are you alright? You seem a bit distracted.”

Kieran forced a smile. “Yeah, sorry. Just trying to get this information sorted out.”

“Okay, well, let me know if you need any help,” Yuchen said, returning to her work.

Kieran tried to focus on the screen, but his mind kept drifting back to Juliana and Tsukasa. He watched as Juliana’s face flushed with laughter, and he had to tear his gaze away, trying to calm the storm of emotions that was brewing inside him.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of the class period, Kieran quickly packed up his materials, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the classroom. Yuchen, still cheerfully discussing their progress, didn’t seem to notice Kieran’s mounting frustration.

The classroom gradually emptied as students packed up and headed to their next classes. Kieran, lost in thought, barely noticed Yuchen’s enthusiastic attempts to discuss their project as she gathered her things.

Juliana and Tsukasa, meanwhile, lingered near their desks, still deep in conversation about their project. Tsukasa was suggesting a few additional sources for their research, while Juliana nodded eagerly, her face bright with interest. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and Kieran couldn’t help but notice how at ease Juliana seemed in Tsukasa’s company.

When the classroom was nearly empty, Yuchen turned to Kieran, her expression hopeful. “Hey, do you want to continue working on the project after next class? I was thinking we could use the library to find some more detailed sources.”

Kieran hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with thoughts of Juliana and Tsukasa. He forced himself to focus on Yuchen. “Uh, sure. The library sounds good.”

“Great!” Yuchen said with a cheerful nod. “Let’s meet there after our next class then. I’ll see you there!”

As Juliana and Tsukasa gathered their things and prepared to leave, Juliana glanced back at Kieran, her expression softening. She noticed the distracted look on his face and the way he seemed to be struggling with something.

“Hey, Kieran,” Juliana said gently, her voice lowered to avoid drawing attention from Tsukasa. “I hope the project with Yuchen goes well. If you need any help, or if you want to talk, just let me know, okay?”

Kieran looked up, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. He managed a faint smile. “Thanks, Juliana. I appreciate it. I’ll be fine.”

Juliana’s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, her concern evident. “Alright. Just wanted to make sure you’re doing okay.”

Tsukasa, sensing Juliana’s distraction, gave her a questioning look. “Everything alright, Juliana?”

Juliana nodded quickly, breaking her gaze from Kieran. “Yeah, everything’s fine! Just wanted to say goodbye to Kieran before we left.”

Tsukasa gave a friendly nod to Kieran. “Sounds good. Juliana and I are going to grab a coffee and keep working on our part. We should be able to make a lot of progress.”

Kieran nodded, trying to ignore the uncomfortable twist in his chest. “Alright. Good luck with your project.”

Juliana’s smile didn’t waver. “Thanks! See you around.”

As Juliana and Tsukasa left the classroom together, Kieran felt a mix of frustration and unease. He was relieved to escape the stifling atmosphere of the classroom, but the thought of continuing the project with Yuchen in the library didn’t offer much solace.

The transition to the library felt like a small reprieve. As Kieran walked through the quiet halls, he mentally prepared himself for the upcoming session with Yuchen. The library, with its hushed atmosphere and rows of books, was a stark contrast to the emotional chaos he had been navigating.

Yuchen was already there, seated at a table with a stack of books and papers spread out before her. She waved enthusiastically as Kieran approached.

“Hey, Kieran!” she greeted. “I’ve found some great sources about the Kantonian Vulpix. Let’s dive in!”

Kieran forced a smile, trying to match Yuchen’s enthusiasm. “Sounds good. I’ve got the data on the Kantonian Vulpix, so let’s start comparing it with the Alolan Vulpix.”

They settled into their work, and the hours slipped by as they discussed their findings. Kieran did his best to stay focused, but his mind kept drifting back to Juliana and Tsukasa. Every now and then, he’d glance up from his notes, catching glimpses of other students working together, and it only made his frustration grow.

As Yuchen continued to talk animatedly about their project, Kieran’s gaze wandered to the library’s entrance. He hoped to see Juliana and Tsukasa pass by, just to catch another glimpse of their interaction. He knew it was irrational, but he couldn’t help himself.

As Kieran struggled to focus on their project, Yuchen’s cheerful chatter about the Alolan Vulpix and its environment started to wear thin. Her bright enthusiasm, once a welcome distraction, now seemed like a relentless reminder of Kieran’s own frustrations.

“Hey, Kieran,” Yuchen said abruptly, her tone more pointed than before. “I’ve been meaning to ask. How’s everything going with you and Juliana?”

Kieran looked up, startled by the sudden shift in Yuchen’s demeanor. “Uh, what do you mean?”

Yuchen’s cheerful demeanor faltered slightly as she leaned in, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. “So, how’s everything going with you and Juliana? You two seem pretty close.”

Kieran’s gaze snapped back to Yuchen, surprise and frustration evident in his expression. “Uh, it’s going fine. Why do you ask?”

Yuchen’s smile tightened a bit, her tone sharp. “I just thought it was interesting, that’s all. You know, how things have changed. It’s just that I remember you mentioned being in a newer relationship. It must be pretty serious if you’re spending so much time together.”

Kieran’s frustration bubbled up. “Yeah, well, it is serious. We’re just working on our own things right now.”

Yuchen’s eyes flickered with something unspoken. “I see. It’s just... I remember when we talked before. I was hoping things would be different, but I guess not.”

Kieran felt a pang of guilt mixed with annoyance. “Look, Yuchen, I’m here to work on this project. Can we just focus on that?”

Yuchen nodded, though her expression was still a bit guarded. “Sure. Let’s get back to it.”

They resumed their work, but the tension between Kieran and Yuchen lingered in the air. Kieran tried to concentrate on the details of their project, flipping through the sources Yuchen had found. Despite his efforts, his mind kept drifting back to Juliana and Tsukasa, and the way Yuchen’s probing questions had unsettled him.

Kieran’s irritation simmered beneath the surface as he forced himself to concentrate on the project. Yuchen’s probing questions and the unspoken tension between them only added to his mounting frustration. He tried to push aside his feelings and focus on the data, but the memory of Juliana’s laughter and the sight of her enjoying her time with Tsukasa continued to haunt him.

Yuchen fell silent for a moment, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the table as she reviewed her notes. Kieran took the opportunity to glance around the library, hoping to catch another glimpse of Juliana and Tsukasa. Each passing student made his heart sink a little more.

Finally, Yuchen broke the silence, her voice softer but still tinged with an edge. “You know, it’s not just the project that’s important. Relationships are complicated, and sometimes they don’t turn out the way we expect.”

Kieran looked up, puzzled by the sudden shift in conversation. “What are you talking about?”

Yuchen sighed, her eyes fixed on a particularly dense book about Vulpix variations. “I just mean that sometimes, things aren’t as simple as they seem. You might think everything is fine now, but relationships have a way of surprising us.”

Kieran’s patience snapped. “Are you saying that you know something about my relationship with Juliana that I don’t? Because if you’re just trying to stir up drama, it’s not going to work.”

Yuchen’s face flushed slightly, a mix of hurt and frustration evident in her expression. “I’m not trying to stir up anything. I just—never mind. Forget I said anything.”

Kieran’s irritation softened, though he couldn’t entirely shake his annoyance. “Look, I didn’t mean to snap at you. It’s just... been a long day.”

Yuchen nodded, her gaze falling back to her notes. “I get it. I’m sorry for pushing. Let’s just focus on the project.”

Kieran took a deep breath, trying to refocus on their work. The tension between them remained, but the air was slightly clearer. He flipped through the sources, determined to push past the unease. Yuchen’s initial probe had unsettled him, but he knew he needed to stay focused.

The library's quiet atmosphere seemed to help, and the two of them worked side by side in relative silence, the occasional murmur of conversation from other students their only distraction. Kieran glanced at Yuchen, noting the effort she put into the project, and felt a pang of regret for letting the tension get so out of hand.

Despite the lingering unease, they managed to make decent progress. As the clock ticked closer to the end of their study session, Kieran found himself more at ease, the tension between them settling into a more manageable discomfort.

When Yuchen finally closed the last book, she looked at Kieran with a faint, weary smile. “I think we’ve covered a lot today. Thanks for sticking with it.”

Kieran managed a tired smile in return. “Yeah, thanks for finding those sources. It really helped.”

They finished packing up their things, the earlier tension now feeling more like a distant memory. As they headed toward the library exit, Yuchen’s smile grew a bit more genuine.

“See you around, Kieran,” she said, her tone lighter than before.

“Yeah, see you,” Kieran replied, nodding.

As Kieran stepped out of the library, he took a deep breath, feeling the cool air of the hallway on his face. He glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Juliana. The library had been a productive escape from his earlier frustrations, but now he was eager to see her and share some of his day with her.

Walking through the bustling school hallways, Kieran felt the weight of the earlier tension start to lift. The corridors were filled with students heading to their next classes or chatting with friends. Kieran kept his eyes peeled for any sign of Juliana.

As he rounded a corner, he spotted a familiar figure sitting on a bench outside the school’s main building. Juliana was engrossed in a book, her hair cascading over her shoulders as she leaned forward, completely absorbed in her reading. Tsukasa was nowhere in sight, leaving Kieran with a sudden rush of hope.

Kieran hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding slightly. He took a deep breath and walked towards her, trying to push aside the residual frustration from earlier. He approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her.

“Hey, Juliana,” he said softly, his voice breaking through the quiet hum of the school’s outdoor area.

Juliana looked up, her face lighting up with a warm smile. “Oh, hey, Kieran!” She closed her book and set it aside, her eyes twinkling with genuine happiness. “How was your day?”

Kieran felt a sense of relief wash over him at her cheerful demeanor. “It’s been a bit hectic. I was working on that project with Yuchen. How about you? How was your day?”

Juliana shrugged playfully. “It was pretty good. I’ve just been enjoying some quiet time with this book. It’s been a nice break.”

Kieran sat down beside her on the bench, feeling the tension from the day start to dissipate. “That sounds nice. I could use a bit of quiet myself.”

Juliana’s presence was a calming influence, and Kieran felt the remnants of his frustration begin to ease. As they sat on the bench together, he glanced at her, trying to steer the conversation towards something light-hearted.

“So, how’s the project with Tsukasa going?” Kieran asked, trying to keep his tone casual, though a hint of curiosity and perhaps a touch of jealousy seeped into his voice.

Juliana’s eyes sparkled as she thought about her work. “It’s been going really well, actually. Tsukasa has been great to work with. We’re focusing on the differences between Kantonian Tauros and Paldean Tauros. It’s been really interesting, especially since I have some personal insights into the Paldean Tauros.”

Kieran nodded, masking his growing discomfort. “Yeah, that sounds like a pretty cool project. I bet your perspective is really valuable for the comparison.”

Juliana smiled, clearly pleased. “It is. And Tsukasa’s really good at gathering information. We’ve managed to get through a lot of the data already.”

Kieran tried to keep his voice steady, but couldn’t help the edge of frustration that crept in. “That’s good to hear. I’m sure it’s going to turn out great. ”

Juliana’s tone softened with empathy. “Hey. I know it can be tough working with someone you don’t click with as well. But you and Yuchen made good progress today, right?”

Kieran nodded, his expression more relaxed now. “Yeah, we did. It wasn’t perfect, but we managed to get a lot done. I guess I just need to remind myself that not every project is going to be smooth sailing.”

Juliana's smile widened as she reached out to lightly touch Kieran's arm. “Exactly. And sometimes it’s the challenging parts that make the end result even more rewarding. I’m sure your project will turn out great too.”

Kieran’s shoulders relaxed a bit at her comforting words. “Thanks, Juliana. I really appreciate the support.”

Juliana's smile grew warmer, and she leaned back on the bench, looking content. “Anytime. I’m here to help whenever you need it. So, any plans for the weekend? I was thinking it might be nice to do something fun. What do you think?”

Kieran’s eyes brightened at the suggestion. “That sounds like a great idea. I’ve been looking forward to getting out of the academic grind for a bit. What do you have in mind?”

Juliana tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I’m not sure yet. Maybe we could explore the park on the mainland or check out some of the local events. It’s always nice to get some fresh air and enjoy the weekend.”

Kieran nodded enthusiastically. “The park sounds perfect. I could use some time outside, and it’s been a while since I’ve just relaxed and enjoyed nature.”

Juliana’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Great! Let’s make it a plan then. I’ll text you the details later.”

Kieran felt a surge of relief and happiness at the prospect of spending some quality time with Juliana. “Looking forward to it. Thanks for making plans.”

Juliana stood up, stretching slightly before glancing at Kieran. “I should probably get going. I’ve got some homework to finish up.”

Kieran stood as well, feeling a bit of reluctance to part ways. “Yeah, me too. But it’s nice to have something to look forward to this weekend.”

Juliana nodded, giving him one last, reassuring smile. “Definitely. And if you need any help with that project or anything else, just let me know.”

Kieran smiled back, appreciating her offer. “I will. Thanks, Juliana. See you soon.”

“See you soon,” she replied, waving as she headed off towards her own dorm.

Kieran watched her go for a moment before turning in the opposite direction toward his own dorm. The day had ended on a much better note than it had started, and he felt a renewed sense of optimism.

As he walked, he reviewed the details of their upcoming weekend plans in his mind. The idea of spending time with Juliana at the park was a comforting thought, a welcome break from the stress of the project and the complex dynamics with his classmates.

When he finally reached his dorm, Kieran’s thoughts were still on Juliana. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick text:

Hey, Juliana. Just wanted to say thanks again for today. Looking forward to the weekend. Let me know if you need anything before then. :)

Kieran sent the text and set his phone on his desk before starting his evening routine. After a quick shower and a light dinner, he settled into bed, feeling the exhaustion from the day begin to catch up with him.

He glanced over at his phone, which lit up with a notification just as he was about to turn off the lights. Juliana had replied to his message.

Hey, Kieran! I’m glad we could talk today. I’m looking forward to the weekend too. I’ll text you the details about the park tomorrow. Have a good night and rest well! 

Kieran’s lips curved into a smile as he read her message. Her words had a comforting warmth to them, and he felt a sense of contentment wash over him. The idea of spending the weekend with Juliana had already made his day better, and her friendly reply only added to his mood.

He typed a quick response, trying to match her cheerful tone.

Thanks, Juliana. I’m really excited about it. You have a good night too! 

As he set his phone back down, Kieran felt a sense of peace settling in. He pulled the covers up and turned off the light, letting the soft glow from his phone’s screen fade as he closed his eyes.