"You don't have to worry about losing me. I am not the kind of person who leaves things unresolved. You can have my word."
She chuckled, "Is that so? Then will you leave the other two for me?"
"Now, now, why should we rush?"
Celeste was looking like Iris at this moment. To my rescue, the train arrived and we boarded it quickly.
Situation defused nicely.
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After reaching our station, I walked out with Celeste until her car. It was around eight by now. The only way I could make it back in time was to run. And so I ran. I touched down right on time. I didn't want my ears bleeding from mom's lecture again.
Entering the hallway, I noticed my mom carrying the full-sized version of Penguin with her.
"Hey, welcome home. Also, where did you get this realistic penguin toy from? It is so soft."
"Ahh, a friend gifted it to me."
"Hmm, be sure to get them something in return. It is a great gift. They must be a really thoughtful person."
"Yeah, they sure are." I replied, making eye contact with the now frozen Penguin.
Going to my room, I prayed for its safe return after my mother's smothering was over.
The next morning, I saw the Penguin asleep while charging.
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"So, you say nothing happened between you both? No hand-holding? No kissing?"
"Damn, calm down a bit, lady. I told you we were not in any relationship yet."
"Then, why do you have that idiotic smile on your face?"
"Is that so? I think it is jealousy taking over your cognitive abilities, my lady. You need to check on them."
"So, I will ask one more time - did you do anything or not?"
"No. Now, put the damn fork down and eat."
Only after my final confirmation, she finally took her first bite.
I was genuinely surprised too, when she had heeded my warning and not sent her people to spy on me. It looked like I could find a middle ground with her possessiveness. But she grilled me with enough questions that I started to think, letting her spy on me wouldn't be the bigger headache.
Well, leaving Iris aside, I got a message from Celeste in the morning. It was the reason behind my 'idiotic smile'. And I didn't even smile much. It was the first time she dropped the formality and asked if we could hang out again some other time. Progress, people, progress.
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"As I was saying, that strat works but...."
Vivienne's eye fell on the chat for a moment and she paused.
Cole148@asme: Good work in your stream
It was there for a second only. But it still caught her attention, as the stream started just now.
A faint smile formed on her face. The chat noticed it and was confused about her sudden quietness and smile.
Soon, she continued the stream with a new vigor in her voice.
He had let her know earlier that he would be watching the stream and cheering for her to get into the leader board she was aiming for.
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"Congratulations on completing the new challenge, FighterGirl."
Pinching my arm a little, she spoke with a finger on her mouth, "Please stop saying that name. I would feel embarrassed if someone recognized me."
I laughed while rubbing my arm. She could only give out an exaggerated exhale and smile at my childish behavior.
Vivienne and I were at a cafe on the other side of the town. After a little struggle, I safely got away from Iris's radar and snuck out to meet with Vivienne without her knowledge.
Honestly, there was a thrill to it except if I were to get caught, I would certainly end up as skewered meat.
"So, what happened that you wanted to meet your husband again in such a short time?"
Her face burned a little, but she composed herself.
Soon, the atmosphere around us changed. She bent forward resting her chin on her palm and spoke in a serious tone.
"Did you know, the Mid-terms are coming soon?"
I was puzzled.
"Yes?"
"Actually, I am kinda bad at theory. I thought we could sit and study together."
"But we are of different grades though?"
I know she knew that, but I had a plan of my own.
She couldn't give a straight answer and began to stammer out a reply. I took the correct opportunity.
"How about we ask Celeste to join in, since you both are of the same grade? Also, we can see if Iris is also up to it. She was asking about this to me earlier, after all."
The only thought in Vivienne's head was : 'how close was he with them?'
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"No."
Iris threw a curve ball straight off the bat.
"Why?"
"I am not the type to be able to focus and do group study."
It was clear that she was doing it knowing I had given my word about her being there.
"Well, it's okay if you feel it's not effective for you. I will not force you."
A look of confusion was on her face at my statement. Then, I threw in the bait.
"Well, it's alright. Vivienne, Celeste and I will have our study session alone."
The bait was taken. Iris's face contorted a little.
Shit, now she was staring daggers at me, thinking about it.
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I didn't have to ask Celeste. It was Vivienne's job. Being in the same grade, they knew each other way before they met me. So, soon enough, Celeste's participation was set. Now, all that was required was to set the perfect stage.
Before that, I had a few important things to tackle. The primary issue was not how but where, for now. I couldn't possibly invite them to my house. It would be like dropping a bombshell on my own head, to have to explain how the situation even came about to my parents. Thankfully, Vivienne told me the studio apartment was free to use.
There was also the thing Penguin had mentioned the first time it introduced itself. It was also one of the reasons I set a deadline. I had to figure out how I was going to go forward with them.
"The more time you spend with them, the more likely their memories and feelings for you are to grow stronger. Your bonds will grow stronger as a no-brainer. But it also means if you thread without a clear idea, you might really end up in a sorry state. "