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Chapter VI: The Briefing
Story’s timeline: 15/05/2023
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It has been about 2 and a half weeks since Adelle consulted Suzan. Adelle’s feelings hadn’t changed. Still spying on Nick, admiring him, looking away when he looked at her. You name it.
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Adelle tapped her feet on the ground as her eyes paced around the room. She kept watching Mdm Wilson go on and on about her complex algebra and her rowdy classmates starting a fight at the back of the class. Usually, Adelle would be in a bad mood from her surroundings, but this time she was nervous just thinking about how she could be able to see Nick if he signed up.
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The bell rang and Adelle tried to get out of the class with her classmates. She nearly forgot she was in charge of cleaning the class. “Adelle, where do you think you’re going? You've got the class to clean,” said Mdm Wilson. Adelle rolled her eyes and replied “Okay Mdm Wilson.” in annoyance. Adelle rolled her eyes and took the broom.
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Adelle’s POV:
I just want to go see if Nick is there already. Why do I have to clean this class? Ugh. I still have 10 minutes. I better just arrange the tables and get out quickly. Adelle’s heart began racing as she hastily wiped the board and threw out the garbage.
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After rushing the class clean up, Adelle was more than desperate to see if Nick was coming to the trip. So much so that she had to calm herself down by telling herself he wasn’t going. Adelle slowly walked up to the briefing room. Luckily she was still a little early. Shanice was there waiting for Adelle and smiling.
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“There’s someone here that you’d want to meet,” said Shanice. Adelle scanned the room and could not believe her eyes. Nick was actually going?!
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Adelle: OH MY GOODNESS HOW CAN THIS BE REAL IT FEELS SO SURREAL RIGHT NOW. SHANICE, CAN YOU BELIEVE HE’S ACTUALLY HERE?77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K8DOZLDuu
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Adelle stared at Nick as he placed his bag down at the corner. Adelle followed and placed her bag near his bag, in hopes of Nick noticing her a little. She had already read the briefing instructions beforehand, so instead of focusing on the teacher explaining, Adelle adjusted her gaze to him. Gazing at Nick as if he’s a constellation in the light-polluted sky, longing to lay on him. She squirmed at the thought and caught the teacher in charge of the briefing’s eye. The teacher glared at Adelle before going back to what he was discussing.
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“Since it is an outdoor theatre, students can bring their own picnic mat and food. No littering though.” said the teacher.
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Soon enough, the briefing ended. Adelle and Shanice went to collect their bags.
Adelle: I’m going to bring such a huge picnic mat, I will bring every food item in my house. EVERYTHING. I will may even overpack but who cares. As long as he can have a seat on my mat and
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Shanice, I don’t think I can concentrate anymore. I just keep thinking about Nic-
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“Ahhhh!” screamed Adelle as Nick walked passed them. Nick took a glance at Adelle and smiled a little to himself before turning away and rushing out. Adelle started squealing in excitement and talking to Shanice again about how obsessed she was. Shanice simply rolled her eyes and ignored Adelle’s obsessing over a guy she barely knew.
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1 day later…
Story timeline: 16/05/2023
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Adelle rushed home from school and rushed to pack a huge picnic mat for the picnic. She dug through the storeroom and found exactly what she needed. A huge garage sheet. Adelle then started digging and “emptying” out the fridge.
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Adelle’s POV:
I think I have what I need. Hmm.. would Nick sit at my mat? Ehh it’s ok if he doesn’t. What if he hates all these snacks? Oh well... I should quit worrying and go to sleep now.
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The next day…
Story’s timeline: 17/05/2023
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Adelle woke up early that day and felt ecstatic. She was so energetic and left the house early. She couldn’t focus in class all day and begged for the last lesson to quickly end. Adelle and Shanice stared at each other and continued staring until the lesson ended.
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After the lesson..
Adelle and Shanice ran to each other to begin discussing the plan.
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Shanice: I will set you up with Nick.
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Adelle: And how exactly will you do that?
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Shanice: I’ll ask him to sit next to you because I’m scared you’ll be lonely during the bus ride.
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Adelle: But how about you? Wouldn’t you be lonely?
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Shanice: Nah. I’m sitting next to my crush too. Take it as a double date.
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Adelle: Alright then. I hope he agrees to sit next to me.
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Shanice: He would definitely sit next to you if you asked, but you keep running away and screaming every time you see him.
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Adelle: Uhmmm.. Ok.
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Shanice: Let’s go buy some snacks now!
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Adelle and Shanice happily skipped to the nearby supermarket and bought some extra snacks to share. They got back on campus and excitedly packed their bags for the trip.
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Soon enough, it was time to meet at the assembly area. Adelle’s heart raced at the thought of her finally sitting next to Nick and holding a conversation with him.
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“Two more minutes!” yelled the teacher in charge. “If your friend isn’t here yet, tell them to come now!” Adelle frantically looked around and could not find Nick anywhere. “Shanice, did Nick back out last minute? Where is he?” said Adelle worriedly.
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Shanice: Let me message him. Maybe he’s still on the way?
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Adelle: ON THE WAY? NO WAY I REALLY WANT TO SIT NEXT TO HIM. THIS OPPORTUNITY IS SO RARE! I CAN’T BELIEVE I CAN’T SIT NEXT TO HIM!
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Shanice: Chill, he already replied.
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Adelle: WHAT DID HE SAY?77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQANB9RJCNv
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Shanice: He said he’s on the way.
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Adelle: Well that’s a relief. I really want to sit next to him.
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Shanice: He should walk in here any moment…ah there he is.
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Adelle: OH MY I AM ABOUT TO FAINT OH HE’S SO CUTE.
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Shanice: Okay Adelle that’s enough.
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Shanice goes to talk to Nick while Adelle starts panicking.
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Shanice: Nick, I want to sit next to my crush and I can’t sit next to my best friend. Can you sit with her? I figured she’d be lonely.
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Nick: Alright.
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Nick walks over to Adelle and stands right next to her. Adelle panicked and didn’t know what to do. Scream or go feral? Those weren’t viable options. So she just looked down and tried not to look to her right (where Nick was standing). She was just too excited.
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“Okay students, you may board the bus now.” said the teacher in charge.
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Adelle’s POV:
OH MY GOODNESS I’M ACTUALLY STANDING SO NEAR TO NICK. I need to look away I swear I cannot look at him. Maybe if I could take a little peek? AHH, I CAN’T DO THIS.
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Nick: So I’m sitting next to you for both trips?
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Adelle: Yes.
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Nick: Go in quick!
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Adelle silently rushes in. She got the window seat. Nick sat next to her. She blushed a little and screamed inside. She could hardly contain her excitement. She saw Nick talking to the other students near the seat as she heaved a sigh of relief. She could use this opportunity to contain her emotions. Nick then took out his phone and started to text someone. Adelle took a peek at his phone.
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Adelle’s POV:
“Oh, 18/25 for literature,” Nick replied in a text. So Nick is a straight-A student? Fitting for a student councillor. Can’t believe this guy is the kind of student I like.
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Nick swiftly turned to Adelle and stared at her with a light smile and turned away his phone. Adelle turned away to look at the window. She did not see what else Nick did on his phone.
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Nick’s POV:
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I just took out my phone to use text somebody. Someone asked how much I got for Literature so I typed down. I turned to the side where I see Adelle staring at me. I gave a light smile at her and continued to look at my phone. I will now go to another contact number and I type… “Hi. Can I have your friend's number?” I had to wait for a reply. Surprisingly, Shanice replied fast. She gave me her phone number. Such a cute contact name. Shanice said not to mind the contact name that she used. Adelle. Nice name. I replied to Shanice, saying that it was okay and it was a pretty nice name.
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Shanice POV:
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I was just chatting with somebody when I saw Nick texting me. He asked me for Adelle’s contact number. Aww, as a bestie of course I will need to give him her contact number. I went to look for Adelle’s contact number. I send it to Nick and told him not to care about the contact. What did he say? Well, it is okay, it is nice. Like what?! So anyways I had to screenshot it. I send it to Adelle who might be screaming inside later. Overly obsessed girl.
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As the bus began moving, Adelle noticed Nick’s hands.
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Adelle’s POV:
His fingers are so long and nice. I didn’t know Nick had such nice fingers and nice hands. Is this a scholar’s hands? How I wish he could place his hand on mine. I stared at Nick for a little bit before he turned to me and gave me a funny smile. I giggled.
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“Wait, wait. Can you do that again? It looks so funny. Can I take a picture?” Adelle asked. Nick replied, “Of course, you can.” Nick replied. Adelle giggled and snapped a picture.” Can I send this to Shanice?” asked Adelle. “Yes, you can. You can send it to anyone actually. Just not too many people.” replied Nick.
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Adelle’s POV:
This is my dream guy. He’s so nice. He didn’t insult me. He’s actually so mature… This boy is such a rare find. How did I land my eyes on him? I thought that cursed seat would only bring me misfortune. Instead, it brought me, Nick.
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The bus ride continued and Adelle stared at Nick aimlessly. She then decided to use her favourite starter. “How do you get such nice eyebrows?” Adelle asked. Nick replied “It’s just genetics.” with a smile. Adelle leaned her head on the bus window and stared outside. She tried hard to maintain composure. While having light conversations with Nick, she turned away and screamed silently before turning back at him with a smile. Nick then asked, “So you’re Shanice’s best friend?” “Yes I am,” replied Adelle. They continued little conversations.
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Nick’s POV:
Why is Adelle so cute? I can’t believe I didn’t notice her earlier. Her long, wavy, almond-coloured hair is just so beautiful. She speaks nicely and her giggles are cute. I think I’m falling in love. I’m so lucky Shanice asked me to sit next to her. I want to hold her and just hug her tight and never let her go.
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Adelle’s POV:
Alright, Nick is actually so nice and so lovely. He is way nicer than I thought. He’s my ideal man. I know we are already seeing The Midsummer’s Night Dream but I think.. I think Nick is my Midsummer Night Dream. My love for him is just growing by the second. I was so scared earlier that he’d be a jerk and ignore me but he’s actually starting conversations with me? This is the man I will set my heart to. Every other guy pales in comparison. I am so blessed to have met Nick.
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After thirty short minutes, Adelle’s smile turned upside down a little when she realised she had reached the venue. She bid Nick goodbye and sulked a little when getting off the bus. Adelle slowly turned to Shanice and gave her an almost satisfied smile. She walked over to Shanice.
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Adelle: SHANICE!! I NEED TO TELL YOU SO MANY THINGS.
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Shanice: Gurl.. you better not be rattling on and on about your love. Anyways how was it?
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Adelle: It was sooooo good. Nick is actually the best guy I’ve ever met. Excellent first impression, speaks kindly and with respect, actually starting conversations with me? He’s not annoying at all and he’s just so perfect. Now I think I’m being annoying for continuously talking to him.
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Shanice: Okay.. uhhh. I hope you enjoy it and I hope you’re ready for the next part. You’re sitting next to him on the way home too.
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Adelle: NO WAY!! I REALLY WANT TO SIT NEXT TO HIM!
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Shanice: Of course, you will. Why would I ever let my bestie down?
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Adelle: I know you wouldn’t.
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Shanice: Okay now go the teacher is leaving.
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Adelle: Oh yes!
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The teachers in charge then led the students to a huge grass patch where the outdoor theatre was. Adelle and Shanice then rushed to spread Adelle’s huge picnic mat on the ground. Shanice then sneakily adjusted the mat to be right in front of Nick and his friends' mat. Adelle noticed what Shanice had done and just smirked a little before sitting down on the mat and preparing the buffet Adelle had brought.
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Alas, the show had started. Adelle, Shanice, and their friends sat on the huge mat and watched. During the show, Adelle could barely get over the fact Nick was behind her and couldn’t help but look at him.
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Nick’s POV:
Adelle is so cute when she stares at me like that. Every time I stare at her back she just turns away. I wish she’s just looked into my eyes. Does she not want me to look at her? Or not want me to know she’s looking at me. Do I look weird? Is there something on my face? I wiped my face but there was nothing on it. Why does she keep staring at me? Oh, she’s looking at me again! I decided to smile back but she just turned away quickly. Hmm.. strange.
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Adelle’s POV:
I love Nick so much. He’s just so cute. I didn’t think staring at him would feel so great. But he keeps staring at me back. How am I supposed to stare back? I can’t help but turn away every time. I just don’t want him to know how strongly I feel towards him. It’s so embarrassing oh my. I want him to stare at me back but.. I JUST CAN’T LET HIM AT THE SAME TIME.
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Shanice’s POV:
Aww look at Nick and Adelle, both staring at each other. I think they should date soon. I see love in Nick’s eyes and for Adelle, it’s self-explanatory. To be honest, if Nick asked Adelle to date her right now, she’d readily agree.
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The performance temporarily stopped for the students and performers to take a break. Adelle stared into Nick’s eyes again and he stared back. This time she refused to remove her gaze. As much as her eyes wanted to look somewhere else, she forced her eyes to stay on him. Nick smiled a little and walked towards Adelle.
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“Hi, would you like to have the fan for a bit?” said Nick as he handed a handheld fan over to Adelle. Adelle blushed a little and replied “Yes of course.” she gently took the fan and stared at it. Adelle had indirectly held Nick’s hand. Adelle rushed over to Shanice.
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Adelle: Shanice, Nick lent me his fan. I can’t believe I’m indirectly holding his hand. I swear I’m about to go feral for this man.
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Shanice: Gurl- you barely even touched Nick and you’re going to go feral? You really are crazy when you’re in love. I’ve never seen you so madly in love with a guy.
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Adelle: It’s just true love, Shanice.
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Shanice: Okay, okay. Remember to sit next to him later ok?
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Adelle: WHY WOULD I EVER FORGET? Oh, he’s back. I need to return the fan.
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Adelle slowly walks over to Nick and returns his handheld fan while staring into his eyes. He stared back at her and winked. Adelle shrieked a little and turned away. She quickly sat down on the picnic mat.
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Nick’s POV:
Aww look at Adelle. She keeps turning away. Maybe I should keep doing this to tease her. Imagine if I could hug her. I just can’t imagine her squirming around while I try to hug her. Okay, my cheeks feel kinda hot now. I think I’m blushing. Ugh. Luckily it’s nighttime. The sky is too dark for her to see my cheeks.
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Adelle’s POV:
Did he just. Wink. At. Me? I’m going to berserk now I cannot stand this anymore. Why can’t I just control my feelings? Oh, this is so embarrassing. You know what? I’m just gonna focus on the show. This guy gets me blushing EVERY SINGLE TIME. I can’t stand waiting to be by his side. Why can’t I just date him now?
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Hours went by.. The show ended.
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Adelle, Shanice, and friends began packing up their area. Adelle anticipated and rushed to pack up the items. Her speed wasn’t impacted even as she stared at Nick while doing so.
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