ALL NOVEL Chapter 3 – Exchange
Not surprisingly, after Luna and Mira's encounter, it spread throughout the campus. But unlike the tense atmosphere between the two, what people see is their chemistry and the pink bubble around them.
Mira would usually go to the library, but today she went to the garden to take a break. The last examination finished today, and she gave it her all. She sat down beside the flowers and took time to appreciate them. If people saw her, they would think it's not Mira, as her usual indifferent expression can't be seen.
Mira caressed the petal with a soft smile. She was so relaxed that she didn't notice someone looking at her.
Luna, who also wanted to take a break, went to her favorite spot, but unexpectedly someone arrived first. She was about to turn around to leave when she saw who it was. She was caught off guard by the smile of that person. She had never seen Mira smile so softly; it was as if the ice had melted, revealing hidden beauty. She knew Mira was pretty, but seeing her smile so carefree made her heart beat faster. Luna unconsciously took her phone and captured Mira's picture.
Luna bit her lip by her action and felt complicated. She walked carefully, not far from Mira but also not too near, just enough for Mira not to notice her. However, since the garden is a quiet place, how could Mira not know that someone had come? She didn't care; the garden is for everyone, and anyone can come and go.
Mira glanced sideways to see who it was. Unexpectedly, it was Luna. As usual, their eyes met again, but she was the first to look away. It had always been like this. Mira couldn't make eye contact with Luna, not because Luna always looked at her coldly, but because she got flustered every time. Luna's eyes were so beautiful that she wanted to keep staring, but she knew that giving in to her own desire would only hurt her. Mira frowned and looked at the flower, suddenly feeling down.
In times like this, the routine would be Luna leaving, or she would leave. But this time, no one left. Luna kept watching Mira and saw all her expressions. This was the last semester, and after a few weeks, their years in college would be over. She felt that she wanted to stay a little longer here with Mira. She just hoped Mira wouldn't leave because they never stayed in one place for even a minute aside from the same lessons they took.
Mira, who felt sad inside, finally calmed down. She didn't hear any movements, meaning Luna had stayed. She didn't know there would come a day when they would stay in one place peacefully. She took a deep breath and finally thought that maybe she should thank Luna because if it wasn't for Luna's appearance, she wouldn't have worked harder.
Mira took a deep breath after giving herself an excuse for her actions. She stood up and sat down beside Luna.
Luna felt nervous, and her heart beat became louder. She was afraid Mira would hear it, but she kept herself composed.
Luna and Mira sat side by side, it was beautiful and peaceful.
After a while, Mira took something out of her pocket. She didn't know how to give it or how to talk to Luna. She held the keychain tightly, and after a while, she finally opened her mouth.
"Luna," This was the first time Mira called Luna's name. She felt weird, but she didn't know why.
Luna felt flustered hearing her first name being called by Mira. Only her close friends called her Luna, as she was usually called by her surname. It felt different, but she didn't dislike it. Although she felt flustered and nervous inside, nothing showed on her face. She still had a cold expression. She didn't answer Mira because she was afraid she might make a mistake. Besides, she had just taken a picture earlier, and she felt a little guilty.
Luna turned her head to look at Mira, waiting for her words.
Mira didn't expect anything; Luna's attention was enough. She took the four-leaf clover keychain out of her pocket. This lucky charm keychain had a real genuine preserved four-leaf clover enclosed in a see-thru acrylic pendant on a silver-tone split ring. She liked this keychain and believed it brought her luck.
"Whatever the results may be, I want to thank you. I really worked harder than expected because of you. Take this as my gift; it may not look special, but it's been with me for a long time," Mira said, waiting for Luna to take the keychain. She was nervous and scared that Luna might not take it, but thankfully, Luna did.
Luna finally calmed down and felt happy. This was a first for everything: the first time she saw Mira smile, the first time she spent time with Mira without any conflict, the first time Mira talked to her, and now the first time she was given a gift, and not just any gift, but a very special one. She took the keychain and looked at it carefully. It was simple and small but significant.
Luna smiled as she looked at the clover. Then she thought of something and took off her necklace.
Luna faced Mira and said, "Then you should also take this. I don't want to owe you. It's a lucky coin necklace. You should take care of it," then she boldly put the necklace on Mira's neck without waiting for Mira's response.
Mira's eyes widened as Luna got close to her. She turned her head, and her ears turned red. She forgot to respond to Luna and just let her do whatever she wanted.
Luna noticed Mira's ears, she bit her lip and thought, 'She's also cute when she gets shy, although it's not obvious on her face.'
Luna wanted to tease Mira, but then she remembered that they were not close and not allowed to get closer. It was like a cold water being poured on her again.
After putting the necklace on Mira, Luna stood up and left. Staying with Mira a little longer might make her forget her hate towards Mira's mother.
Mira, on the other hand, touched the black necklace. Being left alone by Luna was nothing new to her, so she didn't notice the reluctance on Luna's face when she left.