Chapter Text
Book had been thinking a lot about her relationship with FreeSmart.How it has seemed like such a cool team, a way for her to make lots of friends, yet pushed her away from other potential teammates and constantly stressed her out.
Honestly, she just couldn’t do it anymore.She didn’t have the energy to deal with Pencil and her constant demands any longer.But, how in the world could she confront her about it?
She knew for a fact that doing that would make her an enemy.It was a risky decision to make and could cause the entire team to go after her.But… she couldn’t keep on going like this.
That’s why she asked a friend of hers about the situation before making her final choice.One who knew all too well about toxic friendships.
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Ah, there he was!
Resting on an ancient oak tree was Coiny.The two had met formally after the events of BFDIA 18, and had became great friends ever since!
She sprinted up to him,”Coiny!”
“Book!How are you holding up?”he smiled cheerily at her.
“Uh, well, fine, mostly!I-I just really need to talk to you about something!”she panicked, trembling over her words as she spoke.
“Yeah?Whats up?”
“Um… well…I’ve, uh, been meaning to leave FreeSmart, but I have no idea how I’ll confront Pencil!I can’t keep dealing with her constant demands anymore, but leaving the team will make me another enemy!I don’t know what to do!”she grimaced.
Coiny looked up at her warmly,”You should go for it, Book!It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re ‘enemies’ with Pencil, she barely even knows what friendship is!What matters is the people who really care about you!WOAH bunch is here for you Book!”he briefly paused before finishing his sentence,
“…And I’m here for you.”
…Oh.
OH.
That’s different.
Uh, why does her face feel warm?It’s only…she awkwardly flipped through her pages, meant to be 14 degrees celsius today.Is something wrong with her?
She shook off the feeling and quickly responded to him,”Thanks, Coiny!You always know what to say.I’ll go confront her.”
“No problem, Book…”
…Wait, did she just see a faint blush on his face?Glad to know somebody else feels how warm it is today…
Unless, of course, it ISN’T the temperature.
…No time to think about that!
It’s time to confront Pencil!
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Book awkwardly walked up to Pencil, who was admiring the view on a hillside.
“Uh, Pencil?”
“What is it, Book?I’m a little busy right now.”she remarked.
“I-I…”c’mon, Book!”I think it’s time I leave this team!”
Pencil turned to her confusedly,”What?”
“I just don’t think this team is healthy for me anymore, Pencil.I’ve been stressed, constantly trying to keep up with your demands, but nothing is ever good enough.I just think it’s time I stepped away.”
…”Fine.”Pencil sighed,”If you really want to step away, you can, but just know that once you do, there’s no going back.Our friendship will be over.”
“Well, if that’s what has to be done…”Book inhaled,”then fine.It’s over, Pencil.”
She hazardously walked away from Pencil, who remained silent.
———————————
…She did it.Wow, SHE DID IT!
She pumped her arms up in the air joyfully!
She was finally free!
Free from FreeSmart, that is.How ironic.
She giddily back to Coiny, who was still relaxing in the same spot as earlier.
“I did it, I did it, I DID IT!”
She barged into him with a big hug.He reciprocated and shook her back and forth, matching her manic energy.
“I knew you could do it, Book!Now you’re free!”he grinned at her.
She felt herself truly smiling.She really was free now, wasn’t she?
Free to do whatever she wanted.
And free to love whoever she wanted.