Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The midday sun streamed through the tall windows of Bloom High's library, casting warm, dusty motes that danced in the air.

For Nicolei Vergara, it was the perfect sanctuary.

Tucked away in her usual corner, shielded by towering shelves filled with forgotten stories, she was deep into her latest read—a historical fiction novel that transported her far beyond the cacophony of the cafeteria or the endless high school chismis. The gentle hum of the air conditioner and the occasional rustle of pages were the only sounds she welcomed.

Her peace, however, was about to be spectacularly shattered.

A whirlwind of bright pink and an unmistakable scent of strawberry perfume preceded the arrival of Serene Sevilla.

Even in the hallowed halls of the library, Serene managed to be a vibrant anomaly. She entered not with a quiet shuffle, but with a brisk, almost determined stride, a stack of brightly colored textbooks precariously balanced in her arms.

Nicolei, peeking over her book, instinctively knew what was coming.

Serene, the school's perpetually enthusiastic Student Council President, was a force of nature, and her trajectory seemed to be aimed directly at Nicolei's quiet haven.

Serene found a table two rows in front of Nicolei's—a little too close for comfort, but Nicolei merely sighed and dipped her head back into her book.

She could ignore her.

She could.

THUD!

It wasn't just a book falling; it was a cascade.

Textbooks, notebooks, highlighters, pens—everything Serene had been carrying—tumbled onto the polished wooden floor with a sound that seemed ridiculously loud in the library's quiet hum.

Nicolei winced, her historical heroine's dramatic monologue abruptly interrupted.

"Ay, palaka!" Serene exclaimed, a little too loudly, then clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. She glanced around, saw a few heads turn, and offered a quick, apologetic smile with a ‘peace’ sign.

Nicolei, despite herself, felt a pang of something akin to pity. Serene was now crouching, like a picture of bright pink chaos amidst the scattered school supplies. One of her thick calculus textbooks had landed open, its pages splayed.

Nicolei caught a glimpse of frantic scribbles and highlighted sections—evidence that even the unstoppable Serene Sevilla had her moments of academic distress.

"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry.." Serene whispered, her voice still carrying panic, as she started scooping up her things with hurried movements. "Late na nga sa pag-aaral, clumsy pa." She let out a small, self-deprecating laugh.

Nicolei tried to pretend she hadn't heard, tried to re-immerse herself in her book.

She didn’t hear any.

At least, that’s what she wanted to believe.

But then, a particularly bright yellow highlighter rolled, bounced, and came to a stop right beside her worn canvas shoes.

She sighed, a tiny, almost imperceptible puff of air.

This was it.

Her peace was officially over.

Slowly, carefully, Nicolei reached down and picked up the highlighter.

She stood up, holding the yellow plastic object out. "Here," she said, her voice soft, barely above a whisper.

Serene looked up, startled, her bright eyes meeting Nicolei's for the first time. A wide smile spread across her face, lighting up her features.

"Hala, thank you.." She took the highlighter, her fingers brushing Nicolei's for a fleeting moment. Serene's touch was surprisingly warm.

"You're… Nicolei, right? From Class 12-A? I'm Serene!" she introduced herself, as if Nicolei didn't already know who she was.

Nicolei simply nodded, feeling a familiar tightness in her chest. She wanted to retreat, to disappear back behind her fortress of books.

But Serene wasn't done.

Her gaze, sharp and observant despite her bubbly exterior, fell on the open calculus textbook on the floor.

Her smile faltered slightly.

"Ugh, Calculus," she groaned, a genuine note of dread in her voice. She picked it up, flipping through the pages. "I swear, this subject is gonna be the death of me." She sighed dramatically. "Grabe, I don't even know where to begin."

She looked up at Nicolei again, a hopeful glint in her eyes. "You seem like you know what you're doing, though. Your notes are so… neat."

Nicolei blinked. Unable to react.

Her notes? Serene must have seen her own neatly organized notebook, which she'd been using to jot down thoughts for her historical fiction novel, not her actual calculus notes.

"These are for..." Nicolei started, then trailed off, unsure how to explain without sounding odd.

Serene didn't wait. "Wait, is this even the right formula for derivatives? Parang I'm mixing it up with integrals." She gestured vaguely at a page in her textbook.

"You're a STEM student too, right? From Section A? Can you... can you just take a quick look? Please? I'm desperate, and my brain is already fried from council meetings."

Nicolei hesitated. She's good at calculus.

She actually found it... soothing.

But tutoring Serene Sevilla?

The thought alone felt like stepping onto a brightly lit stage when she preferred the shadows.

Serene's soft, pleading eyes were fixed on her, shimmering with an earnestness that was hard to ignore.

"Just... a quick look?" she repeated, her voice a little softer this time, less demanding. "I'm really stuck."

And just like that, Nicolei found herself walking towards Serene's table, her own book momentarily forgotten.

The quiet sanctuary had just gained an unexpected, and very loud, occupant.

Chapter Text

Nicolei settled into the chair opposite Serene, feeling acutely aware of the space around them.

The library, which usually felt like a vast, comforting expanse, suddenly seemed to shrink, putting Serene’s bright, eager face uncomfortably close. 

Serene, oblivious to Nicolei's internal turmoil, pushed her thick Calculus textbook across the table.

"Okay, so like, this problem," Serene began, tapping a finger on a particularly intimidating looking equation. 

"It's asking for the derivative of... of this mess. And I keep getting 'undefined,' which I know is wrong because our teacher, Ma’am Robles, said it's never undefined unless it's a piecewise function or something. Right?"

She looked at Nicolei expectantly, her brow furrowed in genuine confusion.

Nicolei leaned forward, her eyes scanning the equation. It was a straightforward polynomial, nothing too complex. "No, it won't be undefined," she confirmed, her voice a little firmer now that she was on familiar ground. "You just need to apply the power rule and chain rule carefully."

She took a pen from Serene’s scattered pile – a sparkly pink one, of course – and pulled a blank sheet of paper closer. "Let's break it down." 

Nicolei began writing, her hand moving with precise, elegant strokes. She explained each step, starting with the outer function, then moving inwards, talking herself through the process as much for Serene's benefit as for her own comfort.

"So, first," Nicolei murmured, "you differentiate the outer part, then multiply by the derivative of the inside."

Serene, watched, mesmerized.

She couldn’t tell yet, by what or whom…

"Oh! Okay okay, I think I see it. So you're treating this whole thing as 'u' then doing the derivative of 'u'?"

Nicolei paused, looking up. "Exactly. That's the chain rule. Then, combine it."

For the next twenty minutes, an unusual rhythm settled between them.

Nicolei, methodical and focused, walked Serene through a couple of problems. 

Serene, surprisingly, was a quick study. She picked up on the concepts faster than Nicolei expected, her initial bewilderment slowly giving way to small "oohs" and "aahs" of understanding.

"Wow," Serene breathed, when Nicolei finished the third problem. "Ang galing! You make it look so... easy! Ang galing mo, grabe!"

Nicolei felt a faint blush creep up her neck.

Compliments weren't something she received often, especially not from someone as effusive as Serene.

"It's just practice," she mumbled, quickly looking down at the paper.

"No, it's not!" Serene protested, leaning closer. "I've been practicing, and my brain just turns into mush. You explain it so clearly. Parang... may logic na!"

Serene paused, then her eyes sparkled with a new idea.

"You know what? This is great! We should totally do this again!"

Nicolei froze.

"Do what?" she asked, already dreading the answer.

"Study sessions!" Serene clapped her hands together, a quiet thwack in the library. "You can help me with Calculus, and in return..." 

Serene tapped her chin thoughtfully.

"In return, I can, uh... I don't know! Treat you to milk tea? Or teach you how to properly organize a fundraiser? I'm good at that!"

Nicolei stared at her. Milk tea? Fundraisers? Her peaceful library existence was being threatened by a relentless wave of social interaction. 

"I..." she started, searching for an excuse. But before she could form something…

"Please?" Serene’s eyes were wide and earnest again, a powerful weapon.

"I really, really need to pass this. Ma'am Robles will kill me if I don't. And you're like, my only hope, Nicolei. My Calculus angel!”

The dramatic flair was classic Serene, but there was an underlying sincerity that Nicolei couldn't quite dismiss. 

Serene Sevilla, the confident, popular student president, was genuinely asking for her help. And there was something strangely appealing about being someone's "only hope."

Nicolei sighed, a little defeated, a little intrigued.

"Okay," she said, almost inaudibly. "But no 'Calculus angel' nicknames."

Serene's face lit up, a brilliant smile spreading across her features.

"Deal!"

"Ooh, how about... The Calculus Queen? No, too formal. The Math Whisperer? Oh, wait, that sounds like a creepy old man."

She giggled, a surprisingly light, joyful sound.

"Hmm, I'll think of something. But yes! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Nicolei!"

She gathered her things, the chaos of her earlier arrival replaced by a slightly more organized pile, thanks to Nicolei’s neatness rubbing off. 

"I have to run to a student council meeting now, but text me? What's your number?"

Nicolei, still slightly dazed by the rapid turn of events, found herself dictating her phone number.

"Thank you so so much again. See you soonest, Nicolei!" 

Nicolei watched as Serene, now humming a cheerful tune, practically bounced out of the library, leaving behind a lingering scent of strawberry and the unsettling feeling that Nicolei’s quiet corner might never be truly quiet again.

She picked up her historical fiction, but the words now blurred.

Her mind replayed Serene's eager smile, the earnestness in her eyes, the unexpected warmth of her touch. 

Maybe, just maybe...

a little bit of chaos wouldn't be so bad.

Chapter Text

Nicolei's phone, usually a silent guardian of her personal space, vibrated later that evening. It was an unfamiliar number.

From: +63 9** **** ***

Hi Nicolei! It's Serene! :) Thank you ulit today. You're a lifesaver! What time works for you tomorrow for another study session? I'm free after lunch, maybe library ulit? Let me know! :D

Nicolei stared at the text. 

Another study session. 

Serene had indeed been serious. The string of emojis felt like tiny, digital explosions on her calm screen. 

Nicolei took a deep breath. 

She could just say she was busy. 

She could pretend she hadn't seen the message.

But then...

She remembered the earnest look in Serene's eyes, the genuine confusion over derivatives, and the way Serene's face had lit up when she finally understood a concept. 

It was... surprisingly satisfying to be that catalyst. 

And deep down, a tiny, unfamiliar curiosity tugged at her. 

What else would Serene come up with?

To: Serene Sevilla

After lunch is fine. Library.

She hit send, almost immediately regretting the abruptness. 

But it was too late. 

A few seconds later, another text popped up.

From: Serene Sevilla

Yay! See you there! And oh, I'll bring snacks! :) What do you like? Anything goes! <3

Nicolei didn't reply. 

Snacks? This wasn't just a tutoring session anymore. This was turning into an event.

—

The next day, the library felt less like a sanctuary and more like a waiting room. 

Nicolei arrived at her usual corner, her book open, but her eyes kept darting towards the entrance.

She found herself subconsciously tidying her space, aligning her pens perfectly, smoothing the pages of her novel.

Precisely ten minutes after the lunch bell, Serene arrived. 

This time, she was carrying not just her textbooks, but also a small, brightly colored paper bag. She spotted Nicolei instantly and waved with a beaming smile.

"Nicolei!" she whispered-shouted, earning a soft shush from the librarian. Serene giggled, then lowered her voice to a more appropriate level. 

"Hi! Sorry, I'm just so excited to actually get this Calculus thing down." She slid into the chair opposite Nicolei, the scent of strawberry following her. 

"Okay, so! I brought Ube Cheese Pandesal! Got these from my favorite bakery just down the street. They make the best ube cheese—fresh out of the oven this morning. Hope you like ube!” She pulled out two fluffy, purple-tinged rolls from the bag, their cheesy centers slightly oozing.

Nicolei looked at the pandesal, then at Serene. 

No one had ever brought her snacks to the library before. She usually just brought her own plain sandwich. 

"Oh," was all she managed.

"Go on, take one!" Serene pushed a piece towards her. "They're still warm. So, shall we conquer the next chapter? Limits!"

Nicolei took the pandesal hesitantly. It was soft, fragrant, and surprisingly delicious.

The sweet ube and savory cheese were a perfect combination. She took a bite, and for a moment, the world felt a little less overwhelming.

Their study session began. 

Serene, true to form, had moments of boundless energy, asking questions, making analogies, and sometimes getting slightly off-topic. 

"Wait, so is this like, the limit of my patience when the Wi-Fi is slow?" she'd quip, making Nicolei suppress a small smile.

But when it came to the actual problems, Serene genuinely applied herself. She listened intently, her brow furrowed in concentration, and she eagerly tried to solve problems on her own after Nicolei's explanations. 

Nicolei found herself enjoying the process more than she'd anticipated.

There was a quiet satisfaction in seeing Serene's "aha!" moments, the way her eyes would light up when a complex concept finally clicked.

"Okay, okay," Serene said, after successfully solving a tricky limit problem. "I think I'm getting it! This is good. Thanks, Nicolei, seriously." She took another bite of her pandesal. 

"So, what are you reading?" she asked, her eyes falling on Nicolei's book, which was still open beside her.

Nicolei hesitated. People rarely asked about her books, let alone expressed genuine interest. 

"It's a historical fiction," she said, briefly. "About a royal family in medieval Europe."

"Ooh, that sounds intense! Like 'Game of Thrones' but less dragons?" Serene chuckled. "You know, my younger sister loves fantasy novels. Maybe you could recommend something for her? She's always looking for new reads."

Nicolei found herself talking a little more, describing the premise, the characters, even the author's style. 

Serene listened, genuinely engaged, asking insightful questions that showed she was actually paying attention, not just making polite conversation.

It was a comfortable exchange.

Easy and unforced.

A stark contrast to the initial awkwardness.

As the session drew to a close, Serene packed up her things, leaving a tiny crumb trail of ube cheese on the table.

"This was great, Nicolei! My brain feels less mushy now. Same time next week for the big Calculus test review? And maybe a new book recommendation for my sister?"

Nicolei, her mouth still tastes faintly of ube and cheese, felt a flicker of something new – not just resignation, but a hint of anticipation. 

"Okay," she said, her voice softer than before, almost sounding agreeable.

Serene grinned, a bright, triumphant flash.

"Perfect! See you, Nicolei! And thanks again for the pandesal lesson!" She winked, and then, a blur of pink and enthusiasm, she was gone, leaving Nicolei in her quiet corner, an empty paper bag, and a lingering, surprisingly pleasant, warmth.

The library was silent once more.

But Nicolei realized it didn't feel quite as lonely.

Chapter Text

The "big Calculus test review" became their unspoken weekly appointment. 

Every Wednesday after lunch, just as the library started to empty out, Serene would appear, usually with a new treat in tow – turon with langka, homemade brownies, or even just two cups of ice-cold melon juice from the canteen. 

Nicolei, surprisingly, found herself looking forward to it.

Their sessions had evolved. 

Calculus still occupied the first half hour, and to Nicolei’s quiet satisfaction, Serene's grades were steadily improving. She was no longer just nodding along; she was actively solving problems, her pink sparkly pen scratching furiously, occasionally exclaiming, "Aha! Na-gets ko na!"

But after the math, their conversations would drift. 

—

Serene, ever the curious one, would gently prod Nicolei about her interests. 

"So, what's so cool about medieval kings, anyway?" she'd ask, genuinely intrigued. 

Nicolei, initially hesitant, found herself opening up, describing the political intrigue, the historical figures, even the intricate details of medieval fashion. 

Serene would listen, her chin propped on her hand, her eyes wide with interest.

In turn, Nicolei learned about Serene’s incredibly packed schedule: student council meetings, debate club practice, volunteering at the local animal shelter.

"Grabe, I'm literally running on coffee and good vibes half the time," Serene had confessed one afternoon, yawning widely. 

Nicolei, seeing the genuine exhaustion behind the usual cheerful facade, had silently pushed her a packet of energy jelly beans Serene had brought earlier. 

Serene had looked at her, surprised, then smiled warmly. 

"Thanks, Nicolei. You're the best."

—

One afternoon, Serene was recounting a particularly chaotic student council meeting where they had to resolve a dispute over the upcoming school fair's theme. "It was like a battle royale, I swear!" she laughed, throwing her hands up dramatically. "And then, I just blurted out, 'Okay, guys, what if we combine themes? Like, a 'Retro Futurism' fair? That way, everyone wins!' And then, finally! Done!"

Nicolei, who usually offered quiet nods, found herself commenting, "That was clever. Bakit hindi ko naisip 'yun?"

Serene beamed. "See? You're actually paying attention to my ramblings! You're not just some quiet bookworm. You're like... a secretly observant bookworm. The best kind!" 

She winked.

Nicolei felt that familiar blush creep up her cheeks.

She was starting to see Serene not just as the loud, overwhelming president, but as someone genuinely dedicated, surprisingly vulnerable beneath the cheer, and undeniably, wonderfully warm.

Serene, for her part, was starting to respect Nicolei's quiet strength, her deep well of knowledge, and the subtle, dry humor that would occasionally surface.

The "Calculus Queen" nickname had thankfully been retired, replaced by "Miss Brilliant," which, while still a bit much, was at least less embarrassing. 

Serene, however, had taken to calling Nicolei's corner of the library "our spot."

"It's like our own secret hideout," Serene had declared one day, leaning back in her chair with a contented sigh. 

"No one else bothers us here. It's... peaceful. Right, Nicolei?" 

Nicolei looked at Serene, who was now absentmindedly sketching a tiny caricature of their math teacher on a napkin. 

Peace. 

Yes, it was peaceful. 

But it was also... lively, in a way it had never been before. 

Serene’s presence, once a disturbance, had subtly, slowly, become a comfortable hum.

Nicolei realized that the routine, the snacks, the shared jokes, the quiet moments of understanding – they were all part of an unwritten syllabus.

Not for Calculus, but for something else entirely.

Something that was steadily, almost imperceptibly, blooming between the quiet bookworm and the bubbly president, right there, amongst the stacks.

As Serene stood up, stretching luxuriously, she said, "Okay, that's enough brain torture for today! I need to go finalize the exhibit layouts for STEM Day next week. You going, by the way? It's a huge thing for the science department."

Nicolei usually avoided such large, noisy events, especially those involving hands-on experiments and boisterous demonstrations. 

"I… I don't think so," she murmured.

Serene paused. 

"Aw, come on! It'll be fun! There are cool robotics demos, and a science fair, and... oh, free pizza for everyone!" She leaned over, her voice conspiratorial. "

"And I actually think it'll be a little chaotic, especially with the juniors joining in. Might need your quiet, calming presence there, Miss Brilliant. Just saying." She grinned, a playful challenge in her eyes. 

Nicolei looked at Serene, then at her untouched novel. 

A STEM Day with free pizza. 

And chaos. 

And Serene. 

It was a tempting, terrifying thought.

Chapter Text

The gymnasium, usually reserved for spirited pep rallies and intense sports, was a controlled explosion of scientific wonder. 

It was STEM Day.

The air hummed with the whirring of robotics, the aint scent of ozone from electrical experiments, and the excited chatter of students gathered around various exhibits. 

Bright posters detailing everything from aquaponics systems to DIY volcanoes adorned the walls, and the atmosphere vibrated with intellectual curiosity and the occasional, slightly alarming, pop from a demonstration.

Nicolei stood just inside the entrance, clutching her worn backpack like a shield. 

She had decided, much to her own surprise, to actually come. 

Serene’s playful challenge, coupled with the mention of free pizza (and maybe, just maybe, the idea of seeing Serene in her element), had swayed her. 

But now, faced with the overwhelming sensory input – the noise, the flashing lights, the sheer number of enthusiastic people – she was immediately regretting her decision. 

Her usual instinct was to turn and flee back to the quiet solitude of the library.

Then, she saw her.

Serene Sevilla, a beacon of organized chaos, was everywhere at once. 

She was by the robotics display, excitedly explaining a complicated mechanism to a group of wide-eyed freshmen. Then, she was mediating a minor dispute between two groups vying for the same power outlet. 

She laughed easily, high-fived enthusiastic peers, and moved with a grace that belied her relentless energy. She was wearing a bright yellow student council shirt, making her even more visible in the crowd. She truly was the "bubbly president" everyone knew.

Nicolei felt a strange mix of admiration and apprehension. 

Serene was so effortless in this environment, so naturally a leader. 

It made Nicolei feel even more like an alien, a quiet observer peeking into a vibrant, bustling world she wasn't quite part of.

She found a relatively secluded spot near the bleachers, pretending to be engrossed in her phone, hoping to become invisible.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the noise, bright and insistent. 

"Nicolei! There you are!"

Nicolei looked up to see Serene, a wide grin splitting her face, practically jogging towards her.

She was slightly breathless, a stray strand of hair escaping her ponytail, but her eyes sparkled with genuine delight.

"Hi," Nicolei managed, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks again under Serene's direct gaze.

"I can't believe you really came! I’m so happy" Serene exclaimed, taking Nicolei's arm and gently tugging. 

"Come on! You can't just stand here. There's pizza! And demos! And... oh, are you okay? You look a little shell-shocked." Her bright eyes softened with a hint of concern.

"It's just… a lot of things," Nicolei admitted, her voice barely audible over the hum of machines and excited chatter.

Serene's grip on her arm tightened reassuringly. "Don't worry! I got you. Come on, I'll introduce you to some of the other council members. They're actually really nice, despite how crazy they seem." She laughed.

Before Nicolei could protest, Serene was leading her deeper into the gymnasium, navigating the throngs of students with practiced ease. 

Nicolei felt like a small boat being towed by a powerful current. Serene introduced her to a few smiling faces, who all seemed to know Serene intimately. 

"This is Nicolei! She's helping me with Calculus, and she's super smart!" Serene would say, always emphasizing Nicolei's intelligence. 

Nicolei would offer a small, polite nod, feeling incredibly awkward, but also a strange warmth at Serene's enthusiastic introductions.

They eventually made their way to the pizza station, where Serene expertly grabbed two slices. "Here, classic pepperoni. You look like you need some carbs after all that social interaction," she teased, handing one to Nicolei.

As they ate, standing awkwardly near a display of glowing chemical reactions, a sudden commotion erupted near the center of the gym.

A small group of younger students had inadvertently created a minor fizzing overflow at a volcano model, causing a bit of a mess and a few panicked shouts. 

A few teachers looked overwhelmed.

Serene, ever the president, immediately straightened. "Oh no, the volcanoes are erupting... badly!” She tried to joke. “Be right back, Nicolei, I need to go help with that that. Will you be okay? This’ll be quick, I promise." Nicolei smiled and reassured her.

And just like that, she dashed off, a flash of yellow and efficiency, barking instructions to her council members, her voice suddenly commanding and authoritative.

Nicolei watched her go, a small smile playing on her lips. 

Serene, the one who struggled with derivatives, was effortlessly managing dozens of excited students and volatile science experiments. She was truly in her element here.

—

Left alone, the noise of the gym started to press in on Nicolei again. 

She felt the familiar urge to retreat. 

But, she remembered Serene's genuine invitation, the way she had gently pulled her in, the small acts of kindness during their study sessions. And how Serene had called her "Miss Brilliant."

She took another bite of pizza, slowly. 

Maybe, just maybe, this wasn't so bad after all. 

The chaos wasn't quite as overwhelming when you knew someone like Serene was navigating it, making sure everyone was okay. 

And the thought of Serene returning, her smile bright and her eyes sparkling, somehow made the loud gymnasium feel a little less daunting.

Nicolei looked around, taking in the scene. 

She wasn't having fun, not exactly. 

But she wasn't hating it either. 

She was here. 

For Serene.

Chapter Text

It took Serene a good fifteen minutes to wrangle the overzealous junior scientists and clean up the fizzing aftermath of the volcano model. 

Nicolei watched, mesmerized, as Serene seamlessly switched between cheerful encouragement, firm instructions to use less baking soda, and even a bit of playful teasing to get everyone back on track. 

She was like a conductor, orchestrating the chaotic symphony of scientific discovery.

When Serene finally returned, she was even more disheveled – her ponytail was now fully undone, her yellow shirt had a smudge of what looked suspiciously like red food coloring, and her face was flushed, but her smile was as bright as ever.

"Finally!" Serene chuckled, grabbing her abandoned pizza slice. "Sorry about that! Kids and volcanoes are a volatile mix." She took a large bite. "So, still alive? You haven't made a run for the library yet?"

Nicolei managed a small smile. "No. It's... interesting."

Serene looked at her, her eyes twinkling. 

"Interesting? That's such high praise from you! Usually, you just say 'fine' or 'okay'." She nudged Nicolei's arm playfully. "See? I told you it wouldn't be that bad."

The hum of the robotics display suddenly softened as a new, more melodic science-themed jingle began to play over the loudspeakers.

Serene swayed her head to the beat, then looked at Nicolei. "So, what do you think? Not so bad, right? We even have a science dance party now."

Nicolei just shook her head, a faint amusement in her eyes. "It's... different." 

She felt that same strange surge of warmth watching Serene. 

She was so vibrant, so full of life, even when covered in metaphorical (and possibly literal) food coloring.

"You know," Serene said, her voice dropping a little, "I'm really glad you came. It's... nice having you here. Even if you're just silently judging my leadership and organizing skills." She nudged Nicolei again, a soft, comfortable gesture.

A quiet flutter of joy stirred in Nicolei’s chest. 

Compliments from Serene felt different. Being seen for who she was, not just as "the quiet one," felt surprisingly nice. 

"I'm not judging," she murmured, a genuine smile gracing her lips, something rarely seen outside the quiet confines of her room. 

"You're doing a good job."

Serene's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the sincere compliment. 

"Wow… Thanks, Nicolei. That... that actually means a lot." 

She looked down for a moment, a rare flash of shyness crossing her face. "Sometimes it feels like I'm just running around like a headless chicken, trying to please everyone."

It was a vulnerable admission, a peek behind the ever-cheerful facade. 

Nicolei found herself wanting to offer comfort. "You don't have to please everyone," she said softly. "Just... do what you think is right, not just for everyone, but for yourself as well."

Serene looked up, a small, grateful smile forming. "Thank you. Really." She finished her pizza, then sighed contentedly. 

"Okay, my official duties for this segment are done. What do you wanna do? We could try the VR simulation booth? Or the chemistry magic show? Or..." Serene's eyes scanned the gym, then landed on a dimly lit corner near the emergency exit, where a few tired-looking teachers were sitting. "Or, we could find a quieter spot? Just for a bit."

Nicolei's eyes immediately brightened. "A quieter spot," she echoed, almost eagerly.

Serene grinned. "Quieter spot is."

They navigated through the thinning crowd, finding a couple of empty chairs tucked away behind a stack of unused display boards. It wasn't the library, but it was a relative oasis of calm in the midst of the ongoing festivities. The hum of machines was still audible, but muted, and the harsh gymnasium lights seemed a little softer here.

They sat down, side-by-side, their shoulders almost touching. 

Serene leaned back, a comfortable sigh escaping her lips. "Ah, much better. My feet are killing me." She stretched her legs out. "So, did you enjoy the pizza?"

"It was good," Nicolei confirmed. She wasn't just being polite. It really had been. Thanks to Serene.

"You know," Serene said, turning her head to look at Nicolei, "I'm always surrounded by people, talking, planning, organizing. But sometimes... it's just nice to have someone quiet around. Someone who just listens." 

She paused, then added, "You're a really good listener, Nicolei."

Nicolei felt that familiar blush again, but this time, it was mixed with a pleasant warmth. 

Being seen for who she was, not just as "the quiet one," felt surprisingly nice. 

"Tch. You talk too much," she offered, a hint of her dry wit. Trying to hide her embarrassment from the compliment given to her.

Serene laughed, a genuine, uninhibited sound. 

"I know, right?! My mom always says I talk too much. But you don't seem to mind?"

"No," Nicolei admitted, looking at the vibrant chaos of the gym from their quiet vantage point.

"Not anymore..." 

The last two words were almost imperceptible, but Serene caught them.

Serene's smile softened, her bright eyes lingering on Nicolei's face. 

In that moment, surrounded by the loud energy of the school, they found a quiet, comfortable space that was uniquely their own. 

The noise faded, replaced by the soft hum of something more growing between them. 

It wasn't just about study sessions anymore. 

It was about finding a new story, warm and steady, starting to unfold just for them…

Chapter Text

The comfortable quiet they'd found in the gymnasium's corner didn't last. STEM Day wound down with a final burst of high-energy demonstrations and a flurry of student dismissals. 

Serene, ever the graceful host, had to return to her duties, overseeing the dismantling of exhibits and bidding farewell to the last stragglers. 

Nicolei, after a polite but firm refusal of Serene's offer to walk her home ("It's fine, I'll just catch a jeep"), melted back into the shadows of the school's exit, leaving Serene to her demanding role.

—

The next few days were a blur for Serene. 

The school fair was just around the corner, and as Student Council President, she was neck-deep in logistics. There were last-minute booth assignments, budget revisions, vendor negotiations, and endless coordination meetings. She was constantly on her phone, typing furiously, barking instructions, and offering reassuring smiles. 

Her usual bubbly energy was still there, but beneath it, Nicolei, during their brief, hurried encounters in the hallway, could see the faint shadows under Serene's eyes and the slight tension in her jaw. There was a brittleness to her laughter, like a glass ornament trying not to crack, and a hollowness behind her smiles that didn’t quite reach her eyes. 

Nicolei wanted to stop, to ask, to hold her gaze a second longer—but the current of passing students and unsaid words kept dragging them apart, leaving only fleeting glances heavy with unspoken concern. 

So, she let it be. 

It’s Serene, after all. 

Serene always had her way of pulling through things—moving forward with that same sunshine tone, brushing off anything too serious.

Maybe it was just a bad day. 

Maybe Nicolei was overthinking it. Hopefully.

---

Their weekly Calculus session was approaching, and Nicolei found herself looking forward to it more than usual. 

It wasn't just for the math; it was the only time she felt she truly had Serene's undivided attention, a quiet respite from the relentless demands on Serene's time.

—

Wednesday arrived, and Nicolei was in their usual library corner, her book open, but her gaze fixed on the entrance. 

The clock ticked past their agreed-upon time. 

Five minutes. 

Ten minutes. 

Fifteen.

Nicolei's initial calm began to fray. 

She rearranged her pens, lining them up in perfect, unmoving rows. 

She smoothed the pages of her open book, though she wasn't reading a single word. 

Her eyes, instead of scanning lines of text, kept darting towards the library's double doors, then to the large wall clock, then back to the doors. 

She picked up a stray pencil, absently tracing patterns on the polished wooden table. 

Still, no sign of Serene showed up.

A tiny knot of disappointment and a prickle of annoyance began to form in Nicolei's stomach.

Serene was always so punctual, so considerate.  

Has something happened? Or had she simply forgotten their session, something they had built into a quiet routine? 

The thought stung more than it should have.

Just as Nicolei was about to close her book and retreat, her phone vibrated. It was Serene.

From: Serene Sevilla

So sorry Nicolei!!! I'm stuck in an emergency meeting for the fair. Super urgent. Can't make it to the library today. :(

Nicolei stared at the message. No "reschedule," no "maybe tomorrow." Just a curt, almost dismissive, cancellation. 

A sharp pang, something akin to betrayal, shot through her. She understood Serene was busy, but a quick text, no attempt to even suggest another time? It felt… careless. 

To: Serene Sevilla

Okay.

She typed, her fingers stiff, and put her phone away. 

The quiet hum of the library, usually so soothing, now felt oppressive, amplifying her sudden irritation. She tried to read, but the words blurred into meaningless shapes. 

The comfortable "our spot" now felt cold, almost accusing.

The quiet walls, once warm with familiarity, now seemed uncertain, as if it too was questioning what went wrong. 

Nicolei checked her phone again, reread Serene's last message, searching for something she missed, anything that would make sense of the silence. 

But there was nothing—just the growing distance and a faint sinking feeling she didn’t yet know how to name.

—

The next day, Serene was everywhere, her usual bright self, directing traffic for a surprise fire drill, even laughing with a group of friends by the lockers. She looked tired, yes, but also vibrant and engaged. She didn't seem to notice Nicolei, who purposefully avoided her gaze. 

A part of Nicolei wanted to march up to her, to demand an explanation, to ask if she’s okay, or if they’re… 

But the bigger part, the quiet, reserved part, shrank from the thought of confrontation, letting the silent resentment simmer.

—

Later that afternoon, Nicolei was walking past the main office when she overheard fragments of a conversation. 

Serene's voice, strained but resolute, was audible from inside. "I told them I can't handle any more responsibilities right now, Ma'am. The fair is already consuming all my time. But they just keep piling it on."

Nicolei paused, hidden by a large potted plant. She heard the principal's stern voice, "Serene, you're the Student Council President. This is your duty. We expect you to rise to the challenge."

A heavy sigh from Serene. "Yes, Ma'am."

Nicolei slipped away, a new wave of emotions swirling within her. 

Serene wasn't just busy; she was drowning. And her usual cheerful facade was clearly a shield, one she wore so well that even Nicolei had missed. 

The sharp edge of anger began to dull, replaced by a confusing mix of sympathy and lingering disappointment. 

She saw the burden Serene carried, and understood the pressure. But still, the coldness of her cancellation, the seemingly easy dismissal of their established routine, gnawed at Nicolei. 

It felt like a crack in the quiet, comforting bond they had built…

Why couldn't Serene have just said she was overwhelmed? 

Why did she have to be so... vague? 

The silence from Serene felt like a wall, and Nicolei, unaccustomed to expressing such feelings, found herself unable to breach it.

The distance between them, usually bridged by shared books and whispered math equations, felt vast and unsettling. 

What used to be “our spot”—the library—now holds an unspoken tension, a space suspended in stillness, aching for a closure neither of them had the courage to face.

Chapter Text

The library had always been quiet.

But lately, it felt too quiet.

Nicolei sat in her usual corner, the sunlight spilling over the table like it always did—same time, same place, same comforting hum of the air conditioner overhead.

But the warmth didn’t reach her this time.

Not really.

The seat across from her stayed empty.

No bright voice bouncing off the bookshelves.

No rustle of strawberry-scented chaos unpacking pandesal or brownies or melon juice.

No pink highlighter sliding across a page with too much enthusiasm.

Just silence.

It had been three days since Serene’s missed session.

Two days since Nicolei overheard that conversation outside the principal’s office.

One night of trying—and failing—to sleep after rereading Serene’s text over and over again.

She had tried to convince herself she didn’t care.

That they were just tutoring sessions.

That it wasn’t a big deal.

But her chest didn’t get the memo.

There was something about the way Serene had looked at her during STEM Day.

That tired, honest smile.

The softness behind her usual sparkle.

The quiet moment in the gym when their shoulders touched, and Serene had said she liked having someone who listened.

Someone who saw her.

Nicolei had never been good at starting things. Or fixing them. Or… anything that required reaching out first.

But this wasn’t math.

She couldn’t solve it with formulas and chain rules and rules of four.

She took out her notebook—one she usually reserved for actual homework—and opened to a fresh page. The pen trembled slightly in her fingers.

And then, she started to write.

Dear Serene,

 

I wasn’t planning to write this.

 

(Or maybe I was. I just didn’t want to admit it.)

 

You probably didn’t mean to make me feel forgotten. I know you’re busy. I’ve seen how hard you work. I heard you in the hallway. You’re under a lot of pressure.

 

But I guess I just… thought we were more than a calendar item. Something routine. Something you pencil in between meetings and exhibits and council drama.

 

Maybe I shouldn’t have expected anything. Maybe that’s on me.

 

But the thing is… when you stopped showing up, it wasn’t the Calculus I missed.

 

It was you.

 

(That’s stupid, right?)

 

I don’t know what we are, Serene. I don’t know if I’m just a break from your chaos, a quiet distraction. Or if any of this meant something to you, the way it started to mean something to me.

 

But I miss our spot.

 

And I miss how you made it feel like it wasn’t just mine anymore.

 

—Nicolei

 

She read it once.

Then again.

Then, like the coward she was...

...she didn’t plan to give it.

She folded the letter neatly, slipped it into the back pocket of her notebook, and closed the cover.

A quiet, pathetic thud.

She didn’t know what she wanted Serene to say, anyway.

“Sorry” wouldn’t fix it.

“I was busy” wouldn’t take the ache away.

She reached for her novel, tried to read, but the words floated like mist.

That was when the door creaked.

Footsteps.

Not loud, but familiar.

Confident. Intentional.

Nicolei didn’t look up.

She knew that sound by now—knew the way Serene walked, like every space she entered already knew her name.

A gentle tap on the side of the table.

Then, quietly: “Hey.”

Nicolei flipped a page she hadn’t read.

“…Can I sit?”

She didn’t answer.

The silence stretched.

Not like before—not the peaceful kind.

This one was sharp. Dense.

Serene slowly pulled out the chair anyway.

And for a few seconds, it was just the two of them. Back in their usual places. The space between them felt heavier than usual.

“I’m sorry,” Serene said softly. “About Wednesday. I should’ve told you more. Sooner.”

Nicolei didn’t speak.

“I was overwhelmed. Still am, actually. But I shouldn’t have… disappeared. That wasn’t fair.”

Nicolei stared at the paragraph she wasn’t reading, her jaw tight.

“You said okay,” Serene continued. “In your text. But it didn’t feel like okay. It felt like… you were hurt. And I didn’t know how to fix that.”

Nicolei finally looked up.

“You don’t have to fix everything,” she said. Her voice came out quieter than she wanted, but firm. “You’re not responsible for everyone’s happiness.”

Serene blinked. “But I’m the president.”

“And I’m not your project.”

The words hung there.

Serene’s mouth parted slightly.

Like she was about to say something—explain, defend, joke it away.

But nothing came out.

Nicolei sighed and leaned back, her fingers drumming the edge of her notebook. “You just left. And I thought… maybe I was just another box you tick off on your schedule.”

“No,” Serene said immediately. Her voice cracked, barely. “You weren’t.”

Nicolei didn’t answer.

“I panicked,” Serene admitted. “Everything was going wrong and I thought—if I could just get through one more meeting, if I just pushed it all aside for a while, I could come back and things would be normal again. With you. But… I hurt you.”

Nicolei looked down at the table. “You could’ve just told me.”

“I know,” Serene said, softer now. “I didn’t want you to see me as a mess. I didn’t want you to think I was… too much.”

Nicolei let out a small, almost bitter laugh. “You’re always too much.”

Serene flinched.

“But I got used to it,” Nicolei added. “Started… liking it. L-Liking you.”

Silence.

Serene's breath hitched.

Nicolei immediately regretted saying it out loud.

“You what?”

Nicolei shook her head, biting the inside of her cheek. “Never mind.”

“No—” Serene leaned in. “Say that again.”

“No.”

“I’m not letting you get away with that,” Serene whispered, her voice shaking. “You liked me?”

Nicolei’s cheeks were warm. “I still do.”

Serene stared. Her eyes wide, blinking fast.

“Even after I messed up?”

Nicolei shrugged. “You’re human. Annoying. Loud. Unbelievably messy.”

“…And?”

“And I still like you,” Nicolei repeated.

It felt like exhaling something she’d been holding in for weeks.

Serene’s smile cracked, slow and uncertain, like she wasn’t sure she was allowed to feel it yet. “You have no idea how much I needed to hear that.”

Nicolei raised a brow. “You?”

Serene let out a soft laugh, resting her chin in her hand, elbow on the table. “Do you think I come here for the Calculus?”

Nicolei blinked.

“I mean—okay, maybe a little for the Calculus,” Serene admitted. “But mostly? I came here for you. Because you made the quiet feel… safe.”

Nicolei swallowed. “I didn’t know.”

“Because I’m really bad at shutting up,” Serene said. “And you’re really good at pretending you don’t care when you do.”

Nicolei smiled faintly. “Maybe.”

Serene reached across the table slowly. Palm up.

No rush. No demands. Just there.

Nicolei hesitated.

Then slid her hand into Serene’s.

It was warm. Familiar.

Real.

Serene exhaled, visibly relaxing, like she’d been holding her breath for weeks too.

“So,” Serene said softly, “do we still have our Wednesday sessions?”

Nicolei glanced at their intertwined hands.

“We never stopped.”

A Week Later...

Their corner was back.

Serene was early this time—already sitting when Nicolei arrived.

Two cups of coffee sat on the table, one labeled with a sticky note: For the most brilliant mind I know. And also the prettiest.

Nicolei rolled her eyes, but her smile gave her away.

“Don’t act like you don’t love it,” Serene teased, sipping from her own cup.

“Just don’t let the librarian see the note,” Nicolei replied, tucking it into her book.

They reviewed a few math problems, but most of the time was spent leaning close, heads nearly touching, laughing softly at Serene’s ridiculous mnemonics and arguing about historical accuracy in Nicolei’s latest novel.

There was no big confession. No fireworks.

Just warmth.

Just hands brushing, eyes lingering, and the kind of quiet that didn’t need to be filled.

They didn’t define it.

They didn’t have to.

Because sometimes...

... something soft grows between quiet walls.

Something fragile, but steady.

Something that doesn’t need grand gestures to exist.

It just needs a space to breathe.

And maybe a strawberry-scented girl who turned every silence into a story and a brilliant one who finally let herself be written in.

---