Breaking Her Innocence

The campus buzzed with activity as classes ended for the day. Snow had rushed to run an errand at the Supreme Student Government office, leaving Katarina alone in the school's front yard. Though initially calm, Katarina began to feel uneasy when students started approaching her.

However, to her surprise, they were merely greeting her with warm smiles. Some handed her flowers, while others offered handwritten letters. Bewildered, Katarina returned their gestures with a shy smile, unsure of how to react to such attention.

Snow arrived moments later, slightly out of breath, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her friend. "Wow, Katarina, you've already become so popular! Look at all those letters and flowers you're getting on just your first day."

Katarina smiled softly and inhaled the scent of the vibrant flowers in her arms. "It's overwhelming. I didn't expect this. I haven't done anything special to deserve all this attention."

Snow chuckled, amused by her friend's humility. "Katarina, you don't have to do anything to be loved. You're kindhearted and naturally charming. Your existence alone is enough to capture people's hearts."

Katarina tilted her head thoughtfully. "But what if they're doing this because they want something in return? Maybe they're just trying to gain Sharon's—um, Sharon's—favor."

"Let's test that theory." Snow picked up one of the letters, quickly skimming its contents before showing it to Katarina. "See? This is all about how much they admire you. No ulterior motives."

Katarina read the letter, her smile growing wider as she absorbed the heartfelt words. "This is my first time receiving gifts like these from strangers. It's… touching."

Snow grinned. "They're not strangers, Katarina. They're your admirers now. You don't need to question their motives so much. People are drawn to you because you're genuine, and that's rare."

Katarina nodded, though her curiosity remained. "Still, I wish I knew what it is I do that makes them feel this way about me."

"For one," Snow teased, "your dimples. Every time you smile, it's like you're healing the world."

"Like this?" Katarina gave her brightest dimpled smile, and Snow clutched her chest dramatically.

"Aww, you're too adorable! I can't handle it!" Snow exclaimed, pulling Katarina into a tight hug. "I swear, I'll protect you with my life! You're too precious!"

"People are watching," Katarina mumbled, blushing furiously.

Snow released her with a playful laugh. "Let them watch! They should know I'm your number one fan."

Katarina shook her head, smiling fondly at her friend. "Thank you for being so kind to me, Snow."

"Always," Snow replied, waving it off casually. "Oh, by the way, I got your study load from the office. I'll email you the activity notes from yesterday."

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

"No problem." Snow paused. "So, are you still waiting for Sharon?"

Katarina sighed, disappointment flickering across her face. "I called her, but she didn't pick up. As usual."

Snow raised an eyebrow. "She's probably busy… with something," she muttered under her breath.

"What was that?" Katarina asked.

"Nothing important. Anyway, let's head home together. We live in the same townhouse complex, remember?"

"We do?"

"Yep!" Snow said with a grin. "But fair warning, I only have a bicycle since I don't have a license yet."

"I don't mind," Katarina reassured her. "We can walk. I want to get familiar with the streets anyway."

"Alright, let's go!" Snow offered her arm, and Katarina linked hers without hesitation.

As they strolled to the parking lot to retrieve Snow's bicycle, students continued to greet Katarina enthusiastically. Snow placed the flowers and letters into the bicycle's basket, and the two began their walk down a quiet one-way street.

Katarina gazed at the horizon, the vibrant hues of the sunset painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

Snow stole glances at her, clearly wanting to ask something.

"What is it?" Katarina asked, noticing Snow's hesitance.

Snow gently tugged Katarina to her right side. "Walk here. I don't want any careless drivers getting too close to you."

Katarina smiled at the thoughtful gesture. "Thank you."

A comfortable silence settled between them until Snow finally spoke. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Katarina replied. "What's on your mind?"

"It's about President Eirene. How long have you known her?"

Katarina tilted her head, thinking back. "We met three years ago. I was a junior, and she was a senior. I met her in the library. I was looking for a book about the cosmos, and she offered to help me find it. We clicked immediately. She became my first real friend."

"You both share an interest in the universe?"

"Yes," Katarina said with a fond smile. "We bonded over our love for astronomy. Even though we only spent a year together, it was meaningful."

Snow hummed thoughtfully. "So, that's how you know each other."

Katarina nodded, but her curiosity was piqued. "Why are you asking? Is there something I should know?"

Snow hesitated before speaking. "It's just… you might want to be careful about your friendship with Eirene, especially because you're Sharon's sister."

Katarina frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Let's just say Sharon and Eirene have some… history. No one knows exactly what happened, but they've never gotten along since then. Whatever it is, it's clearly unresolved, and it might affect you."

Katarina's expression darkened with worry. "Sharon and Eirene… have a past? Why hasn't Sharon mentioned anything to me?"

"That's the thing," Snow said. "Neither of them talks about it. It must be something deeply personal."

Katarina's shoulders sagged. "I'm worried Sharon will hate me for being friends with Eirene. Our relationship isn't great as it is."

"Really? But Sharon seemed so sweet to you this afternoon."

Katarina let out a humorless laugh. "She can be kind sometimes, but most of the time, she makes me feel like I'm walking on eggshells."

Snow shook her head. "Don't let her get to you. You're amazing, Katarina. Give her time; she'll see it too. No one can resist your charm for long."

Katarina blinked at her. "Does that include you?"

Snow grinned. "Of course! Who wouldn't fall for you?"

Her friend's unwavering support made Katarina smile, and the tension she felt moments ago began to dissipate. She couldn't predict what would happen between Sharon and Eirene, but for now, she was grateful for Snow's presence.