Chapter 9: Kate, the Senior

What does this mean?

Ivy stared at the large bag of snacks in her hand, thoroughly puzzled. Did Kate pass this off because it was too heavy for her to carry upstairs?

No, no, that's too ridiculous, Ivy thought, shaking away the idea. Kate would never do that.

Then...maybe it was for her to share with the others? After all, Kate didn't seem like someone who'd indulge in snacks herself. If she bought such a large bag, it must be for everyone to enjoy. Kate was always so generous—hadn't she treated everyone to breakfast earlier?

But...she kind of wanted to keep it all for herself.

Ivy pouted. If she'd bought it herself, she'd share, of course. But this was a bag personally given to her by Kate, who had even nudged it against her in a memorable moment.

Not that she knew what it meant exactly.

Ivy glanced around to see if anyone was watching and, seeing everyone preoccupied, snuck the bag upstairs, looking rather conspiratorial.

In the room, Kate was reading as usual.

She really does love reading, Ivy thought, approaching her.

"Kate, you bought a lot of snacks."

"Mm." Kate didn't even look up.

"Would it be okay if I kept these to myself?" Ivy said, a little embarrassed. "They did touch me first, so others might not want them."

Kate finally looked at her, a complicated expression crossing her face. "It's up to you how you handle your things," she replied.

"My things?" Ivy's eyes widened in surprise. "You bought all these just for me?"

Kate didn't answer, instead asking, "Which yogurt tastes better, this one or this morning's?"

"I haven't tried it yet." Ivy instantly forgot her earlier dilemma, pulling out a yogurt. "I'll taste it now!"

"Who were you planning to share these with?" Kate asked again.

"Oh, Annie, Sophia, and Ethan," Ivy answered nonchalantly while sipping her yogurt. "I didn't see Flora around, but she's really cute too. Leon probably wouldn't care for it, though."

She rattled off her friends' names with the sweetest tone.

Kate took the bag of snacks from Ivy, tied it up, and packed it away in her suitcase, the orderly space now a bit disheveled.

Ivy: ???

"Kate...weren't these for me?" She looked at the packed-up bag with growing despair, her yogurt nearly empty.

Kate simply replied, "I only asked you to carry it upstairs."

Ivy: "..."

She slumped over her yogurt, feeling utterly betrayed and left in a whirlwind of confusing emotions. Had Kate just been teasing her?

The camera captured every second of the scene unfolding.

**

Ivy lay sprawled out on a wooden table, her arms folded and her head resting in boredom. Across from her, Kate continued reading, not saying a word. It was unbearably dull.

She hadn't realized there were plenty of people around to pass the time with and that she'd find more stories and screen time in busier settings.

Suddenly, she placed her hands neatly on the table, rested her chin on top, and said with hopeful anticipation, "We're going on a date soon."

Kate's book gave a slight jerk as she coughed lightly, covering her mouth with her hand.

"What's wrong? Need me to pat your back?" Ivy asked with concern.

Kate looked at her and replied, "It's only afternoon tea."

Ivy shook her head, playfully challenging, "It's anything but ordinary to me. I've been watching your shows since I was a kid. It's my first afternoon tea with my childhood idol."

Kate asked, "Which shows have you seen?"

Ivy, like a delighted fan, rattled off a list, including one that was somewhat embarrassing for Kate.

With a neutral expression, Kate said, "Young people should focus on their studies. Watching too much TV can lead to poor eyesight."

"My eyesight is perfect at 20/20." Ivy's thoughts hopped to a new topic. "Does this mean if I call you 'teacher,' you'll really teach me how to act?"

Though school provided the basics, it wasn't as hands-on, and one-on-one sessions would really help her improve.

"I'm not naturally talented at acting," Kate replied.

"You're being modest." Ivy made a face. She was already speaking more freely around Kate.

Kate shrugged, a touch of resignation lightening her voice. "I work hard. While others are sleeping, I'm still working."

Ivy tilted her head. She felt she was seeing a truer side of Kate, more real than ever, and had the urge to pat her head and say, "You're the best there is."

"Why did you agree to this show? Are you looking for love?" Ivy's question flitted to another topic.

"Why should I tell you?" Kate reverted to her cool, sharp self.

"Fine, fine." Ivy shrugged, a little devil in her mind whispering: I'm not letting any other contestants get too close to her.

Kate lowered her gaze back to her book, and Ivy sighed, reluctantly pulling out her phone, where she saw a message from her manager.

[Zen Master: Staff mentioned today will have free scheduling time as not all contestants are here. Make sure to post on social media, go live if you can, and prepare some short videos as back-ups in case you get busy later in the week.]

Ivy looked at the message and could practically hear her manager's chant in her head, her brain buzzing.

I'm so envious of Kate. She doesn't even have her own social media. Just a studio page—she doesn't need to post or keep fans updated. She can even set her own rules with directors.

Ivy's gaze drifted over to Kate's face, quietly determined. How long would it take for her to reach that level?

"Why are you staring at me?" Kate asked, looking up.

"You're beautiful," Ivy answered sincerely. "You're the most beautiful person I've ever seen."

Kate's expression grew slightly uneasy.

"Oh, I didn't mean it like that!" Ivy realized her words sounded flirtatious and waved her hands. "It's like looking at the moon. I just can't help it. Really!"

Kate picked up a book, placing it in front of Ivy with her usual coolness. "Maybe read this instead."

Ivy tugged at her cheeks, mentally scolding herself: There you go again, putting Kate in a bad mood!

Out of the corner of her eye, Kate watched Ivy pull at her cheeks until her face looked squished, as though she wanted to reach out and do it herself.

**

Remembering her manager's instructions, Ivy knew she couldn't keep slacking. Out of respect for Kate's reading, she moved a stool to the shower room and began her live stream. The sound bounced off the walls, creating an echo.

"Hey, everyone! I'm here!" Ivy waved at the camera, flashing a sweet smile.

-First!

-She's adorable!

-At work and sneaking a peek!

-Here we go!

-In class but couldn't resist tuning in!

Seeing the familiar usernames made her smile.

"Slacking off at work? Fine. But skipping out in class? That's a no-no. You should stay focused!" Ivy's expression turned serious.

-Sorry, won't happen again, bye!

Ivy laughed, "Alright, then."

-She's such a sweetie!

-Cutie, have you been eating well?

-Is filming tiring?

The warm comments made Ivy's heart feel full. Just as she was about to speak, a shadow cast over her head, and Kate's reflection appeared behind her in the camera.

Ivy nearly shrieked, but realizing it was Kate, she calmed herself and placed a hand over her chest. How did she walk so quietly?

"What are you doing?" Kate asked innocently.

"Streaming." Ivy looked up, blinking.

Kate picked her up by the back of her collar, guiding her back into the room. "Do it here. Otherwise, your fans will think I'm being unkind to you."

Holding her phone, Ivy sat down, utterly bewildered, as the comments exploded.

-That was adorable!

-Our girl's settled in so well; Kate's treating her like family!

-Please look after our little Ivy, Ms. Stone!

-They're the perfect roomies!

Kate glanced at the screen, reading the comments, and asked, "Is livestreaming that fun?"

In a spontaneous moment, Ivy responded, "Want to join me?"