New everything

"Are you absolutely sure they go here?" Kevin asked.

"I'm positive," John replied. "Well, it's not like they're actually going to see us on the way."

Rose raised an eyebrow and pointed to the left side of the building. "Are you sure about that?" she asked.

Sarah and Leah were standing right there, staring at them. The moment they realized they had been spotted, they instinctively wanted to look away, but it was too late.

Sarah and Leah marched straight toward them. Sarah stepped forward and said, "Hey, Rose. How are you doing?"

For a moment, Rose was blank, but she decided to go with the flow. "I'm doing great, thanks, Sarah. How have you been?"

Sarah couldn't hold it in anymore. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she began to cry loudly. "I'm so sorry for everything I said about you, Rose," she sobbed. "I really haven't had a good time without you, and besides, you were always—"

Sarah wiped her tears as she continued, "You were the first person who actually accepted me as a friend. You always made me smile and even helped me chase my dreams. I can't believe how awful I've been to you lately."

Rose placed a comforting hand on Sarah's shoulder. "It's alright, Sarah. You don't need to worry about it. Friends are always there for each other, no matter what," she said with a warm smile.

Leah, on the other hand, looked guilty. She hesitated before speaking. "I... I should apologize too. I was mean to you without even knowing the real you."

Rose shook her head and cut her off. "It's alright, Leah. You're our friend too. No need to beat yourself up about it."

Just then, Sam spoke up. "By the way, why did you guys join a music college?"

Leah answered, "Oh, I'm really good at music, and Rose can sing."

But before they could continue, a loud voice interrupted them.

"Hey!"

They turned to see the rock band leader approaching. Rose was the only one happy to see him, while the others looked disgusted. It was common knowledge that the rock band leader had feelings for Rose. And while she wasn't the only stunning girl around, there was something about her charm and kindness that no one could resist.

"Rose, you look lovely today," he said smoothly. "I hope we can collaborate and make this an unforgettable experience at the music college."

"It's only for a year," John muttered under his breath, his irritation barely contained.

The rock band leader smirked. "Oh, but isn't it wonderful to create beautiful memories?"

John clenched his fists. He hated the idea of this guy pursuing Rose. Before he could say anything else, a deep voice interrupted.

"Come on, Josh, it's not nice to flirt with my girlfriend."

Everyone turned in shock as Kevin strode forward and scooped Rose into his arms. Startled, she grabbed onto him tightly.

The group gasped.

Sam looked irritated, but deep down, he knew that if Kevin hadn't stepped in, the rock band leader wouldn't have stopped flirting with Rose. She was too naive to realize it.

After Josh finally walked away, Sam moved toward Rose, but Sarah stopped him.

"Sam, I think you should let them be," she said softly.

"Why?!" Sam shouted in frustration.

Sarah flinched, tears forming in her eyes. Realizing he had taken his anger out on her, Sam immediately regretted it.

"Nice going, basketball captain," Leah said scornfully.

Meanwhile, Rose was still processing what had just happened. Kevin had carried her in front of everyone—especially her friends. It was embarrassing.

"Kevin, why did you carry me all the way to the library ground?" she asked, still blushing.

Kevin scratched the back of his head. "Oh, I'm really sorry. Josh was making a move on you, and I got irritated, so I just—"

"And?" Rose pressed, looking at him.

Kevin leaned closer, locking eyes with her. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low.

Rose's blush deepened.

Kevin leaned in and kissed her. His arms tightened around her, his lips trailing down to her neck. He couldn't control himself, but Rose didn't resist. It seemed like she was okay with it.

Just as he started undoing her shirt buttons, she pushed him away. "Kevin! This is not a bedroom."

Kevin smirked. "Oh? So you'd be okay if it was?"

He gazed at her, his eyes full of admiration. Winning her was like winning the whole world. He knew he would pursue her, no matter what.

Rose giggled, pulling his hand. "Let's go back."

"Wait a sec," Kevin said hesitantly. "Do you… do you want to be my girlfriend?"

It was an unexpected question—one that caught Rose off guard. She froze for a moment before suddenly pulling him into a kiss.

"I do," she whispered. "But let's keep it low-key."

Kevin frowned. "That'll only make things worse. Let's tell our friends before it's too late."

Rose hesitated. "But… what about Sam?"

Kevin sighed. "Rose, you don't have to force yourself to love me. Let's talk this out so that no one gets hurt."

"Okay," she agreed. "I just hope no one gets hurt."

Meanwhile, John paced around with a guitar in his hands, exhausted. "Where the heck did they go?" he grumbled. "I have to play their parts too!"

"I'm going to kill him!" he shouted, frustrated.

Sam was also in a bad mood, but unlike John, he kept his emotions bottled up. It wasn't his style to express feelings so openly.

Finally, Rose arrived. "I'm sorry, John," she said with a sad face.

John sighed. "Alright, alright. But no more disappearing except during break time. Got it?"

"Got it," Rose said.

"Good. Now, let's practice. One, two, three… go!"

After practice, Rose pulled Sam aside. "Hey… um—"

"It's okay," Sam interrupted. "I don't see you that way, Rose. And I'm not going to force you to love me."

Before Rose could respond, John barged in. "Wait, not so fast, Sam. You can't just say you don't have feelings for her. We all know you do."

Sam sighed. "Yes, you all know. But I need a break from all this mess. I'm sorry, Rose, but I need to focus on myself first."

"But why?" Rose asked.

"It's not my decision," Sam admitted. "It's your father's."

Rose was stunned. But as long as it wasn't Sam's choice, she could accept it.

Sam took a deep breath. "Look, Rose, even if you can't wait for me, that's okay. I just want you to be happy."

"I will wait," she whispered, tears in her eyes.

Sam couldn't hold back anymore. He pulled her into a tight hug. "I know," he said. "I know you would. But it's going to be okay. This time, you have everyone to take care of you. I'll be back in a year."

John hurried to the car, knowing Rose wasn't feeling okay.

"Hey, Rosy, wait up! Let me accompany you."

Rose turned to see John already in front of her. Without thinking, she hugged him tightly, letting her emotions spill out.

"It's alright," John murmured. "Let's get in the car."

Meanwhile, Kevin was fuming. Seeing John accompany Rose only worsened his mood.

"Hey, Kevin. Planning to pursue Rose?" someone teased.

Kevin's patience snapped. He grabbed the guy by the collar and slammed him against the wall.

"Stay out of my sight," he growled. "That's the least you can do right now."

His mind replayed the events of the past—ones that mirrored what was happening now. Except this time, he was in the middle of it.

However, his mood lifted the moment he entered his room.

Sarah, on the other hand, was over Sam's cranky attitude. She decided to clean her wardrobe, which was stuffed with clothes and makeup. As she sorted through her things, she stumbled upon the first dress she and Rose had ever made together.

The memories made her smile.

She slowed down, reminiscing about the past, and before she knew it, it was 5 PM.

"Man, I'm worn out," she sighed.

She stretched and grabbed her phone. "I should probably head out. Maybe I'll call Leah, too. Yup, that sounds like a great idea."