After a long, exhausting day, they finally returned to the flat.
Hazel headed straight to her room to take a shower, while the boys — Drake and his gang — flopped into their own room, clearly with no plans of bathing anytime soon. Just pure chaos and laziness as usual. 🥱
Meanwhile, Hazel stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel, using another one to dry her hair. As she gently ran it through her damp strands, her phone buzzed on the bed.
Unknown Number:
"Hey Hazel"
Hazel stared at the screen, raised an eyebrow, and muttered,
Hazel: "Who the hell is this… huh, whatever."
She tossed the phone onto the bed without replying and continued humming softly as she dried her hair.
She turned to walk out of her room—
Only to find Axel standing right in front of her door.
Hazel let out a loud scream in shock.
Axel immediately rushed in and quickly covered her mouth.
Axel (softly): "Hazel—don't scream. I'm not here to hurt you, I swear."
Hazel tried to calm her breathing, staring at him with wide eyes.
He let go of her as soon as she stopped panicking.
Axel (awkwardly): "I'm… sorry."
Then, without another word, he stepped out and sat on the couch outside, leaving the door open.
Hazel quickly shut the door, leaned against it, and whispered to herself,
Hazel: "Why is he here? Oh my God…"
She got dressed and walked out to the living room, where Axel was sitting calmly, waiting.
Axel: "I called you so many times. You didn't respond."
Hazel looked confused for a second.
Hazel: "Oh… I just—"
Axel (interrupting gently): "It's okay."
Hazel (sitting across from him): "So… why are you here?"
Axel: "I wanted to say sorry."
Hazel: "For what?"
Axel: "The scene at school… you know, earlier today."
Hazel blinked, remembering the incident.
Hazel: "Oh. Oh yeah… well, it's not a big deal."
Axel gave a small nod, smiling lightly.
Hazel (squinting): "Wait… was that you who texted me?"
Axel: "Yeah. That was me."
Hazel nodded slowly.
Then Axel extended his hand toward her.
Axel: "Friends?"
Hazel hesitated for a moment, then smiled and placed her hand in his.
Hazel: "Of course."
Axel smiled back, then stood up, walking to the door.
Axel: "Alright. Bye. Good night."
And just like that, he left. 🚶🏻♀️
Hazel closed the door behind Axel, and for a moment, a soft smile bloomed on her face — subtle, but genuine. She walked back into her room, picked up her phone from the bed, and tapped in the number.
Contact saved: Axel.
——
Next Morning – At School
Hazel sat at her usual seat, her face buried in her arms on the desk. She hadn't slept well the night before, and it showed.
Suddenly— thwack —a small, crumpled piece of paper hit the back of her head.
Startled, Hazel jerked up, rubbing the spot as she looked around sharply. No one made eye contact. Everyone was busy pretending they hadn't done a thing.
She uncrumpled the paper.
"Didn't I tell you to stay away from Drake? Are you deaf? Note this: he's mine. I'll make him mine. Don't you dare try to get him."
Hazel blinked once, then scoffed under her breath.
Hazel (muttering): "Fucking loser."
Without a second thought, she crushed the note again and tossed it straight into the wastebasket beside her desk.
——
Break Time
Hazel made her way to the cafeteria, craving nothing but caffeine. She was halfway through rolling her eyes at the usual morning chaos when a sudden ding came from the intercom. The principal's voice rang across the school:
> "Attention students! We're excited to announce a grand celebration scheduled on the 15th of next month. It's going to be an unforgettable evening filled with singing, dancing, live performances, and surprises. From solo acts to couple dances and band showcases — every talent is welcome. Get ready to light up the stage!"
Hazel stood still, letting the last word echo out.
Hazel: "Here we go again…"
She exhaled, shook her head, and bought herself a cold coffee.
She made her way over to her usual table where the gang was already gathered.
Zayn (grinning): "So… not joining in?"
Hazel: "Joining what?"
Caleb (teasing): "The couple dance, duh."
He even winked.
Hazel gave him a tired look.
Hazel: "Ugh. It's not my thing."
Lucas: "Come on, Hazel. You totally could."
Ben: "We're all in, by the way."
Levi: "Ben, please. You can't dance. Don't drag us down with you."
Zayn (grinning): "Ouch, pair up with Drake."
That made Drake's head lift slightly — now he was paying attention. His eyes flicked toward Hazel with mild interest.
Hazel (immediately): "Never. And ever. I don't even know how to dance."
Drake rolled his eyes like he'd heard the worst excuse in the world.
Levi (mock sighing): "Better luck next time…"
Hazel (suspicious): "What?"
Levi (quickly): "Nothing!"
The group burst into laughter, shifting the conversation away, while Hazel sipped her cold coffee and shook her head.
Just another normal day...