chapter 30 - result

It was time to head back. Amy, lost in the peacefulness of the moment, hesitated to leave, but the sun was setting, and they had no choice. With a sigh, she hopped onto her bicycle, ready to pedal again only to notice Zahn refusing to sit behind her.

She laughed it off, giving up on the idea. "Fine, we'll walk," she said, taking the bicycle along to return later.

As they walked through a quiet alley, a voice suddenly called out.

"Come here, and I will reveal your future..."

Amy turned sharply, spotting an older woman seated under a tree. Tarot cards were spread before her on a worn-out cloth, her weathered face lined with deep wrinkles, eyes shadowed with something unreadable.

Zahn stiffened immediately. Everything about the woman felt off. But before he could say a word, Amy had already rushed toward her, excitement lighting up her face.

"Ohh, really? Can you tell us about our future?" she asked eagerly. It wasn't that she fully believed in fortune-telling, but it was still fun to hear.

The woman picked up two cards and examined them in silence before speaking.

"Success... a great deal of success. Both of you will see immense fortune, prosperity, and recognition."

Amy grinned, turning to Zahn, expecting to see him pleased. But his expression remained unreadable, a quiet skepticism in his gaze.

"But you, girl..." The woman's tone suddenly darkened. "You will suffer. Greatly."

Amy's smile faltered. "Huh?"

"For the troubles you've caused others. The lies, the manipulation, the way you've used people for your own gain... it will come back to you."

Amy's brows furrowed. "Excuse me?"

Zahn frowned, shifting uncomfortably. He was ready to leave, but the woman wasn't done.

"You two... there is a strong bond between you. But fragile, like thin glass. Separation will come. Tears, pain..."

A shiver ran down Zahn's spine. "Separation?" he murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

The woman nodded slowly. "Many hardships. And in the end... it will break."

Amy rolled her eyes. "Alright, I think we're done here," she said, turning to leave.

But before they could go, the woman's voice called out again.

"You're not going to pay me? I told your fortune."

Amy hesitated, patting her pockets before pulling out a single coin and dropping it into the woman's open palm.

The woman frowned. "That's far too little, young lady."

Amy averted her gaze. "That's all I have," she muttered, clearly uninterested in spending more.

Before the woman could argue, Zahn silently pulled out a bill and handed it to her without hesitation. Then, grabbing Amy's wrist, he steered her away.

As they walked in silence, Zahn finally spoke. "What she said... about separation. It's unsettling."

Amy glanced at him, then let out a light laugh. "You're actually scared? Zahn, those people just say whatever gets them money."

But he wasn't laughing. He shook his head slightly, his mind elsewhere. Even if he didn't believe in fortune-telling, the words had touched something deep inside him-his fear of abandonment.

Amy's steps slowed as she looked at him. His face was tense, his brows furrowed.

She reached out, tapping his shoulder. "Hey. Why would we ever separate? You know I can't live without you. Even if you try to kick me out, I'll just stick around anyway. So, you're stuck with me. Forever."

Zahn's face softened, his lips almost curving into a smile. That was true. Amy never had a reason to leave him.

And for now, that was enough to ease his mind.

A couple of weeks passed, and the fortune teller's words had long slipped from Zahn's mind. He had other things to deal with, mainly Amy, who had been glued to him ever since exams ended. With nothing much to do, they spent their days simply enjoying each other's company, staying close.

And today was no different.

Amy was sprawled on the couch, phone in hand, mindlessly scrolling through reels.

Zahn, sitting nearby, shot her a disapproving look. "Just because college is over doesn't mean you should waste your time like this."

Without even looking up, Amy sighed dramatically. "And you're back to nagging, Mom?"

Zahn crossed his arms. "I'm just saying-"

"Zahn, why don't you scroll reels?" she suddenly asked.

He blinked. "What kind of question is that?"

Amy turned to him with a knowing smirk. "You don't even have social media, do you?"

"I don't. I'm just on the campus forum."

Amy immediately grabbed his phone from the table.

"Then I'll make one for you."

"You don't need to-"

She ignored him completely. Five minutes later, she held up the screen proudly. "There! Done! Like it?"

Zahn glanced at the screen, his expression shifting from neutral to absolute horror.

@zahnthecutiepie69

What.

The hell.

"AMY." His voice came out sharper than ever.

His eyes twitched. "What's up with this username?!"

Amy waved him off. "Tsk, it's good. Anyway, I already followed you."

She threw the phone back to him and went back to her own. Zahn, still processing what just happened, hesitantly tapped on her profile.

10k followers.

He wasn't surprised. Amy had always been popular on campus. Curious, he scrolled through her posts-group hangouts, food pictures, random scenery...

And then-

His own face.

Sleeping.

Comfortably snuggled into a pillow.

His breath hitched. "Amy-what the hell is this?!"

Amy burst into laughter. "Just showing everyone how good you look!"

"When did you even take this?!"

"While you were sleeping peacefully~" she hummed. "Check the comments!"

Zahn hesitated before clicking. His face turned red instantly.

Oh, didn't know Zahn could look this cute!

Damn, so handsome even while sleeping. Amy, please post more pics?

I'm surprised such a handsome guy didn't have social media...

His grip on the phone tightened, his embarrassment growing with every word. Meanwhile, Amy was laughing to herself, fully enjoying his flustered reaction.

Their days together were too fun so fun that time slipped away unnoticed. Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

And Amy?

She wished it could stay like this forever.

_________________

A particular morning, Amy was stirred awake by a soft caress on her cheek.

She groggily fluttered her eyes open, and the first thing she saw was Zahn's face, his expression unusually gentle, an uncharacteristically soft smile on his lips.

Amy's heart swelled with delight. Without a second thought, she jumped into his arms, and he welcomed her with warm hands cupping her face, pressing soft kisses to her cheeks, her forehead, her lips... even nuzzling their noses together.

She blinked in surprise. Zahn being extra romantic, huh?

Not that she was complaining.

She wrapped her arms around him, still sluggish and drowsy from sleep. The warmth of his lips moving gently over her face made her feel like she was still dreaming. Soft. Sweet. Cozy. She could just melt into his embrace and fall asleep again.

She let out a sleepy sigh, her arms curling around him as she nuzzled into his chest. "Mmm... let me sleep like this a little longer," she mumbled.

Zahn chuckled softly, his fingers tracing slow circles on her back. It was rare for him to be this affectionate, so Amy savored it, letting herself drift back into the warmth of his hold.

Then-

"Amy, results are out."

Amy's eyes snapped open.

Still smiling.

Her entire body stiffened.

Her eyes snapped open, wide in horror. What-?!

"You're kidding, right?" Her voice cracked.

Zahn tilted his head innocently. "Huh? I'm not. You can check for yourself." His tone was so smooth, so casual, it made her panic even more.

Frantically, she reached for her phone on the nightstand. As soon as she unlocked it, her notifications popped up.

Ruby: AMY, RESULTS ARE OUT.

Noah: Holy-I just checked mine. I PASSED!!

Her breath hitched.

So it's true?!

She slowly turned her head back to Zahn. He was still smiling. Still looking way too pleased about this.

Amy, however, was not pleased.

Oh no. Oh no, no, no, no.

Her hands shook slightly as she prepared to check. Because if her grades weren't good, she was done for.

And Zahn-Zahn was waiting.

With that damn smile.

Finally...

Amy and Zahn sat on the couch, the laptop in front of them.

Amy was gripping the cushion like her life depended on it, her palms sweaty, while Zahn sat beside her with an infuriating like calm expression, arms crossed, one leg over the other, looking as if this was just another ordinary day.

It was exactly like a strict parent waiting for their child's report card.

And Amy? She was that terrified child.

Her mother was already texting her, asking if the results were out, but Amy was more nervous about Zahn than anything else.

"Amy, check your result. Or do you want me to do it?" Zahn's voice was suddenly firm. Strict dad mode: activated.

Amy gulped. I'm done for

"Zahn... w-why don't we check yours first?!" she blurted, forcing a wide grin. "Let's see your awesome marks!"

Zahn raised a brow. "Let's see yours first."

"No, yours!" She tried to shove the laptop toward him.

He sighed, shaking his head slightly before taking the laptop and entering his roll number.

A few seconds later, the result popped up.

9.7 CGPA.

"OH WOAH!" Amy practically jumped off the couch, grabbing his shoulders in excitement. "Zahn, you did soooo great!"

Meanwhile, Zahn remained unbothered, like this was the most normal thing in the world. "Expected."

In fact, he was slightly disappointed. The college never gave a perfect 10 CGPA, but he was sure he hadn't made a single mistake.

Amy gawked at his blank expression. "Zahn, what's up with that face?! We should be partying-"

Before she could escape, Zahn grabbed her wrist and dragged her back down onto the couch.

"Enter your details, Amy."

His tone had turned cold.

Amy stiffened. Just minutes ago, this man was kissing her sweetly, but now he looked sharper than ever like he needed to see her result more than his own.

Her throat went dry. Please, God, I hope I didn't fail...

With shaky hands, she slowly typed in her roll number.

The screen started loading.

And kept loading.

...And kept loading.

Amy felt every agonizing second stretch out like eternity.

Zahn's sharp gaze bore into her.

Her heart pounded.

The screen finally refreshed.

FAIL

Silence.

Amy stopped breathing.

The world stopped moving.

Zahn didn't say a word.

Amy didn't say a word.

The universe itself seemed to go eerily still.

A single drop of sweat rolled down Amy's forehead.

Oh. Oh no.

She was dead.

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Author note :

I had so much fun writing this chapter! I honestly find it hilarious , I only wish more people were reading this story.. :')