c h a p t e r  t e n .
(part one)

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Though the two were quiet (not an awkward quiet but a contented one) during the relatively short drive to Wendy’s apartment, they did end up exchanging phone numbers before she left the vehicle. Chen laughed at her flip-phone, which she responded to by explaining how the human race was being controlled by ‘smart’ phones-- an argument that silenced her teaser almost immediately.

                Already for the second time since meeting Wendy, Chen couldn’t articulate. He didn’t feel like he had to. She could win, and somehow, he was okay with that.

                The next few days went by quickly, in expectation of their date on Saturday.

Wendy worked twice as hard with twice as much of her simply elegant enthusiasm, having returned to her relatively normal self since the day that Chen had managed to swiftly and effortlessly ease himself into her mind and heart.

                Mr. Cho, who was always more aware of everything than everyone thought, smiled complacently to himself as he went about his business.

Chen, on the other hand, was at war with himself. Being by nature a storm, he was all that it entailed; the calm, the rain, wind, thunder, lighting... The sunshine after the clouds have passed by.

                He did not regret asking Wendy out; quite on the contrary, he was relieved that his quickly and steadily growing feelings for her could finally be made manifest more freely. But he was as afraid as he was relieved and intrigued combined.

                Afraid of falling, like Suho and Irene. Falling in love, which he felt that at this point was inevitable. He was already enraptured by her, even though he didn’t know a anything about her family or what sort of music she liked or what her dreams were or what her skin smelled like or how it felt to be in her arms late at night as the light from the full moon outside the window filtered through the half-open curtains.

                Writers weren’t meant to be lovers. They knew too much, Chen thought.

                Too much, or far too little.

                Selfish or ignorant.

                There was no in-between.

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                [ CHEN. Hey, just letting you know that I’ll pick you up at 5:30 if that’s okay

                WENDY. But the show isn’t until 7?

                CHEN. This is a date, silly. I’ll take you dinner first. :)

                WENDY. Oh right. Ok! I’ll be ready by 5:30 then. :))

                CHEN. See you then

                WENDY. I can’t wait!

                CHEN. :) ]

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[ CHEN. I’ll be there in 5 minutes. A little early, I know. Take your time ]

                Wendy grabbed her purse off of the bed and went out into the living room of her apartment to grab her coat off of the rack. Amber sat on the couch with a large bowl of noodles and a soda, watching reruns of Game of Thrones. She noticed her roommate’s cute yellow dress, suede booties, updo, and subtle but noticeable makeup.

                “Where are you off to?” she asked after she had swallowed the bite of food that she had been chewing.

                “I’m just going out.” said Wendy plainly.

                “You never go out when it’s dark...what’s going on?”

                “I’m going to the performance of Les Mis at the school.”

                “Oh! I guess I’ll see you there maybe, but aren’t you leaving a bit too early?”

                Wendy was confused. “...You’re going, too?”

                “Yeah; I’m in it.” said Amber, laughing. She sat down her bowl of noodles on the coffee table. “I’m part of the ensemble in several scenes. I also play Grantaire during his singing parts.”

                Wendy stared at her roommate, realizing that she had totally forgotten that Amber was part of the drama club at their university. “Oh, right.”

                Amber repeated her question, “Aren’t you leaving a bit too early?”

                Her roommate buttoned her coat and let out a sigh of defeat. “Alright, alright. I’m going on a date.”

                The other’s eyebrows rose. “Really? That’s great! So you finally say yes to Eric, huh?”

                “Yeah--Wait, w-what? No!” Wendy covered her face. “Not him!” she groaned.

                “Oh, thank God.” said Amber, laughing slightly, “Something about that guy is...o