I CAN FIX HIM ! by KissLeclerc
November 27, 2022 # "Do Spill."

LOUNGING AROUND IN HER LIVING ROOM, Adeline sat beside Paul as the two waited for the rest of their friends to arrive since the evening was quickly approaching.

The blonde had been at her place all day-being productive by starting off with a workout session at the gym, soon going back to her house to have a little bit of tutoring time as she helped him complete some missing assignments.

"Exam scores are almost out." Adeline glanced at the blonde as the clock on the wall was approaching 5:00PM. "How are you feeling?"

Paul stretched his legs out, his sneakers lightly tapping against the coffee table. "Honestly? A little nervous," He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean, I think I did okay, but I don't know."

Adeline nodded, her lips curving into a reassuring smile. "You picked up on things quick. I'm sure you did great." She paused. "Just a 75 or higher will boost your grade to a good place."

Paul gave her a grateful look. "Yeah.." He still seemed hesitant. "Well. Couldn't have done most of it without your help, of course."

She felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, but quickly masked it with a casual shrug. "Best tutor in the world?" She questioned cockily, a small laugh escaping his lips afterwards.

"I guess..." Paul trailed off, causing her to throw a pillow at him with a scoff. "Kidding-YES!" He held his arms up in defense. "Best tutor ever." He laughed as she set the next pillow down with a small glare-but he suddenly threw one of his own.

"OH. YOU ARE DEAD." She laughed, picking the cushion back up, completely standing up from her spot on the couch, starting a full on pillow fight with the boy.

Just as the pillow fight reached its peak, Adeline's phone buzzed on the coffee table. She paused, holding up a hand to signal a truce. "Wait, the scores are out," The girl mumbled, grabbing her phone and looking at the screen.

Paul, catching his breath, watched her closely. "Are they?"

Adeline nodded, her eyes flicking up to meet his. "Yeah, they just posted. Check yours-I got a 96..." She said nervously.

"What a surprise." He said with a sarcastic tone, a wide smile painted across his face as he looked at her, feeling proud of Adeline deep down.

Paul's heart raced as he pulled out his phone and opened his online grade book. The debate captain moved closer, peering over his shoulder. The room felt quieter, the anticipation hanging thick in the air.

Paul navigated to the chemistry section, his fingers trembling slightly. "I'm nervous." He muttered before glancing at Adeline who pat him on the back.

"Open it." She assured him. "You did good-trust."

Nodding at her words, he finally tapped at his screen. As the web page loaded, Paul's eyes widened, and a grin slowly spread across his face.

"87!" He exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement, Adeline suddenly beginning to jump up and down as her face lit up with joy, feeling proud of the boy in front of her.

"SEE!" The debate captain cheered, throwing her arms around him in a spontaneous hug, celebrating this beau victory together.

"I TOLD YOU." She laughed into their embrace as he lifted her off the ground, causing her to softly laugh since it caught her off guard.

Paul hugged her tightly, the relief and happiness evident in his voice. "I really couldn't have done it without you. Seriously, thank you." He mumbled into the crook of her neck, not letting go.

Adeline slightly pulled away as he finally set her down, her eyes sparkling with pride. "You worked hard! Five tutoring sessions and an 87?" She applauded him. "That's so beautiful!"

"I just happen to have the best tutor in the world." He smiled down at her, his hands on her waist as they stood in her living room.

"I mean, if you want me to take all the credit." She said cockily before he snickered, bending down for another one of their sweet and short kisses.

"Adeline-!" Her dad's voice suddenly interrupted, startling to the mask as he entered the room from the kitchen, causing the girl to immediately shove Paul off of her.

"Oh-Paul, you're still here?" The man quirked a brow, stopping in his tracks as he was clueless to what his daughter and the boy were just doing a few seconds ago.

"Yes, sir." He nodded. His hands behind his back as he awkwardly glanced around the room.

"I thought you left for work already?" Adeline spoke up with a soft tone-mortified at the fact they were almost caught.

"I did-but, I forgot my stethoscope. Came in through the back door." Her dad laughed. "I'll be on my way now."

"Okay, have a good shift!" The debate captain exclaimed, walking towards her dad to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Tell mom I said hi." She smiled.

"Of course." He nodded, glancing over at Paul. "Well, you guys have fun, and you don't stink up my bathroom." The man joked as he pointed at the blonde, causing Adeline to nearly cackle.

"Oh." Paul bit down on the inside of his cheek. "I won't." He let out a breath, causing him to let out a laugh of his own.

"I'll see you tomorrow." The Huang man placed a kiss on the top of her head before leaving them be.

Glancing at each other awkwardly, Paul couldn't help but immediately smile at her knowingly. "Idiot!" She reached for the couch, grabbing another pillow to throw at him.

"Adeline-The rest of your friends are here!" Her dad's voice suddenly called out once again.

"Mr. Huang!" She was able to recognize Joslyn's voice.

"Oh, fuck." Adeline groaned. "Act normal. Nothing happened." She gathered the thrown pillows from off the floor and quickly fixed her couch.

Arriving just on time, their four other friends poured into the living room, everyone soon greeting the two with hugs, dap ups, and teasing glances.

"Paul! You're here early." Gen pointed out, as she gave him a brief side hug.

"Yeah." Joslyn piled on with a smirk. "How come?"

"Does it involve... Bonking?" Ollie quirked a brow, causing the two girls and Kimi to laugh.

"Right, so what drinks do you guys want?" Adeline completely ignored them and their stupid remarks. "I can go ahead and get everything ready-while you guys can go sit on the patio."

"Right. So Adeline, my dearest and most sweet girl." Gen said calmly. "There are a lot of plot holes I need the answers to-NOW."

"Right." The debate captain. "So go sit in the patio." She quirked a brow. "We can discuss when you have your Dr Pepper."

"Oh! Wait! This is perfect." The Cortes girl clapped. "Let's go!" She looked at the other three and grabbed Kimi's hand.

"I'll help you." Paul offered, causing the group the smirk wide and send them "OOOOOO's"

"No, it's fine." Adeline declined, but Paul was not taking no for an answer, sighing inwardly as the teasing glances from their friends continued before they went out back.

She led the way to the kitchen, Paul trailing close behind despite her protests.

"Boy, I said it's fine," Adeline murmured, glancing over her shoulder at him. Paul grinned, undeterred. "I know, but I'm here already. Might as well help." He shrugged.

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. As they reached the kitchen, she started grabbing drinks from the fridge. "Can you get glasses from the cabinet?"

"Yes, ma'am." Paul said, reaching up to grab a stack of glasses. He placed them on the counter and turned to her, leaning against the table top with a playful look.

"So, what are we telling them?"

Adeline sighed, handing him a bottle of soda. "Well. They assume we bonk..." She snickered at her choice of words. "Which isn't too far off."

Paul laughed softly, opening the bottle and pouring drinks. "Right."

"I mean-we're just.." The debate captain trailed off. "We agreed to just play it by ear, we don't exactly have a label."

"Aren't we.. seeing each other, technically?" He said with a low whisper.

"Yeah..." She nodded awkwardly, as he poured the last bits of soda and preferred drinks for their friends.

"So we can say that."

Continuing to work in comfortable silence for a few more moments, the familiar routine calmed Adeline's nerves since she always got chilled drinks ready for their Sunday hangouts.

Glancing at Paul, who was focused on his task, she felt a surge of affection and pride as she thought about his successes in chemistry many minutes ago.

"Just by the way," Adeline began, her voice soft, "I really am proud of you for that chem test. You did great."

Paul looked up, meeting her eyes with a warm smile. "Thank you."

She smiled back, feeling a rush of warmth. "Anytime."

Paul set the bottle down and stepped closer to her, his eyes locked onto hers, "I really mean it. Thank you."

Before Adeline could respond, Paul leaned in and kissed her gently. The world seemed to pause for a moment, the warmth of his lips sending a shiver down her spine. She kissed him back, savoring the brief, stolen moment of intimacy.

Just then, Joslyn's voice called from the patio. "Guys? I need my Dr P, STAT!"

Pulling back, Adeline's cheeks flushed. "Coming!" She called out, rolling her eyes playfully as Paul shook his head.

She grabbed a tray and started placing the drinks on it, while the blonde picked up the last two glasses and followed her to the patio, where their friends were lounging and chatting animatedly.

Joslyn huddled right next to Ollie as they wrapped a blanket around themselves, Kimi and Genevieve practically doing the same thing as it was nearing the winter and it was a chilly evening.

Grabbing a blanket of her own, Adeline joined them in the conversation pit, taking a seat where Paul sat right next to her, causing their friends to exchange amused glances.

"Sooooo..." Gen trailed off, sipping on her drink as Kimi laughed.

Adeline could feel the anticipation in the air as their friends waited for her to spill something. She took a deep breath and decided to steer the conversation. "So, what's up with you guys...?"

Gen and Joslyn groaned, but Kimi answered. "Trying not to freeze my ass off, it's so cold."

Ollie wrapped his arm around Joslyn, chuckling. "Well, it's not that bad, actually. Plus! It feels a bit cozy."

Adeline smiled, grateful for the shift in focus. "It's perfect for hot chocolate." She leaned back into her seat as she brought her legs up.

"Wait... lowkey... what if you made some-right now." Joslyn suggested with a cheeky grin.

"Oh, THIS." Gen agreed.

Adeline laughed, shaking her head before getting up. "Fine. Just give me a few minutes."

Paul stood up as well. "I'll help. Again."

"Sooooo bonking." Joslyn made eye contact with Adeline, mouthing the teasing words, causing the debate captain to roll her eyes with a small laugh.

Their friends continued to exchange knowing looks but let them go without more teasing this time. As they made their way back to the kitchen, Paul leaned in and whispered,

"So.. about that date of ours.."

Adeline laughed, pulling out the ingredients for hot chocolate. "Right." She nodded.

Paul chuckled, setting up the mugs. "Are you free this week?" He asked.

"This weekend-yes." She replied.

"Wanna do Friday night?" Paul offered.

"Sounds beautiful." Adeline grinned. "And what shall we ever do?" She questioned.

"Do you like go-karting?" The blonde quirked a brow.

"Never been, but I am so down." The debate captain laughed. "Is dinner in the works too or?..." Her voice playfully trailed off.

"Well, duh." He said with an obvious tone.

"Then I cannot wait." She smiled ever so brightly.

Proceeding with their task, they continued to work together in a comfortable silence, the quiet hum of the kitchen a stark contrast to the lively chatter outside. Adeline stirred the hot chocolate, feeling Paul's presence beside her, steady and comforting. She glanced at him, catching his eye, and they shared a soft smile.

Once they finished, they carried the tray of steaming mugs back to the patio, where their friends greeted them again with cheers and grateful smiles.

Adeline settled back into her spot next to Paul, subconsciously huddling toward him for warmth as the night got colder, feeling a sense of contentment as they all sipped on their drinks.

"Okay, no more stalling." Gen spoke up.

"Yeah, you guys have been edging me all evening." Joslyn sighed as Ollie's lips thinned.

"Mate." Kimi paused mid blow on his hot cocoa.

Letting out a long exhale as she sat up straight, while also laughing at Joslyn's words, Adeline exchanged a knowing glance with Paul. Her cheeks warming with a playful smile.

"There's nothing much to it, honestly." She let out nervously, her two best friends sharing brief glances of excitement.

"We're just seeing each other."

"OHHHH MY GOD?" Joslyn jumped up from her seat, Genevieve already being two steps ahead as she ran towards her for an embrace.

"NO SHOT." Ollie's jaw dropped, a laugh still emitting from him as he and Kimi looked at each other.

"I'm shouldn't be shocked but I'm still shocked." The Italian said in confusion, staring at the two as Paul happily wrapped an arm around her.

"Taking her on a date this Friday." The blonde admitted.

"OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD." Genevieve and Joslyn jumped and down, still embracing one another.

"JAK IS NOT GONNA SHUT UP ABOUT THIS." Gen exclaimed as she let go in order to calm herself down.

"Such an upgrade from Vivienne-She literally fell off." Joslyn added before taking the seat next to her boyfriend again.

"Yeah, what happened to her?" Ollie quirked a brow. "Better yet-a question I've been dying to ask-who did she leave you for?"

"You can't just ask something like that??" His girlfriend furrowed her eyebrows. "Ollie."

"It's fine." Paul shrugged. "I got over it."

"Yeah... moved on too." Kimi commented, earning an elbow to the side from Gen. "Ow?!"

"Wait, I don't even know who she left you for?" Adeline glanced at him.

"It's embarrassing, not gonna lie." The blonde explained with an unsettling voice. "Well kinda for me, but mostly for her."

"Oh, do tell." Joslyn leaned forward.

"Nikola." Paul said. "The 10th year."

"NO FUCKING WAY?" Gen gasped. "YOU'RE JOKING." She stomped her feet and covered her mouth in complete shock. "PAUL?"

"Isn't he like, 15?!?" Kimi furrowed his eyebrows.

"SHE'S A LITTLE BOY KISSER?!?" Joslyn screamed. "Sorry! Correct me!-Little boy BONKER?"

"MATE." Ollie laughed out loud, hiding his face in his hands as the reaction of Joslyn absolutely killed him.

"Death to Vivienne when?" Adeline huffed a breath, groaning into the palms of her hands as she peaked at Paul through her fingers.

"The upgrade is insanity." Joslyn stared at the two. "Let alone, the insanity of Adeline finally settling down with someone-but PAUL, of all people first of all?" She paused. "It's blowing my mind."

Adeline chuckled, shaking her head at Joslyn's dramatic commentary. "Settling down? I wouldn't necessarily call it that," She teased, nudging Paul playfully.

"Yeah, we're taking it slow..." Paul said with a grin, clearly enjoying the banter.

Gen leaned back, raising an eyebrow. "Taking it slow? We all have your locations-You guys have been inseparable these days."

"She's tutoring him." Kimi said sarcastically as he crossed his arms. A playful smirk tugging at his lips.

"Oh, right! Well, of course." Gen nodded as she tapped on her chin before exchanging a look with Joslyn, who had subtly quieted down, her gaze fixed on Adeline and Paul.

"On a serious note, though," Joslyn spoke up, her tone genuine. "Are you guys thinking about-you know, getting serious?" She paused. "Which, like, I know you just got out of a relationship, but?" Her eyes darted to Paul.

"Spill the details!"

Adeline and Paul shared a look, the playful atmosphere now tinged with a weightier question. The debate captain glanced at Paul, silently asking for his support. He nodded imperceptibly, encouraging her to speak.

"Right," Adeline began cautiously, "Well, we're definitely getting closer."

"Yeah. Like you guys said-we've been hanging out a lot," Paul added, trying to lighten the mood.

Gen leaned back, raising an eyebrow. "Bonking a lot."

"Girl." Adeline snickered before her heart felt heavy.

She knew she had to tell them eventually.

Sharing a glance with Ollie, his eyebrows were already raised, knowing that she had lots of things to confess.

And she didn't expect to even say anything about her endeavors for America this evening.

Taking a deep breath, her fingers tightened around Paul's hand underneath the blanket they were huddled under.

"Are you okay?" Joslyn noticed the sudden shift in mood. "My sweets, sorry if our questions overwhelmed you-"

"No, no!" Adeline shook her head. "It's fine! You guys have been beautiful and amazing-as per usual." She tried to lighten the mood but she knew what had to be done, so she felt a really heavy on her on her shoulder.

"It's just that-"

"Adeline and I wouldn't have a lot of time if we got serious.." Paul noticed her trembling and decided to bite the bullet for her. Starting off the conversation that would lead into something a little more serious.

Gen furrowed her brow. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Adeline hesitated, unsure how to broach the topic, Paul's hand now squeezing hers ever so gently as a backbone and offering of unwavering support.

"I've applied to universities only in the States," She finally confessed-Feeling repetitive as this was the third time she had to get this information off her chest.

"Oh?" Joslyn's eyes narrowed slightly, trying to process her words before sensing there was likely more for her to say.

"And when were you planning on telling us this?"

"I wasn't sure how to," Adeline admitted with a soft shrug, feeling a pang of guilt.

Genevieve sighed, her disappointment and slight heartbreak now vey evident. "Wait-Ads, this is a big deal. Why have you been keeping this from us?"

"I didn't know how to tell you guys!" Adeline explained, feeling a bit defensive. "And I knew if I did, I know I wouldn't have been able to push through with it-I'm sorry."

"Right, so-" Joslyn sat up straight. "Technically you're saying we would've held you back, essentially."

Adeline felt the weight of her words like a punch to the gut. She hadn't meant to imply that her best friends would hold her back, but she knew she had kept them in the dark out of fear of their reaction and the likeliness of convincing her to stay home.

But it was her future she was set in stone about.

She had lots of things lined up for her, and she only lived once. Why let that go to waste?

But in the process, you're gonna hurt people.

And now, seeing the hurt and confusion on their faces, she regretted her silence even more. "It's not like that," Adeline said quickly, her voice trembling slightly. "I needed to figure things out for myself first."

Joslyn leaned forward, her expression a mix of concern and frustration. "But we're your friends, Adeline-best friends. We would've-well. I don't know how I would've reacted, but nonetheless, I feel like we had every right to know?"

"What-and you knew about this?" She glanced at Ollie as it was evident he began to panic.

"Don't give him shit! I told him to stay quiet." Adeline was quick to defend him. "He was the first I told."

Adeline's admission hung heavy in the air, tension palpable among the friends. She glanced around at each face, seeing a mix of surprise, hurt, and concern.

Joslyn, always outspoken, was now contemplative, her brows furrowed as she processed the information. Gen sat back, her disappointment evident in the downturn of her lips.

"I..." Adeline began, her voice soft but resolute, "I needed to make sure I was doing this for the right reasons. It's not that I didn't trust you guys-it's just a really big step for me."

Gen sighed, nodding slowly. "We get it, Ads," She said gently. "But you have to understand why we're hurt. This is a major part of your life, Jos and I-we're your best friends."

Adeline nodded, feeling tears prick at her eyes. She hadn't wanted to hurt them, but she had been so afraid of their reaction that she had kept them in the dark, but keeping it from them longer made it more painful. "I know, and I'm sorry," She whispered. "I should have told you sooner."

"When did you make this decision?" Gen asked. This question being something anyone has yet to ask.

Adeline took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she spoke. "It was last year," She began, her gaze shifting between her friends.

"After winning nationals, Vettel told me that several American schools had tried to get ahold of me. They offered in-person summer programs, but it was so sudden at the time, I didnt want to go to America-So, I opted for online seminars instead."

She paused, the weight of her confession pressing down on her shoulders. "During those seminars, though," Adeline continued, "I started to see the opportunities and possibilities these schools offered-especially for what I want to pursue."

"And... I kind of fell in love with the idea of studying there." Her fingers trembled as she played with her rings.

"I've been applying to several scholarships, of course with the help of Vettel. A pause. "I submitted my last coupes applications this week, and I'm kind of just set now... Until March and April."

Adeline looked at each of her friends. Hoping they would understand the complexity of her emotions and decisions. She felt a mix of relief and anxiety as she finally shared this part of her journey with them.

The room fell silent as the debate captain finished speaking, her friends absorbing the heaviness of her words and the emotions behind it. Joslyn, who had been quiet throughout, finally spoke up, her voice soft but earnest.

"I get why you kept this to yourself," She said, her expression reflecting a mix of understanding and lingering hurt. "But I wish you had trusted us enough to share this sooner. It's a big deal, and we're obviously here to support you through it."

"Yeah-and of course, it was gonna hurt regardless." Gen exhaled. "You're a productive genius, it's no doubt you're getting in-"

"I said that too." Ollie softly smiled.

"Right-so anyways, before I was rudely interrupted." She groaned, the mood slowly lightening as her sass slightly cheered everyone up. "I guess it's just the thought that you probably won't be here in a year from now."

"Oh, that hurts." Joslyn winced as her eyes were now filled with tears.

"Guys. Please." Adeline frowned.

"Oh, come on guys, lighten up!" Kimi tried to ease the mood a bit more. "There's plenty of time before next fall."

"Yeah!" Paul added on. "She gets her results in March and April." He explained. "So-until then, and after when we find out where she's headed, we spend as much time with Adeline as possible."

"Right-that's if you don't hog her." Joslyn crossed her arms, now laughing as her tears spilled.

Paul chuckled. "I'll make sure to share," He promised, glancing fondly at Joslyn and Genevieve.

"Oh, fuck you for crying." Adeline let out a sob as tears of her own began to pour out.

"I can't help it." Jos pouted as Adeline and Genevieve both stood up with the same idea. Tears spilling from all three of them while Ollie got up to give the trio some space as they all sobbed and cuddled.

"We love you, sweet girl," Gen murmured, rubbing circles on her back soothingly. "You'll always be a part of us."

Adeline shook her head, unable to contain her grief. "Ohhhhkay, I can't do this," She cried, her hands covering her face.

"We're not upset at you," Joslyn reassured her, gently wiping away Adeline's tears. "We're proud of you, for everything you've achieved and everything you're going to achieve."

Adeline sniffled, trying to compose herself. "Guys, I haven't even gotten into any yet, I won't even know for a couple more months."

"You're getting into some without a doubt," Genevieve insisted firmly, brushing hair away from Adeline's face. "And when you do, we'll be here celebrating with you."

And with that, the guys soon joined them in a comforting group hug. The six of them all sat on the couch as their arms wrapped around one another in some way, shape, and form.

Smiling to herself, Adeline finally lifted the weight and burden of not telling her best friends about a new chapter in her life she was just getting started with, and now she could look at them without feeling that pant of guilt.

"You guys are my world and everything more."

VERA'S VOICE!
4.2k words . crazy work. beefy chapter of absolute nonsense lowk. WOMP...... my own biggest hater is me. Whoops.

anyways, so here we are. !!!!!! idk what the next chapter is gonna be anymore becauseWAIT JUST KIDDING, the date is next prob. OOOUUHHHHH...

there's still sm to go, but idk how it's gonna play out. we all shall figure it out together. Love!

anyways!
Hello Bellypoo & Elenapie.
love vera bear