Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 193

Laurent said, ‘I’ll give you all a fair chance–but the next month? It’s mine. 

Finished 

Ryan shot back immediately. ‘Big talk for someone who’s about to be shipped back to the military. I’ve got all the time in the world–I don’t need you handing me chances.’ 

Mason wasn’t much more polite. ‘You barely show up more than twice a year. You sure you’re not confused about your role here?‘ 

Then came Jane, ever the pot–stirrer: ‘Wow, my dear sister posts one photo, and you guys all lose your minds. Honestly? I’m living for this. Premium drama. Once in a century kind of show.‘ 

Ava was mortified. 

Without hesitation, she went back and disabled the comments on her post. She even hid all their replies. In a second, the page was clean–like none of it had ever happened. 

But peace was short–lived. 

The group chat exploded again, and Ava glanced at the screen, feeling like someone had hit her in the head with a frying pan. 

Mason had just posted a picture. 

A photo of the two of them together. 

Not just any shot–one where they were staring into each other’s eyes. 

Keith: Ha… 

Ryan: What’s there to show off? Please. 

Laurent: That’s the best move you’ve got? 

Ethan: Seriously? What are you, twelve? 

Mason: Any of you ever taken a photo like this with her? Didn’t think so. You’re jealous, all of you. Clearly, Ava likes me best. 

Ryan: You smug b*stard. I’ve had enough of you! 

Keith: She likes you best? Please, don’t flatter yourself. 

Laurent: Who knows what shady trick you pulled to get that shot? One picture doesn’t mean 

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anything. 

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Finished 

Ethan: You sure about this tone? What’s Ava going to think when she sees you peacocking like this? 

Ava had had it. 

She opened the group settings and hit mute all. 

Finally. 

Blessed silence. 

She let out a long sigh. What kind of cursed trip is this? One little vacation, and her personal life was a dumpster fire by the time she got back. 

What kind of genius can actually handle this relationship? She’s over the whole balancing act. Being a ‘peacekeeper‘ was a professional grind, and she’s honestly just burnt out. 

But before she could scream into a pillow, the private messages started rolling in. 

Ryan: Ava, we’ve never even taken a picture together. Maybe next time we could? Just the two of us? 

Keith: I wasn’t trying to stir things up in the group, I swear. Mason just has a way of… twisting the knife. I was upset. I wanted to ask for a photo that day too, but I was afraid it’d make you mad. Could we maybe take one next time? 

Laurent: I’ve got a huge surprise planned for you. Can’t wait to see you again. 

Ethan: Ava, don’t be mad. Mason’s just… that kind of guy. Grew up craving attention, probably. You give him an inch of affection, and he wants to shout it from the rooftops. 

Mason: Babe, are you mad at me? I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have posted the picture. Please don’t ignore me. 

Ava stared at the stream of messages. 

She was tired. 

Bone–tired. 

Heart–tired. 

She didn’t want to reply to any of them. 

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Finished 

Starry Heavens University was one of the most prestigious schools on Capitol Planet–its name practically synonymous with academic excellence. Ava had once dreamed of attending, but she never imagined she’d actually have the chance to set foot on its ancient, storied campus. 

She packed her bags without fuss and told her family not to see her off. Instead, an android driver dropped her off at the university gates. 

Today was freshman orientation. 

The front gates of Starry Heavens had been decorated with meticulous care–banners, ribbons, and colorful welcome signs. Seniors from every department stood holding placards, calling out greetings to the incoming students. 

Ava stepped out of the car and dismissed the android, sending it back to the Morren Residence. She stood at the entrance for a moment, taking in the view of the campus, its history practically humming in the air. She took a deep breath before walking through the gates. 

Someone slipped a campus map into her hand as she entered. It had all the major buildings clearly labeled, along with shuttle stop points. Ava scanned it but couldn’t find where the President’s Office was listed. 

She had no choice but to ask for help. 

A senior girl dressed in an over–the–top Lolita–style outfit beamed at her. “Freshman, right? You’re gorgeous! You’d be a perfect fit for our Goddess Society. What do you say? I’m feeling generous today—I’ll let you skip the application form. Consider it a VIP invite.” 

Ava blinked at the self–declared Goddess Society recruiter. The girl was stunning, and frankly, the outfit matched the club’s ridiculous name. But still, something about it screamed too much. Ava politely declined. 

She hopped on the campus shuttle. Shortly after, a guy and a girl boarded and took the seats beside her. 

The guy’s eyes lit up when he saw her. “Hey there! I’m Kenneth Shaw, Freshman too. Super nice to meet you.” 

4 

Ava 

gave 

him a small nod, expression neutral. 

The girl next to him sighed. “Kenneth, you’re still pulling this ‘Mr. Friendly‘ routine even on Capitol Planet? You finally make it into a top university, and the first thing you do is try to impress the first pretty girl you see?” 

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