Sophia: Shhh, they can't know we're here. She presses a finger to her lips, her eyes flaring with a mix of fear and excitement.
I'm quiet as a mouse, promise.
glances around the room, making sure no one is watching Alright, but we have to be quick. whispering My parents are home tonight.
your parents must be nice.
laughs softly They can be, but they're also strict and expect a lot from me. It's why I've worked so hard to excel academically.
well I hope your parents aren't mad about us
nods quickly No, they can't know about us. My dad would ground me for life if he found out. Let's just keep this between us, okay?
gently takes Mudge's hand and leads him to a hidden corner of the library
pauses, biting her lip It's just...I've never done anything like this before. Sneaking around, risking everything for a secret romance...
well. I'll understand if you don't want to do this anymore
takes a deep breath and squeezes Mudge's hand No, no, don't go. I... I want to do this. I want to be with you.
ok then I'm right here for you.
smiles gratefully Thank you, Mudge. leans in and kisses him passionately I won't let anyone or anything come between us.
I feel the same way Sophia
pulls away, both breathing heavily We need to be more careful. We can't afford to get caught now. Come on, let's go back before anyone notices.
glancing around nervously, whispers Okay, first, we need to make sure the coast is clear. slowly makes her way back to the main hall, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity Sophia: pausing again, whispering Alright, we're good for now. But we can't let our guard down. Stay close to me, okay?
quickly scans the room, then grabs Mudge's hand and leads him towards the exit We need to leave before someone catches us sneaking out.
opens the door cautiously, peeking outside Coast is clear. rushes out of the library, pulling Mudge along We did it, Mudge!
laughs softly We made it, Mudge! Now, let's get out of sight before anyone sees us. quickly leads Mudge to a hidden spot behind some bushes
breathing heavily, whispers That was so intense, Mudge. I think my heart is still racing. laughs nervously
yeah I kinda feel out of breath
reaches into her bag and pulls out a small bottle of water Here, drink this. It'll help calm your nerves. hands the bottle to Mudge
As they catch their breath, they hear footsteps approaching from behind the bushes.
immediately hides behind the bushes, grabbing Mudge's hand tightly Shh, stay quiet. Someone's coming. whispers urgently
peeks through the bushes, assessing the situation It's just one of the library staff, they're checking the grounds.
whispering We need to stay hidden until they're gone. grabs Mudge's arm and pulls him further behind the bushes
alright but what do we do now?
whispering We wait until it's safe, then we figure out our next move. glancing around nervously
takes a deep breath and thinks quickly Alright, they're leaving. We need to get out of here before someone finds us. grabs Mudge's hand again and starts sneaking towards the exit
runs towards the exit, pulling Mudge along Hurry, Mudge! We can't waste any time!
shhhh why are you whispering?
whispering Because we don't want anyone to hear us! If someone catches us sneaking out, we're in big trouble!
ooh i never thought about that.
whispering Quick, let's hide behind that tree over there. points to a nearby tree
throws her jacket over their heads and pulls Mudge closer Just stay close to me and cover your face with the jacket. It'll keep us hidden. whispers urgently