Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

Birthday Candles

Today, I decided to sit by the open window instead of the front row. I wanted to feel the breeze and listen to the birds gleefully chirping rather than the professor's rave about molecular endocrinology. I read the book back in high school, so I already know everything she has to say.

I checked my grades this morning. Perhaps I shouldn't have. Missing so much school in March really hurt my GPA. I also got a couple of questions wrong on my statistics exam... But worst of all, I forgot to turn in an essay for a midterm! My GPA has never been this low! It's at a 3.7 now!

Maybe that's why I'm not in the mood to pay attention to my teacher right now. I'm annoyed with college. I had a lot going on last month, I should have gotten a pass or something. But life doesn't take breaks when you need them, so it's only fair that I lost points for my incompetence.

I'd vent to Link, but he might blame himself. Besides, today is his birthday, so I really don't want to bother him with my problems. Or worse, insult him. If I call my GPA low, what does that say about his 2.5 GPA?

I used to think jocks didn't care about school until Link proved me wrong. He studied whenever he could, but next to practice, games, and team bonding, not much time was left for his school work. He would do his homework on the bus before and after away games, listen to missed lectures during his morning runs, and ask me to tutor him while his friends were partying downstairs. He is so dedicated to school, it's quite attractive.

My class finally ends and everyone starts to leave. I wonder if Father will bring up my grades any time soon. He is still cautious around me, scared that I will move out if he upsets me. I push the textbook into my bag and check my phone. I've been waiting for a response from Mipha. She helped me with Link's gift but she didn't seem too fond of helping me. I probably shouldn't ask her for help when it comes to my relationship but she was the only one who could have helped me with his gift. My last text was *Thank you again, you're the best! Are you going to stop by on Friday?*

That was three days ago. It's Friday now and she still hasn't replied. My old self would freak out and read too much into it. But Mipha might just be busy. I shouldn't bother her with more texts. Right? I should find out when her next swim meet is and stop by as a little surprise.

I leave the lecture hall and find my car in the parking lot. I have to remember to pick up the cake from Walmart before I head to the frat house. My thoughts dissolve when I approach the parking lot and observe my car in shock! Someone carved "lying bitch" into the side of my range rover!

"You've got to be kidding me!" I curse to myself. My beautiful car! This is unacceptable!

A guy with red hair and glasses stops next to me and eyes my car. "Are you doing the keying or are you receiving?"

"Receiving," I grumble with creased brows. I've seen this guy on campus a couple of times but I've never talked to him.

"You should report it then." I'm so embarrassed. What must he think I've done to receive such a hateful message? "Do you know who did it?" He asks.

"No," I lie. If I get Malice in trouble, she'll tell everyone that I broke into Ganondorf's house.

"Because you don't have any enemies or because you have too many to keep count?" He jokes.

"Neither. Both," I answer with a shy smile to dissimulate my inner wrath.

"Go to Auru's car repair shop downtown. Tell him Shad sent you; he'll fix your car for free."

"My insurance will cover it, but thank you." His name sounds familiar but I can't put my finger on it.

"No need to thank me, I like to help where I can. But I've got to get going now. My lecture is about to start."