15 Jun 2025

Between Vowels and Vanilla by Julia Baran

“Phonetics again today?”

Sonya asked herself while lazily flipping through her notes. It was only the second day, and she already felt an unbearable tiredness. All her thoughts circled around one thing: she wanted the weekend to come faster so she could play games with Dima, watch new anime, and finally forget about these endless vowel changes.

“What room are we in?” she whispered, looking around the hallway full of noisy students.

“301,” came a cheerful voice from behind.

Sonya turned around and gave a slight smile to the girl who had just answered. They both, as if by agreement, walked together toward the classroom. Once inside, they immediately took seats in the back row where it was easier to relax. The teacher came in and, without wasting time, started talking about complex phonetic changes. Sonya wasn’t really listening — she was deep in her new sketchbook, drawing strange patterns.

Suddenly, a loud, annoying sound broke the silence. BZZZZZZZZZZ!

“Whose phone is that?!” the teacher asked sharply, scanning the room with a strict look. “I asked you to turn off your phones before class!”

Sonya looked in the direction of the sound. It was the same girl she had just met in the hallway. Hmm, I haven’t seen her here before, Sonya thought. A new student? She’s… pretty.

The girl was wearing white shorts and a light tank top that looked great on her, showing off her fresh and easy-going style. She was shorter, with long, soft black hair that framed her round, friendly face. She wore glasses now, which made her brown eyes stand out. Her body was fuller than Sonya’s, but not heavy — rather soft and feminine, showing her gentleness.

She stands out from the other students, Sonya thought, finishing her look at the girl.

After class, feeling her stomach growl, Sonya went to KFC. She picked a cozy table and, after a while, noticed the same girl sitting nearby. She was eating too, but Sonya felt her eyes glancing at her now and then.

Hmm, that’s interesting, Sonya thought. I wonder how I look from the outside?

She thought about herself. Her hair was deep red, almost cherry-colored, falling in waves with soft bangs. Her skin was light, always with a gentle blush on her cheeks. Her eyes showed both kindness and a little playful mischief. Her body was slim but naturally feminine, not too muscular. She liked grunge style — jeans, T-shirts, and chokers were her usual choice.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice when the girl walked up to her.

“Hi, I saw you today. Do you mind if I sit with you?”

Sonya offered her the chair across from her. At first, they ate in silence, but then the girl started talking.

She introduced herself as Louisa. She was hard to stop — she talked about her old class, her hobbies, her job, and how guys can be jerks. The funniest story was about a fling with a guy named Anton, who she later called an idiot. She seemed a little nervous, waving her hands a lot and blushing. They stayed there for about an hour before going their separate ways.

It turned out they both shared a passion for anime. They could talk for hours about Attack on Titan plots and argue about which version of Levi was more handsome — the serious, focused one during battles or the annoyed one with his signature frown.

This shared interest became the strong base of their friendship. They felt free and easy around each other.

As time passed, Sonya began to notice that her feelings for Louisa weren’t just friendly. It was something else, something sharper — something that made her feel strange and angry toward Dima.

At first, she tried to avoid Louisa at university. She even went with Dima to visit his family for a whole week, hoping to forget about the charming girl.

But it didn’t help. Every day, she felt more and more annoyed by Dima — his smell, his looks, even his laugh. She didn’t want to play games with him or watch his favorite movies anymore. After a week in the stuffy home of his parents, she decided she needed to be alone for a while.

No, she didn’t break up with him — she just took a break to understand her feelings that had suddenly appeared.

As always, the university held a big Halloween party. Sonya decided to go, hoping to relax and not see anyone she knew. She picked makeup and clothes that completely hid her face and figure. With a cocktail in hand, she walked into a big room where a horror movie was playing. She didn’t really watch — just sat in her thoughts, sipping the drink.

“Oh, hi!” a voice called. It was so sweet, so familiar.

Sonya turned and saw Louisa standing next to another girl. The sight made her instantly angry. She didn’t want to sit near them — especially not next to that girl. She noticed something going on between Louisa and her companion. It brought sharp, confusing jealousy.

She didn’t finish the movie. Sonya stood up and almost ran home. Heavy rain was pouring, but she didn’t care. When she got home, she saw the wet footprints behind her. It didn’t matter. She took off her wet clothes, threw them on the bed, and started crying. She didn’t know why — she just wanted to let the pain out.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Sonya didn’t answer at first, but it wouldn’t stop. Annoying ringing,knocking.

Reluctantly, she got up and opened the door.

It was Dima. The last person she wanted to see — but she let him in. He made tea, brought snacks, but she didn’t care. She didn’t notice when Dima started undressing her. She didn’t resist. Her mind was clouded with sadness and anger.

Then, the doorbell again. That same, unwanted sound.

“Are you expecting someone?” Dima asked.

Sonya shook her head, too tired to speak.

“Then let’s continue,” he said with a smile, leaning toward her again.

“Sonya!” — came a voice from the door that made her wake up instantly. She pushed Dima away. “Wait!”

She opened the door. Louisa stood there, as wet from the rain as Sonya.

“You forgot your phone,” she said, holding it out.

“Tha—” Sonya started to reply, but then Dima walked out of the room, half-naked.

“Sorry for interrupting!” Louisa cried, her face turning red, and she quickly turned to leave.

Sonya dropped to her knees and cried again — this time out of pure heartbreak.

“What happened now?” Dima asked, annoyed.

Sonya looked at him with such disgust that Dima didn’t say a word — he just turned and left.

Back in bed, she fell asleep thinking about everything that had happened. Her chest hurt.

The next day was grammar class. By coincidence, Sonya and Louisa were placed in the same group. They had to do a joint project on modal verbs. At first, they couldn’t even talk — the air between them was full of tension. But on the last day before the deadline, they finally decided to get it done.

Sonya offered her apartment, but Louisa said no — so they went to Louisa’s place.

It turned out to be cozy and neat, with a soft smell of vanilla. They made tea and got ready for a night of studying. But suddenly, the lights went out.

Without panic, Louisa lit some candles and put them around the room. The warm, flickering light made long shadows dance on the walls, creating an almost magical mood.

They sat on the floor with their books and notes. The tension between them grew. Sonya felt her heart pounding and her skin burning. Louisa seemed nervous too. Her movements were slow, and her eyes often stayed on Sonya.

Sonya noticed the candlelight in Louisa’s eyes — it made them look deeper. She reached out to point at something in the book, but her fingers touched Louisa’s. A spark passed between them.

Louisa didn’t pull away. Instead, she slowly, almost unconsciously, interlaced their fingers.

“I… I can’t do this,” Sonya whispered, not breaking eye contact.

“Can’t do what?” Louisa’s voice was low and rough.

“Just sit like this,” Sonya said, blushing. She leaned closer. A soft breath, then another.

Louisa’s eyes moved to Sonya’s lips. Her breathing got faster. She gently raised her free hand and touched Sonya’s cheek. The touch was soft, but full of emotion. Sonya closed her eyes.

“Just be with me,” Louisa whispered. Her voice was full of longing.

Their lips met in a shy, then deeper kiss. The candles kept flickering, throwing dancing shadows on the walls. That night, they forgot about modal verbs, the project, and the whole world.

The next morning, sunlight slowly came through the curtains. They lay side by side, holding each other. Sonya felt peace — something she hadn’t felt in a long time.

They finished the project later — a bit sleepy but glowing with joy. From that day on, they knew: they were together.


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