I am so so so so sorry for the wait! Short and sweet. I hope you enjoy either way, Spiderman1098

The sun was out today, meaning that the snow blanketing Kurain Village had melted away in spots and frost was sparkling as you walked past. You always called on your crush, Pearl on the way to school. The journey was rather long, since you had to walk at least a mile to the bus stop from Pearl's house - But you figured it was worth it just to spend time with her!

The smell of cooking had been forever the first smell to hit your nose, next being incense wafting from the various spiritualist areas. Occasionally you would see acolytes wandering in the distance or going between houses, solely women. Men weren't particularly welcome in this area.
Pearl had told you it was because only the women of her family were susceptible to a sort of power, so men were shunned as weak and useless. Of course, she made sure to point out, she didn't think that of you one bit, and she actually appreciated your continuous early morning visits.
Spotting her at the top of the steep incline, she had beaten you to it today. Usually, you were left waiting outside of the wooden gate for her to leave.
"Hi, Y/N!" she called, waving her hand with glee. Pearl looked so cute today, dressed in a thick, fluffy scarf and sporting huge boots that looked far too massive on her tiny frame. Approaching her, you smiled, a warm feeling running over your entire body.
"Aren't you cold wearing no scarf?" she queried, pressing a fingertip to her lip and pouting in concern.
"Nah, the walk warmed me up," you lied, knowing full well it was the vicious blush of seeing your cute crush.
"How did you find the homework?"
"What homework?"
"Oh," she giggled, looking at you knowingly. "You didn't do it again, did you, Y/N?"
Reaching into her patterned sack, she pulled out a text book and thumbed to the first page, reading out content you could only dream of retaining. Pearl was so clever despite living such a secluded lifestyle, originally. She made the most of the walk to school attempting to teach you about history, telling you all about her in depth assignment on Kurain relics. Her hand would graze you as you walked, your feet stumbling as you snuck looks at her. You could listen to her voice for hours and hours, high pitched excitement gushing about dusty old pots and faded tapestries.
The entirety of the bus ride you were so caught up in her loveliness, the image of your school in the distance reminded you that you hadn't done your homework and detention was going to ensure you couldn't accompany Pearl home!! Cursing yourself, she heard you, turning to face you.
"What's the matter, Y/N?"
"I didn't do my homework, so I'm going to get a detention. We won't be able to walk home together!"
"I can wait for you-"
"No!" you insisted, waving your arms. "It's far too cold for you to be waiting in the snow for me! Plus, it'll be dark by the time I'm out. I'd rather you got home in the daylight."
Blushing pink, she covered her face, squeeing loudly.
"That's so sweet of you! I bet Nick says things like that to Mystic Maya!"
Exiting the vehicle, you walked towards the front door together, discussing staying or going afterschool.
"Well, if you really want me to walk you home, make sure you wait somewhere warm, okay?" you told her, nodding your head.
"Of course, thank you!" she beamed, throwing her arms around you before leaving for class.
"I'll see you at lunchtime!"

Next time, maybe you wouldn't be so keen to do your homework again after all.