We reached the library gate and got off right there.
It wasn't so fancy place—just a small school that let students use its space after hours. Nothing special.
I pushed open the iron gate, and we walked in. So little kids were playing nearby, laughing and shouting. I didn't really pay attention. We just headed upstairs, climbing the narrow stairs to the study room.
But the whole ti, Suhina's words stuck with like tiny thorns.
Her mocking tone. That little scoff. The sharp look she gave —like she was just waiting for to break.
Why does she always have to be like this?
At the door, my fingers touched my lips for a second. Should I wipe off the lipstick?
Maybe if I did, I wouldn't feel so weird. Maybe I could act like her words didn't bother .
I rubbed my lip a little with my thumb.
But then I stopped.
Wouldn't that an she won?
Wouldn't that an she got to ?
I hesitated... and let my hand fall back to my side.
No. Not this ti. Suhina doesn't get to decide how I feel.
We walked into the study room. Rian, Tenzin, and Arin were already there.
But I didn't really see the others.
Because the second I saw Arin—
My heart did that annoying thing again.
It sped up so fast. My face felt warm. Ugh.
I tried to act normal. I really did. But was it obvious?
"You okay? Got a fever or sothing?"
His voice was calm, casual—but I saw a bit of worry in his eyes.
I panicked. "N-No... I an... the sun outside, it was really harsh, so—"
My words tripped all over themselves.
Seriously?
Rian laughed. "Yeah, she turns red like a tomato every ti she steps out in the sun."
I laughed too, even if it was forced. Gotta play it cool.
But before I could settle down, Suhina just had to speak.
"So, Arin, you and Aira are pretty close these days?"
Her voice sounded sweet. Too sweet.
She was smiling, but her eyes were sharp. Watching. Waiting.
I tensed up.
Arin didn't even blink. He just said, "We're classmates, so yeah, we're friends."
Friends.
That word hit weird.
I should've been fine with it. I should've felt okay.
But it felt kind of... empty.
Just a classmate? That's all?
A ss of feelings swirled in my chest—happy, confused, kind of sad.
Before I could even figure it out, Nami scooted her chair closer to .
She leaned in and whispered, "What's Suhina's deal with you anyway?"
I sighed and rolled my eyes. "No idea. That's just how she is."
Nami laughed softly and shook her head. "Yeah, sounds like her. Always acting like she's in so dramatic movie or sothing."
Her voice had this playful vibe.
I smirked and winked at her just for fun.
After that, things cald down. Everyone got quiet and started studying. The only sounds were pages turning and pens scribbling.
But no matter how hard I tried to focus, my eyes kept wandering.
Kept going back to him.
Not even once? Not even one look?
That thought stuck in my head.
So silly part of kept hoping he'd look up. That he'd notice ... like I notice him.
But he didn't.
And for so reason, that hurt more than I wanted to admit.
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