We arrived at the library gate and got off right there.
It wasn't some grand institution—just a small school that offered its space to students after hours. Nothing special, really.
Pushing open the simple iron gate, we stepped inside. A few younger kids were playing nearby, their laughter ringing through the quiet air. I barely paid them any attention as we made our way upstairs, climbing the narrow staircase toward the study room.
But even as I walked, Suhina's words clung to me like tiny thorns.
Her mocking tone. Her scoff. That sharp look in her eyes—like she was waiting for me to crumble.
Why does she always do this?
At the door of the study room, my fingers brushed against my lips. Should I wipe off the lipstick?
Maybe if I removed it, I wouldn't feel so self-conscious. Maybe I could pretend her words didn't get to me.
I pressed my thumb against my lower lip, rubbing lightly.
But then—wouldn't that mean she won?
Wouldn't that mean she got under my skin, exactly the way she wanted?
I hesitated.
And then, I let my hand drop.
Suhina doesn't get to decide what I do.
Not this time.
We stepped inside the study room, where Rian, Tenzin, and Arin were already seated.
I barely noticed the others.
Because the moment my eyes landed on Arin—
My heart betrayed me.
It was instant. That stupid, uncontrollable quickening of my pulse. The warmth creeping up my face.
I swallowed, trying to act normal. But was it obvious?
"You have a fever?"
Arin's voice cut through my panic, calm and casual—but his eyes held a flicker of concern.
Startled, I fumbled for an answer. "N-No… it's just… um, the sun outside was really harsh, so—"
My words stumbled over themselves.
Damn it.
Rian chuckled. "Yeah, she turns as red as a tomato whenever she steps out in the sun."
I forced a laugh. Good. Cover it up. Act normal.
But before I could even settle, Suhina's voice rang out.
"So, Arin, are you and Aira close these days?"
Her tone was light—too light.
She was smiling, but her eyes… they were watching. Waiting. Calculating.
I tensed.
Arin, as usual, was completely unfazed.
He shrugged. "We're classmates, so of course, we're friends."
Friends.
The word landed like a quiet blow.
I should have been happy. I should have been relieved.
But instead—it felt hollow.
Is that really all I was to him? Just… a classmate?
A rush of emotions tangled inside me—excitement, frustration, uncertainty.
Before I could process it, Nami dragged her chair closer, leaning in.
Her voice was low, curious. "What's Suhina's problem with you, anyway?"
I sighed, rolling my eyes. "How would I know? That's just how she is."
Nami let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "Yeah, that does sound like her. Always acting like she's got a personal vendetta or something."
Amusement flickered in her voice.
I smirked. And, without missing a beat, playfully winked in her direction.
The conversation faded after that.
Everyone settled into quiet study mode, the only sounds in the room being the soft rustling of pages and the occasional scribbling of pens.
But no matter how hard I tried to focus, my eyes kept drifting.
Kept drifting toward him.
Did he not notice me even once? Not even a glance?
The thought nagged at me.
A tiny, stupid part of me hoped—just hoped—he would look up. That maybe, just maybe… he would see me the way I saw him.
But he didn't.
And for some reason, that realization stung more than I wanted to admit.