After that, neither Nami nor I bothered speaking to Suhina. Even she didn't try. The day dragged on in silence, and when the final bell rang, I stepped outside, the cool breeze hitting my face like a release.
"Suhina really crossed the line today," I muttered, fingers tapping restlessly on my bag.
Nami scoffed. "Seriously. Who does she think she is? She's always desperate for attention."
I exhaled hard, fists clenching. "I let her go today, but next time? I swear I won't. I wanted to yank her hair out right there." I huffed, flinging my hands in a dramatic tug.
Nami burst out laughing. "Honestly, you could've. I'd have cheered." She nudged me, grinning. "Let it go. Go home, rest, don't overthink it."
At the bus stop, she waved. "Bye-bye!"
"Bye," I called, climbing aboard. I snagged a window seat, leaning back as the world blurred past. My fingers drummed on the glass, thoughts spinning—classroom tension, Suhina's drama… Arin. That note.
I sighed, pressing my forehead to the cool pane.
________________________________________
The Next day
Class had already started when I walked in, still tangled in yesterday. The morning chatter was gone, replaced by Miss Sharma's droning lecture about the Mughals. I half-listened, twirling my pen, while Nami doodled in the corner of my notebook.
Then—
Suhina leaned over, her voice syrupy as she twirled a strand of hair. "Aira, do you even get this? Or are you just waiting for Arin's notes again?"
I arched a brow. "Why? Jealous? Should I ask him to lend you his too?"
Snickers rippled nearby. Suhina's lips twitched, but she flashed that fake smile. "Oh, please. I don't need anyone's notes. I actually pay attention."
Miss Sharma snapped, "Quiet down, both of you!"
I smirked, leaning back. "See, Suhina? Even she knows you're the disturbance."
Giggles spread. Suhina's eyes darkened, but I knew she'd keep coming.
The lunch bell unleashed chaos—students bolted like freed prisoners. I was packing my bag when Nami nudged me.
"Here comes the snake."
I looked up. Suhina sauntered toward Arin, all innocent, stopping by his desk.
"Arin, got a minute?"
He barely glanced up from his notebook. "What?"
Suhina made sure her voice carried. "I was thinking about Aira. She's been… different around you."
My head snapped up. What the—?
Arin's eyes flicked to me—just a heartbeat, then back to Suhina. "What do you mean?"
She sighed, dramatic. "I don't want you getting the wrong idea. Aira gets close when she wants something. She's always fooling around, but lately, she's extra focused on you."
I choked on air. Nonsense.
Nami's eyes widened. "Oh, she's good."
Arin stared at Suhina, blank, then flipped a page. "Cool. Not my problem."
I nearly laughed. Nami clapped a hand over her mouth, muffling a squeal.
Suhina forced a laugh. "Right… just thought you should know." She walked off, but not before hissing at me, "Enjoy the attention while it lasts."
I rolled my eyes. "Don't worry. I was born for it."
But inside, it burned.
She'd bent my branches long enough.
This wasn't the end—Suhina had made her move.
Now it was mine.