"Bye, guys," I told them and headed home.
So much was going on in my head, I didn't even know what I was going to say to her.
Mom had made bread and milk for breakfast. I ate quickly, changed into my school uniform, and left.
"Well, everything's already going to hell—what more could go wrong?" I thought.
That's when I saw her—Ariana.
She was standing near the school gate.
She looked... breathtaking. Like she'd walked out of a movie scene.
My mind went blank. My heart started racing.
I wasn't ready to see her this early.
Just then, I spotted my friends approaching. I quickly slipped into the group and pretended not to notice her.
But of course, friends being friends…
"Hey Ariana! Ryan wants to talk to you in private!" Danny teased.
I shoved him and bolted into the school building, heart pounding, face flushed with embarrassment.
I dared not look back—but curiosity won, and I peeked.
She was smiling. Blushing.
My heart went nuts.
Later, during lunch, I wasn't so lucky.
We bumped into each other in the crowded canteen.
I muttered a quick "Sorry," and before she could say anything, I slipped away again.
Embarrassment was eating me alive.
I kept praying I wouldn't bump into her again.
This time, God listened.
We didn't cross paths again.
After school, I laughed and joked with my friends on the way back.
There was a small shop we always stopped at, and it was a strict boys-only zone—no girls allowed. Not even Ariana.
Gary 1 nudged me.
"So... what do you think she wanted to talk about, bro?"
The others perked up. "Yeah, yeah, tell us!"
"I honestly have no clue," I said.
But Alex wasn't satisfied.
"What if she likes you too...?"
I laughed nervously.
"I don't think that's the case. But if it was true... man, I'd be so happy."
They noticed I was blushing.
They started laughing, pointing at my red face, teasing me like crazy.
But honestly? I didn't mind.
These idiots—they never left my side when I needed them.
And I'd do the same for them, anytime.
After a lot of gossip and chaotic suggestions, somehow—I still don't know how—I ended up agreeing to talk to Ariana tomorrow.
Something about it felt... right.
I was nervous, yes.
But I had a good feeling.
Still—I had no idea what she was going to say.