Sia remained nestled quietly in my arms, her head resting against my shoulder as the car hummed gently beneath us on the way back to school. The world outside blurred past the windows, but in this small space, time felt slower—like we were suspended in something softer, quieter.
I didn't say anything. There were no perfect words, no quick fixes. Just the warmth of my arms around her, steady and sure, letting her know I was here.
She didn't need to speak either. Her breathing gradually evened out, and the tension in her body slowly eased, like she was finally allowing herself to exhale. And I held her still, calm, and unshakably present.
As we arrived back at school, Sia and I parted ways, each heading to our respective classrooms. The weight of her earlier breakdown still lingered in my chest, and my thoughts kept looping around it what had happened between her and her brother to bring her to tears like that.
I was so caught up in the question that I didn't notice someone fall into step beside me until a familiar voice cut through the silence.
What did you even do to make your girlfriend cry like that, huh?
I turned to see Matthew walking next to me, his tone laced with arrogance. His eyes held a judgmental glint, like he had already decided I was the villain in a story he barely knew.
I stared at him, confused and irritated. Are we even close enough for him to speak to me like this? I said to my mind. My jaw tightened as I looked away, choosing silence over the sharp reply burning on my tongue.
Should we talk? Is that what you want? I asked, my voice calm, steady refusing to give in to his provocation.
Matthew scoffed lightly, his steps matching mine. You're acting way too stupid ever since this morning, I added, keeping my tone even, refusing to let irritation slip through.
He glanced sideways at me, surprised by the calmness in my voice, as if he was expecting me to snap instead. But I didn't. I wasn't going to give him that satisfaction.
He then stuffed his hands in his pockets, I stopped walking, watching his back as he moved a few steps ahead.
My afternoon class ended, and we're informed that dance troupe members are having a practice.
Tom glanced between the two of us, catching the subtle tension lingering beneath Sia's smile. He gave a small smirk, then nudged me playfully. Well, I'll go ahead.
With that, he slipped away down the hall.
The hallway buzzed faintly with student chatter and footsteps, but in that moment, all I saw was her—Sia, with that fragile smile and eyes that still held traces of whatever storm she'd weathered earlier.
You didn't have to wait, I said softly, walking closer to her.
I wanted to, she replied, her voice quiet. Being near you just… helps.
As we walked toward the practice room, side by side, I could feel the silence between us wasn't heavy—it was healing.
We practiced for hours, the rhythm of the music pounding in our chests as we moved through the routine again and again. By the time we finally took a break, our shirts were damp with sweat and our legs heavy from repetition. I slumped beside Tom on the floor, and Sia leaned against the wall, sipping water beside me.
Tom stretched his arms over his head and let out a long breath. Whew. That was brutal.
No kidding, I said, wiping my face with a towel.
As the room settled into quiet chatter and the sound of water bottles being opened, Tom leaned closer.
Hey, he said, glancing between me and Sia. Since exams are creeping up on us, how about we all hit that café near the plaza tonight? We can get some real studying in.
I looked over at Sia. Her eyes met mine, and she gave a small, thoughtful nod.
Sounds like a good idea, she said, her voice steady but still soft.
Cool I'll text Jean now, Tom said. Let's regroup there around seven.
I arrived at the nearby café Tom mentioned, a cozy spot tucked between a bookstore and a flower shop, carrying my bag filled with notes, textbooks, and highlighters. The scent of roasted coffee beans hit me the moment I stepped inside, warm and inviting.
Tom was already there, sitting by the window with his notebook open and a cup of iced coffee sweating beside his hand. He gave a small wave when he spotted me.
You're early, I said as I slid into the seat across from him.
Of course. I don't mess around when it comes to exams, he smirked, tapping his pen against the table.
Not long after, Sia and Jean walked in, chatting quietly. The moment Sia's eyes found mine, she smiled soft, like a secret only the two of us knew.
We're not late, are we? Jean asked, pulling a chair beside Tom.
Perfect timing, I said.
Sia sat beside me, setting her bag down and pulling out her notes. Her hand brushed against mine under the table—brief but intentional. I glanced at her, and for a moment, the stress of school faded away.
All right, Tom clapped his hands once, Let's conquer these exams.
The table quickly filled with books and papers, the sound of pens scribbling and quiet laughter mixing with the café's low music.
I couldn't help but glance at the time. We had barely two days left before exams, but right here, right now, none of that mattered. For a moment, in this little café surrounded by friends and notes, things felt safe real.
The next day passed in a blur, as if time itself had been in a rush to be over. Now, with the sun beginning to dip low in the sky, painting the clouds with faint orange and gold, school had ended and the halls had emptied. Myself walking alone, my bag slung over one shoulder, headed to the nearby convenience store.
I needed something sweet. Just enough to keep me going later tonight when I'd bury myself in notes again.
After I paid for the snacks and stepped outside, the fading afternoon light cast long shadows across the pavement. I adjusted my bag on my shoulder, ready to head home until I caught sight of someone leaning casually against the side of the store.
Matthew.
He stood there like he owned the place, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a lit cigarette between his fingers. The smoke curled lazily around his face as he took a slow drag, completely unfazed by the world or by the fact that he was a student, and definitely too young to be doing that in public.
But I couldn't deny how striking he looked in that moment leaning back, cigarette in hand, the usual cool indifference in his eyes. He's had that kind of presence since his first day at school.
I settled at one of the tables outside the convenience store, choosing the one closest to him on purpose—hoping he might come over and sit with me.
That's for later when you study for the exam, right? he said casually, cigarette still between his fingers. Then, without waiting for a reply, he slowly made his way over and sat down next to me just like I'd hoped.
Yeah, I nodded, holding up the plastic bag of snacks. Want some? I offered, trying to sound friendly despite remembering how annoying he was at school earlier.
He took the plastic bag from my hand, raising an eyebrow. What's in here? he asked, peering inside.
Just grab whatever you like, I said, watching him quietly as he searched through the snacks.
In that moment, with the soft afternoon light casting a glow on his face, he looked different—calmer, almost peaceful. Not the cold, distant guy he usually was at school. And for reasons I couldn't explain, my heart started to race just watching him.