The next day.
Ami walks at her usual pace, earphones hanging around her neck, when she spots a familiar figure ahead.
"Oiii!" she calls out, jogging a little.
Sneha turns, grinning.
Ami: "Yesterday was wild. I swear, that arcade trip? I won't forget it. Ever."
Sneha: "That day? That day is going straight to my autobiography."
They laugh, falling into step beside each other.
Just then, Soha walks up behind them, clutching her water bottle.
Ami: "Oho, sleeping beauty is here,
...How're you feeling now?"
Soha: "Better than yesterday. Way better, thanks to both of you. Seriously..."
Sneha: "Tch. It's nothing. We're friends, aren't we?"
Ami smiles warmly. They walk into the school building, chatting about random nonsense--who forgot homework, whose bag ripped, who tripped over their own shoelaces. The usual chaos.
The bell rings. Classes begin. Boring as usual.
Hours later, it's finally lunchtime.
The trio heads out to their usual table.
Saad and Dylan are already there, messing with a packet of chips.
Ami: [dropping onto the bench ]"Yo, Saad. Where's the rest of your circus crew?"
Saad:[ grinning] "I sacrificed my entire social circle just to sit with you beautiful people. Feel honored."
Sneha: "Oh my God. Who told you to be this generous? Such a noble soul."
Saad: [flipping imaginary hair ]"I know, I know. Kindness is my curse."
Dylan:[ to Soha] "Hey... you okay today?"
Soha:[ softly ]"Yeah. Much better. Thanks."
Ami and Sneha exchange evil glances.
Ami:[ sing-song voice] "Look at that. Mr. Dylan Cassian cares."
Sneha: [gasping] "Should we start prepping for the wedding or wait till midterms?"
Soha: [face turning red] "Stop it!"
Dylan: [chuckling, shaking his head] "You two are devils."
Saad: "Ahh, I didn't come here to watch cringe romcoms. I just wanna eat in peace."
Sneha: grabs a fork "Keep whining, and you'll be eating from a hospital tray."
They all burst into laughter.
Then Saad leans back.
Saad: "Yesterday was epic though. We should do more stuff like that."
Ami: "I'm in. Just say the word."
Sneha: "Let's do something crazy. Amusement park? I heard they have a haunted house."
Saad: making a face "Amusement park? Now? School ends at 4:30. The park closes at 8. What are we supposed to do in three hours? Ride two things and go home?"
Soha: "He has a point. Might be too rushed."
Ami: [grinning mischievously ]"Ever heard of school bunking?"
There's a pause.
All eyes turn to her.
Dylan: "This girl is a menace."
Sneha: [wide-eyed] "Girl, what else are you hiding in that chaotic brain of yours?"
Saad: "I like where this is going."
Soha: [nervous laugh] "Umm... I don't know if I can climb the wall."
Ami: "That's what Dylan's for. He'll carry you like a knight in shining hoodie."
Sneha: "Settled. We're bunking. Today."
Ami: "So finish your lunch fast. We're leaving right after."
Classes resume, but the group has other plans.
Instead of returning to class, they sneak around the back of the school, backpacks in tow.
The school wall looms over them. Not too tall, but tall enough.
Saad:[ hops up and over ]"All clear!"
Sneha:[ climbs next] "Don't drop me or I'll haunt your dreams."
Then it's Ami's turn.
She climbs---
A sudden gust of wind blows.
Her skirt lifts.
Saad, who's unfortunately looking in her direction, freezes.
Saad: [nosebleed] "Mother of---"
Blood trickles from his nose.
Sneha: [whacks him on the head ] "You PERVERT! Look away!"
Saad: [groaning ]"I didn't ask for this punishment!"
Everyone's laughing uncontrollably.
Ami: "My skirt just committed a crime."
Dylan, being the calm one, picks Soha up bridal style and hops over the wall like a champ.
Dylan: [grinning ]"Mission successful."
Sneha: [salutes ]"Bunking squad, assemble."
They walk off, half running, half laughing.