The morning sunlight filtered softly through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow on the desks where Nina, Pim, and Fah sat together, their group project in full swing. Papers were scattered, and the quiet hum of brainstorming filled the air.
Nina leaned forward, animatedly explaining her idea for the presentation. "If we focus on the theme of connection, it'll really stand out. Like, how people bridge gaps between each other."
Pim nodded, her eyes flickering with interest. "Yeah, I like that. It's kinda like what we all are doing."
Fah smiled shyly but seemed hesitant. "I... I'm not sure I'm very good at this."
Nina glanced at her, her usual confident smile softening. "Hey, you're here because you're smart. We'll figure it out together."
The bell rang, and the three packed up, walking out side by side. But beneath the camaraderie, a subtle tension simmered.
---
After class — the rooftop
The trio returned to their usual spot on the rooftop. Nina stretched out, arms behind her head, while Pim flipped through her sketchbook. Fah sat quietly, watching the two with a hint of admiration.
Nina caught Fah's gaze and grinned. "What's on your mind?"
Fah hesitated, then said, "I guess... I'm just trying to find where I fit in. New school, new faces... it's scary."
Pim nodded empathetically. "We all feel that way sometimes."
Nina reached out and gave Fah's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You're not alone."
---
Jealousy stirs
As days passed, Nina found herself watching Pim and Fah more closely, the easy way they shared smiles and quiet moments unsettling something inside her.
One afternoon, during a group study session at the library, Nina caught Pim laughing at something Fah said, the sound soft and bright. A sharp pang of jealousy stabbed her heart, but she pushed it down with a forced smile.
Later that night, alone in her room, Nina's mind raced. Why does it hurt so much to see them like that?
---
Pim's struggle
Pim, too, wrestled with feelings she barely understood. Sitting in art class, her thoughts drifted to Nina's easy confidence and Fah's quiet warmth.
During a sketching exercise, Pim's pencil faltered, lines wavering as confusion clouded her mind.
Her friend Mint noticed and leaned over. "Hey, everything okay?"
Pim shook her head slightly, forcing a smile. "Just... thinking."
Mint smiled knowingly. "Sometimes, it's the things we don't say that mean the most."
---
Evening — rooftop confession
That evening, Nina and Pim found themselves alone on the rooftop again. The city lights flickered below as the air cooled.
Nina broke the silence. "Do you ever feel like there's... more between us?"
Pim looked away, cheeks flushed. "Sometimes. But it's scary."
Nina reached out, brushing a stray hair behind Pim's ear. "We don't have to have all the answers now."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the gap between them felt smaller — fragile, but bridgeable.