The city was still damp from the night's storm, puddles glinting like mirrors on the quiet sidewalks. Morning sunlight spilled through the clouds in streaks of gold, as if trying to remind the world that there could still be warmth after the rain.
Pim walked alone that morning, her sketchbook clutched against her chest. She had barely slept, mind spinning with memories of the rooftop, of Nina's raw confession, and Fah's breaking voice. The ache in her chest was almost too much to bear.
She paused near the cherry blossom trees, petals already beginning to fade, drifting to the ground in a graceful, silent rain. Pim reached out, catching one on her palm. Why does something so beautiful have to feel so painful?
---
The Unexpected Meeting
She didn't expect to see Nina waiting near the art room, eyes heavy with exhaustion, but a determination burning there too.
"Pim," Nina called, voice quiet, but full of emotion.
Pim's breath caught. She wasn't ready. Part of her wanted to run, but her feet stayed rooted to the ground.
"Can we talk?" Nina asked.
Pim swallowed hard. "Okay."
They slipped into the art room, familiar walls lined with unfinished paintings and rows of forgotten clay pots.
Nina took a deep breath, bracing herself. "I know I hurt you," she began. "I shouldn't have pressured you to choose. That wasn't fair."
Pim shook her head. "It's not just you. It's all of us. I'm the one who's confused."
Nina stepped closer, heart hammering. "Then let me help you figure it out. I don't care how long it takes, Pim. I just… don't want to lose you."
Pim's tears spilled free, soft and silent. "I don't want to lose you either."
---
Mending the Pieces
Meanwhile, Fah stood outside the music room, listening to a quiet piano tune filtering through the cracked-open door. Mint was there, playing simple notes, as if trying to chase away the tension.
Fah stepped inside, closing the door softly behind her.
"Rough day?" Mint asked kindly.
Fah sank into a chair. "It feels like everything is falling apart."
Mint paused, hands resting on the piano keys. "Or maybe it's falling into place," she suggested gently.
Fah blinked. "How?"
"Because you're finally being honest," Mint said. "That hurts. But honesty is what love needs to grow."
Fah let out a shaky breath. "I'm so scared, Mint."
Mint played a soft chord, the sound hopeful. "Then be scared. And do it anyway."
---
The Rooftop Reunion
That evening, the trio found their way back to their rooftop sanctuary, as if pulled there by invisible strings. The fading sunset painted the sky in pastel golds and pinks, a gentle reminder that endings could be beautiful, too.
They sat together, closer this time, not separated by fear but united by wounds they were still trying to heal.
Pim was the first to speak, voice raw. "I… I don't know what I want yet. But I don't want to lose either of you."
Fah nodded, tears shining in her eyes. "That's enough for me, Pim. I don't need you to pick. I just want to be honest."
Nina looked between them, the edge in her heart softening. "Then we'll figure it out together."
A breeze ruffled their hair, cool and light. For a moment, everything felt easier.
---
A Day of Small Steps
The next morning, they tried to return to normal. They went to class, studied, laughed at tiny jokes, and shared snacks in the courtyard. It wasn't perfect, but it was something.
Nina found herself watching Pim more closely — the way she twirled her pencil when thinking, how her eyes softened when she smiled at Fah.
And it was strange: for the first time, instead of jealousy, Nina felt hope.
Maybe there was a way forward, a bridge that wouldn't collapse if they built it slowly, together.
---
Unexpected Courage
That afternoon, Pim stood in front of the class to present an art piece. Her hands shook as she held up the canvas, a delicate watercolor of two girls reaching for each other across a deep gap, their fingers almost touching.
Her voice trembled. "This piece is called Crossing. It's about… about being brave enough to reach out, even if you're scared."
Nina and Fah exchanged a quiet, stunned look.
Pim was speaking straight to them, and they both knew it.
---
A Chance at Healing
After school, the three walked down the empty hallways together, the golden dusk shining through the high windows.
"I liked your painting," Nina said gently.
Pim blushed. "It was… for us."
Fah squeezed Pim's shoulder. "Thank you for trying. That means more than you know."
Pim smiled, eyes wet. "I still don't have all the answers. But… can we go slowly? Figure it out without breaking?"
Nina nodded. "Yes. No more rushing."
Fah agreed. "One day at a time."
They linked hands, three hearts trying to beat in harmony, stepping into the unknown but no longer alone.
---
A New Kind of Tomorrow
That night, Pim lay awake sketching. Her pencil moved softly across the page, creating gentle curves and hopeful bridges. For the first time, she didn't feel like she was drowning in choices.
Maybe, she thought, this is what growth feels like.
Outside, the night was quiet, the stars shining softly — witnesses to three girls trying, failing, and trying again to build something honest, something real.
And as she finally closed her eyes, Pim allowed herself to believe:
The gap might always be there — but maybe love was the courage to keep crossing it.