Rika's POV
After lunch, we walked back to the classroom.
Mila was still silent.
Bryan and I felt it — but we didn't know why.
Bryan leaned toward me and whispered.
Bryan: "Wanna talk to her?"
Rika: "About what exactly?"
Bryan: "I don't know… just something. Random topic. Break the silence."
Rika: "You want it, you try."
I rolled my eyes and kept walking.
Bryan: "God… this is why I hate it when she's like this. It feels like we're walking on thin ice."
We reached the classroom door when suddenly, Mila stopped and turned to face us.
Mila: "Just for the record… I heard both of you."
I tensed up and gave a nervous smile.
Rika: "Heheh… you did?"
Mila: (sighs) "I'm not mad or anything. Just… calm down."
Bryan: "Calm down? How?! You were walking so silently, it felt like a ticking bomb."
Mila: "You're exaggerating, Bryan."
She looked at me, then suddenly took my hand and started pulling me away.
Bryan: "Hey! Where are you two going?"
Mila: "Just talking. You stay — text us if the teacher comes."
I tossed my bag to Bryan, and he caught it with a confused look. I followed Mila quietly.
Rika: "Umm… Mila? My hand's still injured, remember?"
She didn't loosen her grip.
Mila: "You say that… but when you held Clarissa's hand earlier, it didn't seem to hurt."
Still walking. No hesitation. No glance back.
I stopped resisting and followed her lead.
Upstairs, she opened the door to the rooftop and finally let go.
She took a breath, walked to the railings.
Rika: "What are we doing here?"
I sat on the rail and looked at her.
She looked back at me — then took off her glasses.
Mila: "You know what… you can draw a line with Clarissa."
I sighed and looked down.
Rika: "Hmmm. I will…"
Mila: "You're welcome."
I stood up and started fixing my uniform — when suddenly, Mila pulled me into a hug.
She held my head gently to her shoulder.
Rika: "M-Mila??"
She held me tight. One hand cradled my head, the other gently stroking my hair.
Mila: "It's okay, Rika. No need to panic. Everything's cool."
I didn't know why… but hearing that from her made the tension fade.
I slowly leaned into her hug and held her back.
She didn't ask for any explanation.
She never did.
She just… comforted me.
And with her, I always stayed in line.
"Yes… no need to panic. Everything's okay."
---
After School
I stayed behind for cleaning duty.
Mila and Bryan had their clubs, and Clarissa was nowhere in sight.
Surprisingly… I felt calm.
Maybe because of Mila.
Even when I remembered Clarissa's actions earlier… my hand wasn't trembling anymore.
I finished cleaning and walked out into the hallway.
Then I saw her.
Mila.
I raised my hand to wave — but stopped.
Clarissa was there too.
I ducked back and quietly listened.
Clarissa: "Hmm? You want me to stop talking to Rika?"
Mila: "Exactly."
Clarissa smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear.
Clarissa: "I just wanted to be friends with you all. You three seem so close… I wanted to be part of it."
Mila took off her glasses and crossed her arms.
Mila: "Drop it already."
Clarissa's eyes narrowed slightly. She looked at Mila, her voice softer — but focused.
Clarissa: "Okay… so what were you two doing on the rooftop earlier? Just curious. But now, you've really piqued my interest. Are you two—"
Before she could finish, Mila cut in sharply.
Mila: "We're not. And I know you were there too."
Clarissa's eyes widened — just for a moment — before her grin returned.
She crossed her arms and toyed with the pendant around her neck.
Mila: "I don't know why you keep acting like some innocent saint. But don't drag Rika into your game."
Clarissa: "And if I do?"
Mila smiled sweetly, slipping her glasses back on.
Mila: "Let's just say… I can play your game too."
Clarissa grinned. Nodded once. Then walked off.
Mila stood there, smirking, before grabbing her bag and heading back to her club.
I stayed hidden, frozen.
That… was Mila?
Is that really the friend I've always known?
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