Mila's POV
I ordered Rika's favorite sandwich, humming softly.
Clarissa looked at me with her usual smile, leaning closer to peek at the sandwich.
Clarissa: "All-veggies sandwich? You sure that's her thing?"
I smiled and looked at her.
Mila: "Well, of course. I know her preferences."
Clarissa: "Hmm… I think I should learn that too, you know—just in case our closeness grows."
I slightly gripped the tray, but kept my smile.
Mila: "I know Rika's preferences. And none of them are you."
I walked past her and returned to Rika's side. Clarissa followed and sat back down at her seat.
Rika still had her head flopped on the desk. I gently patted her shoulder, but she flinched slightly and raised her head.
Rika: "Um, sorry. I didn't mean to act like that… Oh! Wait—my sandwich? Whoa, you really got it right. Thanks, Mila."
Rika smiled at me, though I could still see the confusion in her eyes.
I handed her the sandwich and patted her head.
Mila: "Of course. Now eat up—I've got a painkiller here too."
Rika nodded and began eating. I watched her for a moment before Bryan cleared his throat.
Bryan: "Ahem… uh, by the way, Clarissa—saw you nailed that math test earlier."
Clarissa: "I just followed the formula."
She answered, but her eyes stayed on us. I smiled and started to eat.
Mila: "Clarissa, shall we eat?"
Clarissa traced her fingers along the spoon before picking it up and nodding.
Clarissa: "Sure..."
We ate and chatted about random topics. Bryan kept trying to lighten the mood.
And Rika... she still looked like a tough kid, confused but holding herself together.
I smiled whenever I saw her face. She was still as cute as ever.
After eating, I excused myself and went to the powder room to wash my hands.
Clarissa followed shortly after.
I looked into the mirror and shook my head slightly, smirking.
Mila: "You want to wash your hands too?"
Clarissa walked in and opened the faucet next to mine. She was still smiling, but I noticed her brows twitch—just a little, irritated.
I took off my glasses and began wiping them clean.
Clarissa: "You know, being a caring friend and being possessive… are two different things."
She spoke while drying her hands. I turned to face her, arms crossed, still smirking.
Mila: "It's unusual to see you crack your mask.
Did I… get in your way?"
Clarissa's smirk faded for just a second before returning. She raised her brows at me.
Clarissa: "Nope. Not at all."
Mila: "You know what? I don't know what you're planning—or maybe you're just bored.
But here's the thing..."
I put on my glasses and leaned in, whispering:
Mila: "I've met many people who wear masks.
And you're no different than them."
I leaned back and gave a polite smile.
Mila: "I'm heading back now."
I nodded slightly and walked out.
Back at the table, I handed the medicine to Rika.
Mila: "Here, drink this. What if we go to the school yard and take a nap?"
Rika nodded and lazily picked up her bag.
Clarissa returned to the table with her usual innocent smile—but this time, her eyes were focused on me.
I smiled sweetly and gently took Rika's hand, leading her toward the school yard.
Bryan and Clarissa followed behind us.
I glanced at Rika, still sensing her discomfort even though she tried to act normal.
Mila: "Hmm... does your head still hurt?"
Rika: "Yeah... but a little nap will help."
I nodded—
When suddenly, Rika shoved me away—
CRASH!
A vase dropped exactly where I had just been standing.
I looked up and saw a tall man wearing a mask.
Bryan: "Who the hell is that?!"
Clarissa's eyes widened, stunned.
Rika gritted her teeth and was about to rush him, her usual façade completely gone.
I immediately stood up and hugged her from behind.
Mila: "Rika—no!"
Rika panted and looked at me. I shook my head.
Mila: "H-He's dangerous. What if he hurts you?"
Rika came back to her senses and nodded.
She checked me for injuries and noticed a small scratch on my arm.
Rika: "Sorry… I didn't mean to..."
Her eyes wavered, and her hands shook slightly—not just from worry, but because she realized she let her guard down.
I cupped her cheeks, making her look at me.
Mila: "It's okay… I'm fine. You saved me, Rika.
You saved me."
I gently caressed her cheeks to calm her down.
Her breathing slowed, and she nodded, hugging me tightly—still trembling a little.
I looked up—
But the man was gone.
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