Sometimes, we cannot get what we want.
Love is like that.
It's about letting go.
It was a sunny day in the middle of June. Heatwaves shimmered around the school, and the blazing sun made even shadows feel heavy. At the school gate, a boy stood before a girl.
Her black hair was tied up to combat the summer heat. Her face showed a mix of impatience and familiarity.
"Maya... I like you," he said.
She sighed. "No thank you."
She smiled politely, distantly, like this was routine. And it was.
"Ahaha..." the boy laughed, rubbing the back of his head.
"Do you remember how many times I've rejected you, Arnav?"
Arnav. A flashy guy. Breaking school rules was his style. Dyed hair, custom sneakers, accessories that glittered against school regulations. Because of that, most students in the class kept their distance.
"I know," he replied. "But I have to work hard again."
He smiled, like he had no shame, like rejection meant nothing.
"So you're going to confess again?" Her face turned cold.
He didn't answer. But his smile said everything.
He walked away, leaving Maya behind, students parting to avoid him as he passed.
Back in middle school... we didn't have many friends. We ate lunch together, hung out after school. The time I spent with her... it was precious. Before I even realized it, I was in love with her.
When we were preparing for high school, I worked hard so I could get into the same school as her. I confessed to her on the first day.
*She was shocked. Obviously, she rejected me. But I didn't give up. I kept confessing whenever I found her alone.
Sometimes, I wonder if my selfishness ruined our friendship.
In the classroom, Arnav sat beside the window. Alone. No one wanted to sit near him.
Maya entered with her friends, chatting about where to hang out after school. Arnav looked at her with a gentle smile.
Homeroom began. The teacher entered and looked around.
"Okay everyone, get to your seats."
Her eyes landed on Arnav. She frowned.
"Arnav. Didn't I tell you to stop wearing accessories and dye your hair back to black?"
"Ahaha... I'll do it tomorrow," he said, scratching his head.
"From tomorrow, school will be closed for a week for renovations. I expect to see you in proper uniform next week."
After that other periods flew by in blink of an eye, because Arnav didn't get tired looking at Maya.
The bell rang.
Lunch break.
Students headed to the cafeteria. Maya stayed behind with her two friends, Kritika and Saya. They always had homemade lunches together. Normally, Arnav would interrupt, ask for a bite. Not today.
"So what do you think? Should we hit that new cafe nearby?" Kritika asked.
"Shhh! Don't shout. If Arnav hears, he'll definitely follow Maya again," Saya warned.
Maya laughed awkwardly.
"Speaking of Arnav... where is he?"
"You're right. He's not here today..."
"Stop. You'll bother Maya," another voice joined.
Saru.
A quiet boy. Friends with Kritika. He sat next to Maya.
"Don't worry, Maya. He'll give up."
"I think so..."
They began eating. But Maya glanced at Saru. There was something in her eyes, like she wanted something from him.
Meanwhile, Arnav was in the cafeteria.
Alone.
He looked gloomy.
A hand tapped his shoulder.
"Ohh, it's you, Satvik..."
"Yeah. Did you hit your head or something?"
"What?"
"You're in the cafeteria. That's rare. Don't you usually spend lunch following Maya around?"
"Yeah... but I think I'm bothering her too much. So today, I decided to eat alone."
Satvik gave a small smile and walked away.
I know what everyone thinks. Even Satvik. But maybe it's time I distance myself from Maya...
Back in class, clouds gathered. The sunlight faded behind gray.
Near the window, Maya, Kritika, and Saya talked quietly.
"It's okay. You should do it," Saya said.
"But lying like that... it doesn't feel right."
"Maya, do you really think Arnav will stop unless you push him?" Kritika pressed.
"Yes. And I know Saru will help you."
Maya looked down, fists clenched.
Am I doing the right thing? I don't want to regret this...
She nodded slowly.
"Okay. I'll do it."
Arnav walked back to class.
He passed the clubroom. A familiar voice stopped him.
"Please pretend to be my boyfriend."
He froze.
Saru replied, "Are you sure? If it helps you... I don't mind."
"Thank you. I'll call him to the clubroom later."
Arnav stood there, hand just inches from the door.
So many emotions hit him at same time, he well aware how bothe some he was. But he didn't critisize anyone, not Maya it was him who messed everything up.
Am I that disgusting?
No. It's my fault. I drove her to this.
I ruined our friendship.
His eyes, once warm, were now empty.
He received a message from Maya.
"Can we meet at the clubroom?"
He replied calmly:
"Let's meet at the school gate."
He went to the classroom, grabbed his bag, and walked toward the gate. He's going to skip afternoon classes.
His small steps, silent corridors as he passes by looks more empty than before.
Not long after, Maya and Saru stepped out of the entrance.
She looked... guilty.
Rainclouds hovered. The wind picked up.
Arnav stood at the gate. His bangs shadowing his eyes.
"Arnav, why are you holding your bag?"
"Oh, I don't feel like attending afternoon classes. Thought I'd head home," he replied casually.
"Ar.. Arnav, there's something I wanted to tell you,"
Saru stepped forward.
"Let me speak, Maya."
He turned to Arnav.
"Today, I confessed to Maya. I was afraid she'd reject me. But... she feels the same. We're together now."
"So as her boyfriend don't approach her ever again, stop bothering her."
Arnav looked at him, calm.
Then at Maya.
"Don't worry. I won't do anything. I know I was bothering you. I realized that a while ago."
He gave a fake smile.
Tilted his head slightly.
"Sorry for everything. And congratulations."
Saru and maya frozed they thought he might angry, but he's calm, his behaviour shocked both of them
The first raindrops fell.
Then it poured.
A teacher called from the entrance.
"What are you doing out there?! Class is starting!"
Arnav turned away.
His footsteps were slow, fading into the rain.
Maya stared at his back, eyes trembling.
He's really gone...