Chapter 26 - Chapter 26: The Sketch and the Storm

Author's NoteThank you so much for reading 💙 In this chapter, Ryu's feelings speak through her sketch, revealing what words cannot. The quiet tension between Rey and Ryu grows, while Ravi's presence adds another layer to her heart. Your comments, ratings ⭐, and thoughts make writing these moments even more special.

BlurbA pencil moves across paper, a half-finished sketch revealing more than words ever could. Ryu's heart speaks in lines and curves, while Rey watches in silence, torn between rules and emotion. And Ravi… quietly steps closer, leaving Ryu caught between past and present, uncertainty and longing.

That evening, Ryu sat quietly by the window of her room. The world outside buzzed with life—but inside, she felt still.

Her pencil hovered above the page.

Lines appeared slowly. Soft at first. Then firmer.

A boy.

The sketch wasn't finished. The face wasn't complete.

But something about the eyes...

Something about the presence.

She couldn't explain it.

She didn't know who it was.

Yet somehow... she did.

A whisper in her chest said:

You've seen him. He's real. He's the reason your chest feels heavy and your hands shake.

She dropped the pencil and stared.

The sky was soft and grey when Ryu walked into school.

She felt better. Lighter, maybe. Like her heart had spoken through the sketch last night—even if the picture wasn't clear.

At the school gate—

"Ryu!"

Ravi walked up beside her, hands in his pockets, relaxed smile on his face.

"You okay now?" he asked.

She nodded. "Better than yesterday."

They entered together, voices low, smiles gentle.

And just behind them—

Rey stood, leaning near the notice board. Watching.

Jaw tight. Eyes sharp.

She was smiling again.

But it wasn't for him.

Later that day, Ryu forgot her sketchbook in the classroom during the break. The bell rang, and she didn't return for it.

But Rey did.

He stepped in, looking for his water bottle—when he noticed the sketchbook half-open on her desk.

Curious, he flipped the page.

And stopped.

There it was.

A half-drawn face.

Not perfect. But familiar.

Too familiar.

His breath caught in his throat.

The eyes... they were his.

Even in broken lines, he knew.

She was drawing him.

And she didn't even realize it.

Something inside him stirred.

Tightened.

Why him?

Why still him?

Why... when she should hate him?

He didn't notice Ravi had entered until he heard the voice behind him.

"I remember the plan too, Rey."

Rey turned slowly.

Ravi leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.

"And this?" Ravi nodded toward the sketchbook. "You sure you're still following it?"

Rey didn't reply.

He couldn't.

Because for the first time...

He didn't know what side he was on anymore.

Closing Echo:

The sketch wasn't finished.

But it said everything.

And maybe...

That was the problem