Author's NoteThank you so much for reading In this chapter, Ryu's sketches reveal what words cannot, showing just how deeply she feels — and how Rey struggles to contain his own emotions. Moments like these make the story come alive, and your support, comments, and ratings keep me motivated to continue writing every twist and turn.
BlurbA test day. A quiet classroom. Ryu's panic meets Rey's calm, and the air between them hums with unspoken feelings. Ravi watches from afar, unsure where he stands. And through it all, Ryu's sketches speak louder than words, revealing emotions too complicated to hide.
The classroom was too quiet for a test day. The kind of quiet that pressed against your chest.
Ryu sat beside Rey — her fingers curled around her pen, nails biting skin. Her breathing was uneven, shallow, fast.
Ryu's POV:
I can't breathe. Why am I panicking? It's just a test... but why does it feel like everyone's watching me? I can't focus—he's right next to me. I can feel his presence. His silence is louder than the tick of the clock.
She clenched her fist under the desk.
"Breathe," Rey whispered, without looking at her.
Her head turned slightly in surprise. His voice wasn't mocking. It was... calm. Like a shield.
Rey's POV:
She's not okay. Is she always like this during exams? No. Something else is off...
He glanced at her trembling hand.
Was it because of the sketch?
As the bell rang and students began writing, Rey leaned in slightly, voice low.
"You drew me, didn't you?" he asked.
Ryu froze.
She didn't look up.
"I don't know," she whispered. "The face wasn't clear. But I felt like I knew the person... the eyes."
Rey didn't say anything.
But something in his chest tightened.
Ravi's POV (watching them from across the aisle):
They're talking again. His voice softened. That's rare. Why does this feel like... something I should stop?
He turned his eyes back to his paper.
No. Focus. I promised myself I'd stay out of this... but why does it hurt to watch her panic and him calm her down like that?
After the test...
Ryu walked toward the corridor, still shaken.
Rey caught up beside her.
"You need to take care of yourself," he said, almost coldly.
"Why do you care?" she asked, voice cracking.
"I don't," he said. "Just reminding you your weak breathing will mess up my grades if they make us sit together again."
But his eyes lingered on her face a moment longer than needed.
Ravi caught up.
"Hey," he said to Ryu, ignoring Rey. "Feeling better now?"
She nodded. "Yeah... thanks."
"You looked stressed. If you need help revising next time, just text me."
Rey didn't look at either of them. He stared ahead, jaw clenched.
Then turned slightly to Ravi.
"You remember the plan, right?" Rey asked sharply.
Ravi's smile faltered.
"I remember."
But his voice was slower.
He did remember.
He just wasn't sure if he wanted to anymore.
The school corridors buzzed faintly. Footsteps. Laughter. Some kids ran to the canteen, some dragged their feet toward the library.
Ryu sat quietly under the neem tree near the art room. A light breeze played with the ends of her hair.
Her sketchpad lay open across her lap.
She hadn't meant to draw him again.
But her hands didn't listen.
Her pencil moved on its own — soft strokes, gentle lines — forming a familiar silhouette.
Sharp eyes. Untamed hair. A jawline she could recognize in her sleep.
Ryu's POV:
Why does he keep showing up on paper when I try to forget?
She stared at the almost-finished face.
Why do I remember the way he looked at me even when he avoids me now?
"Is that me?"
She flinched.
Rey stood behind the tree, a half-eaten apple in his hand, his school tie loosened.
She scrambled to shut the sketchpad, but he stepped closer.
"You didn't answer." His voice held that irritating calmness.
"It's just a random drawing," she muttered.
"Really?" He leaned slightly, catching a glimpse before she could close the book. "Then why does that 'random' guy have this scar on the eyebrow? Just like mine?"
Ryu didn't answer.
Her throat tightened.
"Are you stalking me through charcoal now?" he teased — but there was something else in his tone. Not mockery. Not annoyance. Just... curiosity.
Ryu looked down. "I didn't plan it. It just... happened."
Rey looked at her for a moment.
He was about to speak, but Ravi's voice called from behind.
"Ryu! You're here. Lunch's getting over."
She looked up.
Rey stepped back instantly.
"Better hide your sketches," he said softly, eyes narrowing. "Not everyone likes being seen like that."
And with that, he turned and walked away.
Rey's POV (walking away):
She sees me too clearly. It's dangerous.
No one's supposed to know what I actually feel.
And she draws it like she's seen every part of me I hide.