The next morning, Velithra woke up before her alarm.
Not because she was stressed.Not because she couldn't sleep.
But because, for the first time in a long time… she actually felt excited to go to school.
The feeling confused her. She stared at the ceiling, brushing a strand of hair off her forehead. Her chest felt warm in a way she didn't quite understand—like something quiet inside her was growing, stretching, waking up.
She got ready slower than usual, checking her reflection one extra time. Not because she wanted to impress anyone, she told herself. She just… wanted to look like she felt better. Even if it was a tiny bit.
When she walked to school, the cold morning air brushed her cheeks, and she found herself smiling at absolutely nothing.
At the school gates, Kai was leaning against the wall like he'd been waiting there on purpose. His black hair fell messily over his eyes, and when he spotted her, he stood up straighter—like the entire world snapped into focus.
"You're early," Velithra said.
He shrugged. "Couldn't sleep."
His voice was casual, but his eyes softened when they landed on her.
"Did you… sleep okay?" he asked.
Velithra blinked at him. "Why do you ask like it's important?"
"Because it is."
She looked away, feeling heat creep up her neck."I slept fine," she whispered.
Kai nodded once, slow and satisfied, like that answer mattered more than she realized.
They started walking toward the building together. Students turned their heads—some curious, some whispering—but Kai didn't seem to care. He stayed close enough that their sleeves brushed occasionally.
Velithra felt her heart thump from that tiny, accidental touch.
At the classroom door, she reached for the handle—then paused.
"Kai?" she asked.
"Yeah?"
"Did… did yesterday feel different? To you?"
Kai didn't move at first. His breath hitched just slightly, like she'd caught him off guard. His voice, when he spoke, was lower.
"Yeah," he said quietly. "It did."
Velithra felt the warmth return to her chest—stronger this time.
Before she could reply, Kai did something small but unexpected: he reached out and gently adjusted the collar of her shirt, his touch quick and careful, like he didn't want to scare her.
"You missed a fold," he said.
Velithra froze. Her heart didn't.
Her voice came out tiny."Oh."
Kai stepped back, clearing his throat. "Sorry. Force of habit."
But his ears were turning red.
Velithra smiled—barely, but real.
"Thank you," she whispered.
And for a moment, right there in the hallway surrounded by noise and people and everything that used to make her feel invisible…
Velithra didn't feel invisible at all.
She felt seen.
And it scared her.And thrilled her.And warmed her all at once.