Hi everyone 🤍I just wanted to say I'm really sorry for the slower updates coming up. I'll be going on holiday for about four weeks, and because of that, I'll only be able to update one new chapter per week during that time.
This story means a lot to me, and I truly appreciate every single person who reads, comments, and waits for the next chapter. Thank you for being patient with me—I promise I'll make it worth the wait when I'm back 🫶
As a little thank-you for understanding, here's a short side story that isn't part of the main timeline, just a small moment between the characters.
Side Story — "A Quiet Afternoon"
It was one of those afternoons where time felt slower than usual.
Velithra sat by the classroom window long after school had ended, watching the sunlight stretch across the empty desks. The building was quieter now—no whispers, no laughter, no pressure to pretend.
Kai lingered by the door, backpack slung over one shoulder.
"You coming?" he asked.
"In a minute," Velithra replied.
Kai didn't push. He walked over and leaned against the desk beside her instead, following her gaze out the window.
"It's peaceful," he said.
Velithra nodded. "It doesn't feel like school when it's empty."
Kai glanced at her. "You don't feel like you're holding your breath right now."
She blinked, surprised. "Am I that obvious?"
"Only to me," he said quietly.
They sat there for a moment, not talking. The silence didn't feel awkward—it felt earned.
Velithra rested her chin in her palm. "Do you ever wish you could pause things like this?"
Kai thought about it. "Sometimes. But I think moments like this matter more because they don't last."
She smiled softly. "You always say things like that."
He shrugged. "I don't say them to everyone."
The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the floor.
Eventually, Velithra stood. "Okay. Now I'm ready."
Kai straightened too. As they walked out together, he slowed just enough to match her steps—like he always did.
No rush.No pressure.Just walking.