Finally, the farewell function ended. Everyone clicked so many pictures, laughed together, and for a moment everything felt perfect. The best part was that the teachers appreciated us, and in the end they announced both classes as winners. Some students whispered that they already expected this, but I didn't care. I was just happy.
Happy because the function was finally over, and now I could focus on my studies. But the real reason for my happiness was something else — I had finally found clarity.
Clarity that I don't like Ayyan. I just admire him because he's a good person. All I ever wanted was for him to know me, to help me when I needed it, to just be a friend — nothing more.
I still remember that day at the handwash area. It's been two weeks, but the memory is stuck in my head. I was on my way to wash my face when I saw him. Alone. Trying to look fine but clearly wiping away his tears. It wasn't full-on crying, but it was enough to shake me.
That day, I didn't go near him. I just walked to the washroom instead. And all I wished was, God, if I were his friend, I would make sure he was never alone. I would sit with him, listen, and make him feel okay.
I don't know why he was upset, but I was sure it had something to do with Ayesha. They hadn't been talking the same way for weeks. Something had definitely happened between them.
These thoughts were still running in my mind as I packed my bag. Around me, seniors were still dancing, enjoying their last farewell moments, clicking photos to remember forever.
And then… my eyes fell on Ayyan.
But this time, I didn't look at him the same way. He wasn't my "crush" anymore. He was just another guy. I noticed he was with Disha — that tall girl from Division A I once mentioned. She was trying so hard to stay close to him, acting all dramatic, while he looked irritated and ignored her. Honestly, if I were in his place, I would have picked her. She's prettier than Ayesha, at least in looks. But love is blind, right? What can we do.
I was still lost in these thoughts when Anisha came running.
"Bro, last ten minutes! Let's dance!"
So we did. We all danced together, laughed, and said our goodbyes. Slowly, everyone started leaving.
I was about to head home when Shela stopped me.
"Thanks," she said.
"Why?" I asked, confused.
"When I couldn't help my friends, you did. Thank you. But now… stay away from her. I don't like you being this close to her. And also, don't interfere in Tanev and Anisha's matter. You're new. You don't know anything about us."
Normally, I would have stayed silent. But today, I didn't.
"Okay," I said calmly, "but if Anisha comes to me, I won't stop her. She's my friend too. And about Tanev — that's not in our hands. Everything depends on her, not you or me."
She glared at me, but I walked away.
On my way out, I remembered something else — today even Tanev behaved differently. He wasn't rude or cold. He treated me like a classmate, not a stranger. That made me unexpectedly happy.
I smiled to myself. Finally… I'm over Ayyan. Finally, I'm clear that all I want is friendship, not love. I'm enough for myself. I don't need anyone's attention.
But just when I thought the story was over, fate had one last twist for me.
Right in front of me, I saw Ayyan fixing his white shirt. At first, it was nothing. But then my eyes froze.
A red lipstick mark.
What?!
My mind started racing. Ayesha isn't even here… then who? Disha?
In front of everyone, he acted irritated, like he couldn't stand her. But alone? He was fixing his shirt with a lipstick stain?
How cheap.
I turned away, angry and disgusted, and walked home.
That evening, I told my family about my day. My brother, as always, had his sarcasm ready.
"I still don't understand why the faculty chose you as anchor," he said. "I mean, how stupid can they be?"
I glared at him. "Not everyone is as blind as you."
Later, when I went to remove my makeup, I wiped off my lipstick and the image of Ayyan fixing his shirt flashed again in my mind.
"Sheesh… so cheap of him," I whispered to myself.
I don't know if it was anger, disappointment, or both. But one thing was clear — the reputation I once gave him, the image of "perfect for Ayesha, loyal, good guy" — was completely ruined in my eyes.
And deep down, I knew… Ayyan was not the person I thought he was.