Ugh, today I was late. Again. My sleep was half—thanks to last night's endless overthinking. And just when I thought things couldn't get worse… I noticed.
Instead of school socks, I had worn my home socks.
Oh God. Not again! Our school still hadn't given us uniforms, but they had given socks—and they reminded us daily. Yet here I was, walking straight into humiliation.
And like fate itself was laughing at me, today was neatness checking day.
"Stand outside!" the teacher yelled, eyes burning holes through me. "Shameful. Seniors should be examples. What will the juniors think of you?"
My ears burned. I stared at the floor, praying no one noticed me.
Until… I did notice.
Beside me, Ayyan.
He was out for his shoes. Our eyes met, and he gave me that shy, sheepish smile—rubbing his hair, as if saying, embarrassing, right?
And I… I smiled back.
In front of him, Era was also there, giggling at her own mistake. Her face looked so funny I almost laughed out loud. I quickly looked down, though, feeling someone's gaze on me. I didn't dare check who.
After our mini "lecture on cleanliness and responsibility," we finally sat down.
"Why were you both outside?" Nayaan asked, smirking.
I explained. Ayyan added. And of course, Nayaan burst out laughing. "You guys need to stay clean!"
Ayyan fired back, "Shut up! If you weren't hurt on your leg, you'd have been with us for sure."
They started laughing again. Then, turning to me, Ayyan said, "Nayaan is dumb, right Siya? Don't you think?"
I chuckled. "I don't know."
"Oh really? Then tell us, who looks smarter—me or him?" he teased.
Before I could answer, Nayaan dragged Ayesha into it. "Ayesha, you decide."
She stayed silent, looking away. I added quickly, "For her, only one person can be smart. I don't think we need to say it out loud."
Her cheeks went pink. She glared at me but didn't deny it. And Ayyan… he was blushing.
I smiled. A matchmaker in action.
Tbh, in my heart there was no jealousy, no pain. Just one hope—that someday, I'd manage to bring these two stubborn idiots together.
Finally, I give up on you, Ayyan. Finally, my heart is clear. I don't want you anymore💗. I'm happy alone, with my people. No more you.
I was lost in this thought when Vani ma'am walked in.
She caught me smiling. "Is there any reason to smile, Siya?"
"No ma'am, I was just—"
"Just what?" she snapped.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," I whispered.
"Stand up. From now, you'll sit on the last bench. Corner row."
My blood froze. What the hell? Out of nowhere?
And then—worse. She turned to Ayyan. "Focus on your studies, Ayyan. There are bigger things to achieve."
The whole class stared. First me. Then him. And back to me again.
Wtf was happening?
I dragged myself to the corner, blank, my brain screaming with questions. Why me? Why him? Why us?
By the end of the lecture, Shela and Era rushed over.
"Siya… is there something going on between you and Ayyan?" Shela asked bluntly.
"What? No! Never!" I shot back.
"Then why did ma'am move you? And why warn Ayyan too?"
"Because I was distracted. But distraction doesn't mean… Ayyan, right?" My voice shook.
Shela exchanged a look with Era. "Sorry, girl, but… it looks like Vani ma'am thinks wrong of you. Either she believes you're trying something with him, or that there's something between you two. And now… the whole class will think the same."
"No! Never! Do you know one thing—ugh—" I tried to laugh it off, but it was real panic.
Era held my hand gently. "It's okay, Siya. Speak up."
"There's nothing between me and him. Nothing. I was only helping him with Ayesha. More than me, they're the ones smiling and blushing together! I was just there. So why did ma'am punish me? Why does everyone think wrong?"
Shela sighed. "It's not about Ayyan. It's about you. Everyone knows he likes Ayesha. So… maybe they think you like him."
"No way! You can even ask Ayyan—I've only been helping with Ayesha. That's all."
"It's okay, Siya," Era whispered. "Ayyan knows the truth. And the class? They won't say anything. Don't stress."
Normal. Yeah right.
It wasn't normal. It was embarrassing. Too embarrassing.
Oh God. Why me?