The rain had finally eased into a mist by the time Arka and Bayu dragged themselves into the covered walkway, shoes squelching with every step.
Arka wrung water from his sleeve dramatically. "We fought valiantly, but alas, the puddle kingdom has fallen."
Bayu deadpanned. "You lost. Miserably."
Before Arka could reply, a new voice cut in, calm and even:
"You two sound like a bad comedy duo."
Both turned.
A girl leaned casually against the doorframe, backpack slung over one shoulder. Her uniform was neat, her hair tucked cleanly behind her ears. She looked perfectly dry, like the rain hadn't touched her at all.
"Uh—who are you?" Arka asked, eyes narrowing with playful suspicion.
"Rani," she said simply. "First year. I transferred last week."
Bayu gave a polite nod. "Welcome."
Arka squinted at her. "Wait, wait… You watched us fight the puddle war and didn't intervene?"
Rani blinked. "You looked like you were having fun."
Bayu smirked. "Finally. Someone with sense."
Arka placed a hand over his chest. "Et tu, Bayu? Betrayed for a freshman?"
Rani raised an eyebrow. "So your name is Bayu?"
"Yeah."
"And you're Arka."
Arka grinned. "See? She already knows we're iconic."
"More like loud," Rani said. But there was the faintest curve to her lips.
Bayu almost chuckled. Almost.
As they walked together, Arka noticed Rani glancing at Lestari and Ubi up ahead. The two were walking close again, their hands brushing every so often before they quickly pulled apart. Ubi leaned down to whisper something that made Lestari duck her head, face glowing red.
Rani's eyes lingered, quiet, observant. She didn't say anything, but Arka caught the knowing look.
He smirked. "Sharp eyes, rookie."
Rani shrugged. "I notice things. Like how you only joke this much around him." She tilted her chin toward Bayu.
Bayu blinked. "…What?"
Arka coughed loudly, throwing an arm around Rani's shoulder. "And you, young one, are far too observant for your own good. Dangerous."
Rani slipped out of his hold with surprising ease. "Relax. I don't care. Just saying what I see."
Bayu watched them quietly. For some reason, her words stuck with him longer than they should have.
Arka, meanwhile, was already rambling about "training Rani in the arts of chaos," but his grin faltered for just a second when he glanced at Bayu.
It was small, but Rani noticed.