Morning light was slowly spilling into the room as Aira drew the curtains open.
Mira… wake up, please. We're getting late, Aira said gently.
Mira let out a sleepy groan and pulled the blanket even tighter around herself.
Five minutes just five minutes," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.
Aira crossed her arms.
Your five minutes always turn into half an hour.
Mira cracked one eye open, then promptly closed it again.Aira, I'm so sleepy… getting ready in the morning feels like the hardest job in the world.
Aira tugged at the blanket.
Save the drama for later. Please get up first.
This time, Mira finally opened her eyes fully and sat up so slowly it felt like a scene playing in slow motion. Fine… but first get me some coffee,she said dramatically. Otherwise I'll collapse.
"Not coffee—breakfast," Aira replied. It's already on the table, and Mom is waiting for us.
Mira puffed her cheeks and turned toward the dressing table with exaggerated annoyance.
I really hate these morning rituals.
And I really hate your morning theatrics, Aira shot back, half amused. Now hurry up.
At the breakfast table, Aira's mother was already seated, a faint curl of steam rising from her cup. Aira slipped into the chair opposite her.
Still no sign of your precious Mira? her mother asked, a hint of irritation in her tone.
She's coming, Mom… you can start, Aira replied softly.
Her mother exhaled, clearly exasperated.
You never let me say anything to her. Mira is getting more spoiled every day. No sense of time, no sense of responsibility.
Aira reached for her mother's hand gently.
Mama, please don't worry so much. Mira isn't a child anymore. she'll learn everything gradually. Mornings are just a little slow for her, that's all.
Just then the faint sound of footsteps echoed from the stairs Mira was making her way down, her usual theatrics on full display, hair only half-set, cheeks puffed out in exaggerated annoyance.
Aira leaned slightly toward her mother and whispered,
See? She's here. She just needs a little time.
Oh, a little time, huh? her mother murmured.
Aira chuckled softly.
That's all she needs, Mom.
Mira finally reached the table and, with a dramatic sigh, began her breakfast as if it were the most exhausting task in the world. Aira and her mother watched.
The college ground was alive with the usual buzz students moving in small clusters laughter drifting through the air and the occasional call of a friend cutting across the chatter.Mira and Aira sat together on the grass surrounded by their friends Tasha, Sita, and Ton. The group leaned in close sharing jokes and stories,Not too far away, Elene was perched with her two friends, Ice and Jayna, quietly chatting and occasionally glancing around.
Mira's gaze drifted toward Elena, who was quietly observing her from across the ground. Tasha, sitting right beside her, noticed the way Mira's eyes lingered and couldn't help but tease.So, what are you thinking? Tasha asked, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. Are you just going to keep staring, or do you actually plan to impress her?
Mira let out a dramatic sigh, tugging at a strand of her hair. I've already tried, Yesterday I went all poetic and told her, 'Your eyes are like coffee.' And what does she say? 'I'm a tea lover.' Can you believe it?"
Ton burst out laughing, shaking his head in disbelief.Awww… that's not just a burn, Mira that's espresso-level devastation!
Sita, sitting right there, couldn't help but smirk.
Ha! She totally roasted you, Mira. Admit it!
Then Sita turned to Aira, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
So… what do you say, Aira?
Aira shrugged casually, looking completely unfazed.
I have zero interest in all that stuff.
Mira's shoulders slumped slightly, a mix of desperation and pleading in her eyes.
Come on, at least help me out a little! Teach your little sister how to impress. Miss Emotionless!
Tasha said to Mira, Just keep it simple like a flower.
Perfect! Mira exclaimed. She got up and started searching through the nearby flowers for the best one. Carefully, she picked what she thought was perfect… only to realize too late that a bumblebee was clinging to it. Without noticing, she handed it over to Elena. This is for you.But just as she reached for it, the bumblebee landed on her hand. Mira yelped in panic and flung the flower away.
Are you okay, Mira? Elena asked, concerned.
Mira quickly composed herself, trying to act cool. Yeah, yeah! I'm totally fine,she said, instantly recovering, and returned to the group as if nothing had happened.
Tasha and Ton gave her encouraging smiles. It's okay, they said. If not today, then tomorrow for sure.