Morning light filtered softly through the curtains as Aira got ready for college. She stood before the mirror fastening the buttons of her shirt when the door creaked open and Mira stepped inside.
Hey Ai!
Aira responded without turning her voice light Yes?
Ai Sita's waiting for you downstairs Mira said as she walked toward the window. Peeking outside she added Looks like it might rain today.At that Aira paused and glanced at her for a second before picking up her phone to check the weather. Just as Mira had said rain was expected. Letting out a soft sigh she grabbed her umbrella and slipped it into her bag.I'm heading out. Be on time Aira said.
Mira shrugged slightly and replied Yeah my class starts a bit late today anyway. Take care.
Aira made her way downstairs stepping out through the gate where Sita was already waiting for her.Good morning Sita said warmly.
Aira smiled back at her with affection. Good morning bestie.Sita slipped her arm through Aira's just as a voice called out from above Good morning!They both looked up to see Mira standing there watching them with a smile.Morning sis! Sita waved back.Aira glanced at Sita.Shall we go?With that the two of them started walking together side by side as their day began.As soon as they reached the college they were just stepping through the gate when Aira turned to Sita.
You go ahead. I need to wait for Kae she said.
Sita frowned slightly.Right now?Aira nodded. Yeah I told her to meet me here but she's still not here.
Sita shook her head firmly.No I'll stay with you.
Aira looked at her and said gently Sita she won't do anything like last time. But Sita only tightened her hold on Aira's arm resting her head lightly against her shoulder. No I'm staying she insisted her tone almost childlike.Aira couldn't help but smile at her as if she didn't mind that side of her at all.After a while Elena entered the campus with her friend Run. As they walked in Elena's gaze immediately fell on Aira and Sita.From behind Mira approached quietly and said Morning sunshine.Elena turned her attention to her.Oh Mira.How are you? Mira asked casually.I'm good. How are you? Elena replied.Mira smirked slightly.Right now I don't belong to anyone but I'd like to.Elena raised a brow then laughed softly. I asked how you are not whose you are.Mira chuckled. Well at least you smiled.
Her eyes drifted toward Aira. Lowering her voice she murmured She's still standing there.Elena followed her gaze again.Yeah they look pretty close.Mira shrugged lightly. Of course they are. Childhood friends.Elena simply responded with a quiet expressionless Hmm.Alright then see you around Mira said before walking off.As she passed by Aira and Sita she stopped and asked Why are you two still standing here?I'm waiting for Kae Aira replied. I gave her a time.Hearing this Mira leaned closer to Sita and whispered softly near her ear Sis be careful. That girl is our enemy.Sita and Aira exchanged a brief look both making a small unimpressed expression.Okay then I'll go Mira said stepping back. You two handle it.As she left she gave Sita a subtle hand gesture an okay sign before walking away.Sita returned to Aira's side slipping her hand around Aira's arm once again and resting her head gently against it. Aira unbothered pulled out her phone and began scrolling through it.Meanwhile Run glanced at Elena and asked Aren't you coming? Elena hesitated for a moment. Um Run you go ahead to class. I'll take the notes from you later. Actually I have something to do in the library.Run nodded. Alright then I'll meet you in the library after the lecture.Okay Elena replied quietly. After some time had passed Sita turned to Aira and said I'm tired. Let's sit somewhere.Aira slightly lifted her gaze upward.Elena was still there. She shifted her gaze slightly and Elena remained in the same spot. But the moment Aira lifted her face fully to look at her Elena quickly pretended to search through her bag then pulled out her phone and began mindlessly swiping as if she had been busy all along.Seeing this Aira pressed her lips together and let a faint smile touch them so slight it was barely there as if she had quietly enjoyed the sight.Aira murmured She's here.Just then Kae walked past Elena who watched her intently. Sita noticed too her expression reflecting a small intrigued oh.As Kae approached them she smiled and waved lightly. Hi.
Sita looked her up and down and said Are you here for Fashion Week or something?Kae let out a small confused Huh? before turning to Aira. Sorry I am late.Behind them Elena's eyes widened slightly as she watched Kae.Aira noticed this and lowered her gaze pressing her lips together to hide a faint smile amused by Elena's reaction.Kae placed a hand on Aira's arm but Sita immediately pulled it away and brushed Aira's sleeve saying sharply Don't touch her.Kae's expression turned awkward.At that moment a boy approached them.Sita a senior is calling you.Right now? Sita asked.Yes they've been waiting for you since morning.Sita made a face at Aira clearly reluctant.From behind Kae said in a slightly taunt tone Don't worry Sita. I'm here with Aira. I'll take even better care of her than you do.Sita glanced at Aira. You come with me.
Aira gently placed a hand on Sita's head. Go finish your work first.Elena stood at a distance watching everything unfold unable to fully understand what was happening.As soon as Sita left Kae grabbed Aira's arm again. Shall we?Aira looked at her her eyes clearly showing displeasure. She jerked her arm away sharply.From afar Elena let out a soft Oof. Aira turned to Kae and said firmly I don't like anyone grabbing my arm.Kae's face darkened with anger.And next time Aira added if you're late again I won't help you with anything.
Hearing this Elena stood at a distance quietly reacting with a small amused oh a faint smile on her lips.Aira continued her gaze sweeping over Kae from head to toe. If you've come to college to study then focus on that. You have plenty of time for all this later.Just then one of Kae's friends arrived. Sorry I am late.She looked between them noticing the tension. Is everything okay?Kae quickly masked her expression. Yeah everything's fine. I was just a little late. Then she turned to Aira. Sorry.Without responding Aira simply said Come with me. As they walked away Elena watched them curiosity evident in her eyes. Where are they going? she murmured to herself.A moment later she quietly began following them from a distance.
Aira was leading them toward the library when Kae suddenly spoke.Can we go sit in the cafeteria instead?Aira paused and turned slightly toward her.Before she could respond Kae's friend nodded and said Yeah that's a good idea. We can sit there comfortably and get something to eat too.Kae added casually I didn't even have breakfast.Aira looked at her and said You're late and you skipped breakfast?Kae didn't answer. She simply let out an umm and gave Aira a light apologetic smile.Aira sighed softly and started walking toward the cafeteria.As they moved she noticed Elena was still following behind them. This time Elena wasn't smiling. That caught Aira's attention for a brief moment she felt a flicker of curiosity.Still she said nothing and continued walking calmly.Soon they entered the cafeteria and took a seat.Aira chose a table, and not too far from them, Elena also sat down at a separate table quietly observing from a distance.Before sitting down Aira placed her bag on the chair beside her. She then removed her jacket and laid it neatly over the same seat.Rolling up the sleeves of her shirt she revealed a watch on her left wrist.Elena's eyes stayed fixed on her.After adjusting her sleeves Aira ran both hands through her hair pushing it back and then finally took her seat.Elena watched everything quietly.Once seated Aira pulled the notebook in front of Kae a little closer toward herself. She rested her left hand against her face for a moment then slowly curled it into a loose fist and placed it against her lips.Her gaze shifted forward focusing directly on the book.
She placed her finger on the point in the topic and said If we cover up to here today it should be done.
Across from her Elena picked up her coffee and took a slow sip her eyes never leaving Aira. She took out the notebook and placed it in front of her then picked up a pen in her hand.After some time Elena was starting to feel tired. Sitting there for so long she murmured to herself Does she not even take a break?Still she kept watching as Aira discussed the topic with Kae and her friend.Just then she noticed Kae take a chocolate out of her bag and place it in front of Aira. Aira ignored it and continued studying.Kae leaned a little closer and said Eat this. It'll give you energy. She unwrapped the chocolate slightly and held it near Aira's face.
Aira glanced at it but at the same time she noticed Elena across the table she looked exhausted resting both arms on the table and holding her face in her hands. Seeing her like that confused Aira for a moment.Before she could say anything Kae gently shook the chocolate again. Just eat it.Aira refused saying You eat it. I don't like sweets.Hearing this Kae took the chocolate and placed it into Aira's jacket pocket instead. You can have it later then.Then she asked Should I get you juice? Aira didn't respond.She briefly lifted her gaze and looked at Elena again then lowered it.
She glanced over and noticed that Elena had her eyes closed.After a moment of silence seeing her still sitting like that Aira finally said Let's take a break.She picked up her jacket and put it on then stood up and walked away without waiting for a reply.Kae called after her But we.... But Aira didn't listen. She had already left.Elena remained sitting in the same position. When she finally opened her eyes and looked ahead calmly she noticed that Aira was no longer there. In an instant she stood up letting out a soft sigh as her eyes moved around in search of her.Where did she go? she murmured to herself.She quickly packed her notebook into her bag picked it up and walked out of the cafeteria.Outside she glanced around trying to find Aira among the surroundings. When her eyes failed to spot her anywhere she slowly made her way toward a nearby tree.Standing beneath it she let out a small pout staring down at the ground in quiet frustration.On the other side Mira once again went into Elena's class and placed a juice and chocolate on her seat.When she returned again later she noticed the items were still untouched. No sign of Elena. She looked around the classroom but Elena wasn't there.Frowning slightly Mira murmured to herself Did she not like it? Just then she turned to a girl sitting nearby and asked Excuse me where is the girl who sits here?
The girl replied She hasn't come today. Not since morning.Mira's eyes widened slightly. Not since morning?The girl nodded.
Mira frowned in confusion. But I saw her in the morning.Without saying anything further, she left the items there and walked out of the classroom.
Outside Ton and Tasha met her.So? Did you talk to her? Tasha asked.Mira shook her head. She hasn't even come to class today.Ton and Tasha exchanged looks. But you saw her in the morning.
Mira said softly She must be fine right?Tasha tilted her head. Let's go and see where she is.All three of them started walking together.Meanwhile Sita was sitting near a senior working on an assigned task. Her eyes kept drifting toward the clock repeatedly.
The senior noticed and asked Are you in a hurry.
Sita quickly shook her head. No no I am fine.
The senior nodded. You should still finish this quickly. You are doing well keep it up.Sita smiled politely. Thank you and then focused back on her work continuing quietly.A soft voice came from behind Elena.Are you looking for someone?
Lost in her thoughts, she replied calmly Yes.
A moment later another voice followed Did you find her?Elena shook her head slightly still not fully paying attention.Suddenly she looked down for a second only to quickly lift her gaze in surprise. She turned around startled and there stood Aira.Before Elena could react properly she lost her balance and started falling backward.In an instant Aira stepped forward and caught her right arm with her right hand pulling her sharply toward herself.
The sudden movement brought them dangerously close.For a brief moment everything felt still as if time had stopped.Aira's face was so close to Elena's that she could clearly feel her breath.
Aira's eyes lingered on Elena's steady and unblinking before slowly drifting down to her lips.
Elena still looking at Aira felt a strange confusion settle in her chest. Not understanding the moment she unconsciously leaned a little closer.They were so close now that even the slightest movement would have brought their lips together.
Aira could faintly feel the touch of Elena's lips brushing against hers barely there like a hesitation caught in the air itself. Yet she neither pulled away nor stopped her. She simply stayed still as if the moment had quietly held her in place.
Elena spoke softly Aira.
Aira responded without moving her lips properly only a quiet Hmm.Elena frowned slightly and said I feel dizzy.Before she could finish her body swayed backward as if she was about to fall again.Aira was still holding her arm. She didn't let go steadying her immediately.Keeping her grip firm Aira asked calmly Did you eat breakfast? Elena shook her head faintly.No just coffee.Aira exhaled softly her expression unreadable. Without saying much more she adjusted her hold on Elena and gently guided her forward.Come on she said quietly, leading her toward the library.A little while after they reached the library a boy came from the cafeteria carrying a sandwich and fresh juice for Aira.Aira took the tray and placed it in front of Elena.Elena didn't touch anything.Aira looked at her and said softly Eat something. You'll feel better.
Elena's mind still felt slightly dizzy her thoughts not fully steady.After a brief pause she finally picked up the sandwich and took a bite. Aira stood up from her seat giving Elena some space so she could eat comfortably without feeling watched.
Just as she stood up a voice came from behind her.I knew you'd be here.
It was Sita.She walked over quickly grabbed Aira from the front and turned her around oncestudying her as if checking something carefully.Elena paused mid-bite the sandwich still in her hand watching the scene unfold in silence.Sita began looking Aira over from front to back then back to front again.Aira let out a sigh. I wasn't going to war Sita.Sita ignored her tone and pointed slightly. Did she touch you again?Without waiting for an answer she grabbed a tissue from Elena's nearby table and began wiping Aira's jacket as if it were necessary.Elena watched everything with quiet confusion.Aira caught Sita's wrist and stopped her. What is wrong with you?Sita's expression stayed firm her attention clearly fixed on Aira. Even Elena could sense the strong almost possessive concern in her behavior.Sita then asked Did you finish their work?I gave them a break Aira replied calmly.
Message them then Sita insisted. Tell them the break is over. They shouldn't keep you busy like this.Without waiting for Aira's response she took out Aira's phone from her pocket.I'll do it she said.
Aira let out a small breath, then gently took the phone back from her. Her fingers moved quickly as she typed the message herself before showing it to Sita.Happy now? she asked a faint smile forming on her lips.Yeah Sita replied simply.Across the table Elena picked up her juice and took a quiet sip observing everything carefully.At that moment Sita's gaze shifted toward Elena. She said nothing but her expression changed slightly as she studied her. Aira slipped her phone back into her jacket pocket and her hand brushed against something.
She pulled out the chocolate.Both Sita and Elena noticed it.Aira looked at Sita and held it out. Want it?Sita took it without hesitation. Of course.
After that Aira turned her attention to Elena.
Just for a second she looked at her and asked Do you like chocolate?Elena still eating replied lightly It's fine.Aira seemed slightly unsure how to take that answer.Sita then asked Aira Have you eaten anything?Without waiting for a reply she added on her own You haven't have you? I know you haven't.
Sita asked Aira Where is your bag?Aira replied In the cafeteria.Sita nodded and said Let's go get it then. You can have something to eat as well.Aira glanced toward Elena and said softly Don't skip breakfast. Eat this and then go to class.
With that she turned and walked away.