The Harapan Nusa High School yard was still damp from last night's rain. The ground around the small garden gave off a familiar, damp scent, mixed with the sound of wet shoes hitting the corridor tiles. Dew hanging from the leaves fell slowly, as if offering a brief respite before the day truly began.
Nayara arrived a little later than usual. Her hair was neatly tied back, though a few strands had fallen loose and hung at her temples. Her uniform remained neat, but her steps were slower, as if she hadn't fully woken up from the night before. Several students greeted her kindly, "Good morning, Nay." "Hello, Nayara," she replied with a nod and a faint smile, as usual.
But this morning felt different. Perhaps it was the cooler temperature, or perhaps it was because something was stirring inside her, something she didn't yet understand.
From a distance, on the edge of the field, she saw Raka with Dimas and Nathan. They looked relaxed, chuckling as they looked at something on their phones. Normally, Nayara would have simply passed them by without really noticing. But this time, her gaze lingered a little longer than it should have.
Strange, she thought. I've known him for a long time. But now it feels like I'm really seeing him.
Raka was actually just standing there, his hands tucked into his jacket pockets, his hair slightly tousled in the morning breeze. But the way he laughed—natural, unexaggerated, and warm—somehow caught her attention for the first time.
As she passed them, Raka happened to turn around. Their gazes met for a moment. Short, not dramatic, just enough to make Nayara's steps change slightly. There was a flash of awkwardness that had never happened before.
Nayara remembered yesterday's incident, and she knew Raka remembered the same thing. That made her walk faster. She still felt embarrassed and awkward.
On the other hand, Dimas clearly didn't miss the moment. "Hey, Nayara's passing by," he murmured, nudging Raka's shoulder. "You know Nayara, right, Bro?"
Raka glanced at her briefly, his lips quirking slightly.
"Do I live in a cave? Everyone at school knows who Nayara is."
His tone was casual, but his eyes scanned the figure once more. Only the silhouette of Nayara's back was visible.
Nathan chimed in without looking up from his phone. "The busiest person in our school. Looks like if this school collapses, she'll still have time to make contingency plans for a rescue operation."
Dimas laughed heartily. "That's right. But she's amazing. If I even got an eight, I'd definitely celebrate."
Raka smiled, though he didn't join in the laughter. Instead, he muttered softly, as if to himself, "Sometimes people like that don't have time to rest."
Dimas raised an eyebrow. "Very profound, man. It's already so poetic early in the morning."
Raka merely grinned. "Maybe the coffee steam was too much."
Meanwhile, Nayara arrived at her class. She paused for a moment in front of the window, observing the still-muddy courtyard. From her vantage point, she could see Raka walking slowly, dribbling a basketball across the floor. His movements were relaxed, yet rhythmic. As if he wasn't in a hurry.
Nayara quickly looked away and entered the classroom.
Nisa had just arrived, busy drying her hair with a tissue. "You're unusually late, Nay. I thought you got caught in the rain."
Nayara put down her bag and smiled faintly. "Just a little late. The rain can't be blamed."
Nisa studied Nayara's face. "Are you okay? You look very pale."
"Just a little sleep-deprived," Nayara replied.
"Well, of course, yesterday's committee meeting lasted until almost sunset."
"We have to finish before the competition."
Nisa sighed dramatically. "Can you live like a normal person? Like... relaxing, forgetting about your assignments, or falling asleep in class?"
Nayara thought for a moment, feigning seriousness. "I guess I can. But later, not now."
Nisa glared at her. "Gosh. You really need a break from being perfect."
Nayara chuckled.
From the window, sunlight finally broke through the clouds. The classroom brightened slightly.
As she looked out the window again, Raka happened to be passing right in front of the class, bouncing the basketball. His gaze briefly glanced up, and their eyes met again.
This time, neither of them quickly looked away.
It was only a split second, but enough for something to happen—before they realized it would happen again and again.