Aira slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the bright light. She realized she was lying on a bed in the high school medical room. Liza sat beside her, worry etched across her face.
As Aira's gaze cleared, Liza gently touched her hand.
"Are you okay now?" she asked softly.
Aira gave a small nod. "Yeah… I'm okay."
Liza's brows furrowed. "Did something happen to you?"
Aira hesitated. Something had happened—something she couldn't explain—but she didn't show it. Instead, her eyes drifted to the far end of the room, where Rayan stood silently.
Noticing her glance, Liza explained, "When you became unconscious and fell, Rayan picked you up and brought you here."
Aira's heart skipped a beat. Shock flashed through her, but she forced a calm smile.
Thanks, she wanted to say, but the words stayed trapped in her throat. Rayan didn't reply; he simply turned and walked out.
Turning back to Liza, Aira smiled faintly. "I'm fine. It was just… stress, I guess."
Liza nodded. "Alright, then rest for a few hours."
Aira agreed with a nod. Once Liza left, the room felt unusually quiet. Alone, Aira stared at the ceiling, her mind replaying the earlier moments. Outside the door, Rayan asked Liza how she was.
"She's okay," Liza replied.
"Did she say anything?" Rayan asked, his voice tight.
"No… she didn't say anything," Liza answered.
Rayan's face darkened with thought before he walked away.
An hour later, Aira returned to class. Concerned whispers followed her as she entered. "Are you okay now?" several classmates asked. She smiled. "I'm okay."
Rayan, however, remained at his desk, head down. Their eyes met briefly, and Aira didn't look away, despite the crowd. Just then, the teacher arrived.
"Feeling better?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am," Aira replied politely.
"You should take care of yourself," the teacher warned.
"I'm fine, ma'am," Aira reassured her.
Class began, and Aira sat beside Rayan. She watched him for a few minutes, noticing the way he occasionally sneaked glances at her before returning to his lesson.
By 2:00 p.m., classes ended. Rayan stood, slung his bag over one shoulder, hands in his pockets, and walked out. Aira watched silently.
Soon, Liza approached. "Let's go home together," she said.
"Yeah," Aira replied, gathering her things.
On the bus, Aira sat by the window, gazing at the passing scenery. Her thoughts drifted until she noticed Rayan talking with a girl—the same one she had seen him with in the park. Her heart grew heavy, her mind clouded with confusion.
Liza noticed her expression. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Aira said, forcing a smile.
By 2:30 p.m., Aira reached home. She entered quietly, locked the door, changed, and took a shower. Later, she called her grandma.
"Hello, grandma. How are you?" she asked.
"I'm good, dear. How's school?" her grandma replied.
"It's okay… Grandma, tomorrow I think I'll see Mom and Dad in my dream again. Why do I keep dreaming about them?" Aira asked softly.
"Don't be scared, my dear. One day, you won't have these dreams," her grandma reassured her.
"I know… I hope so," Aira whispered.
"Alright, my dear, go get some sleep. Goodnight, Aira."
"Goodnight, grandma," Aira replied, feeling a quiet comfort in her voice. After the call ended, she noticed a pang of worry in her heart—her grandma had sensed how fragile she felt.
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