Before I knew it, the school day was over.
The hallways quickly filled with students talking, laughing, and making plans for the afternoon. I adjusted my bag and started walking toward the school gates.
I was almost outside when I heard someone call my name.
"Cody… wait!"
I turned around.
Kira was jogging toward me, her bag bouncing against her shoulder. She stopped in front of me, slightly out of breath before letting out a small laugh.
"Sorry… did I make you wait?"
I smiled a little.
"I just stopped."
"Good."
She adjusted her glasses before looking at me.
"Are you heading home?"
"Yeah."
"Me too."
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then we started walking together.
The afternoon breeze drifted through the streets as we left the school behind. We talked about our teachers, our classes, and how confusing the first day had been.
Nothing important.
But somehow…
The conversation never felt awkward.
It was… comfortable.
Before long, we reached the corner where our paths separated.
Kira stopped walking.
"I guess this is where we split up."
"…Yeah."
She smiled.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Cody."
"See you."
She gave a small wave before turning and walking down her street.
I stood there for a second before continuing home.
At the time…
I thought it was just another ordinary day.
I had no idea how fragile "ordinary" really was.
When I got home, the house was as quiet as always.
I placed my bag by the door before heading toward the kitchen.
Mom looked up from the stove.
"How was school?"
"It was… fine."
She smiled.
"I'm glad."
Dinner wasn't ready yet, so I headed upstairs to my room.
I lay on my bed and stared at the ceiling.
For some reason…
My thoughts kept drifting back to today.
To the classroom.
To the walk home.
To the way Kira smiled when she called my name.
I turned onto my side and buried my face in my pillow.
"…What's wrong with me?"
I let out a quiet sigh.
"It was only one day."
Only one girl.
That was all.
…
Yet somehow…
I couldn't stop smiling.
END OF CHAPTER 4