By the time I got home, the sky had already begun turning orange.
I dropped my bag beside my bed and sat down, staring at the wall as I thought about everything that had happened that day.
Then I remembered the book.
I reached into my bag and pulled out the Bible.
For a moment, I simply looked at the cover before opening it.
At first, I only meant to read a few pages.
Out of curiosity.
But after finishing one page, I turned to the next.
Then another.
And another.
Before I realized it, hours had passed.
For some reason…
I couldn't stop reading.
The next morning, I grabbed my bag and headed to school.
The cool morning air brushed against my face as I walked down the familiar streets.
As I turned the corner, I noticed someone walking a short distance ahead of me.
Kira.
I quickly looked away and kept walking, hoping she wouldn't notice me.
"Cody!"
I stopped.
Of course she noticed.
Kira jogged over with her usual bright smile.
"Good morning."
"…Morning."
She looked at me for a moment before tilting her head.
"Were you trying to avoid me?"
"No."
She laughed.
"You definitely were."
Before I could respond, she fell into step beside me.
"Too late now," she said with a grin. "We're walking together."
I sighed quietly but didn't argue.
After a few moments, she glanced at me again.
"You're really quiet today."
"I'm always quiet."
She smiled.
"Not this quiet."
I kept my eyes on the road ahead.
After studying me for a moment, she smiled to herself.
"I don't know what's different," she said.
"But…"
"I think I like this version of you."
Her words caught me off guard.
I wasn't sure how to respond.
So I stayed silent.
By the time we reached the school gates, students were beginning to fill the courtyard.
Kira continued talking as we walked toward the entrance, her cheerful voice standing out against the morning crowd.
I mostly listened, replying only now and then.
On the second floor, Mia walked down the hallway toward her classroom.
As she passed one of the windows, she glanced into the courtyard below.
Then she saw us.
Me…
And Kira.
The two of us were walking into school together, and Kira was smiling as she talked beside me.
Mia slowed her steps.
She stood quietly by the window for a moment, watching us from above.
Then she looked away and continued toward her classroom.
Even so…
The image of us walking together stayed with her.
End of Chapter 11