The next morning, Anna woke up feeling strangely calm.
Last night had been heavy, but today she didn't want to think too much.
She tied her hair neatly, packed her bag, and told herself, It's just a normal day.
When she reached school, the corridor was full of noise like always. Students were running, laughing, calling out to each other.
Everything felt the same.
Inside the classroom, Emily was already sitting on the bench.
"You're late by two minutes," Emily announced dramatically.
"I'm not," Anna replied, smiling slightly.
Sophia came in a few minutes later, looking cheerful as ever.
"Guys, guess what? We have a surprise English test today," she said.
Emily groaned loudly. "Why does this school hate us?"
Anna laughed softly.
For a moment, she forgot everything else.
Then Oliver walked in with his friends, talking about cricket. He looked relaxed, like nothing in the world bothered him.
Anna felt her heart react automatically — but this time, she controlled it.
He took his seat behind her.
"Roll 11," he whispered after a minute, "did we have any homework?"
"Yes," Anna replied calmly. "Science notebook submission."
"Oh no," he muttered, checking his bag.
She almost smiled.
It felt normal again.
During the English test, the classroom became silent. Anna focused on her paper. She didn't look back. She didn't try to notice if he was looking at her.
After the test, everyone started discussing answers loudly.
"I wrote the wrong tense!" Emily complained.
Sophia laughed. "You always do that."
Oliver leaned forward slightly. "What did you write for question three?"
Anna answered simply. "Second option."
"Same," he nodded.
Just a small conversation.
Nothing more.
At recess, the four of them ended up standing near the staircase. It wasn't planned — it just happened.
Emily was telling a funny story about her cousin. Sophia was laughing so hard she almost dropped her lunch box.
Oliver joined in, adding small comments.
Anna stood there quietly, listening.
Once, Oliver glanced at her and said, "You don't laugh much."
"I do," she replied. "Just not loudly."
He smiled. "Fair enough."
It was such a simple exchange.
But it didn't hurt.
It didn't feel confusing.
It just felt… easy.
The rest of the day passed quickly. Math class. Science class. A boring lecture in Geography.
When the final bell rang, everyone rushed out.
"See you tomorrow!" Sophia waved.
"Don't forget tuition," Emily reminded Anna.
As Anna walked home, the sky looked soft and golden.
She realized something.
Not every day had to be emotional.
Not every moment had to mean something.
Sometimes, life continues normally — even when your heart is carrying secrets.
And today, Anna was okay with that.
It was just another school day.
And for now, that was enough. 💕