The classroom was empty. Completely silent. The golden light of the setting sun poured through the windows, stretching across the desks.
Mandy sat alone in her seat. Her bag rested untouched beside her. She hadn't moved in minutes.
Maybe longer. "…Why am I still here?" she whispered. She already knew the answer.
Because she didn't want to go home yet. Because going home meant. Being alone with her thoughts.
And right now. That was the last thing she wanted. "…This is so annoying." She leaned back slightly, staring at the ceiling.
Her mind kept replaying everything. Liam avoiding her. Their conversation earlier. The way he said.
"It doesn't matter anymore." Her hand slowly tightened over her chest. "…Then why does it matter to me?"
The question came out softly. Almost like she was afraid to hear her own answer. She sat up again, resting her elbows on the desk.
"…This doesn't make sense." She had everything under control. Her responsibilities. Her role in class. Her relationship.
Mark. "…I'm fine." She said it out loud. But the words felt empty. Because if she was really fine.
Then why did it hurt? Her thoughts drifted again. To earlier that day. To Liam and Sofia.
Talking. Laughing. Like nothing had changed. Like nothing had happened.
"…Why does it look so easy for him?" Her fingers tightened slightly. "…Was I that easy to forget?"
The question hit deeper than she expected. Her chest tightened again. Stronger this time.
"…No…" She shook her head quickly. "That's not it." It wasn't about being forgotten.
It wasn't about being replaced. So then. "…What is it?" Silence answered her. She closed her eyes slowly. And then.
A memory surfaced. Liam handing her the attendance sheet. Liam quietly helping her with class tasks.
Liam standing beside her during busy days. Always there. Without asking for anything. Without expecting anything.
"…He was always there…" Her voice softened. Almost fragile. "And now…" She opened her eyes again.
"…He's not." That was it. That was what felt wrong. The absence. The silence he left behind. "…Why does that bother me so much?"
Her hand pressed lightly against her chest. The feeling was clearer now. But still… Not fully understood.
"…Is it because I got used to it?" Used to him being there. Used to him looking at her. Used to him caring.
"…Or is it something else?" The question lingered. Dangerous. Because she was starting to realize. That the answer might change everything.
The classroom door slid open quietly. Mandy looked up. Mark stood there. "…You're still here," he said. "…Yeah," she replied softly.
He walked in slowly, stopping beside her desk. "…You okay?" The same question. But this time.
It felt heavier. Mandy looked down for a moment. Then. "…I don't know."
Mark froze slightly. Because that wasn't the answer he expected. "…What do you mean?"
Mandy shook her head. "…I just… don't understand what I'm feeling right now."
Her voice was quiet. Honest. For the first time. She wasn't trying to hide it. Mark watched her carefully.
"…Is it about Liam?" he asked. Mandy didn't answer immediately. But her silence.
Said enough. Mark exhaled slowly. "…I see." He didn't sound angry. Just… certain. "…I'm not saying anything is wrong," he continued.
"But you should figure it out." Mandy looked at him. "…Figure out what?" Mark met her gaze. "…What he means to you."
The words landed quietly. But heavily. Because that was exactly the question she had been avoiding.
"…And what if I don't like the answer?" she asked softly. Mark paused.
Then gave a small, calm reply. "…Then at least it'll be honest." Silence filled the room again.
Mandy lowered her gaze. "…Honest…" The word echoed in her mind. Because deep down.
She knew. Whatever this feeling was. It wasn't something she could ignore anymore. Outside, the sun finally dipped below the horizon. The classroom grew darker.
And with it. Mandy's thoughts became clearer.
Not complete. Not fully understood. But closer than before. "…What do you mean to me, Liam…?" She whispered his name again. This time. Not by accident.