Evica was talking and laughing with her friend, Herry, her voice light and carefree.
The two of them stood close, shoulders almost brushing, like there was no space for anyone else between them.
They talked about everything—small things, random things, even the kind of problems people usually hide.
They knew each other too well.
Like best buddies who had never needed anyone else.
From across the classroom, Rex watched them.
His eyes didn't move.
Not when they laughed.
Not when Herry leaned closer.
Not even when Evica smiled in a way that made something twist painfully in his chest.
His gaze slowly hardened.
There was jealousy in it.
But underneath that…
something darker.
The kind of look that didn't just want distance—
it wanted removal.
The teacher walked in, cutting through the noise of the classroom.
Chairs shifted. Voices dropped. Everyone returned to their seats.
Rex moved too.
But his eyes didn't leave Evica.
Not even for a second.
She didn't notice.
She never did.
By the time the class ended, the sky outside had already softened into evening light.
Students began packing their bags, conversations rising again.
Evica zipped her bag and stood up—
and right on cue, Herry appeared beside her.
Herry (casual): "Wanna go eat something?"
Evica (smiling): "Yeah."
It was easy. Natural.
Like they had done it a hundred times before.
They walked out together.
Rex stayed where he was for a moment longer.
Watching.
His fingers slowly tightened around the edge of his desk before he finally stood up.
He liked her.
No—
it wasn't something as simple as "liking."
He had held onto her for years.
Since childhood.
Back then, he had been smaller. Quieter.
An easy target.
The other kids had known it too.
And then—
she stepped in.
Just like that.
She didn't know him.
Didn't owe him anything.
But she still helped him.
That moment stayed with him.
It never left.
That was the moment he fell for her.
And he never let go.
But now…
she didn't even remember him.
Rex had tried to talk to her.
More than once.
Every time, he would get close—
and then someone would interrupt.
A voice. A hand on her shoulder. A distraction.
And most of the time…
it was Herry.
Rex's expression darkened slightly.
That's why he couldn't stand him.
Outside, the evening air was cool as Evica and Herry walked side by side, still talking, still laughing.
They didn't notice the distance between them and the person following behind.
Rex kept far enough to not be seen.
Close enough to not lose them.
Step by step, he followed them all the way to her house.
He stopped a few steps away.
Watching.
The door opened.
Evica's mother smiled warmly the moment she saw Herry.
Not surprised.
Not distant.
Comfortable.
She invited him inside like he belonged there.
Rex's hands slowly curled into fists.
His eyes didn't leave them.
Rex (quiet, cold): "A stone in my way…"
He turned and walked back.
His mind wasn't calm anymore.
Thoughts overlapped.
Possibilities formed.
If something stood between him and her—
it shouldn't stay there.
Later that night, the house was quieter.
After dinner, his mother called out to him from the other room.
Mother (cheerful): "Rex, come here! Look at your kindergarten photos."
He walked in, a small hint of curiosity in his eyes.
It had been a long time since he had seen those.
He leaned slightly closer.
And then—
his expression froze.
The curiosity vanished instantly.
His eyes widened.
Something in those photos…
wasn't right.
The color drained from his face as a cold feeling settled in his chest.
Shock.
And something close to fear.