Love Before Graduation

Eventually the back gate had gone silent.

As if someone had pushed the noise behind a thick curtain.

I opened my old notebook, every page of which was filled with all kinds of words – some written, some just felt.

The sound of the pen rubbing seemed to disconnect me from this world.

Suhina's taunts were still echoing in my ears...

But my heart had tiredly put them aside.

Nothing mattered now.

Neither friendship, nor useless talks.

Only a soft relationship with myself was left.

And then...

My eyes fell on her.

Aira.

She was standing there – as if she had become a part of the wall.

Hands folded, eyes stuck somewhere far away.

There was a strange peace on her face... or maybe tiredness?

Or a mixed reflection of both?

For a moment, I felt like turning around, to save myself from this new confusion. But maybe...

Maybe she too had come to steal a corner from this crowd - just like me.

I took a deep breath, as if convincing myself that all this was real.

Then I stepped forward - silently.

"I did not see you,"

I said very softly, as if sharing a secret.

This was not a lie.

It was really beyond hope to see her here.

But I did not go.

I just stood there, frozen in my place.

I kept drawing useless lines on the notebook - as if realizing her existence was enough.

After a few moments, her voice came.

Weak, drowned.

"Whatever she had said, it was all a lie."

The grip of my hand tightened on the pen.

My heart believed without thinking - because Aaira was not one of those girls whose words are cheap.

But knowing this and expressing it - were two different things.

"I know," I said, without looking at her. Sometimes, believing in silence is the greatest satisfaction. Silence filled the air. Silence, which was actually a lot of unsaid things. Aira started playing with her feet on the floor. There was an innocent childishness in that act. "That's good," she mumbled. I glanced at her - just for a moment. But I stopped myself. Sometimes distance is the greatest mercy. I turned the page and immersed myself in the tangled handwriting. Nami's voice screamed from afar: "Aira! Chips or death - choose one!" Aira smiled slightly - a smile that was like wet leaves in the sun. Then she moved away from the wall and walked away. I stood there. Completely silent. As if something very precious had just slipped away...

And then, as if inadvertently, the corners of my lips moved slightly.

Very slightly.

As if a prayer had come out inadvertently.

Strange girl.

Very strange.

Very special.