Love Before Graduation

my heart was beating fast with his every move

What did he know?

"Let's go, Nami. Decent people don't belong in places like this," I said sharply, giving Arin a pointed look.

"Yeah, come on, hop on," Nami said to me, already seated on the scooty with Teru.

I climbed on, ready to leave, when Arin's voice came from behind.

"Be careful."

Something in his tone made me pause for a second. As we rode away, I glance back just once to find him still watching.

The streets were quiet as we neared my neighborhood, but my mind was anything but. Thoughts still remembering the chaotic mess all revolving around one thing—Arin.

Why was he there? He shouldn't have been.

I clenched my fists, trying to shake the thought away. What does it matter? He can do whatever he wants. It's none of my concern.

the realization hit me hard. Tenzin and Suhina... they're dating? And I had no idea?

Not that it should bother me. Why would I know? Why would they tell me?

We reached my street, and as I stepped off the scooty, I speak in a forced casual tone. "Alright then, see you both at school tomorrow."

Nami and Teru nod . "Bye." Their voices sounded distant ,they were still a little shaken.

I watched as they sped off, disappearing into the night. Then, I turned toward home, my thoughts still tangled in knots.

Would Arin go to places like that too? Just like them?

despite knowing him for so long, I had never really figured him out. No matter how much I wanted to, he never gave me the chance.

Does he even like me? Or am I just another name in the background of his life?

The thought was frustrating. Annoying.

And then, impulsively, an idea sparked in my mind.

A small stone lay near my feet. Without thinking, I picked it up, rolling it between my fingers.

Alright... let's decide this.

If the stone lands on this side, he likes me. If it lands on the other... then he doesn't.

I smiled to myself at the ridiculousness of it. What kind of childish game was this?

But still, I threw it into the air.

Before I could see how it landed—

A sharp sound cut through the silence.

A bike a stop behind me.

I froze.

"Who is it that you wish would like you?"

A deep, teasing voice. Smooth. Familiar.

I quickly looked back and in the process I stumbled a little.

Arin.

He was sitting quietly on the bike, just looking at me

,I was a bit surprised to see him.

How long had he been there? Had he seen

"Did I scare you?" His voice was softer now, almost amused, as if he already knew the answer

"Yes..., if you suddenly come from behind and speak like that anyone will be scared ..."

No words were coming out of my mouth. My heart was beating very fast...

Why is he here at this time?

I looked around—there was no one.

We were just... alone.

Arin got off the bike and came straight to me. He extended his hand toward me. "Come on, stand up properly."

I hesitated before taking it. "Thanks," I said in low voice still trying to steady myself.

He tilted his head slightly. "Walking home alone at this hour?"

I smiled , slipping back into my usual self. "No, of course not. Can't you see? I have four people with me." I gestured dramatically to the empty street.

Arin barely blinked. "Guess they're only visible to you."

His deadpan response made me purse my lips. "You're so—" I started but stopped midway.

Arin raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "I'm so... what?"

His voice was low, teasing, and his gaze locked onto me.

Before I could step back, he leaned in.

The space Between us close in an instant.

His face was very close to me... very close. So much so that I could clearly see the slight smile on his lips. His breathing, his eyes staring at me—I could feel everything

My heart beating fast

He bent slightly, aligning his gaze with mine. "What were you going to say, Aira? Tell me..."

Just by him saying this, my breathing, my mind, my heart... everything felt numb. I couldn't remember what I was going to say. His voice... I didn't know when I started sounding so sweet. Controlling myself, I took a step back a little... His proximity was unsettling, his gaze sharp yet I Can't understand

"N-Nothing. Why are you here? Are you... following me?" My voice came out with more breath than I intended, and I hated how weak it sounded.

Arin didn't even flinch. His expression remained calm, almost amused. "I'm not following you." His tone , leaving no room for argument.

Then why does it feel like he is?

I crossed my arms, trying to mask my nerves. "Then what?"

There was a silence before he finally spoke.

"I wanted to talk to you."

His voice become quieter now. The casual air he carried had shifted slightly, and that alone made my heart race.

Talk to me?

I started looking away, with a slight smile... as if I was avoiding his gaze. As if if our eyes met, then something... something unsaid would happen. What would happen, I don't know... but something would definitely happen.

'Well, what was the matter that couldn't wait till morning? That you had to follow me at this time? I challenged, hoping to bring back the distance between us.

But Arin didn't back down. "Do I need permission for that?"

Why does he do this every time?

Such confusing things that completely confuse me... I don't know what to think!

It was like feelings were racing in my heart; every feeling seemed out of control. "I—uh... fine. Go ahead."

My words came out more rushed than I wanted, and I cursed myself internally.

Calm down, Aira.

He looked at me carefully, then slowly moved towards me. Close enough that I could feel his presence in my breath... but still far enough away that he couldn't touch me. The night air was cold, but with him around I couldn't feel the cold.

His actions left me perplexed

what did he want?