Love Before Graduation

The moment I stepped in the school gates, I hurried toward the assembly hall. Nami was already in line, claiming her usual spot. She turned, catching my eye and give me a small smile

Thank god, she's not angry today.

But then, why would she be? Or... wait—was she? I'd find out soon enough in class.

I shot her a dramatic frown, still wondering if I'd unknowingly sparked her wrath again. She smiled back, like she could pluck the thoughts right out of my head. That telepathic connection of hers was uncanny.

The assembly dragged on, as always. Prayer, the principal droning on about discipline for the hundredth time, PT sir barking announcements about the sports meet.

When will this end?

I glanced around, half-hoping for chaos—someone fainting under the sun, anything to cut it short. But the weather was annoyingly mild today. No luck there.

Finally, after an eternity, it ended . We shuffled into our lines and start going back to class.

stride quick and purposeful. My breath caught as his gaze flicked toward me.....just for a split second, his jaw tight.....before he moved on without a word.

His words from yesterday crashed back.

"Let's see."

Did he really not trust me?

Why would he, though? We weren't close—not like he was with Tenzin.

Still, I wanted him to believe me, with a certainty that didn't waver. Why? I had no clue. Maybe I just couldn't stand the thought of him doubting me. Or maybe I didn't want him upset.

Was he even upset?

Ugh, this boy is so confusing!

Nami nudged me, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Stop staring at him like that. Your deadly gaze might just kill him."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, shut up. Wait till we're in class—I'm going to bash your head in, I swear."

"In that case, I'm skipping," she shot back, grinning.

"Oh, you little—" I lunged at her, pretending to grab her neck. She dodged, giggling, until a shadow loomed beside us.

"Everyone, get to class. Now."

Miss Sharma's voice sliced through our antics. Oops. We'd been so caught up we hadn't noticed her walking right next to us.

Like scolded kids, we straightened up and scurried into the classroom. Nami and I swapped one last glance before settling into our seats, the buzz of our banter still humming between us. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

As I sat, my eyes drifted to Arin again.

Would he ever see me as honest?

Something in me twisted at the thought.

No. I'll make him trust me.

Even if I didn't know why, the decision was already set.