as my pen scratched across the page, a question gnawed at the back of my mind—why had Arin given me his notebook?
For a moment, I shook it off. It's nothing. Just a casual gesture, I told myself, focusing on the neat, precise strokes of his handwriting. But something about it lingered, prickling under my skin like a splinter I couldn't quite dig out.
Has he been acting differently lately, or am I just overthinking?
Before I could chase the thought further, the sharp ring of the bell shattered my focus.
"All right, we'll continue the rest in tomorrow's lecture," the teacher announced, gathering her materials before striding out without a backward glance.
The classroom erupted into chaos. Chairs scraped against the floor, books slammed shut, and students bolted for the door like they were racing against time. Some shoved their belongings into bags with frantic energy, while others lagged behind, stretching out their movements as if savoring the last moments of freedom before the next class.
I was still stacking my books when I spotted Nami and Suhina by the doorway, both waiting impatiently.
"Hurry up!" Nami called, tapping her foot against the tiled floor.
"Yeah, we're going to be late," Suhina added, her voice edged with irritation.
I scrambled to my feet, gripping my books tightly as I rushed toward them—only for disaster to strike. My grip slipped, and within seconds, everything crashed to the floor in a messy heap, scattering papers everywhere.
"Oh, great. Now we're definitely late," Suhina groaned, rolling her eyes skyward.
"Here, let me help." Nami crouched down beside me, scooping up the loose sheets.
As she gathered Arin's notebook, a small, folded piece of paper slipped from between the pages. Her hand paused mid-motion, her fingers brushing the edge before she plucked it up with deliberate slowness. A slow grin crept onto her face.
"Well, well… Aira," she mused, mischief lacing her tone.
"What?" I asked, glancing up.
She twirled the tiny note between her fingers. "Is this yours?"
I frowned. "No, that's Arin's notebook. He lent it to me to copy the notes."
Nami's smirk widened. "Oh? Arin, huh?"
Before I could snap at her, Suhina snatched the note from her hands. The teasing vanished from her face in an instant, replaced by something sharper. Her fingers clenched around the paper, and she unfolded it with deliberate force.
Her eyes skimmed the words. Then, her jaw tightened.
"'Try to focus next time. You're making it too obvious,'" she read aloud, her voice clipped, disbelieving.
I froze. The words hit like a slap.
What?
"Oh my God," Nami gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. "This guy is actually noticing you, Aira!"
"Stop it. It's nothing like that," I scoffed, snatching my books up faster, my cheeks prickling with heat.
"No, Nami's right," Suhina cut in, her voice suddenly tense. "That's just… not possible. I know Arin better than anyone. He's not the type to be interested in someone like this."
My head snapped up. "Like this?"
"I mean, he's closer to me than he is to you." Suhina's voice was sharp, defensive. Her grip on the note tightened, the edges crumpling in her hand.
Something about the way she said it—the way her eyes flickered—made my stomach twist.
Nami let out a scoff. "Oh, please. Just because you think you know him doesn't mean you own him."
I sighed, already exhausted by where this was heading. "Enough, Nami," I muttered, grabbing her wrist and tugging her away before things escalated.
"Oh? So now you're playing my role?" she teased, letting me drag her along.
I shot her a look. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean, you're always the one picking fights. It's fun seeing you play peacemaker for once."
Rolling my eyes, I shoved her lightly. "Shut up."
She only laughed, but my gaze flicked back toward Suhina. She was still standing there, shoulders stiff, fingers clenched tightly around that note. And then, just for a second, she looked back.
Her eyes locked onto mine—sharp, unreadable.
Then she turned the corner and disappeared.
Nami exhaled beside me. "What's her problem?"
I shook my head. "No idea. She's been weird lately."
We exchanged a glance before heading toward our next class. As we passed by a window, my eyes drifted outside. The barren tree stood there, its stark branches twisting against the sky. Unyielding, unmoved.
Just like me.
At least, that's what I wanted to believe.
But as we walked, my mind wasn't on Suhina's glare or Nami's teasing. It was on that stupid note.
"You're making it too obvious."
A strange irritation flared in my chest—hot, restless.
Who does Arin think he is, leaving cryptic little jabs like that?
I clenched my books a little tighter, my pen digging into my palm. And then, down the hall, I saw him.
Arin.
He was walking with Rian, laughing—carefree, like nothing had happened. Like he hadn't just slipped that note between the pages and left me to deal with the mess it created.
My jaw clenched.
What's his deal?