Aria often visited her friend Lena's house—it was right in the middle of the street, just two houses away from Aiden's. Coincidentally, Aiden and his friends always played cricket in the middle of the street, right in front of Lena's house. Every time Aria passed by, she and Aiden would exchange the same old annoyed looks, as if their presence alone ruined each other's day.
As Aria walked into Lena's house, Lena greeted her with a bright smile. "Hey, Aria! How are you?"
"I'm good," Aria replied.
Lena stretched her arms. "This season is so nice! We should play badminton. It's perfect weather for it!"
Aria raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, but where? There are too many people outside."
Lena shrugged. "Of course, in my backyard."
Aria gave her a doubtful look. "No way. It's not that big."
Lena waved her hand dismissively. "That's okay! We'll play at night. No one will be outside then."
Aria sighed. "Fine, but if we break anything, it's your responsibility."
As they talked, a familiar voice from outside caught Aria's attention—Aiden's voice. He and his friends were playing, their loud shouts filling the street. Aria looked out the window for a second, her gaze locking with Aiden's.
He didn't say anything. He didn't even react.
But the way he looked at her—just for a second—was enough to make her feel oddly annoyed.
It was 9 PM, and the street was finally empty. Perfect timing.
Aria arrived at lena's house, grinning with excitement. "This is the perfect time! No one's outside."
Aria nodded. "Yes, let's play."
They had just started their game when a group of boys appeared at the other end of the street—holding rackets.
It didn't take long for Aria to realize that Aiden was among them.
Lena glanced at Aria, who was already frowning. "What the hell? Of all times, they had to come now?" Aria muttered in frustration. "I'm not playing anymore."
Lena rolled her eyes. "Why? Just play. We came here first."
Aria crossed her arms. "I don't care. I'm not playing in front of them."
But Lena wasn't giving up. With her usual persuasive charm, she somehow managed to convince Aria to stay.
So the game resumed.
Aria stood in front while Lena positioned herself behind her. Meanwhile, Aiden was playing right behind Aria, with his friends.
The air was tense, but they all ignored each other—or at least, they tried.
Then, suddenly—Lena hit the shuttlecock too hard.
Aria took a step back to avoid getting hit… and in that exact moment, she collided into someone.
She turned around.
Aiden turned around.
Their eyes met.
For a second, everything froze.
For a brief moment, Aria and Aiden just stared at each other.
Neither said a word.
Without reacting, both quickly returned to their places as if nothing had happened.
Aria cleared her throat and turned to Lena. "That's enough for today."
Lena frowned. "Why? We just started!"
"I'm tired. I just want to sleep," Aria replied, avoiding eye contact with Aiden's side.
Lena sighed. "Fine, but next time, no excuses."
"Yeah, yeah. See you."
"See ya!" Lena waved and walked off.
As Aria picked up her racket and turned towards her house, she could feel someone's eyes on her.
But she didn't look back.
The next morning, the street was filled with the sound of cricket balls hitting the bat and loud cheers. Aiden and his friends were playing in the middle of the road, just like they always did.
Aria stepped out of her house, planning to buy some snacks. As soon as she saw Aiden, she reacted strangely.
For a second, she just froze, staring at him. Then, shaking her head, she quickly turned away and walked ahead, pretending he wasn't there.
Aiden, who was casually watching his friend bat, suddenly looked up and saw her.
Without thinking, he raised his hand and shouted, "Stop the game!"
His friends all turned to him in confusion.
Even Aria paused in her tracks.
What the hell? She frowned. Why did he stop the game? And since when did he start acting so… polite?
She looked back at him suspiciously. What is he up to now?
As Aria was returning, Aiden was just about to stop the game again, but before he could say anything, his friend, who was batting, lifted the bat backward to hit the ball.
Aria was right behind him.
She immediately stopped in her tracks, stepping back just in time to avoid getting hit.
Aiden's eyes widened as he saw how close the bat had come to her. He turned to his friend and yelled,
"Watch where you're swinging, you idiot!"
His friend quickly lowered the bat and mumbled, "Sorry..."
Aria, without saying a word or even looking at them, simply walked away.
Aiden watched her go, his brows furrowing slightly. Why didn't she say anything?
But Aria had no interest in reacting—she had more important things to do than argue with Aiden and his careless friends.