...— Maya —...

My stomach churns, a sickening wave of nausea rising up my throat. I grip my pen trying not to gag. This class is mind-numbingly dull.

My gaze shifts from the board to outside the window on the beautiful flower garden which brings me joy. Before I could fully relax someone taps my shoulder, abruptly pulling me out of my thoughts and back into reality. Samantha— my best friend. She looks somewhat concerned. I put on a smile hoping she wouldn't notice that a tango is going on in my stomach.

"You ok girl?" She asks putting a hand on my shoulder gently.

It's pretty comforting knowing she's there, attentive to my emotions. "Yeah, I'm fine." I reply with a reassuring smile grateful for her genuine care. I look back at the board tapping my pen on the desk glancing at the clock every now and then. The ticking clock seems to slow each passing second. My mind drifts, my thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind.

Samantha taps my shoulder again. I look at her and notice class already ended. I hurriedly gather my stuff and shove them in my bag and rush out of the classroom. My grip on Samantha's wrist tightens, as I pull her with me through the halls. The chatters and footsteps of people turn into a blur in the background.

As soon as I step foot outside a confused look on Samantha's face appears.

"Wait, why outside?" She asks, her voice tinged with curiosity and surprise. But I tug her along. The outside air is refreshing unlike the confines of that boring shitty classroom.

I'm eager to spend some time away from the academic bustle. "I'm hungry, come on!" I tug her along impatiently. We finally reach that one café I love, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling my nostrils. The chatter of other patrons making me feel at ease. It's a sanctuary away from the demands of university life, a place where I can unwind and indulge in a moment of tranquility.

The barista behind the counter spots me and nods with an reassuring smile already knowing my usual order. I smile back and sit down in a secluded corner with Samantha.

I huff exhausted from all the running. I lean my head back before looking at Samantha. "You were hungry in class, weren't you?" She smirks raising her eyebrows. "I didn’t have time to eat this morning cause I was studying." I explained before pausing. That stomach churning tango is going on in my stomach again. I quickly reach out to grab the water bottle and take a sip.

The waitress brings our food. The warm scent of coffee bringing me comfort. I thank the waitress with a soft nod appreciating her prompt service and attention to detail. I take a bite of my sandwhich, savoring the flavour as my hunger slowly fades away. "Any plans?" I look at Samantha. "Party!" Samantha says excitedly. "Of course!" I remarked sarcastically. Before I can say anything else someone called me.

...Kaiden...

I look around and my gaze lands on a dark brown haired girl. Maya. I call out her name walking towards her table. She's not alone. She's with Samantha. "Maya!" I call, a soft smile on my face. She looks at me, confusion stretched on her face before turning into a look of realization. "Oh hey, Kaiden." She smiles.

"I was looking for you." I pause. "Do you wanna come with me to go to the concert tonight?" I ask.

"Why not?" Her smile widened. A wave of happiness washing over me. "Great! Meet you there." I stated before making my way to the counter. I order a coffee and lean against a wall.

I glance at Maya, her soft hair draping down her shoulder in soft waves. The way her lips move when shes speaks. So delicate. It captivates me. A soft smile forms on my own lips, unbidden, as I take in her presence. I sigh and walk over to the counter again taking my coffee. I step out of the café leaving behind the comforting hum of conversations and smell of freshly brewed coffee.

...— Maya —...

I look in the mirror adjusting my hair until it falls right. I step out of my room and into the evening air. I close the door, walking down the street, the distant hum of music getting louder every step I take. The city lights blur into streaks of colour as I walk, the evening's cool air brushing against my skin. The music grows clearer and i turn to the corner, and the venue comes into view alive with energy and the buzz of the crowd.

I spot Kaiden at the entrance. "Kaiden!" I call out running towards him. He looks up from his phone and spots me. A smile forms on his lips. He leans up forward as I approach him. He slides his phone in his pocket. He suddenly grabs my wrist and pulls me with him inside the crowded area. "Let's go, the concerts about to start!" He said excitedly tugging me along. A soft chuckle escapes my lips as he pulls me deeper into the crowd till we're infront of the stage.

The stage erupts with a blaze of light as the lead singer emerges from the dark commanding the audience with a powerful voice drawing everyone's attention.

The concert starts as music fills the air. Kaiden's hand wraps around my wrist. I smile softly before looking back at the stage again.

I sit down on my seat, my eyes fixated on the stage. Everyone starts singing along, and I eventually start singing too. Suddenly a vibration hums through the fabric of my bag, alerting me to a new notification. I sift through my belongings until my fingers touch the cold, smooth surface of my phone. With a quick swipe I unlock the screen revealing a text from Samantha.

"Havin fun?" She inquires.

A smile spreads across my face as I type back. "Yes!"

"Yeah, cause Kaiden's with you, huh?" She replies back teasingly. I can't help but laugh at her text. My cheeks flush but i decide to play along. "Maybe." I reply with an playful winking emoji. Before suddenly I hear someone calling my name. "Maya?" Kaiden calls. I look at him locking my phone. I nod softly. "I'll go get something to eat. You're probably hungry." I smile as he gets up. My eyes fixate on the stage again. The lead singer suddenly launches into an unexpected rendition of my favorite song. A smile appears on my face. Everyones cheers turn into an blur in the background.

I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder. Startled, I turn to see Kaiden with snacks grinning playfully. He hands me a snack. "Thanks, Kade!" He smiles nodding. A warmth spreads through me as I realise how thoughtful Kaiden can be. We both settle back in, exchanging glances every now and then and sharing moments of laughter. The music fills the air around us.

Whenever I see Kaiden, my emotions become a tangled mess. There's this excitement that bubbles up inside me, like butterflies in my stomach whenever he smiles at me. His laughter is infectious, and I find myself hanging on to every word he says, wondering if there's something more behind his jokes and teasing.

But then there are moments of doubt. I catch myself overthinking every interaction, trying to decipher if he sees me the same way I see him. Sometimes he's so attentive, making me feel like I'm the only person in the room, and other times he's distant, lost in his own world. It leaves me questioning where we stand, whether we're just friends or if there's potential for something deeper.

Despite the that, I can't deny how much I enjoy his company. When he's around, everything feels lighter, more vibrant. But I also fear pushing too hard and risking our friendship.

As I watch him now, weaving through the crowd, a mix of longing and caution fills me. I want to know if there's a chance for us beyond friendship, but I'm afraid to ask and shatter the delicate balance between us.

But I guess it will be too risky. For now...