Chapter 5: Of Whispers and Worlds Unseen

The air in the chemistry class was tinged with the faint tang of ethanol and acetone, mingling with the cool hum of the air conditioner. Liora sat in her usual seat, chin propped lazily on her palm as her caramel eyes wandered across the room. Her messy hair framed her face in a way that made her look perpetually caught in a whirlwind. She wasn’t particularly interested in the lecture; instead, she found herself slipping into her refuge — her whimsical world of delusion.

“Liora,” Nova whispered, nudging her sharply. Liora blinked and followed Nova’s gaze. Nova, her ever-composed and slightly intimidating friend, had an uncharacteristic sparkle in her eyes as she tilted her head toward a boy seated a few rows ahead.

“See that guy?” Nova’s tone was low but giddy. “The one with the sweet smile? He’s cute, isn’t he?”

Liora squinted. The boy, indeed, had a grin that seemed to light up the entire class.

“And that tall guy over there,” Nova continued, nodding toward another boy wearing a crisp white hoodie. “He’s got amazing fashion sense.”

Liora arched an eyebrow. “Since when did you start scouting for crushes in the middle of class?”

Nova smirked. “I wouldn’t call them crushes. Just… aesthetic appreciation. But I don’t know their names. You’re the one who’s always conveniently listening in. Can’t you find out for me?”

“I don’t listen in; I observe,” Liora countered, though the distinction felt thin even to her.

Nova raised an eyebrow. “Sure. Let’s call it that.”

Liora sighed. “Fine, I’ll do some recon for you. But you owe me.”

Nova laughed, and with her preoccupied, Liora’s gaze wandered. Inevitably, it landed on Kaito. He was seated closer to the front, leaning slightly forward as he exchanged a few casual remarks with the chemistry teacher.

Liora’s imagination began to spin. Something about the way Kaito interacted with the teacher felt… suspiciously friendly. Maybe it was the way the teacher smiled a little too much in his presence or how Kaito tilted his head slightly when listening, exuding effortless charm. Her thoughts snowballed into the ridiculous.

“Nova,” she muttered, nudging her friend.

“What now?”

“I think Kaito and the chemistry teacher have something going on.”

Nova choked on her laughter. “Oh my God, Liora. That’s a reach even for you.”

“No, think about it,” Liora continued, her voice low and conspiratorial. “The teacher always gives him more attention. And did you see that smile? That’s not a ‘teacher smile.’”

Nova shook her head, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. “You’re insane. But you know what? I kinda see it.”

The two girls exchanged a look and burst into muffled giggles, the absurdity of their own imaginations sending them spiraling.

By the time class ended, they had constructed a full narrative: Kaito and the teacher, caught in a secret bond of mutual admiration and chemistry puns.

“You’re so delusional,” Nova teased as they packed up their books.

“And yet, here you are, enabling me,” Liora shot back with a grin.

As they walked out, still snickering about their newfound ship, Liora couldn’t help but marvel at how Nova always managed to make everything feel light, even in the chaos of their own minds. For now, the real world could wait — their imaginations were far more entertaining.

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