3. ep

The next day, it rained.

Not the dramatic thunderstorm kind — just soft, steady drizzle that soaked uniforms and blurred windows. Aira walked into the classroom with damp hair and a slight frown. Her usual hoodie was darker from the rain, sleeves pulled over her palms.

She sat down at her seat, eyes on her desk. As always, silent.

A few minutes later, Reyan walked in — completely dry, holding an umbrella.

He glanced at her, then frowned slightly. “You didn’t carry one?”

Aira didn’t look up. “No.”

“You’re soaked.”

“No kidding.”

Reyan chuckled and pulled out a napkin from his blazer pocket, tossing it onto her desk.

“Use this.”

Aira stared at it for a second, then slid it aside gently. “I’m fine.”

“You’re always fine, aren’t you?” he muttered, half to himself.

---

Class passed slowly.

Reyan kept sneaking glances at Aira — not because he wanted to flirt, but because something about her silence kept tugging at his mind.

She wasn’t cold in a mean way. She was cold in a careful way. Like she was protecting something inside.

---

Lunch break.

Reyan walked past the art room — and froze.

Through the glass window, he saw her. Aira. Sitting alone, sketching again. Her expression was completely different — peaceful, almost warm.

He leaned closer to the glass, trying to get a better view of her notebook.

A shadow passed behind him.

“You like her?” a voice asked.

Reyan turned to see Mira, one of his old flings, smirking.

“Not really,” he lied smoothly. “She’s just… interesting.”

“She’s weird,” Mira shrugged. “Probably thinks she’s better than everyone.”

“She doesn’t think anything,” Reyan replied. “That’s kind of the point.”

---

Later that day — in class.

The teacher assigned a partner project. Everyone groaned.

“Aira,” the teacher called, “You’ll work with Reyan.”

Aira blinked. Reyan smiled slowly.

“Lucky me,” he whispered.

Aira didn’t respond.

---

After school.

Reyan caught up with her near the school gate.

“So, partner,” he said, walking beside her. “Should we start on that project? I don’t bite, I swear.”

“I prefer working alone.”

“Too bad. Group project, remember?”

She didn’t stop walking. “We can divide the work.”

“Or,” he said, “we could meet up once and get it over with.”

She paused, then looked at him directly — for the first time.

Her eyes weren’t angry. Just… tired.

“Why are you trying so hard?” she asked softly.

Reyan blinked.

She continued, “You flirt, you joke, you act like you care. But I know your type. You’ll lose interest the second I open up.”

There was no malice in her voice. Just a clarity.

He didn’t smile this time.

“I’m not trying to get you to open up,” he said quietly. “I’m just... wondering what’s behind that wall.”

---

Narration (Aira’s POV):

He notices too much. That’s dangerous. People like him — they always leave once they know the truth.

---

[To Be Continued...]

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