"Zeya Ansaldo."
"Amaya Sapphirus."
"What are you doing?"
"Did you forget the challenge?"
Lying in her bed, Zeya cradled a soft pillow against her arm, a radiant grin stretching across her face, reflecting pure joy. A gentle blush crept onto her cheeks, warming her skin as her dreamy, hazy eyes sparkled with delight, revealing the depth of her emotions. She let out a soft, muffled laugh, the sound barely escaping as she buried her face deeper into the pillow, overwhelmed by a wave of happiness. It felt like a secret whisper of love, igniting a fluttering sensation in her heart that danced like butterflies in her chest. Like a teenager falling in love for the first time, Zeya hugged the pillow tightly, rolling playfully in the cozy sheets, each movement filled with a sweet, innocent thrill that made her heart race.
"Zeya! Did you finish the homework!?" her mom's voice echoed from downstairs, breaking the sweet bubble of her thoughts. Finally calming her racing heart, Zeya stood up, her legs feeling slightly wobbly with excitement, and walked toward the study table. Her gaze fell on the laptop tucked away in the drawer as she pulled out a pencil, her fingers trembling slightly. With a playful smirk, she took the laptop out and opened it, her heart pounding in anticipation.
As the screen lit up, she noticed a notification and five new messages. Her eyes widened, a radiant smile spreading across her face when she saw that Amaya had accepted her friend request. "Oh my gosh!" she exclaimed, nearly bouncing on her toes as she hurriedly clicked into Messenger to send Amaya a message. But her excitement turned to shock when she noticed there was already a message waiting from Amaya. "She… sent me a message!!" Zeya shouted, covering her mouth in disbelief, her eyes wide and her mouth agape in astonishment.
With trembling hands, she opened the message, unable to contain her smile as she pressed her lips together in delight at the sight of her own photo. She saw me? Zeya thought, fanning herself with her hand as warmth flooded her cheeks, feeling a delightful heat wash over her.
Amaya Sapphirus : You lost the challenge, but still, I fulfilled your wish. So, what do I get in return?
Zeya felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks, her smile widening as she pressed her lips together, her whole face a deep crimson. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and affection, and she whispered softly at herself, "You never said what you wanted if I lost though." She typed the message and sent, her heart racing at the thought of what might come next, the moment charged with a sweet, palpable tension.
*Cough– cough– *
"You shouldn't have come today!" Amaya's stern voice echoed in the classroom, cutting through the chatter like a knife as she swiftly removed her jacket, the fabric rustling softly. She draped it over Sophia's shoulders, her fingers brushing against the girl's shivering skin. "Stay here, I'll bring the hot water for you." Amaya's expression softened momentarily as she patted Sophia's head, her eyes filled with concern before she turned to leave, the weight of her worry lingering in the air.
With a water bottle in hand, Amaya stepped into the hallway, the chill of the room contrasting sharply with the warmth of her intentions. Her gaze drifted to section C, where Zeya was wrapped in Demi's embrace, their laughter ringing out like music, a stark reminder of the carefree moments she felt excluded from. A flicker of annoyance crossed her face, her lips tightening into a thin line as she rolled her eyes.
As she waited for the water to fill, the sound of the water flowing barely registering in her ears. Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her, a shadow looming beside her. "I expected you to be the first one to run away from the school," Amaya said, her voice cold and unforgiving, each word laced with an edge that could cut. Her eyes narrowed, locking onto the water in her bottle.
"Subash Sir's accident, was it you?"
Amaya stood up abruptly, the cap of her water bottle clattering as she tightened it, her eyes flashing with a dangerous glint that hinted at the storm brewing within. "Don't have any wrong delusional thoughts. I didn't do that for you." She turned sharply to face Shreya, her expression a mix of fury and determination. "Whoever touches my man will meet with my wrath." The air thickened with tension as Shreya lowered her gaze, guilt washing over her features, her lips trembling as she bit down on the inside of her mouth, trying to suppress her emotions. "Ama–"
"It's Amaya." The sharpness in Amaya's tone cut through the air like a blade as she turned to walk away. Just then, she felt Shreya's grip tighten on her arm, desperation lacing her touch. "I'm sorry." Shreya's voice was low and broken, the weight of her regret palpable in the silence that followed.
Amaya released a heavy sigh, rolling her tongue inside her mouth as she whispered, "I thought you'd come forward and speak up but even you too disappoint me, Shreya." Shreya's lips quivered, and she took a hesitant step closer, resting her head on Amaya's shoulder, vulnerability spilling out as she murmured, "I was scared of what'll happen if everyone finds out I…" Her voice trailed off, fear creeping into the space between them like an unwelcome shadow.
Amaya pushed Shreya away, her gaze icy and unyielding, a dead stare that pierced through the fragile atmosphere. "I never knew I was once in a relationship with a coward. Please do me a favor and turn your face to the other side whenever you see me again." Shreya stood frozen, tears cascading down her cheeks as she bit her lips, struggling to contain the sobs that threatened to escape, the tension between them thick enough to cut with a knife.
"Ama!"
Amaya halted mid-step, the cheerful call slicing through the heavy silence of the hallway. She turned slowly, her expression as frigid as the autumn air, and found Zeya standing there, a bright smile lighting up her face, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Yeah?" Amaya's voice emerged like ice, sharp and distant, causing Zeya to falter.
The warmth in Zeya's smile flickered and dimmed, her eyes momentarily clouded with confusion before disappointment settled in. "Nothing. I saw you, so I thought I would greet you." Her voice softened to a whisper, and she lowered her gaze, the light in her eyes fading like a candle snuffed out by a gust of wind.
"Excuse me, I have something important," Amaya replied curtly, her tone devoid of warmth as she turned on her shoes, walking away toward her classroom. The sound of her footsteps echoed down the hallway, leaving Zeya standing alone, a hollow ache blossoming in her chest. She had thought they were growing closer, but now it felt as if they were back to square one, and the realization stung like a sharp thorn.
"What happened?" Demi asked, emerging from her classroom, concern etched across her face as she took in Zeya's despondent expression. Zeya shook her head, the tremor in her lips betraying the turmoil within her, and silently walked into her classroom, each step heavy with unspoken words and a heart that felt a little more fragile with every passing moment.
*Ting*
"We have a teacher meeting now. Everyone, prepare for your exam in silence," Hailey ma'am announced, her voice cutting through the chatter like a knife. She picked up her book, the pages rustling softly, before walking out of the classroom from section C, her heels clicking against the floor with authority.
Fred stretched his arms, a yawn escaping his lips as he stepped outside, only to find Hailey ma'am emerging from the next classroom, her brow furrowed in disapproval. "Who did you ask permission to come out?" she inquired, her tone sharp as she stood before him, arms crossed tightly over her chest.
"Captain," Fred replied, a hint of defiance flickering in his eyes.
"Get inside," Hailey ma'am ordered, her voice firm and unwavering. Fred rolled his eyes, the gesture exaggerated, before trudging back into the classroom, the door swinging shut behind him with a soft thud.
As Hailey ma'am entered, her gaze swept across the room, taking in the scene of chaos. Students were sprawled across their desks, some chatting while others were lost in the depths of sleep. Her eyes landed on the last bench, where Amaya, Seth, and Sophia were curled up, their heads resting on each other, oblivious to the world around them. Elli was chatting with a group of girls, her hands gesturing wildly, laughter bubbling up like a spring. Fred, having joined Elli, leaned in closer, his face lit up with a mischievous grin, completely unaware of the storm brewing in Hailey ma'am's eyes.
"Ahem!" Hailey ma'am entered the classroom, the sound echoing off the walls. Instantly, heads snapped up, eyes wide with surprise and a hint of fear. She stood at the front, arms crossed, waiting for Amaya and her friends to acknowledge her presence. When they remained oblivious, she strode purposefully towards the last bench.
Her frown deepened as she approached, noticing Amaya's flushed red cheek contrasted with her pale lips. Gently, she placed her hand on Amaya's forehead, her eyes widening in alarm as she felt the heat radiating from her skin—Amaya was burning with fever. Just as Hailey ma'am opened her mouth to speak, Amaya stirred, her eyelids fluttering open at the sensation of warmth. Upon seeing Hailey ma'am hovering over her, her expression soured, confusion morphing into annoyance.
Seth, groggy from sleep, rubbed his temples as a dull throb pulsed in his head. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear the fog that clouded his vision, while Sophia stirred beside him, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, another sign of fever. "Why did you come to school if you were sick?" Hailey ma'am's voice was laced with concern, her brows knitting together as she surveyed the trio.
Amaya met her gaze, her eyes glassy and cold, "It's not like there was an adult to take care of us in the house," she shot back, her tone defiant as she adjusted her mask. Hailey ma'am clenched her jaw, irritation bubbling beneath the surface, but she chose to let it slide for now. "Go to the nurse's room and rest there. She'll prescribe the medicine. Take it and rest, all of you," she whispered, her voice softening slightly before she turned on her heel and walked away.
Amaya's gaze lingered on Hailey ma'am's retreating figure, a mix of frustration and weariness washing over her, before she let her head drop back onto the desk, surrendering to the pull of sleep once more.
*Ting*
"Where are the others?" Somiya asked, glancing around the table, her eyes landing on Fred and Elli, who were seated with two plates of food in front of them. "They are sick, sleeping in class," Fred replied, his voice heavy with disappointment. "Ama too?" Zeya asked, concern etched on her face. Fred and Elli exchanged a somber nod before diving into their meal. Zeya's gaze drifted to her food, a knot tightening in her stomach as thoughts of Amaya swirled in her mind. She recalled how Amaya had looked that morning—paler than usual, a hint of worry creeping in. "Aren't they going to eat, though?" she questioned, her voice tinged with anxiety. Elli lifted her eyes, shaking her head gently, "They refuse."
Zeya walked toward the bathroom, the cool tiles beneath her feet grounding her as she washed her hands, the water cascading over her fingers. She splashed the icy liquid onto her face, feeling the shock of it awaken her senses. "Should I go and meet her?" she whispered to herself, raising her head only to find Amaya standing behind her, her gaze piercing and intense.