When We Were Sixteen
"How are you this clueless? You binge-watch soap operas all the time—haven’t you learned anything?"
I gave her a blank look, unsure of what she was getting at.
She leaned in and whispered, "Kai likes you."
My eyes widened. "What? No, he doesn’t!"
"How do you not see it? Everyone in class knows!"
I shook my head, my thoughts racing. "I thought he was just excited to see me—just like he is with you, Zane, and Alek. With everyone."
Marina smirked. "Trust me, he is never that excited to see me."
*****
On one familiar street, five childhood friends—Alek, Kai, Marina, Zara, and Zane—once shared secrets, laughter, and a mutual disdain for one particular teacher. Now, in their 30s, they return to those memories with quiet introspection. Each carried a secret dream: Alek’s ambition to build a business empire, Marina’s desire for a simple life at home, Zara’s passion for art, Zane’s love for music and then there's Kai, whose soul never tethered to a single dream. In their heartfelt recollections, they explore whether those youthful aspirations have blossomed into true happiness.