That Same Night. . .
I decided to take a long, hot bath.
The tub was full, steam curling into the air. I added a few of the things I brought from home—scents and oils that were supposed to calm my racing thoughts. My hair was tied up in a loose bun.
Soft music played in the background. Candlelight flickered against the tiled walls.
I slowly sank into the water, my body easing beneath the surface, and let out a long breath.
Half my face slipped under, eyes open, staring blankly at the shimmering water above me.
I hated this part—when I tried not to think about something, it only clung harder.
And just like that, the memory came flooding back.
That conversation in the library.
Oriel. Dhylan.
"Fyre."
Oriel's voice had dropped, suddenly serious.
"I think you should stop trying to understand him."
I opened my mouth, ready to argue—but no words came.
"I know you're lab partners, but outside of that, just… avoid him."
The weight in my chest sank deeper.
"Just hang in there for this semester. Next year, let's partner up instead."
Oriel had even smiled a little.
I nodded back at her. Forced a small smile—while Dhylan argued loudly with someone about something completely unrelated.
But their words looped over and over in my head.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
The sound of water echoed against the tub, falling in time with the music—and my spiraling thoughts.
Then his voice echoed next.
'Are you dumb?'
'Shut up, Fire. You're distracting me.'
'Are you really stupid?'
'Stop dreaming, Fire!'
His tone—sharp, cold, always irritated—replayed again and again.
The way he barked at me. The way he made me feel small. Invisible.
Fire. Walking disaster.
I used to think he was just rude.
So why did my chest ache now?
"Maybe Oriel's right…" I whispered. "This has been dragging on too long."
I sighed and sank deeper into the water, until only my eyes remained above the surface.
Foundation Day
INT – CLASSROOM – 7:00 AM
I stood near the front of the room, scanning every corner like a quiet manager before opening day.
"Do we need anything else?" I asked, still adjusting the tablecloth out of habit.
"All good here!" the boys called out in unison, already busy taping up final signs and fixing lights.
The classroom looked magical.
Each corner glowed with themed photo booths—romantic flowers, dreamy pastels, and one side lit up in moody neon. Two cameras were already set on tripods. Light panels were in perfect position, wires hidden and taped neatly. The center of the room had been cleared for the printing and payment station, while small tables offered drinks and sweets for waiting customers.
We planned every inch of it—without me realizing I'd ended up leading it.
Late nights exchanging messages. Early mornings checking orders. Carrying props, organizing teams, calling in favors.
My hands were in everything—even the tiny details. I just… wanted to do my best. My classmates had trusted me with this.
"It was really helpful that you knew someone willing to lend us this equipment, Fire!" Rika called from behind a rose-colored backdrop.
I smiled faintly. A memory flickered—
"Oh, Tomo's selling his old equipment," Ace had said over the phone.
"You might be able to borrow it before he sells it. It's just collecting dust now."
I'd called Tomo immediately.
"Ya, I don't mind." —Tomo.
Back in the room, I looked around again.
Everything came together. Just like we planned.
I watched my classmates—busy, cheerful. Laughing, teasing, working side-by-side.
At first, I just wanted to help.
But somewhere along the way, during the group chats and messy afternoons decorating… I started to feel like I belonged.
I got to know them. And they got to know me.
It didn't feel like just a class anymore.
It felt like… mine too.
"We'll be opening in thirty minutes!" Lia called from the hallway.
"Wait—you forgot to give me a task!" I blurted out, panicking a little. My hands were still fidgeting, ready to jump into action.
"Oh no, Fire. You're clear today." Lia smiled warmly, like it was obvious.
"Eh?" I blinked. "What do you mean, clear?"
"You've already done so much," Oriel chimed in, stepping beside her with that signature grin. "So, the class decided not to assign you anything today."
I stood there, frozen. "Wait… what?"
The words sank in slowly.
They noticed. They appreciated it.
But it didn't feel like anything extraordinary. I'd just been… doing my best.
"Go on, relax! Enjoy the day!" Rika nudged me toward the door, gentle and teasing.
"Don't worry about us!"
"Enjoy, Fire!" voices chorused behind me.
I felt a rush of emotion—my chest tight, a smile blooming on my lips, warmth spreading through me.
They saw me.
Slam—
The door shut behind me like I'd just been gently evicted from my own home.
But it didn't feel like rejection.
It felt like… appreciation.
Like confetti bursting in my chest.
I stood there, smiling to myself.
The hallway outside was already alive—booths opening, laughter echoing, streamers fluttering with the morning breeze.
"I really wanted to help, though…" I murmured.
But I didn't want to waste their kindness.
I looked down from the second-floor window. The courtyard below was filled with food stalls and tiny carts run by school clubs. Banners waved. Balloons bobbed. The scent of sweet snacks drifted up through the air.
"I'll enjoy this one… for them."
Back in the Classroom
"I'm not wearing that!" Dhylan shouted, darting to the far side of the room.
"You agreed, idiot!" Oriel shot back, standing by the board, gripping a duck mascot head like it was some kind of weapon.
"I did not!" Dhylan yelled, ducking behind the boys for protection.
"Guys, help!" His eyes were wide, pleading for mercy, but the boys just cringed, clearly more disgusted by the oversized suit than sympathetic. No help here.
"DJ! Get over here!" Oriel snapped. "You said you'd be the mascot!"
"I thought you meant model! Like... modeling clothes! Not this—giant sauna suit!"
His face twisted in betrayal.
"Come here, or else," Oriel warned, her tone low and threatening now. The entire class was watching, half entertained, half trying to stifle their laughter. Another classic scene in the campus couple saga.
Oriel finally cornered him.
"DJ, you're holding up the class." Her eyes narrowed.
He sagged in defeat, holding up the duck suit like it was a heavy curse.
"How are we supposed to take good pictures with me in this thing?"
"We'll take the photos later. Change now."
His face lit up with mischief. "Promise?"
"Yes, yes." She rolled her eyes.
"Marriage both?" he grinned, slipping the question in like a trap.
"Yes, whatever—wait, what?!"
Too late. His smile widened, pure victory.
"Whatever!" Oriel exploded. "Just start changing, you idiot!"
"Should I strip here?" Dhylan's voice rang out louder than needed, the cheeky glint never leaving his eyes.
Groans and snickers rippled through the classroom.
"DJ!!" Oriel's eyes flared like a summoned demon.
With a nervous laugh, Dhylan muttered, "Oops." He grabbed the mascot suit in both arms and bolted for the door, escaping before the wrath of Oriel could catch up.
Next Chapter:
The festival bloomed around her—sunlight, laughter, cupcakes, and color—but Fire couldn't shake the weight pressing behind her smile.
But even sweet flavors couldn't cover the hollow ache where he used to be.
The taste was perfect—but it felt empty.
Somewhere, across the school grounds, Ice sat alone in the quiet of the greenhouse—far from the joy he helped create.Neither of them were looking for each other.
But somehow…
They both felt the absence.