That One Real Smile

Chapter Three: Under the Tree

We build walls, thinking they'll protect us from pain, convincing ourselves that solitude is safer. If no one gets too close, no one can hurt us. Over time, the silence becomes familiar, and loneliness feels like less of a burden, more of a choice. We tell ourselves we don't need anyone, that this is better. But in doing so, we forget the warmth of being understood-the quiet comfort of someone who sees through the cracks and stays anyway.

Then one day, we hear laughter that isn't ours, see kindness meant for someone else, and realize what's missing. The weight we thought we could bear alone suddenly feels heavier, yet the walls remain. Not because we still need them, but because we no longer know how to let them fall.

The school bell rang, signaling the end of class. Our professor sighed, closing her book with a smile.

"Alright, submit your essays tomorrow. Enjoy your lunch break," she said before leaving.

Chairs scraped against the floor as students hurried toward the door, their voices blending into the usual chaos of midday. I stayed behind, lowering my head onto my desk. I didn't feel like joining the crowded cafeteria, didn't want to force my way through the sea of people. As I reached for my earphones, a hesitant voice broke through the noise.

"H-hey, Nox... uhm, I'm sorry."

I looked up, meeting her gaze with the same unreadable expression I always wore. It was Athena. "It's fine," I said flatly.

She lingered, as if debating whether to say something more. I arched a brow. "Yes?"

She exhaled sharply and dropped into the seat across from me. "Itatanong ko na, curious lang ako. Bakit parang ayaw mo makipag kaibigan?"

I blinked. "Is that necessary?"

"N-no, but... who doesn't have friends?" She tilted her head, frowning in thought. "Wala ka talagang isasagot?"

But I stayed silent.

She huffed. "Napaka sungit mo." Pushing herself up from the chair, she stormed off, muttering something under her breath.

I watched her go, unconsciously following her movements until she disappeared into the hallway.

"Woah, did you see that?"

Kairon's voice snapped me back. I turned my gaze to him, only to be met with a knowing smirk.

"Did you just smile?" Nico asked, leaning forward.

"Yeppie, he totally did," Samantha chimed in.

I shook my head, standing up. "You're imagining things," I muttered before walking away.

But their voices trailed after me.

"He was smiling while looking at her."

"I saw it too. First time he's shown any emotion. Guess he's human after all?"

"Fishyyy~"

Their teasing followed me out the door.

"Baliw na sila," I mumbled, rubbing my temple. I needed a quiet place. Somewhere away from their voices, their prying eyes.

The school garden was empty. I dropped onto the grass beneath the old tree at the edge of the garden, where the sun barely reached. Closing my eyes, I let out a slow breath.

Finally, peace.

-

Athena's POV

Aish, akala ba niya ikina-guwapo niya yung kasungitan niyang 'yon? I was just trying to talk to him. What's his problem?