Hukassa

30. Heartlines

Kai's POV:

The campus buzzed with energy as usual, students moving around in a blur of conversations and footsteps. I tried to focus on the notes in my hand, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Serena. Just as I was about to get lost in my head again, Mark caught up with me, wearing that grin that always meant trouble.

"What's up with you, man?" he asked, nudging my shoulder playfully. "You've been distracted all day."

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Just a lot on my mind."

Mark raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "A lot, or someone?"

Heat crept up my neck. "What are you talking about?"

He laughed, the kind of laugh that made you want to punch and thank him at the same time. "Come on, Kai. You can't fool me. It's written all over your face. Serena, right?"

I glanced around, making sure no one was listening. "Keep it down, will you?"

"Ah, so I'm right!" Mark's grin grew wider. "I knew it. You've got it bad for her."

"Yeah, I guess I do," I admitted, feeling both exposed and relieved. "She's... amazing, you know? She's smart, driven, and has this way of making everything around her seem... brighter."

Mark leaned in, mockingly whispering, "Wow, you're really gone, huh?"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Yeah, I guess I am."

For a moment, he looked genuinely thoughtful. "So, while we're on the topic of feelings... what's going on with your dating life?"

"Me?" Mark blinked, feigning innocence. "Nothing much, really."

"Seriously?" I pushed, sensing an opportunity. "Are you blind, or have you just not noticed that Aura's had a crush on you for ages?"

Mark seemed genuinely taken aback. "Aura? No way."

I laughed, realizing how clueless he could be. "Oh, come on. You really didn't see it? She's always looking at you like you hung the moon."

Mark's expression shifted into one of realization. "I never... I mean, I guess I never really thought about it."

I grinned. "Well, maybe you should."

He fell silent for a moment, his gaze distant as he processed. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Maybe I will."

As we parted ways, a strange mix of relief and anticipation settled in my chest. I'd finally admitted my feelings, at least to myself-and to Mark. Now, I just had to figure out what to do next.

Serena's POV:

The evening light streamed through the window, casting a golden hue across the girls' dorm room. Eva and I were hunched over our desks, textbooks open, but my mind was barely on my notes. I glanced at Eva, who was scribbling with a focused intensity. She always had this quiet determination, like nothing could break her concentration.

Across the room, Aura was sprawled on her bed, phone in hand. She'd been unusually quiet today, which was weird for her. I noticed her eyes suddenly widen, her face turning bright red.

"What happened?" I asked, curious.

Aura bit her lip, looking mortified. "I... I accidentally liked one of Mark's old posts from, like, a year ago."

Eva let out a chuckle. "Wow, Aura. That's... dedicated stalking."

Aura groaned, hiding her face behind a pillow. "He's going to think I'm such a creep."