𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐒

007

The common room, or "The Glade" as we all called it, was our favorite place to hang out during break. It was a cozy spot at the end of the school corridor, with mismatched sofas, beanbags, and a low coffee table piled high with old magazines and textbooks. The walls were covered with random posters and quotes from teachers—some inspirational, some just weird—but it was our little haven away from the chaos of school.

I was sitting on the edge of a faded blue sofa, my legs crossed under me as I flipped through a book I was half-heartedly studying. Next to me, Teresa sprawled out, her head resting on one arm of the sofa and her feet dangling over the other. She was staring at the ceiling with a distracted look in her eyes. Across from us, Newt had claimed a beanbag, his blond hair flopping into his eyes as he tried to get comfortable. He had his phone in his hands, probably playing some game, though he was stealing glances at Teresa every now and then, like he always did.

"Guys," Teresa said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence. Her voice was hesitant, like she was trying to figure out the right way to say something. I looked over at her, my interest piqued.

"Yeah?" I prompted, closing my book and giving her my full attention. Newt glanced up too, curiosity lighting up his eyes.

She hesitated, biting her lip before speaking. "There's something I need to tell you."

"Go on," Newt said, leaning forward. I noticed the way he was looking at her, and I could tell he was hoping it might be about him. Poor Newt.

Teresa sat up, her face a little flushed. "Okay, so... I've been crushing on someone."

"Who?" I asked, grinning. This was big news. Teresa was usually so secretive about her feelings.

"Aris," she admitted, her cheeks turning even pinker as she said his name. She glanced between Newt and me, waiting for our reactions.

I blinked in surprise. "Aris? From your history class?" I hadn't seen that coming. Aris was quiet, always keeping to himself, but he had this mysterious vibe that I guess could be attractive.

"Yeah," she said, looking down at her hands. "I don't know what it is about him. He's just... different."

Newt looked like he was trying to process this, and I could see the disappointment flash in his eyes before he covered it up with a smile. "Well, good for you, Teresa," he said, trying to sound supportive. "You should tell him."

Teresa gave him a small smile, but she didn't look convinced. "Maybe... I don't know if he even notices me."

Before I could say anything to reassure her, the door to The Glade burst open, and Minho sauntered in with that cocky grin of his, followed closely by Thomas and Aris. My heart did a weird little flip at the sight of them, but I pushed it down. I wasn't about to make things weird, especially not now.

"Well, well, well," Minho drawled as he made his way over to us. "If it isn't my favorite nerds."

"Shut up, Minho," I shot back, rolling my eyes at him, but I couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips. He lived to get on my nerves, and I had to admit, he was pretty good at it.

"Aw, Kavya, don't be like that," he teased, plopping down on the sofa next to me. "You know you missed me."

"In your dreams," I retorted, nudging him with my elbow. He just laughed, leaning back and making himself comfortable like he owned the place.

Meanwhile, Thomas was hovering near Newt, his eyes darting between him and Teresa. It was no secret that Thomas had a thing for Newt, but he was always so awkward about it. I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him.

"Hey, Newt," Thomas said, trying to sound casual, but his voice cracked slightly.

"Thomas," Newt greeted him with a nod, giving him that easygoing smile that made Thomas go all red. "What's up?"

"Nothing much. Just thought I'd hang out here for a bit," Thomas said, glancing at the rest of us. His eyes lingered on Teresa for a moment, but he quickly looked away, not wanting to intrude.

Aris, on the other hand, was just standing there quietly, his eyes moving from Teresa to the rest of us. He looked a little out of place, like he wasn't sure if he should be here, but Teresa gave him a shy smile, and he seemed to relax a bit.

Minho, never one to miss an opportunity, nudged me with his elbow again. "So, Kavya, what were you all gossiping about before we came in? Anything interesting?"

I shot him a warning look, but he just smirked, waiting for me to spill something. "None of your business, Minho," I said firmly, trying to ignore the knowing look he gave me.

"Aw, come on," he persisted, leaning in closer. "I bet it was something juicy."

"Go away," I said, pushing him back, but he just laughed, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

Before Minho could continue his relentless teasing, the bell rang, signaling the end of break. We all groaned in unison, reluctant to leave our little sanctuary.

"Guess that's our cue," Thomas said, looking disappointed but trying to hide it. He cast one last glance at Newt before heading for the door.

"See you guys later," Newt said, giving us all a small wave before following Thomas out. I noticed the way Thomas lit up just a little bit as Newt walked beside him, their arms brushing occasionally as they went.

As the others started filing out, Teresa grabbed her bag and stood up, glancing at me. "Ready for math, Kavya?"

"Yep," I said, grabbing my own bag and standing beside her. As we made our way out of The Glade, I could feel Minho's presence behind us. I didn't even have to turn around to know he was there, probably planning his next attempt to irritate me.

"You know, you don't have to follow us to math, Minho," I said, glancing over my shoulder at him. "Pretty sure you have your own classes to get to."

"Aw, but it's so much fun annoying you, Kavya," he replied with a grin. "Besides, you love the attention."

"Keep telling yourself that," I shot back, though I couldn't help but smile a little. As much as he got on my nerves, there was something oddly comforting about his constant teasing.

Teresa, walking beside me, was quieter than usual. I knew she was probably thinking about what she'd just confessed to us, and the fact that Aris had been right there in the room with us. I nudged her gently with my elbow.

"You okay?" I asked softly, making sure Minho was out of earshot.

She nodded, though her expression was still thoughtful. "Yeah. Just... I didn't expect him to show up right after I said that, you know?"

I smiled at her. "Maybe it's a sign."

Teresa laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Maybe."

We walked in companionable silence for a bit, with Minho still trailing behind us, humming some annoying tune. As much as I hated to admit it, having him around made the walk to math a little less boring. Even if he was a pain most of the time, I couldn't imagine school without his constant banter.

As we reached the classroom, Minho finally peeled off, heading towards his own class. "Catch you later, Kavya!" he called out with a wink before disappearing around the corner.

I shook my head, laughing under my breath. "He's impossible."

Teresa smiled at me, her earlier tension easing a bit. "You know you'd miss him if he wasn't around."

I rolled my eyes but didn't disagree. "Maybe a little."

We headed into math class together, taking our usual seats near the back. As the teacher started droning on about equations, I couldn't help but think about how much had changed just in the last hour. Teresa's crush on Aris, Minho's relentless teasing, Thomas trying so hard to talk to Newt—everything felt more complicated and confusing than ever. But as I glanced over at Teresa, who was already doodling in her notebook, I realized that despite everything, I wouldn't trade our little group for anything.