Tram Girl Middle School

Who are you

I blush lightly and reply, "My name is Arhje. Just call me Arhje." She smiles, a playful glint in her eyes. "Prince Arhje, I'd prefer," she teases.

I can't help but chuckle. "Whatever you say. And what's your name, young lady?"

She leans in closer, her gaze locking onto mine. I barely notice how close she is until I see my own reflection in her eyes. "What makes you think I'm a young lady?" she whispers, leaving me speechless.

Before I can even respond, she steps back, smirking. "I guess I'll see you next time, Prince Arhje. For now, I have somewhere to be."

And just like that, she's gone. I stand there, stunned, trying to process what just happened. What did she mean by that? She's not a young lady? But she's so pretty... too pretty to be a boy. Then again, she is taller than me, and there's something about her that feels different. Shaking my head, I try to make sense of it all as I walk to the tram station.

I arrive home, change into something comfortable, and prepare dinner. Even though I live alone, I still set the table for two, as if someone else might join me. It's silly, but it makes me feel a little less lonely.

After eating, I do my homework and then flop onto my bed, scrolling aimlessly through social media. I've never had a proper conversation like the one I had with her. Girl or boy? I still can't figure it out. I fall asleep with a thousand questions swirling in my head.

Morning arrives, and I get ready as usual. I board the tram, and to my surprise—or is it fate?—the same spot as yesterday is empty. The same people are sitting there too. I take the seat, feeling a strange sense of anticipation.

As if she's been waiting for me, she turns and beams. "My Prince Arhje! I missed you so much!"

Her greeting catches me off guard. My face heats up, and I feel that familiar wave of shyness wash over me. Her gaze is intense, almost unnerving. "Why... why are you missing me? You don't even know me," I stammer.

She tilts her head, pretending to think. "Hmm, is that so? Don't you like it when I talk to you?" she asks, her voice innocent, like she has no idea what she's doing to me.

"No, it's not that!" I blurt out. "But... you didn't even introduce yourself to me."

She laughs softly and shifts closer. This time, I notice just how broad her shoulders are and how strong she looks. "Let me fix that," she says, leaning in slightly. "I'm Hirua, but you can call me Hir. We go to the same school."

"You're... a girl or a boy ?" I ask nervously. I hadn't expected this. Not at all.

Hirua just smiles. "Does it matter, Prince?"

From across the seats, the boy I saw yesterday—her brother—starts laughing. "Stop teasing him, Hir! You're scaring the poor guy," he calls out, still chuckling.

Their sister nods in agreement, a small smile on her face. "Yeah, give him a break. He looks like he's about to faint."

"N-no, I'm not scared!" I insist, but my voice wavers slightly. Hirua's eyes narrow, studying me as if she can see right through me. "It's okay. I don't hurt beautiful things," she says, flashing me a grin that's both charming and terrifying. "So, don't worry, Prince."

What just happened? I think, my mind spinning.

This strange encounter has left me more confused than ever. But one thing is clear—I want to know more about her. Yet, every time I try to speak, it's as if the words get stuck in my throat. Like I'm afraid she'll laugh at me if I ask anything too personal.

Her brother speaks up again, breaking the tension. "Seriously, Hir, give the guy some space. You're overwhelming him."

Hirua leans back, still smiling. "Fine, fine. But don't worry, Prince Arhje—I'll walk with you again."

I glance down, my heart pounding. I've never felt this way before—nervous, intrigued, and completely at a loss for words. As the tram rumbles forward, I wonder... who exactly is this person? And why do I feel like I've just been caught up in something far beyond my control?