Tram Girl Middle School

don't ignore me

It's been two weeks since I first met Hirua, and our friendship has blossomed. She loves teasing me, calling me "Prince Arhje" or jokingly asking if I want to be her princess since she thinks I'm pretty. I've grown to enjoy her playful banter, even if it leaves me blushing and tongue-tied.

When we walk together, I can't help but feel a little smaller beside her. She's tall, with broad shoulders that give her a commanding presence. In contrast, I've never worked out, and my family is filled with skinny guys who are all shorter than me. Somehow, being around her makes me feel a mix of admiration and shyness.

Today is Friday, and I haven't seen Hirua at the tram station or in class. An uneasy feeling settles in my stomach, as if something is about to happen. I try to shake it off, but it lingers throughout the day. Finally, the last bell rings, and I walk out of the school, my heart racing when I spot her standing by the gates, looking around as if she's waiting for someone.

"Hirua!" I call out, my spirits lifting at the sight of her. But she glances my way and then turns her attention back to the street, completely ignoring me. Confusion washes over me. Is she really ignoring me? A twinge of hurt lingers in my chest, but I try to remain calm.

Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage and step closer. "Hey, Hirua!" I try again, but she doesn't respond. Disappointment settles over me, heavy and suffocating.

After what feels like an eternity, she finally looks my way, and her face lights up. "Here you are!" she exclaims, her tone playful and teasing, but I can't shake the feeling that something is off.

"I thought you didn't see me," I reply, feeling relieved that she's at least acknowledging me.

But before I can finish, Semor walks past us. He's known as the cute, shy boy in our school, and his smile brightens his face. "Sorry! Did I make you wait?" he says, looking directly at Hirua, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Hirua's expression softens as she gazes at Semor, and she replies, " Not at all! I can wait for you forever." She glances at me for just a moment before turning away, her attention entirely on him.

As they begin to walk toward the tram together, I stand frozen for a moment, watching them. So, she was waiting for him all along. A wave of jealousy washes over me, not because I'm in love with her, but because she's the first girl who has ever given me this much attention. And now, it feels like I'm invisible as she walks away with someone else.

With a heavy heart, I begin to follow them, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions stirring within me. I feel a pang of loss at the thought of her leaving my side. I can't help but watch as they walk so close, their laughter ringing in my ears. I want to call out to her, to reclaim the attention I once had, but the words catch in my throat.

Perhaps this weekend will give me the space to sort through my feelings. I need to figure this out. With every step I take, I remind myself that I can't let my emotions spiral like this. Maybe, just maybe, I'll find a way to make her see me again.