Sophie's Life

Chapter 19: New Beginnings

One Friday afternoon, we were in study hall, and math was my focus, as usual. I scribbled down equations and formulas, feeling the familiar satisfaction of numbers falling into place. Across the room, Nathan and Sasha sat close together, quietly chatting between their work. Their connection had grown so naturally, and I couldn't help but smile at how well they fit together.

As I worked through another equation, I noticed Daniel sitting nearby, a cricket strategy guide open in front of him. Though he was focused on it, I caught him glancing my way from time to time. I shrugged it off, trying to ignore the small flutter in my chest and reminding myself that we were just friends. But there was something different in the way he looked at me lately—like he was trying to figure me out.

"Stuck?" Daniel's voice suddenly broke my concentration, making me look up. I shook my head with a small laugh. "Math? Never." He chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I figured you'd say that. You always make it look so easy."

"That's because it is," I teased, pushing my notebook toward him. "Want me to show you?" Daniel's smile widened, and he leaned forward, glancing at the page. "Honestly? Yes. I'm good with cricket strategies, but these numbers..." He waved his hand in mock defeat. I leaned in a little, showing him the steps to solve the equation. As I explained, I could feel his gaze shift from the paper to me, and for a moment, I felt a strange sense of closeness. It was subtle, but there was something about the way he listened—like he wasn't just paying attention to the math.

"Got it?" I asked, handing the notebook back to him. He nodded, but his eyes lingered on mine for a second longer. "Yeah, thanks." Just as I was about to return to my work, Sasha glanced over, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "What's going on over there?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," I said quickly, shrugging. "Just helping Daniel with some math."

"Sure," she said, smirking as if she knew something I didn't. 

Nathan chimed in from beside her, "Sophie helping people with math is basically her idea of a fun afternoon." I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the small smile creeping onto my face. "It's not my fault you all struggle with it."

Daniel chuckled beside me, shaking his head. "I don't struggle with math... I just prefer not to deal with it." "Right," I said, grinning. "Good thing you have me, then."

As the study hall continued, I felt Daniel's presence more than usual, and it was strange—like there was something unsaid between us. Every so often, I'd catch him looking at me, but instead of the usual casual glance, it was different. Almost... thoughtful. Later, as we packed up to leave, Daniel stopped me at the door. "Hey, Sophie," he said, his voice quieter than before. "Thanks for helping me today. I owe you one."

I smiled, waving it off. "It's no big deal."

"No, really," he insisted, his eyes catching mine again. "Maybe next time we can hang out and do something that doesn't involve numbers?"

There was a moment of silence as his words hung between us, and I wasn't quite sure how to respond. Was he just being friendly, or was there something more?

"Sure," I said, keeping my tone light. "As long as it's not cricket."

He laughed, shaking his head. "Deal."

As we walked out together, I couldn't help but wonder what that "something more" could be.