Unspoken

AM I FALLING (Part 1)

The sun was already shining brightly as Saturday morning unfolded.

Everyone was preparing for their group meet-ups, excitement and nerves buzzing in the air.

Selena, too, was getting ready. She stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the hem of her dress.

She chose a simple yet stunning outfit—a knee-length, white chiffon dress with delicate floral embroidery along the neckline and sleeves.

The dress flowed softly with her every movement, giving her an elegant and breezy appearance. She paired it with white ballet flats and a small pearl pendant necklace that glimmered faintly in the sunlight streaming through her window.

Her hair, usually straight and simple, had a slight curl at the ends today, adding a soft touch to her look.

Selena took a deep breath, clutching her assignment notebooks tightly. She was nervous—not just about the assignment but about the idea of spending hours with Daniel and the rest of the group.

As she grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder, her mom called out from the kitchen.

"Don't forget to eat something before you leave, Selena!" her mother said.

"I'll eat something later, Mom. I don't want to be late," Selena replied, her voice slightly rushed.

Just then, the sound of a car horn echoed outside, startling her.

She peeked through the window to see a sleek black car parked in front of her house, gleaming under the sunlight.

Daniel was seated in the backseat, scrolling casually on his phone, but his posture straightened the moment he saw her step out of the house.

"Bye, Mom!" Selena called, quickly slipping on her shoes and making her way to the door. Her younger brother, Kevin, was still asleep, sprawled out on the living room couch. "Tell Kevin I'll be back by afternoon!"

As Selena emerged from the house, the driver stepped out to open the car door for her.

Her white dress caught the light, and the soft waves in her hair swayed as she walked toward the car.

Daniel, sitting in the back seat, froze for a moment. His phone slipped slightly in his hands as his gaze fixed on her.

She looked... radiant. The lavender dress suited her perfectly, and the small, unassuming smile she gave the driver as he opened the door only added to her quiet charm.

Daniel had seen her every day at school in her uniform, but this—this was different. There was something about her today that made it impossible for him to look away.

"Hey," Selena greeted him as she slid into the seat beside him, adjusting her notebooks on her lap. "Thanks for picking me up." 

Daniel, for a moment, didn't respond.

He blinked, clearing his throat. "Uh... yeah, of course. No problem."

He leaned back in his seat, trying to look relaxed, but the slight redness creeping up his cheeks betrayed him. "You look... um, nice," he added, glancing sideways at her, his voice quieter than usual.

Selena smiled politely, unaware of the effect her appearance had on him. "Thanks," she replied simply, though she noticed his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he turned his attention to the road.

The car started moving, and there was a brief, comfortable silence between them.

Selena looked out the window, her mind occupied with thoughts of the assignment. Daniel, on the other hand, couldn't help but steal glances at her reflection in the car's window.