CHAPTER 13

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FIRST'S POV

Next morning, Rain didn't show up for first period.

Ja and I exchanged looks across the room, and Pai's jaw tightened.

"Maybe he's sick," I offered weakly.
But the tension in my gut told me it wasn't that.

When he finally arrived during second period, his face was pale, his eyes dull.
He mumbled something about not sleeping well and sat down without another word.

Sky wasn't there either.

Ja leaned closer to me. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Yeah," I said. "And I don't like it."

---

PAI'S POV

After class, I caught Rain near the lockers.

"You okay?" I asked gently.

He hesitated. "...Yeah, just tired."

"Sure?"

He nodded, forcing a smile. But I noticed his hands trembling as he reached for his books.

I wanted to push — to ask — but he was already walking away.

Then I heard it.
Sky's laugh, echoing from the stairwell.
And when I turned, I saw him watching Rain go, his smile twisted, satisfied.

---

RAIN'S POV

Sky caught up with me after school.
"I missed you in the morning," he said lightly, but there was something in his tone — something that made my skin crawl.

"I wasn't feeling well," I said quickly.

He hummed. "I noticed. You didn't answer your phone last night."

I froze. "You... called me?"

He smiled faintly. "A few times. You didn't pick up."

I forced a nervous laugh. "Sorry. I was asleep."

He brushed a strand of hair from my face, his fingers cold.
"Don't apologize. Just don't ignore me next time, okay?"

I nodded because it was easier than arguing.

When he walked away, I finally exhaled — but it didn't help.
Because deep down, I knew.

Something had started.
And whatever it was, it wasn't going to stop easily.

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