My Last And My Only

Chapter 63: Almost

The familiar hallways felt different.

Aiah couldn't really explain why. Maybe it was because she had spent the last ten days convincing herself that she wouldn't be coming back. Or maybe it was because she knew that at any moment, she could run into the one person she had been trying so hard to avoid.

She tightened her grip on the strap of her bag as she made her way towards the College of Fine Arts and Design building. Students walked past her in groups, exchanging stories about their vacation. Some greeted her with smiles while others simply waved from a distance.

"Aiah! Welcome back!"

She turned around and smiled when one of her classmates approached her.

"Hey! I thought you transferred already."

"I almost did." Aiah chuckled softly.

"Seriously?" Her classmate frowned.

"Long story." She nodded.

The other girl decided not to ask any more questions. She simply linked her arm with Aiah's as they walked towards their classroom together.

"Well, I'm just glad you're here. Sir Lauren almost had a heart attack when you didn't reply to his emails."

Aiah laughed.
A real one.
It felt nice.
Maybe... Coming back wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Khae rested her head on the desk the moment her professor dismissed the class.

She had barely absorbed anything during the two-hour lecture. Her notebook contained more random doodles than actual notes.

She sighed.
Get yourself together.
This wasn't like her.
Well... Maybe it was.

But lately, even laughing with her friends felt exhausting.

Yana quietly slid into the seat beside her.
She didn't say anything at first.
She simply watched Khae absentmindedly spin her pen between her fingers.

"Want to grab lunch?"

Khae looked at her before forcing a small smile.

"Sure."

The two of them walked out of the classroom together, joining the crowd of students heading towards the cafeteria.

Halfway there, Lindstey casually spoke.

"You know..."

Khae looked at her.

"You've been looking around a lot today."

"Have I?" Khae frowned.

Yana nodded.

"Every hallway."

She smiled knowingly.

"Every staircase."

Khae immediately looked away.

She didn't have to explain.

Yana already knew. Of all her classmates, she's the one she talks with and occasionally goes to lunch with. 

Still...

She decided to say it anyway.

"I think a part of me was hoping..."

She paused before letting out a small laugh.

"...that I'd accidentally see her."

The confession left a bitter taste in her mouth.