Drake walked away from the group, his expression unreadable. He entered the bedroom and dropped onto the bed, an arm flung over his eyes, the weight of everything pressing down on him.
A few seconds later, Lucas stepped in, leaning against the doorframe. "Hey… your mom called. Why aren't you picking up? She's worrying about you."
Drake let out a dry chuckle. "She's not worried about me, Lucas. She's worried about my grades. If I fail, I won't become the perfect businessman she wants. That's what she's really worried about."
He turned his head slightly. "So? Did I pick up her call?"
Lucas didn't say anything. Just looked at him, his usual grin gone for a second. The silence between them said more than words ever could.
The next morning arrived with a soft, golden light streaming through the curtains. Hazel stirred under the covers, stretching her limbs with a sleepy groan. Still half-asleep, she sat up, rubbed her eyes, and shuffled toward the bathroom. A few minutes later, the sound of running water filled the quiet apartment as she took a refreshing shower.
Afterward, dressed in cozy homewear, she made her way to the kitchen. She slipped two slices of bread into the toaster and waited, the smell of warm toast slowly filling the space. She prepared her tea—strong, just the way she liked it—and set it on the table. The toaster clicked, and she buttered the bread quickly, taking a bite as she glanced at the time.
She ironed her neatly washed uniform with careful hands and changed into it. The fabric was still warm from the iron, smooth and crisp. She ran a brush through her hair, slung her bag over her shoulder, and stepped outside. As she locked the door, she noticed Levi across the hallway. She opened her mouth, ready to say something—maybe even just a cheerful "good morning"—but Levi gave her a nervous smile, then turned and walked off without a word.
Hazel blinked, confused, watching him disappear around the corner. "What the...?" she muttered under her breath, then shrugged it off and made her way downstairs.
The bus ride was uneventful, the morning buzz of students filling the air. Once she reached the school, Hazel walked calmly through the hallway, past the chatter and rustle of backpacks. She stopped at her locker and turned the dial, opening the door with a metallic click.
Inside, everything was where she had left it. But one thing stood out—a small, neatly folded piece of paper. It wasn't there yesterday. With a raised brow, she plucked it out and unfolded it.
The handwriting was clean, bold, and confidently written. No name. No clues. But it was clearly meant for her.
---
Dear Hazel,
I don't know if this will come off as weird, but I've watched you—no, not in a creepy way, relax. I've just... noticed you. The way you tie your hair when you're focused, the way you scrunch your nose when something annoys you, and how you walk like the hallway belongs to you. There's something captivating about that.
You don't talk much, and yet your silence is louder than half the noise in this place. You don't smile often, but when you do, it's like something shifts in the air. You don't try to impress anyone, and that's what impresses me the most.
I'm not the shy type, not the kind to hide behind words. But with you, I'm taking my time. Watching. Learning. Wondering what makes you tick. Maybe I'll say something one day. Maybe I'll walk past and act like I don't even see you.
But you'll know. Because from this moment on, you'll start to notice me too.
Until then... this stays between us.
Love,
Stranger.
Hazel stared at the letter, heart skipping a beat, the corners of her lips curling into an involuntary smile. "What in the mysterious Romeo is this?" she whispered, blinking at the paper in disbelief.
Just as Hazel tucked the mysterious letter into her bag, a hand dropped lightly on her shoulder. She flinched a little, then turned to see Ethan standing beside her, his usual calm gaze fixed on her.
He tilted his head slightly. "What was that?"
Hazel blinked, forcing a casual smile as she zipped up her bag."Nothing," she said quickly. "Just... the subject notes. Had to check something."
Ethan raised an eyebrow but didn't push it. "Alright."
They walked side by side down the hallway, the chatter of students and distant morning announcements echoing through the corridor.
---
Meanwhile, in the boys' section...
Drake(hands in his pockets, hair a mess)"Bro... it's 10:00 a.m. now. The gate must be locked. Can we just go somewhere else? Grab breakfast, fake a stomach ache?"
Lucas stared at him like he'd just committed a crime. "No way. Your mom knows everything, bro. She probably has a satellite tracking you right now. We have to sneak in."
Drake groaned. "So what about the others?"
Lucas slapped his own forehead. "Drakeee... are you acting, or did something hit your head in your sleep?"
Drake gave him the most innocent face he could muster.
Lucas narrowed his eyes."You woke up late again, didn't you?"
Drake gave a guilty shrug.
With a deep sigh, Lucas pulled him by the arm, and together they ninja-walked along the wall, dodging glances, until they finally made it inside. They pushed open the washroom door and entered like two undercover agents. A minute later, they emerged, pretending nothing had happened, adjusting their collars and walking casually towards their classroom like they had been on time all along.
They stopped just outside the door. The class was already in full swing.
Drake cleared his throat and knocked.
"Sir, sir, sir, sir," he called sweetly.
The teacher looked up, his glare sharp enough to slice glass. "Oh, why are you two so early today?" he asked dryly. "Should've come straight for lunch."
Drake blinked with a soft smile. "Sorry, sir. Next time, we'll make sure to come at eleven sharp."
The entire class burst into laughter.
Lucas covered his face, trying not to laugh out loud.
The teacher shook his head. "I'm wasting time even talking to you. Just stand there. Take the notes."
And so they stood—at the back of the room, grinning like fools, trying to act invisible as the lesson went on.