Bibxy barely remembered how she made it back to her hostel. Her mind was still tangled in the memory of the heated argument between Sleek and Josh, their voices echoing in her head like a storm she couldn't outrun. The hug… she wasn't even sure how it happened. It was all a blur, but the way Josh had held her—firm but hesitant—lingered in her chest like a weight.
By the time she reached her room, the night air felt heavy. She locked the door, slipped out of her shoes, and lay on her bed without even changing her clothes. The ceiling swam above her as exhaustion dragged her into sleep.
The next morning, she forced herself into her usual routine. Shower. Hair. Light makeup. Pack her books. Her reflection in the mirror looked calm enough, but her eyes betrayed her—there was a trace of unrest there. She decided not to dwell on it. Today was just another day.
After her first lecture, she wandered to the cafeteria for a cold drink. The clink of ice in her cup was oddly comforting, until she spotted a familiar figure approaching.
"Bibxy," Soya's voice was cautious, almost soft. "Can we… talk?"
Bibxy froze. They hadn't spoken properly since that tension-filled week, and part of her wanted to keep it that way. But there was something in Soya's eyes—an apology, perhaps—that made her sigh and nod.
They sat by the window, sunlight spilling between them. Soya didn't waste time. "I don't want us to be like this. Whatever happened before… let's just move past it. Please?"
It took a moment, but Bibxy smiled faintly. "Alright. Let's."
Relief washed over Soya's face, and just like that, the air between them lightened. To seal the truce, Soya invited her to her sister's birthday party. Bibxy hesitated—crowds weren't her favorite thing right now—but eventually agreed.
The party was warm and loud, full of laughter and music. Bibxy found herself laughing too, caught in the easy rhythm of the celebration. She danced, sipped a sweet drink, and for a while, let the world feel simple again.
Later, back in her hostel, she collapsed onto her bed, still faintly dizzy from the night. The morning sunlight woke her, along with a strange ache on her arm. Sitting up, she noticed a faint, dark mark curling just above her wrist.
She frowned, tracing it with her fingers. It didn't look like a bruise from a fall, but her mind quickly supplied an easy explanation—probably from last night, when she'd been tipsy. She shrugged it off and went about her day, though a quiet unease lingered.
A week later, posters went up around campus.
Annual School Dance – Bring Your Partner.
The announcement spread fast. Sleek caught up with her after class, flashing his usual confident grin. "Bibxy, go to the dance with me."
She blinked, taken off guard, but found herself saying, "Alright."
Across campus, Josh was rehearsing his own invitation in his head. When he finally asked, Bibxy's answer was polite but firm. "I'm sorry, Josh. I'm already going with Sleek."
Something in his smile faltered, but he nodded. "Cool. Have fun."
Later that day, Soya found Josh by the library steps. "If you're still looking for a partner… I wouldn't mind." She tilted her head, half-teasing, half-serious.
Josh considered for a beat, then smiled. "Alright. Let's go together."
The night of the dance arrived in a swirl of glittering lights and music. Soya and Josh arrived first, both dressed elegantly. Minutes later, Sleek and Bibxy entered, the room shifting slightly as their presence drew eyes.
On the dance floor, Sleek guided Bibxy with easy steps. She smiled despite herself, the music washing over her—until her vision wavered. The lights seemed to blur, the sound warping in her ears.
Before she could speak, her knees buckled.
"Bibxy!" Sleek caught her instantly, panic in his voice. Josh was already moving toward them, his expression tight.
They half-carried, half-led her to the school nurse's office. Sleek's grip was tense, Josh's eyes scanning her face for signs of consciousness. The nurse checked her quickly, murmuring something about stress or exhaustion.
Sleek turned to Josh. "Go back to your partner. Soya's probably waiting."
Josh's jaw tightened. "I'm as worried as you are. I'm staying."
So they both stayed, seated on opposite sides of the room. An hour later, Soya slipped in, her heels clicking softly against the tile. She didn't speak, just stood quietly by the wall.
At last, Bibxy stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Relief swept through the room.
Josh stepped forward. "Get her some water," he told Soya, who quickly obeyed.
Sleek leaned in, voice low. "How do you feel?"
"Just… tired," Bibxy murmured.
Josh straightened, glancing toward the door. "I'll step out. Get some rest, Bibxy."
She gave him a faint smile. "Thank you."
After he left, Sleek stayed beside her a moment longer. "Let me take you back to your hostel. You've been stressed about everything lately."
She didn't argue. The walk was quiet, the night cool against her skin. At her door, Sleek paused, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Rest," he said simply, then turned to leave.
Bibxy lingered in the silence of her room, the mark on her wrist faintly throbbing now—almost as if it were pulsing.