Aira walked straight over to Elena, notes in hand, Sita trailing behind her. She set the papers down carefully on the table and looked directly at Elena.
Here she said, calm but deliberate Take a look. These are for you.Elena lifted her eyes, a flicker of surprise crossing her face, and her voice remained cool and measured.What is this? Why did you put them here?Aira met her gaze without hesitation.
Apparently, Mira ruined your notes, so these are the originals. If you need them for your exams, take them.Elena stepped closer, her eyes narrowing slightly.So you're saying I can't handle my own work? That this is your authority speaking?Aira tilted her head, taking a deliberate step forward. Her voice was calm, but the intensity beneath it was unmistakable.You know exactly what you did. You pushed me on purpose.Elena stood her ground, voice steady, almost cold.Yes, I know And I have no regrets. If you think that scared me, you're wrong.Aira's lips curved into a sharp, almost imperceptible smile.Scared? You should be. Boldness sometimes crosses into recklessness.
Elena raised a hand, her posture unwavering.
I know my limits, You can show your power all you want.Sita standing nearby, whispered nervously,
Enough this is getting dangerous You two are practically ready to explode.Aira's expression hardened, her eyes sharp, almost challenging, reflecting the fierceness of someone who could not tolerate disrespect. Her voice was low but cutting.
You are daring yes but remember daring doesn't mean reckless. Do you have any idea how dangerous your attitude is? I warned you watch yourself.Elena's reply was cool, unflinching.
I can handle myself. You have no power over me. And I am not reckless. I know my boundaries. You don't need to worry about me.
Elena finally picked up her notes and began walking toward the classroom, her steps calm and confident. Her friends followed closely, each step a mix of curiosity and caution.Sita standing nearby, whispered to Aira, her voice edged with disbelief,
You helped her and instead of a simple Thank you or sorry she acted so rude! Aira's eyes lingered on Elena as she walked away then a small, amused smile curved her lips.Bold girl and just a little too tempting to ignore.Sita stared at her in surprise, whispering, Wow did she really just say that?
Aira chuckled softly, her gaze following Elena's retreating figure Yes she's daring, and I like it.Once Elena and her friends had disappeared down the corridor, a quiet calm settled over the area. Aira turned her gaze toward Sita, a small, amused smile still playing on her lips.Alright, she said, her tone lighter now, almost teasing Let's get back to work. Come on help me with my notes.Sita blinked in surprise, a little caught off guard by the sudden shift in mood but she nodded, a smile tugging at her lips.Sure Let's do it. Finally, some peace and order around here.Okay, we will sort these out and make sure nothing gets mixed up she said her voice calm but confident.Even as they worked Aira's eyes would occasionally flick toward the hallway a faint smile lingering. The memory of Elena's bold walk and daring words seemed to linger.
Lunch break had turned the cafeteria into controlled chaos.Trays clattered students laughed too loudly.Mira sat at a corner table phone in hand, staring at the screen like life itself had left her on last seen.That was when Aira made her grand entrance balancing a loaded She placed the tray on the table.Mira glanced at it once and sighed dramatically,You didn't bring anything for me.
Aira blinked.How was I supposed to know your class wasn't happening?Mira slowly put her phone down, pressed a hand to her chest, and spoke like a wounded heroine.It's fine. My friends probably don't miss me either. Not even my own sister.Aira rolled her eyes and sat down.Enough drama. Why are you making that tragic face anyway?
Without a wordMira pushed her phone toward her.
Aira leaned in squinting at the screen.Who's that? Whose IG is this?Mira took a deep, sorrow-filled breath.My ex.Aira immediately softened.
Aww that's sad. But it's okay. That's life.She paused then added carefully You've moved on by now though, right?Mira stared at her in disbelief.
I am a loyal person Aira. How could I just forget my ex?Aira raised an eyebrow.You mean ex?Then after a beat Or exes?Mira looked away eyes heavy with fake tragedy.Why does this always happen to loyal people?Aira frowned slightly.What do you mean?Mira's voice dropped full of emotion.
I was loyal to all four of my girlfriends.Aira froze Wait, All four?Mira nodded calmly.Yes. After the breakup, I stayed loyal to all four at the same time.
She sniffed.So if I could do that why couldn't she stay loyal to me?Aira grabbed her head with both hands,My brain just shut down.Hold on. You said four, right?Yes Mira said counting on her fingers.
I was happy with all four of my girlfriends.She paused.But my fifth favorite person was happy with someone else.Another pause.Apparently.Aira stared at her for a long moment then nodded slowly.yes You were very loyal.Mira leaned back defeated.And look what loyalty got me.Aira sighed dramatically.You're right. I don't know why this always happens to loyal people.Mira shrugged and picked up her phone again.Exactly Stay loyal,Even if it's with ten people.She began scrolling through Instagram.Aira lifted her tray.Come on. The food's getting cold.Mira didn't look up.Life already is.
A few moments later Tasha and Ton arrived trays in hand, looking slightly amused and slightly confused.The moment Mira saw them she threw her arms up in true theatrical fashion.See, Aira? I told you my friends could never forget me!But you said they had already moved on from you,she teased.Tasha and Ton exchanged a glance.Mira leaned forward slightly and said Just ignore her.Mira raised a finger dramatically.And these two are loyal or at least pretending to be!
Just then Aira's phone rang. She picked it up and glanced at the screen.SITA it read.Hello? Aira answered.Aira, you need to work on the project today SITA's voice came through the line.
Aira nodded.Okay, I am coming.Turning back to Mira and the others,You guys enjoy yourselves. I am off to work on the project with SITA. Looks like all you get is lunch and gossip time.With that, she added with a playful roll of her eyes Read a little too while you're at it,and picked up her tray before heading off leaving Mira and the others behind in the cafeteria.