The classroom felt brighter than usual that Thursday morning, sunlight cutting sharp angles across the desks. Jade arrived early as always, but today her routine felt off-balance. She kept glancing toward the back corner, half-expecting—hoping?—to see Rose already there.
And she was: head down, glasses perched low, quietly arranging her books like she could disappear into the pages if she tried hard enough.
Mrs. Catherine entered with her usual brisk stride, heels clicking against the floor. She set her bag on the podium and scanned the room with a warm smile. "Good morning, class. Before we begin our discussion on the poem, we have a quick introduction from our new student."
All eyes turned. Rose froze, fingers tightening around her pen.
Mrs. Catherine gestured gently. "Rose, dear, would you come up and say a few words? Just your name, a bit about yourself—nothing too formal."
Rose stood slowly, smoothing her skirt as she walked to the front. The room hushed in that curious, expectant way. Jade's heart gave an unexpected thud.
At the podium, Rose adjusted her glasses and took a small breath. When she spoke, her voice was soft but clear—gentle, almost melodic, carrying a quiet compassion that made the air feel warmer.
"Hi... I'm Rose Archer. I transferred here recently. I like reading, quiet places, and... I hope we can get along." She paused, cheeks faintly pink. "Thank you."
She stepped down quickly, almost too fast, and returned to her seat amid polite claps and a few welcoming murmurs. Mrs. Catherine nodded approvingly. "Thank you, Rose. We're glad to have you. Now, let's turn to page—"
But Jade barely registered the transition. Rose's voice echoed in her head—gentle, compassionate, enchanting in a way she couldn't quite name.
Something about it had shifted the whole classroom for her. The way Rose had looked out at everyone, not quite meeting eyes but not hiding either. It was captivating. Why did it feel so personal?
Jade tried to focus on the lesson. She opened her notebook, pen hovering, but her mind wandered. She stole glances: Rose tucking hair behind her ear, Rose chewing her lip while thinking, Rose writing with careful, deliberate strokes. Every small detail pulled her attention away from the board.
Why her? Why now? Jade had never been this distracted by anyone. It was just a name spoken aloud, just a voice, just a new face. Yet her thoughts looped endlessly: Rose on the podium, Rose's quiet "thank you" , Rose's blush.
The morning dragged on in a haze. By the time the final bell rang, the classroom emptied quickly—students rushing toward freedom, lockers clanging in the hall. Jade packed slowly, deliberately lingering. Rose did the same, gathering her things with unhurried care.
When most of the room was clear, Jade stood and walked toward the back. Rose looked up, surprise flickering behind her glasses.
"Hi," Jade said softly. "That was... really nice. Up there."
Rose blinked, then offered a small, shy smile. "Thanks. I was terrified I'd trip over my words."
"You didn't. Your voice is... gentle. It was nice to hear."
Rose's cheeks warmed again. "Oh. Um... thank you?"
A beat of quiet stretched between them—awkward, but not uncomfortable.
Jade shifted her bag. "I get it—the attention thing. It's a lot."
Rose nodded slowly. "Yeah. Everyone's so... enthusiastic."
They walked out together, steps falling into an easy rhythm down the emptying corridor. The school was winding down; distant voices echoed, gates would close soon. Jade felt a strange reluctance to part ways.
At the main hallway split, Rose paused. "I should head out. Gates close early sometimes."
"Yeah," Jade agreed. "See you tomorrow?"
Rose met her eyes for a second longer than usual. "Definitely."
As Rose turned toward the exit, Jade watched her go—backpack slung over one shoulder, steps light but careful. The gates loomed ahead, the afternoon light slanting golden through them.
Jade exhaled, a small sigh escaping. Ugh. Why was she overthinking this so much? It was just a new classmate. Just a voice that lingered. Just a name that now felt like it belonged in her thoughts.
But as she walked home alone, the school gates clanging shut behind her, Jade couldn't shake it: Rose was definitely on her mind. More than she wanted to admit. And maybe—just maybe—that wasn't entirely a bad thing.