Chapter 4 – Misunderstanding
The soft rain moment from yesterday kept replaying in Maya's mind.
The umbrella.
His hand holding her arm.
The way he tilted the umbrella toward her.
She shook her head.
It was just basic kindness, she told herself.
Right?
The next day, Maya walked into class a little earlier than usual.
She stopped near the classroom door.
Ayan was already inside.
But he wasn't alone.
He was standing near the window, talking to a girl Maya had never seen before. The girl looked confident and comfortable around him.
And—
He was smiling.
Smiling.
Maya froze.
She had never seen that expression on his face before.
The girl lightly tapped his arm as she laughed. Ayan said something in return, and they both seemed completely at ease.
Something twisted inside Maya's chest.
So he can smile, she thought.
Just not with me.
She quickly walked to her seat and pretended to look for something in her bag.
A few seconds later, Ayan returned and sat down beside her like nothing happened.
"Good morning," he said.
Maya didn't look at him. "Morning."
Her tone was flat.
Ayan glanced at her. "Did you finish the slide design?"
"Yes."
"Can I see it?"
"I'll send it."
Short answers.
Cold.
Just like he used to be.
Ayan frowned slightly. "Did something happen?"
"No."
"You're quieter than usual."
Maya forced a small smile. "Maybe I learned from you."
Before he could respond, the girl from earlier entered the classroom again.
She walked straight toward Ayan's desk.
"Hey, Ayan! Are you coming after school?" she asked cheerfully.
Maya's fingers tightened around her pen.
Ayan nodded. "Yeah."
The girl noticed Maya and smiled politely. "Hi."
"Hi," Maya replied softly.
"By the way, I'm Sara. Ayan's cousin."
Cousin.
The word echoed in Maya's head.
Cousin?
She slowly looked at Ayan.
He was already looking at her.
And for the first time—
There was a tiny hint of amusement in his eyes.
"You thought something else?" he asked quietly after Sara left.
Maya's face turned slightly red.
"No," she said quickly. "Why would I?"
Ayan leaned back in his chair.
"You were jealous."
"I was not!"
He didn't argue.
He just gave the smallest smile.
And somehow—
That tiny smile made her heart beat even faster than before.