The night passed fitfully, when I woke up from my sleep I saw my pillow was drenched because of tears. After I closed my eyes, a torrent of fragmented memories and haunting visions flooded in front of me. Whenever I see memories of the past my mind always becomes restless. Although I never could have a good sleep at home I at least don't want to see those memories. 

Yet, strangely enough, the dreams that I had on the bus seemed more comforting than the nightmarish landscapes that confined me at my home. Those two hours of sleep at least offered a fleeting vacation for my weary mind and body, no matter how brief it was.

As Bian rode the bus, these were the thoughts swirling inside her mind. Meanwhile, in a distant place, a girl was preparing for school. Unlike her peers, her home stood remarkably close to the school. Despite her diligent preparations, a veil of dissatisfaction covered her features. The previous day had marked her beginning in yet another new school. It's a consequence of her father's ever-changing transfer.

Observing the girl, a woman softened her expression into an apologetic. With care, she approached the girl and gently asked, "Are you still upset with your father?"

The girl met the woman’s gaze and sighed softly. "Mom, I'm not angry with him. I'm just feeling a bit down."

Without a word, the woman reached for a comb and tenderly ran it through her daughter's hair. The girl remained silent, allowing her mother's comforting touch to envelop her. As the woman noticed a slight lift in her daughter's spirits, she spoke softly, "But darling, we cannot leave you alone like that."

"I've already told you, Mom, I can manage on my own," the girl's tone tinged with irritation. Sensing her daughter's frustration, the woman remained silent and continued assisting her daughter in getting ready. 

After a brief pause, the girl looked at her mother. Seeing her mother like this she clenched her teeth and finally broke the silence. "Do you remember Rose, the girl from my elementary school?"

The woman paused for a second to recall the name. "Yes, I do. Is she at your new school as well?"

"She is, and we're even in the same class," the girl replied, a smile playing on her lips as she noticed her mother's mood brighten.

"That's wonderful news. Having a familiar face around will make things easier for you," the woman visibly pleased by the news, before excusing herself from her daughter's room.

After the woman left the room, the girl closed her eyes and drifted back to her first day of school. She expected that everyone would talk about her being overweight. She also knew that the initial chatter would soon subside, just as it had at her previous schools. Rose's presence was a plus point, making everything steady in the new environment.

Yet, with all the other girls there was a girl who stood out more. Bian, the girl with long raven-black hair, captured her attention. Bian has brown eyes tinged with a hint of gold and long eyelashes. It's like there was an endless warmth and luminosity in her gaze. She also emits a unique charisma. As Bian stepped into the classroom, all eyes turned towards her.

…Click….

The girl's thought was interrupted when the woman re-entered the room and informed her, "Rhia, your Dad is downstairs waiting to drive you to school today."

"Coming," She responded to her mother and rose from her seat. Even though she was getting down from stairs, her mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of Bian. Rhia couldn't shake the impression that with Bian's appearance, she should be arrogant like other girls she knew. However, to Rhia's surprise, Bian appeared indifferent and slothful, she slumped onto her desk as soon as she seated. Her friend is also unique. If one word could describe her it would be “Duplicitous”.

"Rhia, hurry down." Her father's voice made her push aside her other thoughts. Without a word, she followed her father to the car, her mind drifting back to Bian. If Bian's demeanor stayed like yesterday, the routine would likely unfold unchanged.

Entering the classroom, her eyes looked around in search of Bian, but she was nowhere to be seen. Rhia patiently awaited the start of class after taking her seat and eavesdropping on the chatter around her. Some students were discussing homework assignments, and she went to join the conversation.

"I forgot to do my homework," one student said with a weeping voice.

"I'm in the same boat. My notes are a mess. I can't lend you mine," the other replied, frustration obvious in their voices as they rifled through their books. Seeing this Rhia offered a solution, "I can let you both copy my homework."

The students paused, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected offer, before giving relieved smiles, as if anticipating this very lifeline.

"Thank you. We..." one of them began, only to be cut off by another voice interruption. “Didn't we all have different homework, if you guys copy her notes the teacher will find out.”

Rhia turned towards the voice and found Jia, a person known for her dual nature. Rhia tried to talk to her yesterday and learned Jia becomes a chatterbox when Bian is around. However, in other circumstances, she became a cold person. She won't talk if she doesn't feel like it, devoid of unnecessary words. She is like a frozen statue that only melts for one person. 

Jia greeted Rhia and then turned her attention to the perplexed students. "This assignment is due after the break. You can do it by then."

The two students exchanged looks, their expressions reflecting utter confusion regarding their homework. Observing their bewilderment expression, Jia placed a hand on her forehead and let out a sigh inside then suggested, "Why don't you ask Bian for help?"

Their faces lit up at the idea. The students welcomed the suggestion eagerly. Unknown to Jia, Rhia's expression darkened at the mention of this proposition. Just as she was about to offer her assistance, Jia's recommendation prevented her from saying anything. Before the students could agree to Jia's proposal, Rhia wanted to tell them, "But Bian..."

"Well, let's go with that. She'll probably make it easier for us to understand," one of the students interjected, initiating a discussion between them. Meanwhile, Jia turned to Rhia, questioning, "Were you trying to say something?"

Rhia quickly masked her inner turmoil with a smile and replied, "Oh, it's nothing," retreating to her seat. Disappointment tinted her mood as everything unfolded in a different way than she intended to do. Just then, the classroom door swung open, and Bian rushed in, visibly out of breath and unable to focus. Jia dragged her immediately as she arrived. 

Jia's demeanor changed in a noticeable shift. She engaged with Bian, explaining things and sharing smiles. A dramatic departure from her other reserved personality. Observing their interaction, Rhia's expression soured, and she averted her gaze.

Reflecting on her observations from the previous day, Rhia realized that Bian effortlessly commanded attention wherever she went, and Bian herself seemingly oblivious to the effect she had on others. Bian is laid-back. However, with an air of preoccupation that seems to cover her.

"I guess I just need to become friends with her," Rhia murmured to herself. Suddenly a sense of being watched pricked at Rhia's awareness. She scanned the room and eventually locked eyes with Jia, whose expression remained cold. Even as their gazes met, Jia's expressionless stare sent a shiver down Rhia's spine, as if Jia could see her thoughts, it made Rhia unsettled by the intensity of the moment.

As Bian called out, Jia's expressionless face transformed into one of delight. Her face lit up as she turned towards Bian. Witnessing this, Rhia felt a chill, her heart still racing. Overwhelmed, she closed her eyes and rested her head on the table.

As Rhia put her head on the table Jia looked back at her again. Jia noticed the change in her expression, a hint of displeasure flickering across Rhia's face as she went to her seat. Jia wanted to ask Rhia however Bian came at that moment. To confirm her imagination Jia looked back at her again but this time she somehow felt agitated. She wanted to know what was swirling inside Rhia's mind. 

"What are you staring at?" Bian looked behind Jia to see what she was looking at. Without awaiting a response, Bian continued, "No one's looking this way. So, what are you doing?" 

Bian is typically composed and doesn't show her emotions that much. However, sometimes her eyes can't hide a little emotion like now. In this instance, curiosity filled her gaze as she observed Jia. In response, Jia offered a smile and said, "Nothing, I was just..."

"Wait," Bian interrupted, glancing around discreetly before whispering, "You're not thinking of leaving the classroom now, are you?"

Caught off guard by Bian's question, Jia was momentarily speechless before bursting into laughter. Misinterpreting Jia's laughter as an affirmative response, Bian assumed the role of the class president, reprimanding Jia for her supposed intent to leave.

Jia considered giving Bian a warning about Rhia today's behavior but decided to postpone it for another time and chose to enjoy this moment.

Unbeknownst to Jia, disregarding her instincts at that moment marked the first misstep she took.