The night had passed fitfully. When I woke, my pillow was damp with tears.

As soon as I closed my eyes, fragments of memories—shards of haunting visions—flooded my dreams.

But when I woke up from my sleep it left my mind restless.

No matter how much I longed for sleep at home, I could never escape those dreams. At least I don't want to see those memories.

Yet strangely, the brief slumber on the bus had felt almost gentle… compared to the nightmares that clung to me within these walls. 

For those two hours, my mind and body had stolen a fleeting vacation, however small it was.

Sigh…

"Bian, come quickly!"

The bus driver’s call pulled me back to reality.

I stood outside my building, my legs reluctant to move, as if some invisible force held me back.

“Biaaaan!”

I forced myself forward, quickening my pace. Whatever awaited me was better than remaining at home, trapped with my memories.

**********

Elsewhere, a girl prepared for school, her movements precise yet weighed down by dissatisfaction.

Yesterday had marked her first day at yet another new school—a consequence of her father’s relentless transfers.

A woman, observing her, softened her expression into one of apology and approached the girl. “Are you still upset with your father?”

The girl met the woman's gaze and sighed.

“I’m not angry, Mom… just a little down.”

Without a word, the woman reached for a comb, running it gently through her daughter’s hair. 

The girl remained silent, letting the comfort of her mother’s touch settle around her. Seeing a faint lift in her spirits, the woman spoke again, softer this time. 

“But darling… we can’t leave you alone like this.”

“I told you, Mom, I can manage.”

A flicker of frustration crossed her features. The woman said nothing, simply continuing her gentle ministrations.

After a brief moment, the girl looked at her mother. Seeing her mother like this, she clenched her teeth and spoke, her voice edged with thoughtfulness. 

“Do you remember Rose, from elementary school?”

The woman paused, recalling the name.

“Yes… She’s at your new school too?”

“She is. And we’re even in the same classroom.”

A smile tugged at the girl’s lips, and she noticed a subtle shift in her mother’s mood.

“That’s good… having someone familiar will make it easier.”

The woman was visibly pleased and excused herself. 

Once alone, the girl closed her eyes, recalling her first day at the new school.

She expected whispers about her weight, gossip that would fade eventually as it had at every other school. Rose’s presence was a stabilizing force.

But among all the students, one stood apart.

Bian. Long raven-black hair, brown eyes tinged with gold, and long lashes framing a gaze that seemed to glow from within. 

Her presence radiated warmth and an almost otherworldly charisma. When she entered the classroom, all eyes turned.

Click…

The girl’s thoughts were interrupted as her mother returned. 

“Rhia, your dad is downstairs waiting.”

“Coming,” she replied, stepping toward the stairs but unable to fully escape her thoughts of Bian.

Rhia had expected someone with Bian’s appearance to be arrogant, like other girls she knew.

However, to her surprise, Bian appeared indifferent and slothful, slumping onto her desk as soon as she sat down.

Bian’s friend also stood out, though in a completely different way.

If one word could describe that girl, it would be—

“Duplicitous.”

“Rhia, hurry down!”

Her father’s voice snapped her back. She followed him silently to the car, still preoccupied.

If Bian stays the same as yesterday… then things will be easier for me.

When Rhia entered the classroom, she instinctively looked around for Bian—but she was nowhere to be seen.

She took her seat and listened to the chatter around her. Some students were discussing homework.

“I forgot to do my homework,” one student said, her voice on the verge of tears.

“I’m the same. My notes are a mess. I can’t lend you mine,” another replied.

Seeing their frustration, Rhia spoke up.

“I can let you both copy my homework.”

The students paused, surprised by the offer, then visibly relaxed.

“Thank you, we—”

“Didn’t we all have different homework? If you copy hers, the teacher will find out.”

The sentence was cut off by another voice.

Rhia turned and saw Jia.

Rhia had noticed her yesterday. Jia became talkative when Bian was around, but otherwise remained cold and reserved. 

She avoided unnecessary words and only spoke when she felt like it.

She was like a frozen statue that melted for certain people.

Jia greeted Rhia and then turned her attention to the students.

“This assignment is due after the break,” Jia said. “You can finish it by then.”

The two students exchanged confused looks.

Seeing their expressions, Jia pressed a hand to her forehead and sighed.

“Why don’t you ask Bian for help?”

Their faces instantly lit up at the suggestion.

Unnoticed by Jia, Rhia’s expression darkened. She had been about to offer her help again, but Jia’s words stopped her.

Before the students could agree to Jia's proposal, Rhia wanted to say something else.

“But Bian—”

“Well, that works. She’ll probably explain it better.”

They quickly began talking among themselves.

Jia turned toward Rhia.

“Were you trying to say something?”

Rhia forced a smile, masking her disappointment.

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

She returned to her seat, her mood dimmed by how things had unfolded.

Just then, the classroom door swung open. Bian rushed in, slightly out of breath. 

Before she could even react, Jia grabbed her and pulled her away.

Jia’s demeanor shifted instantly. She spoke animatedly, smiling as she explained things to Bian.

It was a stark contrast to her earlier reserve.

Watching them, Rhia’s expression soured, and she looked away.

Reflecting on yesterday, Rhia realized that Bian effortlessly drew attention wherever she went—and Bian herself seemed completely unaware of it.

“I guess I just need to become friends with her,” Rhia murmured.

Suddenly, she felt a prickling sensation, as if someone were watching her.

She scanned the room and met Jia’s eyes.

Jia’s gaze was cold and unreadable. The intensity sent a shiver down Rhia’s spine, as though Jia could see straight through her.

At that moment, Bian called out.

Jia’s expression changed instantly, warmth blooming across her face as she turned toward Bian.

Rhia’s heart raced. Overwhelmed, she closed her eyes and rested her head on the table.

***********

Jia noticed the flicker of displeasure on Rhia’s face when she returned to her seat. She considered asking about it, but Bian arrived at that moment.

Jia glanced back again, feeling inexplicably agitated.

“What are you staring at?” Bian asked, following her gaze.

Before Jia could answer, Bian continued,

“No one’s looking this way. So, what are you doing?”

Bian was usually composed, rarely showing much emotion. Still, her eyes sometimes betrayed her—like now, when curiosity shone clearly within them.

Jia smiled faintly.

“Nothing. I was just—”

“Wait!” Bian interrupted, glancing around.

“You’re not thinking of leaving the classroom right now, are you?”

Jia froze, caught off guard by Bian's question, then burst out laughing.

Bian misunderstood the reaction and immediately slipped into the class president role, reprimanding Jia for even considering it.

Jia thought about warning Bian about Rhia’s behavior but chose to let it go and enjoy the moment instead.

Unbeknownst to her, ignoring that instinct marked the first mistake she made.