The night passed fitfully. When I woke up from my sleep, I saw my pillow was drenched with 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 could never 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 home.

Those two hours of sleep at least offered a momentary vacation for my weary mind and body, no matter how brief it was.

                          **********

In a distant place, a girl was preparing for school. Despite her diligent preparations, a veil of dissatisfaction covered her features.

The previous day had marked her beginning at yet another new school. It's a consequence of her father's ever-changing transfers.

Observing the girl, a woman softened her expression into an apologetic one. 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 spoke with irritation. Sensing her daughter's frustration, the woman remained silent and continued assisting her daughter in getting ready.

After a brief moment passed, 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 with a smile and noticed her mother's mood brighten.

"That's wonderful news. Having a familiar face around will make things easier for you."

The woman was 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, among all the other girls, there was one who stood out more.

Bian captured her attention with her long raven-black hair, brown golden-hued eyes, and long eyelashes. Her beauty was also otherworldly.

There was an endless warmth and luminosity in her gaze. She also emitted a unique charisma. When Bian stepped into the classroom, all eyes turned toward her.

Click…

The girl's thoughts were interrupted when the woman re-entered the room and informed her.

"Rhia, your dad is downstairs waiting for you."

"Coming."

Rhia responded to her mother and started to go down.

Even though she was going down the stairs, her mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of Bian.

Rhia thought 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 was 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.

If Bian stays like yesterday, then it will be good for me.

Entering the classroom, Rhia looked around to see Bian, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Rhia awaited the start of class after taking her seat and hearing 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 student replied.

Frustration was obvious in their voices as they rifled through their books. Seeing this, Rhia said, 

"I can let you both copy my homework."

The students paused, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected offer, but felt relieved.

"Thank you. We—

Didn't we all have different homework? If you guys copy her notes, the teacher will find out.” 

One student began talk but only to be cut off by another voice interrupting.

Rhia turned towards the voice and found Jia, a person known for her dual nature. Rhia had tried to talk to her yesterday and learned that Jia becomes a chatterbox when Bian is around. 

However, in other circumstances, she becomes a cold person. She won't talk if she doesn't feel like it and avoids any 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 complete it by then."

The two students exchanged looks, their expressions reflecting utter confusion regarding their homework.

Observing their bewildered expressions, Jia placed a hand on her forehead and let out a sigh before suggesting, 

"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 that moment. She was about to offer her assistance, but Jia's recommendation prevented her from saying anything.

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

"But Bian – 

Well, let's go with that. She'll probably make it easier for us to understand." 

One of the students interjected, starting to talk among themselves. Meanwhile, Jia turned to Rhia. 

"Were you trying to say something?"

Rhia quickly masked her inner turmoil with a smile. 

"Oh, it's nothing."

She retreated to her seat. Disappointment tinted her mood as everything unfolded in a different way than she had intended. 

Just then, the classroom door swung open, and Bian rushed in. She was out of breath. Before she could focus on anything, Jia dragged her immediately. 

Jia's demeanor changed noticeably. She engaged with Bian, explaining things and sharing smiles. 

It was a dramatic departure from her previously 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 was seemingly oblivious to the effect she had on others.

"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.

Rhia felt unsettled by the intensity of the moment, as if Jia could see her thoughts.

As Bian called out, Jia's expressionless face transformed into one of delight. Her face lit up as she turned towards Bian.

After witnessing this, Rhia felt a chill; her heart was still racing. Overwhelmed by this, she closed her eyes and rested her head on the table.

                         ***********

Jia looked back at Rhia once again. She noticed the change in Rhia's expression.

Displeasure flickered across Rhia's face when 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. Jia wanted to know what was going on inside her 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 to others.

However, sometimes her eyes can't hide a little emotion, like now. In this instance, curiosity filled her gaze as she observed Jia.

Jia offered a smile in response.

"Nothing, I was just – 

Wait." 

Bian interrupted Jia, glancing around them.

"You're not thinking of leaving the classroom right now, are you?"

Jia was caught off guard by Bian's question. She 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's behavior today 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.