Chapter 3

Aria was lost in her thoughts when a gentle push came from behind. Sara, along with a couple of classmates, joined her in the corridor, their voices buzzing about last-minute drawings and model fixes.

“Aria, you’re next,” a professor called from inside the hall.

Sara squeezed her shoulder, whispering, “You’ve got this. All the best!”

Aria forced a smile and walked in, her palms clammy, her heart racing. She unfolded her sheets, adjusted the boards, and began explaining her design. Her voice wavered at first, but soon steadied. A few jurors nodded, others scribbled notes, one raised an eyebrow. The critiques stung, the praise barely soothed, but eventually it was over.

When she stepped out, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders sagging. Weeks of all-nighters had caught up to her, and she felt the heaviness settle in her bones.

Sara pulled her along....“Cold coffee??!! Time for our celebration.”

They clinked their mugs, laughing faintly at how caffeine had become their only luxury. Aria rarely spoke about her personal life here, she wanted her classmates to see her as just another architecture student, not the girl tangled in a complicated love life.

While Sara scrolled through her phone, Aria checked her messages.

Peter: Did you finish? Can we meet later?

Her fingers hovered over the screen. She typed: Actually, I’m exhausted. Can we meet tomorrow instead?

The reply came instantly.

Peter: Yeah, fine. Guess I’ll have to wait again.

There was no fight in her, no energy left to argue. She just locked her phone and leaned back.

After saying goodbye to Sara, Aria started her walk home. On the way, she passed the familiar building where her best friend Victoria lived. Inevitably, her thoughts drifted to Shawn. She caught herself mid-thought, scolding silently. Why am I even thinking about him?

As if the universe heard her, she turned her head and there he was. Shawn, walking a little ahead, smiling faintly at his phone, completely unaware of her presence.

Her heart skipped a beat... She looked away quickly, biting her lip... What’s wrong with me…?