Love Before Graduation

Suhina sat behind me on the bike. Her silence felt like an itch I couldn't scratch. We reached the school gates just as students started rushing in. Everyone was talking loudly I was parking my scooty in the parking lot when Suhina had already got off and left. I too went inside the school.

The school was filled with noise today too like every morning - somewhere someone's screaming, somewhere laughter and jokes, and somewhere the fear of a teacher. I walked through, still thinking about what Suhina had said earlier—just a quiet "Ioverslept." She didn't say anything else and walked to her class. I didn't stop her. What was the point?

Then I saw him.

Arin.

He was standing with his back resting against a pillar in the corridor, holding the bag on his shoulder with one hand, his eyes were searching for someone. He looked calm, like always. My steps slowed down.

Would he talk to me today?

After last night, I thought maybe he would.

He looked up...just a quick glance, sharp like he was about to say something. But then he just walked away.

I let out a small laugh. Of course.

Then his shoulder brushed mine. Not hard, just enough for me to feel the warmth. I looked up, and though he kept walking, he had a small smirk on his face.

Jerk.