For a moment, our eyes met again. Neither of us spoke, neither of us needed to. We just stood there like that silent, a little unsure, yet somehow connected.
And like that, we stood together in silence until the bus finally rolled to a stop at our destination.
The doors opened, and people began to shuffle out, voices mixing with the sound of footsteps and chatter. By the time I stepped off the bus, she had already disappeared into the crowd. I didn't think too much of it at the time. Adjusting my bag on my shoulder, I made my way toward the school building.
I climbed the two flights of stairs, the chatter of students echoing through the corridors, until I reached the very end where my classroom was located. I stepped inside. My friend Daniel the one who had called me earlier was standing with a few classmates, animatedly talking about something.
I walked past them without interrupting, heading straight for my seat by the window. Dropping my backpack onto the bench, I sat down, leaning an elbow on the desk as I gazed outside. I could still hear Daniel's voice carrying across the room, bits and pieces of his story mixing with the laughter of others.
A moment later, Daniel walked up to me.
"So, what's the plan for today?" he asked.
I leaned forward and shrugged. "Just relax a bit. The classes won't be starting properly anyway it's only the first day."
He grinned and nodded. I leaned back again, turning my eyes to the window. Sunlight streamed in, and a soft breeze found its way through the glass. Outside, a group of students had gathered in the courtyard new faces, probably freshmen waiting for their introductions. My gaze drifted over them casually… until I saw her.
The same girl from the bus.
She stood quietly among the group, her posture a little reserved compared to the others. For a second, I found myself watching her, and at that exact moment, she lifted her head. Her eyes turned in my direction.
I froze.
Did she notice me? Or was it just a coincidence?
I quickly looked away, pretending not to think much of it, and turned my attention back to Daniel as we started talking about our summer vacations.
The rest of the morning passed in laughter and chatter. Everyone shared stories—some complained about the boredom of staying home, others bragged about travelling to new places. The classroom buzzed with energy, voices rising and falling like music.
By lunchtime, Daniel and I headed to the cafeteria. He went off to scout for a table, while I joined the line at the counter. I tilted my head back slightly, scanning the menu hung above, quietly debating in my head what to order.
That was when I heard it soft, hesitant.
"Excuse me…"
I turned around.
And there she was the same girl from the bus, standing just behind me.