(Back to the Scene)
As Sana twirled her hair and laughed with their father, Aira quietly pushed her chair back and stood. Her footsteps were soft, hesitant."I'm going to college now…" she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking louder might invite another scolding.
Thomas didn't even look at her, his tone sharp and clipped."Try not to bring drama to college too, Aira. Remember, we're known by our last name."
Her throat tightened. She lowered her gaze, fingers curling against her bag strap."I… I won't…" she murmured, before slipping out of the house without another word.
College – Boys' Locker Room
The locker room was alive with chatter, the metallic clank of lockers opening and shutting, the faint smell of cologne mixing with sweat.
"Bro, guess what? My brother's planning to propose to Mira," Liam Langford said, his tone bubbling with excitement, as if he had just been handed some divine blessing. His grin was wide, boyish.
"Aira's sister? Damn," Kai, Liam's best friend, whistled low.
"Yeah," Liam replied, puffing his chest proudly. "Not Sana… and definitely not that emotional mess, Aira. Thank God. I'd lose my mind if I had to see her more than I already do." He lifted a juice box to his lips, sipping casually, as if the words were nothing.
Kai's brows furrowed. He leaned against his locker, arms crossed. "Don't say that, man. I think she's… cute. The way she shows her feelings for you is just a little different. Maybe you should try to understand her. Before it's too late. Before there's nothing left but regret." His voice softened—genuine. He wasn't defending Aira out of pity, but out of concern for his best friend's soul.
But Liam only rolled his eyes, tossing the empty juice box into the trash with a careless flick."Whatever. Let's go, we're late for our match." He slung his football bag over his shoulder and walked out without a second thought.
Football Field
The crowd was already buzzing, a sea of voices rising under the afternoon sun. Girls screamed Liam's name, their cheers echoing through the stands. His jersey gleamed under the light, his smile dazzling as he jogged across the field. He was their star—the college prince.
From behind the crowd, Aira stood on the edge, clutching her bag tightly to her chest. Her eyes followed him, not with the bitterness of someone mocked, but with the softness of someone still holding onto hope.
She didn't see the boy who ridiculed her in the locker room.She saw the boy who once smiled at her when she cried in the hallway.The boy who shielded her during awkward family dinners.
He used to see me… her heart whispered. Maybe he still does. Maybe I just need to try a little harder.
Her breath trembled as she steadied herself. Today would be her last try. Her final hope. Her heartbeat pounded like a war drum inside her chest.
That night before, she had written him a letter—soft, sincere, every word a piece of her heart. And now, with trembling hands, she held it tight.
The Letter
To Liam,I don't know if you've ever noticed me the way I notice you.But you've always felt like sunlight to me.Even when I'm drowning at home, when no one sees me… you made me feel seen, once.I don't want to ruin anything, I just wanted to tell you—I like you.And if there's even a 1% chance you feel something too… I'd be the happiest girl alive.Yours (if even a little),Aira
Near the Parking Lot
Her steps were slow, heavy with nerves as she approached him. Liam was laughing with his friends, glowing in the attention that always followed him. The moment he noticed her, his smile faltered, turning flat.
Aira's fingers tightened around the folded note. She held it out, her voice trembling, soft as a breeze."This is for you. Just… read it when you have time."
He took the note without expression, but instead of pocketing it, he unfolded it right there.
Kai leaned closer, curious. "What's that? A love letter?"
Before Aira could protest, Liam began to read—aloud. His voice was mocking, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear."'You've always felt like sunlight to me…'" He smirked, glancing at his friends. "Dude, what even is this?"
The boys snickered. Liam raised his voice, exaggerating every word."'Yours, if even a little? Aira, are you serious? Do you actually think I'd like you?'"
Laughter erupted around them. Phones were lifted, recording the scene.
Liam shook his head, his smile cruel. "You're not my type. You never were. Stop following me around like a lost puppy."
"Bro, stop it," Kai muttered, his voice tense, but Liam ignored him.
Aira's body went rigid. Her hands shook as her world tilted, spinning. Her lips parted, barely managing a whisper."I… I wasn't trying to—"
"Then don't." His words sliced her open. "Just stay in your lane, Aira. Don't embarrass yourself."
With that, he tossed the letter into the trash beside him and walked away, his friends trailing after him.
Empty Corridor – Aira Alone
She sat on the cold floor, hugging her knees to her chest. Her tears flowed silently at first, then freely, streaking her cheeks. There were no words left. No one to hear her. No one to turn to.
A hollow laugh escaped her lips, broken and bitter.Even when I give love… it's still not enough. It's still not enough.