Luna didn't realize how much she had started waiting for Peryn's attention—until even the tiniest thing he did made her chest feel like a storm.
When he strolled into class, the first thing he did was glance around. Always, his eyes landed on her. And Luna, pretending to scribble notes, felt her cheeks grow warm.
That day, her hair was open, tumbling loosely over her shoulders. Hina had already teased her about it, whispering, "Bet he'll notice."
And of course—he did.
Peryn tilted his head, squinting past the tree that blocked part of his view. He leaned just slightly to the side until his eyes caught hers. A smile tugged at his lips, smug but soft. Luna turned away instantly, fingers tightening on her pen. Why does he always notice?
Akio noticed too—but not in the same way. His jaw clenched, and he muttered under his breath. Sayuri, sitting near him, caught every flicker of his irritation. Her stomach twisted.
By the end of the day, Sayuri couldn't take it anymore.
When the others had scattered, she found Akio by the lockers. Her hands shook slightly, but she steadied her voice. "Akio," she said, eyes determined, "I like you."
Akio froze, his usual scowl softening into shock. "W-what?"
"I'm serious," Sayuri whispered. "I've liked you for a long time. I don't care if you only look at Luna right now. I just… needed you to know."
Her words hung in the air, heavy, raw.
From down the hall, Luna appeared with Peryn beside her. She hadn't heard the confession, but she had seen Akio's expression, caught somewhere between surprise and turmoil.
Peryn, ever the observer, leaned close enough for only Luna to hear. "Drama unfolding," he whispered, smirking.
Luna elbowed him lightly, flustered, but couldn't ignore how her heart jumped when his sleeve brushed hers.
Sayuri's eyes flicked to Luna then, and for the first time, the web of feelings wrapped tight around all of them. Akio's jealousy. Sayuri's confession. Luna's confused racing heart. And Peryn—still watching her, with that look that said he saw everything, especially her.
Northern Heights Academy was no longer just a school. It was a battlefield of hearts.