The school hallway buzzed with chatter as students hurried to their next classes. Nina, Pim, and Fah walked together, their footsteps light but their hearts heavier than the noise suggested.
Fah's smile was becoming more natural, her nervousness easing as she settled into the rhythm of their friendship. She chatted easily with Nina about soccer and school clubs, while Pim trailed slightly behind, eyes flickering between them, confusion stirring deep inside her.
Nina noticed Pim's lingering glances at Fah, a sharp pang of jealousy twisting inside her. She forced a smile, but the ache was real. Why does it hurt so much? she wondered.
---
Library Study Session
That afternoon, the three met at the local library, a quiet refuge from school. The long wooden table was strewn with notes, textbooks, and notebooks filled with sketches and ideas.
Fah flipped open her sketchbook, revealing flowing drawings and creative concepts for their project. Her pencil danced confidently over the paper.
"You're really good at this," Pim said softly, leaning closer.
Fah blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Drawing helps me think. It's like everything makes more sense."
Nina watched them, jealousy tightening like a knot in her chest. She pushed the feeling down, determined to focus on the project, but it lingered like a shadow.
---
Nighttime Reflections
Later, alone in her room, Nina stared at old photos on her phone — candid moments with Pim, laughter frozen in time. Her heart ached.
"Why does it feel like I'm losing her?" she whispered.
She closed her eyes, palms pressed against her temples. I don't want to lose this. I don't want to lose her.
---
Art Class Confession
The next morning, Pim sat in art class, her sketchbook open but pencil still. The soft scent of paint and clay filled the room, but her thoughts were far away.
Mint, her bubbly friend, nudged her gently. "You've been distant lately. What's going on?"
Pim hesitated, then said quietly, "I don't know what I'm feeling anymore."
Mint smiled. "Sometimes, feelings get messy before they become clear."
Pim nodded slowly, hope flickering in her eyes.
---
Lunch in the Courtyard
The next day, the three shared lunch under the blooming trees in the school courtyard.
Fah twirled a fallen leaf between her fingers. "It's strange how people can be so close, yet feel so far."
Nina nodded. "Like there's a gap we're trying to cross."
Pim looked from Nina to Fah, heart pounding. "Maybe the gap isn't as wide as we think."
The moment hung between them — fragile, charged, waiting.