"So… you've really moved on, huh?"
Tasha looked at me with that dramatic, investigative tone—like she was trying to solve a crime.
I, Alwa, Queen of Denial and Pretending-To-Be-Fine, nodded confidently.
"Yep."
"You sure?"
"Obviously. Didn't you see the TikTok I reposted? Deep quote, heartbreak song, black screen. That's like, level 10 moving on."
Hani slid closer to us, her voice dropping to a whisper like she had juicy gossip.
"Uhm… look."
She pointed across the classroom.
We looked.
Aidan.
Sitting there with his guy friends. Laughing softly, resting his arms on the table like some school drama main character. His hair was neatly messy (don't ask how), and that smile? Sweet enough to ruin my mental peace for the entire week.
I swallowed.
"Meh, normal," I said flatly, like his literal perfection wasn't attacking my soul.
Tasha gasped. "NO WAY. Alwa really moved on?! This is progress!"
I crossed my arms and did my best 'unbothered icon' pose.
Inside?
> "OH MY GOD OH MY GOD—WHY IS HE SMILING LIKE THAT?
THANK YOU TO AIDAN'S MOM FOR CREATING THIS MASTERPIECE—
I'M FINE. I'M FINE. I AM—wait. I moved on, right?? I did.
RIGHT??? But he's so cute. I'm going to pass out. I am literally—"
"Alwa, are you okay?" Hani asked, pulling me back to Earth.
I smiled. "Totally."
Tasha laughed and patted my back. "Don't go crushing all over again, please."
I chuckled, flipping open my notebook, pretending to focus while my brain was still in Aidan Wonderland.
Then the bell rang. Last class before holidays. Everyone rushed out, excited.
Except me.
Still stuck in my seat.
Still thinking about that one smile.
> "I've moved on. Right ..?
To be continue ..