Chapter 3: A Shift in the Air

Lilian knocked lightly on the principal's office door before stepping inside. She had been summoned earlier but wasn't given a reason why.

To her surprise, she wasn't alone with the principal. A well-dressed man stood beside his desk, his posture relaxed yet confident. He turned toward her with an easy smile.

"Lilian," the principal said, gesturing toward the man, "meet my son, Raymond. He's recently returned from working abroad and will be helping with the school's development projects."

Raymond extended his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Lilian."

She shook his hand briefly, her expression polite. "Likewise. I didn't realize the principal's son was involved with the school."

Raymond chuckled. "I wasn't, until recently. But it's good to be back."

Their conversation was brief, but something about him lingered in Lilian's mind after she left the office.

Later that day, Lilian found herself walking alongside Dennis as they made their way out of school. Though they often walked home together, today felt different. She had something on her mind.

"Hey, Dennis," she started casually, glancing at him. "What do you think of the principal's son?"

Dennis shrugged. "Raymond? He's cool. Any lady that bags him sure did win a medal."

Lilian's steps slowed slightly, her chest tightening. "Really?"

Dennis nodded, completely unaware of the weight behind her question. Then, with a teasing smirk, he added, "You both would make a good couple."

His words hit her harder than she expected. She had been hoping for something—anything—that would hint at a different feeling from Dennis. But instead, his response only confirmed what she feared.

To him, they were just friends. Nothing more.

Lilian forced a small laugh, masking the sting of disappointment. "You think so?"

Dennis gave a casual nod, unaware that, in that moment, he had unknowingly set her free.

Over the following weeks, Raymond became a familiar face at the school. Though he was mainly there for administrative work, he often crossed paths with Lilian.

Their conversations started as casual—greetings in the hallway, small talk about work. But soon, she found herself enjoying his company more than she expected. He was insightful, easygoing, and had a way of making her laugh.

One afternoon, after school, she was gathering her things when Raymond appeared at her door.

"Tough day?" he asked, leaning against the frame.

Lilian sighed. "You have no idea."

Raymond grinned. "Then I have the perfect remedy. How about a coffee? My treat."

She hesitated for a moment. Going for coffee with him felt… different. But there was no harm in it, right?

"Alright," she said, smiling. "One coffee won't hurt."

The coffee outing stretched longer than expected. Their conversation flowed naturally, and for the first time in a while, Lilian felt truly at ease.

At first, Dennis didn't think much of Lilian's sudden change in routine. But then, she started leaving school without him more often. Their usual walks home became infrequent.

One evening, he found her alone in the staffroom, scrolling through her phone with a small smile.

"You heading home?" he asked.

Lilian hesitated. "Not yet. I have something to do first."

Dennis frowned. "You've been 'busy' a lot lately."

She glanced at him but said nothing.

His voice hardened. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

Lilian looked away, debating whether to mention Raymond. But she couldn't bring herself to say it.

"It's nothing, Dennis," she finally said. "I'll see you tomorrow."

As she walked away, Dennis clenched his jaw. Something was changing, and he hated that he had no control over it.

A few days later, Dennis got his answer.

He had stayed late at school, finishing up paperwork. As he stepped outside, he spotted Lilian across the street—with Raymond.

They were standing close, talking and laughing. The ease between them was unmistakable.

Then Raymond said something that made Lilian laugh softly, and Dennis felt something tighten in his chest.

Lilian turned slightly and caught sight of Dennis. Their eyes met.

For a moment, she looked as if she wanted to say something. But before she could, Dennis turned and walked away.

Because deep down, he already knew.

Lilian was slipping away, and he had no one to blame but himself.

The examination period was almost over, soon,all the teachers would have to submit their students report.

This period is usually tedious for the teachers as they have to work extra hours grading the results.

It was late in the afternoon when Dennis ran into Raymond near the school parking lot. It wasn't unusual—Raymond often stopped by to see his father, and lately, he had been lingering around more than usual.

Dennis had noticed.

"Heading home?" Raymond asked casually, adjusting the sleeves of his button-up shirt.

Dennis shrugged. "Yeah, just finished grading some papers. You?"

Raymond smirked. "Just checking in with my dad. And... maybe waiting for someone."

Dennis didn't need to ask who. He already knew.

"You and Lilian have been spending a lot of time together," Dennis remarked, keeping his tone neutral.

Raymond chuckled. "You noticed?"

Dennis let out a short laugh. "Hard not to. She used to walk home with me almost every day. Now, not so much."

Raymond glanced at him, sensing something beneath his words. "Does that bother you?"

Dennis hesitated for a second before shaking his head. "Nah, Lilian's free to do whatever makes her happy."

Raymond nodded, watching him closely. "You know… I like her."

Dennis' fingers clenched around the strap of his bag, but his expression remained unreadable. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," Raymond continued. "She's smart, kind, and she doesn't pretend to be someone she's not. I respect that."

Dennis forced a smile. "That's Lilian for you."

Raymond studied him for a moment before speaking again. "I was thinking of making things official. Asking her to be my girlfriend."

Dennis felt something tighten in his chest, but he gave a small nod. "Good luck with that," he said, his voice even.

Raymond tilted his head slightly, as if trying to read between the lines. But instead of pressing further, he simply smiled. "Thanks, man. I hope she says yes."

With that, he patted Dennis on the shoulder and walked off, leaving Dennis standing there, forcing himself to breathe.

He had said the right things, acted the right way. But as he watched Raymond disappear around the corner, Dennis couldn't deny the bitter realization settling in.

This was really happening.

And there was nothing he could do about it.