Setting: The forest behind Elemental International College. Golden sunlight streams between the trees. Birds chirp faintly. The breeze is gentle, carrying the scent of pine and distant flowers.
Aahi sat quietly, her fingers tracing a tiny line in the dirt with a stick. Her eyes were puffy but steady now — like the storm had passed, but the sky hadn't cleared yet.
Beside her, Tina sat cross-legged, her shiny black hair catching the sunlight in soft reflections. She didn't speak right away — just offered presence, not pressure.
Finally, Aahi looked at her, voice hesitant.
> "You really… saw everything?"
Tina nodded gently.
> "From the floor above. I didn't know who you were at first... but when I saw your picture in class, I knew it was you."
Aahi lowered her gaze.
> "Everyone must think I'm a joke."
> "No," Tina said, firm but kind. "They don't."
Aahi blinked at her.
> "Red might talk loud, but that doesn't mean people believe him. And anyway…" Tina leaned a little closer, whispering like sharing a secret,
"Everyone in this college is actually really friendly. Well… almost everyone."
Aahi raised an eyebrow, a small trace of a smile forming.
> "Almost?"
Tina nodded with a mock-dramatic sigh.
> "Avoid three people: Red, Sam, and Paul. They're... trouble. Charming on the outside, but twisted inside."
> "I'm guessing they're friends?" Aahi asked.
> "More like an evil trio in designer shoes."
That made Aahi chuckle softly, the sound fragile but real.
Tina smiled with relief.
> "But the rest? They're good. Weird, smart, artistic… but good. You'll love Snow. She's quiet but observant. And Starblue is loud but honest. You'll fit in — I can already tell."
Aahi looked down at her hands.
> "It's just… I didn't expect college to start with a slap."
Tina touched her shoulder gently.
> "And I didn't expect to make a friend today. Life's weird like that."
Aahi looked at her.
Really looked.
> "You're... kind."
> "Nah," Tina grinned. "I just don't like people hurting good girls."
Aahi's lips curved again — this time with a little more warmth.
The forest around them seemed to exhale. The light through the trees shimmered more golden. A wind passed through like a soft embrace.
> For the first time today... Aahi didn't feel alone.
And neither did Tina.
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