She tries he breaks

> Setting: Afternoon. Elemental International College, upper corridor. The sun hides behind clouds. The hall is half-empty — quiet except for the faint sound of footsteps and murmuring from distant classrooms.

Aahi clutches her books as she walks down the corridor. Her eyes search the hallway — until she finds him.

Aarif.

Leaning against the pillar near the stairs, head down, earphones in. But she knows he saw her.

She steps closer, hesitant.

> "Aarif…"

No answer.

> "Aarif, I need to talk to you."

Still nothing. He pretends not to hear. But his jaw tightens.

> "Please… I just want to explain."

> Still silence.

She gently taps his arm.

He finally looks at her — eyes cold, unreadable.

> "What?"

His voice is sharp. A little too loud. A little too careless.

She blinks, hurt.

> "I didn't know about the box," she whispers. "Red—he lied. I thought it was something good. I didn't mean—"

He cuts her off, pulling his earphones out.

> "You think that matters now?"

Aahi stares.

> "You judged me without even listening."

Aarif's voice rises — not in fury, but frustration.

> "You were standing there, laughing with him. The guy who made me a joke in front of everyone. And you—"

His voice cracks slightly.

"You smiled at him."

> "Because I knew him!" Aahi says, her own voice rising. "From before. He wasn't like this then. People change—"

> "Exactly!" Aarif snaps. "People change! So maybe I was stupid to think you were different!"

That stings more than anything.

Aahi's lips tremble. Her arms lower. Her voice falters.

> "I just… wanted to fix it…"

Aarif exhales sharply, eyes storming.

> "Well maybe I don't need your help!"

His words echo.

Louder than he meant.

Colder than he wanted.

Aahi flinches — like he'd physically hit her.

Her eyes glass over. She looks at him, shattered.

And slowly, silently… a tear slips down her cheek.

Aarif's rage evaporates instantly.

He stares at her — no more anger, just a wave of raw, heavy guilt crushing his chest.

Aahi shakes her head, turns away, and walks down the corridor.

Each step slower than the last.

Aarif doesn't follow.

He just stands there, staring at the place she left.

And whispers to himself,

> "Idiot…"