**Kayla's POV**

I caught sight of Fiona making her way toward me, her familiar figure cutting through the midday bustle.

“Hey,” she greeted, offering me a small smile.

“Hey,” I replied, trying to keep my demeanour light.

“What are you doing here? Aren't you hungry?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at my choice to skip the cafeteria.

“I’m not feeling the best right now. Just needed a breather,” I admitted, glancing away to avoid her probing gaze.

“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked gently.

“Not really. Let’s just sit in silence,” I replied, grateful she didn’t press any further.

“Okay,” she said simply, settling down next to me.

As we sat quietly, the world around us faded. The rhythmic sounds of cars zipping by and birds chirping faded into the background, leaving just our steady breaths filling the air.

Eventually, the shrill tone of the bell sliced through the silence, signalling the end of our break.

“Let’s go,” I said, springing to my feet and bolting towards class.

“Kayla, please hold on!” Fiona called out behind me, her voice strained.

I skidded to a halt, turning to see her clutching a locker, her face paling and breathing ragged.

“Are you okay?” I asked, concern knotting my stomach.

“I...I... need my nebulizer. It’s in my bag,” she managed to say between gasps.

Without hesitation, I rifled through her bag, my heart racing as I found the nebulizer and quickly helped her use it. Gradually, her breaths stabilized, and I linked my arm through hers, guiding her to class. Thankfully, we slipped in just as the exam was set to begin.

“Fiona, are you feeling better now?” I asked softly.

“Yes, much better,” she replied, still looking a bit shaken.

“I’m sorry. I didn't know you had asthma,” I said, feeling guilty.

“It’s fine. I shouldn’t have run like that,” she reassured me.

“Hey, you wouldn't have had to if I hadn't taken off first,” I pointed out.

“Okay, let’s say we’re both at fault,” she conceded with a small smile.

As we waited in the hallway for the rest of our group, I couldn’t help but drift into thought about the earlier conversation I’d overheard. I had seen Ashley confessing her feelings to Luca, only to be turned down gently. A storm of jealousy brewed inside me—he wasn’t my boyfriend, and yet here I was, feeling possessive and confused.

“Kayla, are you okay now?” Fiona pulled me back from my thoughts.

“Yeah, I’m good. Thanks for asking,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“Great! Oh, look, the twins are coming out!” she said, spotting Lila and Luca approaching.

“Hey, guys!” they called as they joined us.

“Hey!” Fiona and I chimed back.

“Where’s Ashley and Jake?” Lila asked, scanning the hallway.

“They went to grab something from her car,” Fiona replied.

“Oh, okay,” Lila nodded, her expression turning thoughtful.

“I’m wiped out. Let’s call them and tell them we’re leaving,” Luca suggested, slightly stretching his arms.

“Good idea! I’ll make the call,” Lila said before stepping aside.

I had driven with the twins that morning and needed them to take me home too, but we had to drop Fiona off first.

“Bye, Fiona!” we waved as we dropped her at her house.

“Bye!” she called back, waving energetically.

Next up was the twins' place for a study session. With Ashley and Jake tied up with other plans, we’d have some quiet time.

Our books were haphazardly scattered across the living room, the impending storm of subjects looming ahead: Music/Art, Physics, P.E.

“Aren’t you guys hungry? I’m going to raid the kitchen for snacks!” Lila exclaimed as she dashed out of the room.

“So… you said yes?” I ventured, the instant the door slammed shut behind her.

“I didn’t say no,” Luca shrugged a hint of mischief in his eyes.

“That’s not an answer!” I shot back.

“It’s the truth,” he argued, a playful grin refusing to fade.

“Unbelievable. You didn’t even mention you were talking to her,” I scoffed, annoyance bubbling up inside.

“I wasn’t! She just approached me—it wasn’t planned!” he insisted.

“And yet you look like you won the lottery,” I countered, crossing my arms defiantly.

“I’m not smiling! I’m just... processing. Is that a crime now?” he said, straightening up as if he were being accused in a courtroom.

“No, but you could’ve told me. We share everything, remember?” I questioned, a wave of betrayal washing over me.

“Apparently not everything,” he replied sharply.

I flinched the silence that followed heavy with unspoken words.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, my voice wavering.

“Just… you’re acting like I betrayed you or something. She just confessed her feelings; it’s not a big deal, Kayla,” he responded, his eyes searching mine.

“Oh, of course not. You just forgot who’s had your back all this time,” I retorted, frustration seeping into my tone.

“Don’t do that. Don’t make this about something it’s not,” he urged, the tension radiating between us palpable.

“Maybe it is about something deeper, and you’re too blind to see it,” I shot back, fierce.

Luca stared at me, the air buzzing with unresolved emotions. Our eyes locked, conveying more than our words ever could.

“If there’s something you want to say, just say it,” he prompted, voice steady.

“No. Not anymore. Congrats, Luca. I genuinely hope it works out,” I replied coldly, shaking my head as I turned to leave.

“Kayla—”

But I didn’t look back, my heart hammering as I rushed out of the house, desperate to escape the fray of mingling emotions.

I quickly said goodbye to Lila in the kitchen, then bolted out, the door swinging shut behind me.

After a brisk five-minute walk, I finally stepped through the door and into the warm embrace of home. The lights glowed cheerily, a sure sign that Mum was around.

“Hey, Mum!” I called out, kicking off my shoes and letting them thud softly on the floor.

“Hey there, darling! How was school today?” she responded with that familiar smile that always made my day just a little bit brighter.

“It was good,” I said, trying to muster some enthusiasm.

“Great! Now go on and have your bath. Dinner will be ready soon,” she instructed, her voice filled with the kind of gentle authority that meant I couldn’t argue.

“Okay, Mum,” I replied, feeling a mix of comfort and anticipation.

Once I reached my room, I meticulously prepared a warm bath, the steam curling around me like a comforting blanket. After shedding my clothes, I slipped into the hot water, letting it wash away the day’s anxieties. But as I soaked, a wave of emotions surged within me, and before I knew it, hot tears streamed down my face. Just then, Mum opened the door, catching me in my vulnerable moment.

“What’s wrong, dear? Why are you crying?” she asked, concern etched on her face.

Her words only seemed to unleash the flood, and I cried even harder, anxiety gnawing at me. Today felt like it could be the end of my friendship with Luca, a reality I wasn't ready to face.

“It’s okay, sweetheart, you’ll be alright,” she murmured, her hand gently patting my head, offering solace as only a mother can.