Maybe it's still all in my head.
That was the only lie Niki had left to hold on to.
She'd barely slept again, and this time it wasn't because of a k-drama. It was her own story, and the plot was turning on her.
Still, as she walked into the classroom, she told herself to breathe. Today was seat changing day, something that always brought a weird mix of excitement and nerves.
Students were buzzing as the new seat plan was put up on the board.
Niki's eyes scanned the list.
Her name was next to the window seat.
She smiled faintly. Window seats were her favorite. Quiet. Peaceful. A place to hide from the world.
Her eyes continued down the list… and stopped.
James.
He was in the same row.
One seat behind her.
Her heart fluttered despite everything.
Maybe things would go back to normal.
Maybe yesterday was just... a misunderstanding.
She sat down quietly, tucking her hair behind her ear, stealing a glance toward the door every few seconds.
And then—there he was.
James.
Walking in, bag slung over one shoulder, as usual.
He looked around for a moment and then started walking in her direction.
Her heart skipped.
She sat up straight.
He was coming toward her.
One step. Two. Three—
But then, without even glancing at her, he slid into the seat beside Luke.
The one behind hers was still empty.
Luke looked up with a small grin. "Bro, I thought you were sitting with Sammy."
"Nah," James said casually. "I'd rather sit here."
Niki didn't turn around. She didn't move.
She didn't even breathe.
Just stared out the window as if the clouds could somehow distract her from the sharp ache building in her chest.
A moment later, Sammy plopped into the seat beside her.
"Lucky," she whispered. "You got the window seat and me."
Niki smiled without turning. "Yeah… lucky."
Behind her, James and Luke were already laughing at something.
She didn't need to look.
She could hear it.
Feel it.
But what she didn't see—what no one saw—
Was the way Luke paused mid-laugh.
The way his eyes briefly flicked to the back of Niki's head.
Like something didn't feel right anymore.
[Chapter 6 ENDS]