The last school bell rang, and the noise of students rushing out filled the hallway. Lockers slammed, footsteps echoed, and laughter bounced off the walls.
Rhaine took her time packing her things, sliding her notebook into her bag before heading to her locker. She liked leaving after the crowd less noise, less bumping into people, less talking.
But her plan to quietly disappear was ruined when she saw Sam.
Sam was leaning against her own locker, laughing with two classmates. Her hair caught the afternoon light coming through the windows, making her look like she belonged in some glossy magazine photo. She seemed so at ease, like the noise and chaos didn't bother her at all.
Rhaine told herself not to stare. She failed.
Sam caught her eye and waved. "Hey! Going home now?"
Rhaine's throat felt dry, but she nodded. "Yeah. You?"
"Not yet," Sam said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "I'm thinking of getting coffee. You wanna come with me?"
Rhaine hesitated. She wasn't the type to say yes to last-minute plans. But Sam asked so casually, like it was no big deal, and for some reason, saying no felt harder than saying yes.
"Sure," Rhaine replied, almost surprising herself.
---
The café they walked to was small and cozy, tucked between a bookstore and a flower shop. The smell of cinnamon and coffee beans wrapped around them the moment they stepped inside. The place was busy but not loud just a soft hum of chatter and clinking cups.
They grabbed a small table near the corner. Sam ordered something sweet with whipped cream on top, while Rhaine stuck to her usual black coffee.
Sam took a sip of her drink, then looked at Rhaine with a curious smile. "You're always so quiet in class. Is it because you hate everyone, or is that just your personality?"
Rhaine raised an eyebrow. "A little of both."
Sam laughed, and Rhaine couldn't help the faint smile tugging at her lips.
"I'm serious," Sam continued, leaning forward. "You've got this… mysterious vibe. Like you're always hiding something."
Rhaine stirred her coffee slowly. "Maybe I am."
Sam's eyes lit up. "So, what's the secret?"
"If I told you," Rhaine said, meeting her gaze, "it wouldn't be a secret."
Sam grinned like she'd just been given a challenge. "You're no fun."
"I'm plenty of fun," Rhaine said, smirking faintly.
They ended up talking about safer topics favorite foods, songs they couldn't stop replaying, and which teachers drove them crazy. Every now and then, though, Rhaine caught Sam watching her a little too closely. Each time, Rhaine forced herself to keep her expression calm, like it didn't affect her at all.
It did.
---
When they left the café, the sky was painted in soft orange and pink. They walked side by side, their footsteps falling into the same rhythm. For Rhaine, it felt… nice. Too nice.
Then Sam's phone buzzed. She slowed down to check it, typing quickly with her head bent over the screen.
That's when Rhaine noticed a group of guys across the street, wearing another school's uniform. They were laughing loudly, but one of them was looking at Sam in a way Rhaine didn't like. When he nudged his friend and started walking their way, Rhaine's body moved before her mind caught up.
She stepped slightly in front of Sam, her tall frame blocking his line of sight. Her face stayed blank, but her eyes were sharp, warning.
The guy hesitated, then backed off, muttering something to his friends.
Sam looked up from her phone, confused. "Uh… thanks?"
"They were being annoying," Rhaine said simply.
Sam tilted her head, smiling a little. "You're kinda protective, huh?"
Rhaine's heartbeat kicked up, but she kept her tone flat. "I just don't like creeps."
"Sure," Sam said, her smile widening. "If you say so."
---
When they reached Sam's street, they slowed down.
"This was fun," Sam said. "We should hang out more."
Rhaine shifted her bag higher on her shoulder. "Maybe."
Sam laughed. "That's Rhaine-speak for yes."
Rhaine gave a small smirk but didn't answer.
As she walked the rest of the way home, she tried to convince herself the afternoon didn't mean anything. They were just classmates, just hanging out.
But the truth was harder to ignore: she liked being around Sam. Too much.
And the worst part? Rhaine knew herself. She wasn't good at letting go once she decided something or someone was hers.