Mirai and Stella finally showed up, bags in one hand and steaming noodles in the other.
Siena looked up. "Don't you think you're a bit early? Look, even the sun's still waking up."
Riya chuckled. "That's why I'm texting them — latecomer squad reporting in."
Mirai blinked. "Wait… are we missing something?"
Stella sighed. "Definitely. Feels like we always walk into drama."
Siena rolled her eyes. "Of course not."
Riya grinned. "Maybe."
Trent leaned forward. "Hmm… when you two weren't here, Siena found a piece of paper."
Mirai frowned. "A piece of paper?"
Riya nodded. "It said *'Don't forget.' Creepy, right?"
Mirai and Stella gasped together. "WHAT?!"
Siena shushed them, waving her hands. "Do you guys want the whole school to know? Keep your voice down!"
"Sorry!" Mirai whispered, cheeks red.
Stella giggled. "Maybe it's a love letter 💌."
Siena glared. "Shut up, Stella."
"Oops, sorry," Stella said dramatically. "But if I were a boy, I'd totally propose to you right now."
"Stop being a drama queen," Siena said, trying not to smile.
Riya chuckled. "Let's just talk about this tomorrow. I'm starving."
Mirai slid the noodles onto the desk. "Best noodles from Naru Noodles. I waited in line forever!"
"Give me my cold chocolate drink first," Siena said. "I'm melting."
"Here." Stella handed it to her.
Siena took a sip, eyes closing. "Heaven. I'm in heaven right now."
They all laughed, sipping together.
"This really is heaven," Riya agreed.
Mirai pointed at the box. "Bad news — only three noodles left."
"That's fine," Siena said. "Riya and I will share."
Trent grinned. "Perfect. That means I get one all to myself."
Riya snatched half. "Equality, mister!"
Siena burst out laughing. "You should've seen his face!"
They laughed, clinking their drinks together.
But when the laughter faded, Siena glanced toward the last row — and froze.
The boy from yesterday was sitting there again half-hidden by sunlight.
Her voice dropped to a whisper only she could hear.
"He's back…"
Riya looked up. "Hmm? Did you say something?"
Siena smiled faintly, taking another sip. "Yeah. These noodles are the best."
The others laughed again, unaware that her heartbeat had changed.