The next day started like any other at school—morning crowd, the zipper sounds of bags, the guard noting attendance at the gate… all part of the routine.
But something small had changed.
Sia, no longer consciously, but as a natural habit, now felt Yuvan's presence. Her brain seemed to scan automatically:
"Oh, he's here."
Nothing special. Just familiar.
After assembly, as students dispersed, Sia made her way toward her class. At the staircase turn, she saw Yuvan with two friends, discussing something—papers in hand, likely planning for the inter-house event.
"Are you choosing anchors?" one friend asked.
Yuvan replied calmly,
"We'll see… whoever isn't scared of the stage."
It was a normal conversation. But Sia noticed something small: Yuvan looked comfortable in a leadership position. He wasn't loud, yet people naturally listened. That subtle confidence marked itself in her mind.
In class, today was a math test. Sia usually stayed quiet, but on test days, she became even more still. Pencil box aligned, eraser in a corner—small ways of keeping control.
When the teacher asked a student to distribute answer sheets, it was Yuvan who calmly walked through the rows. As he reached her desk, his eyes briefly glanced at her notebook cover—light floral design, soft colors.
No words. No unnecessary talk. Just quietly placing the sheet and moving to the next desk.
Simple. Respectful. Sia liked people who didn't force conversation.
During the free period, Sia sat under the shade on the school lawn, headphones in, soft music playing. A gentle breeze brushed past as she noticed Yuvan a short distance away, discussing a map layout with a teacher. He traced lines on the map, explaining calmly.
Not just a sports boy—he had an organized, thoughtful side.
Sia didn't consciously observe; it felt natural, like watching an interesting documentary.
Later, the teacher left, and Yuvan started leaving the lawn, phone in hand. He noticed Sia sitting calmly with her headphones. This time, he held her gaze for a soft moment, giving a subtle nod. Sia returned it. No smiles. No awkwardness. Just acknowledgment: "I know you're here."
By the end of the day, as students rushed out, Sia adjusted her bag straps, walking toward the gate at her quiet pace. In a small congested lane between buses, Yuvan crossed her path, rolled chart in hand. Both paused for a second, giving each other space.
"Careful, puddle ahead," he said plainly.
Sia looked down. A small wet spot.
"Thanks," she said softly.
Yuvan went toward his bus stop, and Sia toward hers. A simple, ordinary day—but a subtle shift had happened: Sia and Yuvan weren't strangers anymore. They weren't friends yet either. Just a soft, calm pattern forming—quiet noticing, polite moments, and familiarity. Nothing forced. Just the first layer of connection.