The school gates stood open, students streaming inside with the usual buzz of chatter and laughter. To anyone watching, Rhaine looked like she belonged among them—tall, composed, her backpack slung over one shoulder, her expression calm. Just another morning. Just another start to a day.
That was what she wanted everyone to believe.
Inside, though, her chest still carried the heaviness of nights she wished she could forget. The silence of her room, the mirror's betrayal, the whisper of words she tried to erase: I'm not… I'm not like that.
Two days had passed since then. Two long, exhausting days.
She had forced herself through them the way she always did: burying herself in routines, pretending nothing was wrong, shaping herself into the quiet, unshakable version of Rhaine De Fuentes that people expected. It was easier to nod, to smile, to let jokes roll past her than to admit how fragile she really felt.
But even when she smiled, she knew it never lasted long.
"Rhaine!"
The familiar voice pulled her from her thoughts. Maya waved enthusiastically near the entrance, Eli beside her, hands tucked in his hoodie pockets.
Rhaine raised a hand, forcing a small smile as she approached.
"You're late," Eli said, though there was no bite in his tone.
"I'm not," Rhaine replied evenly, adjusting the strap of her bag. "You're just early."
"Excuses," Maya teased, linking her arm through Rhaine's once she was close enough. "Anyway, good thing you made it on time. We can walk together."
Rhaine let herself be pulled along, listening as Maya chattered about something her little cousin had done the night before. Eli chimed in with dry remarks that made Maya huff in mock offense. Rhaine nodded at the right times, smiled faintly when expected, but her mind kept drifting elsewhere—circling where she didn't want it to go.
When they reached the classroom, the three slipped into their usual seats. Students were still filtering in, the morning chatter filling the air. Rhaine set her bag down and pulled out a notebook, more for show than actual need.
Then, as if fate had been waiting, Sam walked in.
Rhaine's hand tightened around her pen.
Sam looked like she always did—calm, a little distracted, tucking her hair behind her ear as she made her way to her desk. Yet for some reason, Rhaine felt the weight of her presence more than anyone else's. Her stomach twisted with a familiar unease she refused to name.
"Hey," Maya whispered suddenly, leaning close with a mischievous grin. "Did you notice? Sam's here earlier than usual today."
Rhaine's head snapped toward her, too quick, and Maya's grin only widened.
Eli, sensing trouble, smirked. "Oh? Should we congratulate her? Or maybe congratulate someone else?"
Heat rose to Rhaine's face, but she forced her expression to remain flat. "You're both annoying."
Maya gasped dramatically. "You wound me, Rhaine! We're just making observations. Totally harmless."
"Uh-huh." Rhaine flipped open her notebook, pretending to read, though the words blurred on the page.
But she could feel Sam's presence across the room like a constant tug, no matter how hard she tried to ignore it.
---
By mid-morning, their teacher announced another round of group work. Predictably, the room filled with groans and chatter as students shuffled around.
"Alright, pair up!" the teacher said cheerfully, oblivious to Rhaine's silent despair.
Maya's eyes sparkled instantly. She leaned toward Rhaine, whispering, "I bet I know who you're pairing with."
Rhaine shot her a glare sharp enough to cut glass. "Don't start."
But fate—or perhaps the teacher's lack of creativity—had already decided.
"Rhaine, Sam. You two work together again."
Maya and Eli exchanged glances that screamed we told you so.
Rhaine's jaw tightened. She gathered her things mechanically, moving to sit by Sam. She didn't miss the faint amusement flicker in Sam's eyes, though her expression remained polite, steady as always.
"Looks like it's us again," Sam said, her voice calm.
Rhaine forced a shrug, opening her notebook. "Guess so."
They worked in silence for the most part, exchanging only the necessary words. But each brush of Sam's hand near hers, each glance they shared when passing notes, felt magnified. Rhaine's pulse drummed in her ears. She hated how aware she was of the smallest details: the way Sam's handwriting curved neatly, the subtle crease between her brows when she concentrated, the soft hum under her breath as she read instructions.
When the work was finally done, Rhaine practically fled back to her seat, her composure stretched thin.
"Wow," Maya whispered as she leaned in. "You two looked so serious. Like some kind of power duo."
Eli chuckled. "Careful, Maya. You'll make her blush."
Rhaine's head snapped toward them, eyes narrowed. "I don't blush."
"Sure," Maya teased, biting back a grin.
Rhaine sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. She didn't have the energy to argue, not when every nerve in her body still buzzed from being near Sam.
---
By lunchtime, she thought maybe—maybe—she'd get a break.
The three of them sat at their usual spot in the courtyard, trays balanced on their laps. Maya chatted about a TV drama she'd binged, Eli listened with half-lidded patience, and Rhaine poked at her food, pretending to follow.
Then, like clockwork, Sam passed by with her own tray, heading toward a nearby bench.
Rhaine stiffened instantly.
Maya noticed. Of course she did.
"Rhaine," she sang quietly, leaning close enough that only Eli could hear. "Your destiny approaches."
"Stop."
But Eli grinned, adding fuel. "She really is around a lot, huh? Almost like fate's trying to say something."
Rhaine's fork clattered against her tray. "Why does everything have to be about her?" she snapped, louder than she intended.
Both Maya and Eli blinked in surprise. Maya raised her hands quickly. "Hey, hey—I was just joking."
Eli studied her for a moment before looking away.
Rhaine took a shaky breath, forcing her voice calmer. "Sorry. I just… it's annoying, that's all. Every time there's a group or a pairing, it's always me and her. It's like this school doesn't know anyone else exists."
Her words tumbled out faster than she wanted, edged with frustration she couldn't disguise.
Maya tilted her head, concern flickering in her eyes now. "Rhaine… are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Rhaine said quickly, stabbing at her food to end the conversation.
But the truth sat heavy in her chest. I'm not fine. I'm tired. I'm tired of running in circles, of pretending I don't notice her, of pretending I don't feel… anything.
She swallowed hard, pushing the thought away.
---
The afternoon dragged. Rhaine went through the motions, keeping her face blank, her voice steady, her mask intact. But every so often, her gaze strayed toward Sam. And each time, she caught Sam watching her too—curious, steady, like she was trying to see past the walls Rhaine had built.
It was unbearable.
When the final bell rang, Rhaine was the first out of her seat. She mumbled quick goodbyes to Maya and Eli, ignoring their exchanged glances, and walked fast through the halls until she was outside, the cool air brushing her skin.
Only then did she slow, her steps dragging. The exhaustion settled over her like a blanket, heavier than her backpack.
She had smiled. She had laughed at Maya's jokes, nodded at Eli's remarks, answered Sam's questions without stumbling. On the surface, she had done everything right.
But inside, her smiles hadn't stayed. They never did.
As she reached the gates, Rhaine exhaled shakily.
"Just one more day," she whispered to herself. "I can do this for one more day."
But she knew it wasn't true.
The cracks were still there, waiting.