The first Monday after the island trip felt gentler than usual.
The hallways were filled with the familiar sounds of lockers opening and closing, the environment beamed with all the gossips acquired through the trip - sometimes a crush on someone from the island , the local wine shop that the rebellious students sneaked into.
Students walked with unhurried steps, chatting about weekend plans or the warm spring weather that had finally arrived.
Jade reached her locker and found Rose already waiting, leaning against the metal door with her backpack at her feet.
Rose looked up as Jade approached, and her small smile appeared immediately—soft, familiar, and just a little brighter than before the trip.
"Morning," Rose said.
"Morning Rose." Jade opened her locker and began taking out the books she needed.
She noticed Rose's bag looked heavier than usual.
Without thinking twice, she reached over and lifted it from the floor, slinging it over her own shoulder along with hers.
"You've got a lot today.
I'll carry this for you."
Rose blinked, surprised.
"You don't have to—"
"I want to," Jade said simply, closing her locker.
"Besides, it gives me an excuse to walk with you."
Rose's cheeks warmed, but she didn't argue. Instead she fell into step beside Jade, their arms brushing as they moved through the hallway.
When the corridor grew crowded near the stairs, Jade shifted slightly so she walked on the outside, gently guiding Rose away from the rush of students bumping past.
In homeroom they sat together near the window.
Jade noticed Rose rubbing her left wrist absentmindedly—probably from carrying the heavy bag earlier.
She reached into her own bag, pulled out a small tube of hand cream she kept for dry winter skin, and offered it without a word.
"Here," Jade said quietly.
"Your wrist looks sore.
This helps."
Rose took it, her fingers brushing Jade's for a second.
"Thanks," she murmured, squeezing a small amount onto her skin.
"You always notice these things."
Jade shrugged lightly, but her eyes were warm.
"I just pay attention."
Throughout the day the gestures continued—quiet but clear, impossible for Rose to miss.
In literature class, when the teacher asked them to move desks into groups, Jade immediately pulled Rose's desk closer to hers before anyone else could claim the space.
During lunch in the library, Jade saved Rose's usual seat and had already placed a small bottle of her favourite chamomile tea on the table.
"Oh ! You remembered," Rose said softly, picking up the bottle.
Jade smiled.
"Of course."
In the afternoon P.E. session, the class played a light game of tag in the courtyard.
When a particularly enthusiastic junior ran straight toward Rose, Jade stepped in smoothly, catching the tag instead and laughing as she let herself be "caught."
Rose stood behind her, safe and untouched, watching Jade with quiet wonder.
After the final bell, they walked to the gates together.
The spring air was warm and sweet.
Jade carried both bags again without being asked, even though hers was now heavier.
At the bus stop line, Rose stopped and turned to face her.
"You've been… doing a lot for me today," she said, voice gentle but direct.
"The bag, the cream, stepping in during games…
I noticed."
Jade met her eyes, a faint flush rising on her cheeks.
"I know.
I guess I'm not very subtle anymore."
Rose's smile was small and warm.
"I don't mind it though, It feels nice.
Knowing someone's looking out for me like that."
Jade adjusted the strap of Rose's bag on her shoulder.
"You deserve it."
They stood there for a moment longer, the late afternoon light catching in Rose's hair.
Neither moved away immediately.
The friendship between them had grown quieter and deeper since the island—more obvious in the little ways Jade showed she cared, more comfortable in the way Rose accepted it without pulling back.
Finally Rose spoke again, softer.
"See you tomorrow?"
Jade nodded.
"Tomorrow."
Rose gave her one last look—grateful, fond—then turned toward the bus.
Jade watched her go until she disappeared into the crowd, the familiar silhouette now carrying something warmer, something steadier between them.
On the walk home, Jade felt the weight of both bags, but it didn't feel heavy at all.
She smiled to herself, the spring breeze lifting her hair.
She was no longer trying to hide how much she cared.
And Rose was no longer pretending not to notice.