Luisa sat at her desk, her book open in front of her, but the words meant nothing to her right now.
Luisa (thinking):
Why am I feeling so strange... so heavy? Why does my chest hurt like this?
She pressed her lips together, trying to shake the feeling off—when suddenly, a familiar voice broke her thoughts.
Ben: "Hey... can you give me a pen? Mine isn't working."
Luisa turned around slowly. Her eyes were sad, but she forced a small, normal-looking smile.
Luisa: "Y-Yeah... why not. Here."
She handed him the pen.
Ben: "Thanks."
He turned back to his seat as if nothing had happened.
But inside Luisa's heart, everything felt unsettled.
Luisa (thinking):
Why does it hurt this much? I don't even know him properly. We're not friends... we barely talk. Then why? Why do I feel so sad for him?
If it was his parents... or his friends... and even if it was his girlfriend why would I feel hurt I can't understand this feelings. But this? I'm confusing myself.
Oh no, Luisa, this is so stupid. Why am I thinking so much about his personal life? Stop it. Just stop. Focus on your studies.
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes for a moment, and forced her attention back to her book. After trying so hard, her focus finally returned.
---
Break Time – Cafeteria Scene
The bell rang.
Luisa walked alone to the cafeteria and sat at a corner table with her lunch. She ate quietly, lost in her thoughts.
Suddenly—
A voice: "Can I join you?"
Luisa looked up.
It was David.
Luisa: "Ah—oh! Sure... why not."
David (smiling softly): "Sorry for disturbing you."
Luisa: "No, no, it's fine."
As they ate, Luisa's eyes kept wandering around the cafeteria unconsciously, as if she were searching for someone—though she didn't want to admit who.
David: "Are you from this state?"
Luisa: "No... I'm from Lore."
David: "Wow, that's a beautiful place."
Luisa (smiling faintly): "Yeah... the weather there is beautiful. The sunshine, and especially the autumn—it's magical."
David: "Oh, so you don't like rainy weather?"
Luisa: "Mmm... not really."
David chuckled lightly.
David: "I see. I love rain. It feels peaceful... like the world slows down."
Luisa: "Oh... by the way, where are you from?"
David smiled, his eyes soft.
David: "I'm from Lore too."
Luisa's eyes widened in shock.
Luisa: "What? Really?! That's amazing!"
Before she could say anything else—
A familiar, low voice reached her ears.
Ben: "Hey, Luisa... can I join you?"
Luisa froze.
Her heart skipped a beat.
She slowly looked up at him
Chapter 6