The afternoon sun hung low over Nova High.
Classes were over.
Students filled the halls, laughing, talking, living their normal lives.
But Zara…
Wasn't at peace.
She stood near the school gate, waiting.
Thinking.
Was I really wrong…?
Her grip tightened.
"…No. But…"
Before she could finish the thought—
"Kai."
He was walking past her.
Same calm expression.
Same quiet presence.
Like nothing ever happened.
Zara hesitated.
Then—
"I'm sorry."
Kai stopped.
Silence.
He slowly turned to face her.
"For what?" he asked.
Zara looked down for a second.
"…For accusing you."
Kai said nothing.
So she continued.
"I thought… I saw something."
Her voice softened.
"But I guess I was wrong."
A pause.
"I shouldn't have pushed you like that."
Kai stared at her.
Reading her.
Then he sighed lightly.
"…It's fine."
Zara looked up.
"Really?"
Kai nodded.
"You were just overthinking."
That word again.
But this time—
It didn't hurt.
"…Yeah," she said quietly.
Kai turned away slightly.
"You should be more careful with rumors."
Zara gave a small nod.
"I will."
Silence fell between them.
But it wasn't tense anymore.
Just… quiet.
Then—
"Hey," Zara said.
Kai glanced back.
"…Friends?"
She held out her hand.
Simple.
Honest.
Kai looked at it.
For a moment—
He didn't move.
Then slowly…
He reached out.
And shook it.
"…Friends."
A small smile appeared on Zara's face.
But Kai…
His expression didn't change.
Because behind that calm face—
His thoughts were different.
Good.
She believes it.
For now.
As they walked back toward the school together—
Everything looked normal again.
But beneath the surface—
The truth was still there.
Waiting.
And sooner or later—
It would come out.