Chapter 5
A cool and refreshing wind blew across the rooftop, gently moving the trees below. Birds sang softly in the distance, filling the air with a calming rhythm.
A girl sat there quietly, focused on her sketchbook as she painted the green landscape in front of her.
"Asha!"
A voice called from behind.
She turned slightly.
"Vanessa! What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in class? Science is on right now."
"Yeah, but the teacher isn't there yet, so I sneaked out. I needed to clear my head."
"Oh, I see."
Asha turned back to her drawing.
"You still come here to draw?" Vanessa asked, sitting beside her.
"Yeah. This place is the most relaxing and inspiring spot for me."
"I kinda wish I was an art student too. Life would've been easier than dealing with math, chemistry, and all those subjects."
Vanessa laughed softly.
"And what makes you think art students don't suffer too?"
"Come on. All you do is draw, write poetry, and do fun stuff."
"Seriously?" Vanessa smiled. "That's a ten level ignorance."
They both laughed.
"So, how are the others?" Asha asked.
"They're fine. But it feels lonely, you know. Since you and Xandra moved to art class last semester, nothing has been the same. We're not really The B5 anymore."
"I'm sorry… it's been hectic."
"You don't need to apologize. You didn't do anything wrong."
Asha exhaled softly.
"I met him."
Vanessa turned sharply.
"Him? Who?"
"That guy."
"The one you told me about? The one who saved you?"
"Yes."
Vanessa's face lit up.
"That's great! You finally found him."
Asha shook her head slightly.
"I wish it was that simple."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't think he remembers me."
Vanessa paused.
"Then tell him."
"What? No. I'm not that desperate."
"I know, but you've been looking for him for years."
"So? That doesn't mean I should just run up to him."
Silence fell between them.
Asha sighed.
"Let's just forget about it. I won't tell him."
A few moments passed quietly.
"Have you heard from Xandra?" Asha asked.
"Yeah. But she's not resuming school this semester."
"So she's skipping?"
"Maybe. Her suspension isn't over yet."
"I hope she comes back… I miss us. The B5 together."
Vanessa smiled softly, but didn't say anything.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed up the stairs.
Asha stood up quickly.
Someone bumped into her.
"Oh!"
"I'm sorry, are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
Asha looked up.
"…Asha, right?"
"Yes."
"I heard your name in class. I'm Kai."
"Oh… I'm sorry, I have to go."
Before he could say anything else, she rushed away.
Classroom
Asha slipped in quickly.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Clyde."
"You're late."
"I'm sorry, I…"
She tried to find words.
"…I have no excuse."
"Then you'll have detention. Library, until 7:30 PM."
"What?"
"Any complaints?"
"No… thank you, Mr. Clyde."
She walked to her seat.
The door opened again.
"You're—"
"Late. I know," Kai said calmly as he entered. "Sorry, I got lost."
"Are you new?" the teacher asked.
"Yes. Levi Kai. I just moved here from California."
"Oh. The school's trending topic."
He adjusted his bag.
"Well, being new doesn't save you. Detention after school. With Asha. Until 7."
Kai nodded slightly.
"Okay."
He walked to his seat.
"OMG, you get to serve detention with Kai!" Aarina whispered, shaking Asha.
"What? No one is lucky for detention."
"I'd serve detention forever if it was with him," Aarina said dramatically.
"Same," Aeri added.
"Eww, gross," Asha said immediately.
Aeri and Aarina burst into laughter as Asha looked away, trying to hide her expression.