When the class finally ended students began to leave one after another. Sita turned to Aira and said softly, I'll be waiting for you outside. I have something to do with Tasha. I'll just finish it quickly so she doesn't leave.Aira gave a small nod in response and Sita hurried out of the classroom.
Inside Elena was quietly packing her belongings when a few sheets of paper slipped from her book and fell onto the floor.Without hesitation Aira stood up from her seat and walked over. She bent down and picked up the scattered pages.As Elena turned to leave Aira's voice stopped her.Wait!
Startled by the call Elena froze in place. Slowly she closed her eyes for a moment and let out a faint uneasy breath Oh no! The classroom had already emptied leaving behind an unusual silence.
Elena turned around to face Aira. Yes? she asked gently.Aira extended the papers toward her. Elena reached out to take them but Aira didn't let go immediately. For a brief moment their hands remained on the same pages.Elena looked at her in confusion.Before she could speak Aira asked quietly Did you do something wrong?Elena immediately shook her head No. Seeing her reaction Aira's expression softened. Her tone became calmer almost gentle.Then why are you running away?Elena didn't seem to understand. She simply shook her head again signaling no.
Aira watched her closely. Then she took a step forward.Instinctively Elena stepped back.Aira's gaze turned sharper for a brief moment as she studied her carefully looking straight into her eyes. After a pause she said calmly Alright then I must have misunderstood.With that she released the papers.Elena quickly took them and slipped them into her bag. Without looking up she quietly replied Yes. Just then Elena's friend Ranya arrived.
Ohh you're still here? she said looking a little surprised.Yeah I'm just leaving Elena replied softly.
Ranya's gaze shifted toward Aira. She raised her hand in a casual greeting.Hi! Aira.But Aira gave no response. Without a word or even a glance she turned and walked away.As soon as she left Ranya frowned slightly. Rude she muttered under her breath. Elena glanced at her then back toward the direction Aira had gone.Huhh Ranya hummed thoughtfully then turned to Elena. Did something happen? Are you okay?Elena hesitated for a moment before nodding slightly.I'll tell you later she said quietly. Come on let's go from here.
After Elena explained everything to her friend Ranya's reaction was one of pure shock. She raised her hand to her mouth eyes widening in disbelief.You you actually called her a red flag and a red banner? she said still processing it.
Elena nodded slowly. Yes I didn't know who she was. And honestly I still can't really tell them apart.
Both of them look the same to me.
Then her expression softened turning a little worried. But that's not the real issue. I'm not afraid of her. I'm just worried I might have hurt her feelings. And I don't even know how I'm supposed to face her now. Her friend frowned slightly. Feelings? she repeated. Everyone says the same thing about her she doesn't have any feelings. She's always so serious I've never even seen her smile properly. But if she didn't say anything to you it probably means she didn't even pay attention to it. So just forget it. Stay away from her.Elena looked down for a moment after hearing her words.
Do you think that would be better? she asked softly. Or should I just go and apologize to her directly?Her friend immediately shook her head. No no don't do that. She'll probably take it too seriously and make things more complicated. Just leave it. End it here.Elena let out a small breath as if trying to ease her worry. Alright if you say so then okay.Then her friend added casually Anyway that's just how she is. She's rude and a bit strange. Honestly she's quite disrespectful too. Just forget about her.Hearing her friend's words Elena didn't respond. She said nothing in reply.
It was early evening when Aira Mira and Sita finally reached home. The sky outside had started to dim and the house felt quiet after a long day.Mira walked in first. Without a second thought she tossed her bag onto the sofa and collapsed right after it sinking deep into the cushions.I'm so tired she groaned closing her eyes.Aira sat down beside her stretching slightly.Mira didn't you have a test today?Mira cracked one eye open and looked at her. Do you keep track of everything about me?
Before Aira could respond Sita walked in from the kitchen holding a bottle of water. She handed it to Aira.Mira slowly raised her hand silently expecting the same. But Sita had already sat down and started drinking from her own bottle.Mira turned her head toward her and said with mock seriousness Sister Sita.
Sita looked at her. Yes? Mira sighed dramatically.
I think I also live in this house along with Aira.
Sita kept looking at her unreadable.Mira continued You could've given me water too. But no I guess I don't even exist.A faint smile appeared on Sita's face.Aira finishing her drink tightened the cap on her bottle and tossed it toward Mira.Mira caught it easily and immediately started drinking.
After a moment Aira asked again So your test Mira?Mira nodded. Yeah it went well.
Aira leaned back slightly. If your grades aren't good this time, I'm not taking your side.
Mira glanced at Sita and replied Sita will.
Sita spoke calmly Wherever Aira is I'll be there.
Mira stared at both of them her expression slowly turning into a sad pout.
Aira stood up. Then focus on your studies.She walked toward the kitchen opening cabinets and looking around.A moment later her voice echoed back slightly annoyed There's nothing to eat.
Hearing her voice Mira instantly sat up on the sofa and turned toward the kitchen.
Nothing at all? she called out.Nothing Aira replied again.A moment later she walked back in picked up her phone and said I'll just order something.
Mira leaned a little closer to Sita and said softly Sis why don't you cook something and make her happy?Sita pointed at herself slightly surprised. Me?Mira nodded. Yes I'll help you.Sita hesitated for a second then gave a small nod.Mira turned toward Aira.Don't order anything today. Sita and I will make you a proper dinner.Aira looked at Sita Really? Sita replied calmly Yes. Tonight it's Chef Mira and Chef Sita.Mira added with a grin We'll blow your mind.Aira immediately shook her head.
No no you two sit down. I don't need that kind of explosion.Sita let out a small laugh. Oh come on. Nothing will happen. I'm here aren't I? Let's go we're cooking.Sita gently took Aira's hand and led her toward the kitchen not giving her a chance to argue. Mira clapped her hands lightly a spark of excitement in her eyes.Tonight we're making a classy dinner Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup.
The name sounds classy let's see about the result.
Sita stepped forward with quiet confidence.
And I'll handle the Tom Yum no actually I'll make the sauce. You two just watch.Aira let out a small laugh.As long as we're left in a condition to watch we'll watch.Mira rolled her eyes.
Fine. I'll take care of the noodles and you sis handle the sauce.She turned toward Aira expecting her to step in but Aira simply crossed her arms.I'm just here to taste she said casually. You two can do the hard work.Mira stared at her. Oh so you're not doing anything?Aira shrugged. Moral support is important.Then with a playful smirk she addedActually I'll supervise you both.
A Few Minutes Later Aira suddenly leaned forward pointing at the pot.Mira the noodles are sticking together. Mira glanced over casually.
Oh they just boiled a little too long that's all.Sita peered into the pot and let out a soft laugh.
It's not a little' anymore this looks like a single piece now. Someone bring a knife. She chuckled to herself.Sita then turned back to the stove.
Alright time for the sauce.
She began preparing it, speaking softly A little chili.
Aira immediately interrupted suspicious.
How much is a little exactly?
Sita still focused on Aira instead of the pot replied absentmindedly.Just a bit roughly.Her attention kept drifting toward Aira and in that distraction more chili went in than intended.Mira watched the scene unfold and covered her face with her hand.
Sitaaaaaaa.Aira leaned in and took one look at the pot.This is not Thai food anymore this is a survival challenge.Finally everything was cooked and plated.Mira clapped her hands.
Alright let's serve it.Aira immediately leaned back.
First get my life insurance ready.Sita was already sitting at the table calm as ever.Oh come on just taste it you'll like it.Aira shook her head quickly.
No no you two worked hard you eat first. Please.
She pushed the plates forward.Mira sighed.
Fine all three of us together then. 1 2 3
They all took a bite at the same time.Silence.Then
WATER Mira gasped.My tongue is burning Sita exclaimed. Aira blinked in shock.
I didn't even cook it and I'm still suffering.Mira turned sharply toward Aira.You were supervising You should've stopped this.Just then the mother walked in.She looked at the table.What did you make? Mira answered nervously Pad Thai
Aira corrected immediately coughing slightly.
The failed version of Pad Thai.Sita added calmly
A spicy disaster Mother.The mother took one bite.
A second of silence passed. She quickly grabbed water drank it and sighed. Then she smiled.
please don't make this again in your next life either.Aira coughed then suddenly started laughing.Mira and Sita stared at her in disbelief.
Mira shook her head.Fine let's just order something.Sita nodded.Next time only Maggi.
The mother raised her hand.No need to order anything. I brought food. She placed dishes on the table and smiled.Sit properly I'll serve you.
Their mother also sat down to eat.Aira looked at her and said softly You're late today.Her mother nodded while taking a bite.Yes there was a lot of work at the office.Aira's tone softened. You must be tired.Just a little her mother replied.
Aira smiled. Then eat properly and go take a shower. You should rest early today.Their mother hummed in agreement and then looked toward Mira.How was your study going?Mira holding a spoon halfway to her mouth glanced between Aira and Sita before answeringVery good Mom.
Her mother nodded satisfied and shifted her attention back to Aira and Sita.Good. Finish your meal and then complete your college work and sleep early.Then turning to Sita she added
You're staying here tonight right?Sita shook her head. No Mother I need to go back. I want to sleep at my own place.Aira immediately turned toward her. No don't go. Just stay. SITA said No I'll manage. Besides tomorrow is the weekend I want to sleep in and get my things done.After dinner Aira stood up and said Alright then I'll drop you home.
Sita quickly shook her head.No I'll go myself.
Aira insisted Come on I'll also get a walk and I'll treat you to ice cream on the way.Sita's eyes lit up slightly.Really?Aira nodded with a soft smile. Yes.
Mira immediately leaned forward. I'm coming too.
Aira shook her head. No you stay. Your ice cream will come home.Mira turned to Sita with a mischievous expression and said
Yeah I don't want to be the third wheel anyway.
Aira and Sita walked slowly together under the soft evening light.
Sita had ice cream in her hand, eating it happily as she walked. Every now and then she would scoop a little and bring the spoon forward toward Aira.
Aira however kept walking calmly barely reacting.
After a moment Sita would simply eat that spoonful herself instead and smile to herself.Sita glanced at her and said lightly It tastes amazing you should try it.Aira shook her head without looking at her. I don't like sweet things. You already know that.
Sita didn't insist. She just nodded and continued walking beside her in comfortable silence.For her this was enough just being there next to Aira sharing the quiet evening and the soft rhythm of their steps.Smiling gently she finished her ice cream as they reached Sita's building.At the entrance Sita stopped. She gently lifted Aira's jacket from her shoulders and handed it back to her.Thank you Sita said softly.
Aira placed a hand lightly on her arm.It's nothing. Just be careful alright?Sita nodded then turned around. Before going inside she looked back and waved.Bye she said with a small smile. Aira waved back watching until Sita disappeared inside the building.Only then did she turn away.Walking back alone Aira put on her airpods. Music filled her ears as she moved quietly through the streether steps slow and relaxed.The world around her faded into a soft blur.And then out of nowhere Elena crossed her mind.A faint smile formed on Aira's lips as she walked. She didn't even realize when it appeared just a quiet unspoken thought that made her expression soften.Still smiling to herself she continued her way home under the fading evening sky.And slowly the scene came to an end.