Aria walked into the classroom with Lewis, still caught up in their conversation. Marie waited until they had both entered before following them inside. She made her way to her seat quietly, her expression a little subdued.
The lesson began shortly after, and the classroom gradually settled into its usual routine.
At one point, the teacher asked a question. Aria raised her hand and answered correctly.
"That's right," the teacher said.
A few students exchanged looks, while others whispered among themselves.
"Isn't she the girl from the singing competition?"
"Yes, her voice was beautiful."
Aria heard some of the whispers but didn't pay much attention to them. She simply returned her attention to the lesson.
When the school day finally came to an end, Aria and Lewis left the classroom together.
They walked along the school corridor, talking about different things as they made their way outside.
"How was your day?" Aria asked.
"Not bad. What about yours?"
"Pretty good."
They continued walking, exchanging a few more words before Aria asked about his family.
"How's your father?"
Lewis glanced at her.
"He's fine. He asked about you the other day."
Aria looked surprised.
"He did?"
"Yeah. I told him you were doing well."
She smiled.
"That's nice."
Their conversation continued as they walked past the other students. Every now and then, Lewis would give a short answer, while Aria found something else to ask him about.
After a while, she looked at him.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why do you always sit at the back? And why do you always seem like you're somewhere else, even when everyone is talking?"
Lewis looked away briefly.
"I don't know. I guess I am just used to keeping to myself."
Aria studied his face for a moment.
"You know, you don't have to be so quiet all the time."
"I know."
She could tell he wasn't particularly comfortable with the question, so she didn't press him.
Instead, she changed the subject.
"Do you know how nervous I was before the competition?"
Lewis looked at her.
"Really?"
"Yes. I was so nervous. I kept thinking about what would happen if I hit the wrong note."
"What did you do?"
"I looked at Mom. She was there, and somehow, seeing her made me feel better."
Lewis nodded.
"Your mother seems to support you a lot."
"She does."
They continued walking, and soon they found themselves approaching the library.
Aria slowed down as they reached the entrance, then looked around.
"This place!"
Lewis glanced at her.
"What about it?"
"This was the first time we actually had a conversation."
Lewis looked around the library before returning his attention to her.
"You're right."
Aria smiled.
"Sometimes I still don't believe what your father said, that you talked about me at home."
"Oh, my father. I still can't believe he actually said that."
"Well, he did, and you were there. Why are you still surprised?"
"I know, but I really didn't expect him to say anything."
"Besides, what did you even say about me?"
"Well, I mean, I've always noticed you. I guess I just thought you were different."
"Different?"
"Yeah, and I also didn't think you'd want to talk to someone like me."
"Someone like you? What does that even mean?"
"I don't know. I'm not exactly the most talkative person."
"Trust me, I noticed that."
"See?"
"But you're not as difficult to talk to as you think."
"Maybe."
Aria glanced around the library again.
"It's funny how much has happened since we first met here."
"Yeah, a lot has changed."
"And now we're sitting here again. But as friends"
"Looks like it."