/POP Lata/
She couldn't wait to meet her brother.
Even during class, she kept smiling to herself—soft, absent-minded smiles that made some boys in the room glance over and blush without realising why.
Lyly, her best friend, leaned closer.
Lyly: "Is something good happening to you, my dear friend?"
Lata smiled brightly."My mother finally accepted me to visit my brother. I really miss him."
Her expression showed it clearly—how deeply she missed him.
Lyly smiled back."Yeah… I hope you succeed in making him fall in love with you."
Lata hugged her."Yeah. You're my best friend. You understand how I feel."
Lyly gently stroked her back."Of course. If you ever need help, I'll always come to you."
Lata hugged her even tighter.
Their closeness made other students freeze—some in shock, some in jealousy. Two beautiful girls like that, acting so close… it naturally drew attention.
Lyly noticed the stares and blushed.
Lata looked at her flushed face and smiled teasingly."You always get shy when I'm near you. How can you even have a boyfriend like that?"
Lyly turned her face away."I already have someone I like… so don't worry about me."
Lata tilted her head."Really? Who is that special person?"
Lyly looked into her eyes for a moment, then quickly looked away."I can't say… It's too embarrassing."
Lata smiled and gently held her hand."Then I hope your love reaches that person's heart."
Lyly smiled softly."Thanks."
Then she hesitated."What if you fail, Lata?"
Lata answered without hesitation."No way. He already loves me so much."
Lyly: "But… what if someone takes him away from you?"
Lata's smile softened."Then I won't force him. I don't want to love someone who doesn't choose me."
Lyly stared at her."You're really kind… I wish I could—"
Lata:"Wish what?"
Lyly shook her head, cheeks slightly red."Nothing… just that we can stay friends forever."
Lata smiled warmly."You're always my best friend. Even if I have his love, I'll never abandon you."
Lyly smiled back, but her eyes lingered for a second too long.
Then she asked quietly, "Why do you love him so much?"
Lata's expression softened.
"He always supports my dreams… helps me… motivates me… his kindness… his purity…"
She smiled a little more."He even plays video games because of me… helps me find documents… helps me write my novel… he's my best reader. He even learned digital art just to illustrate my work…"
Her eyes softened."I never feel bored when I'm with him."
Lyly's smile tightened slightly."But your mother doesn't accept it, right?"
Lata's expression darkened."Yeah… she never understands how I feel. Even my brother doesn't either."
She paused."But I don't hate them."
Lyly gently squeezed her hand."Let's go somewhere private. We can plan properly. Make your dream come true, my dear friend."
Lata nodded."Yeah. We need to use lunch time too. With your brain, I'm sure we can make it work easily."
They walked out together.
Behind them, whispers spread through the classroom.
"Is Lyly in love with her?"
"No way… or maybe?"
A flood of curiosity filled the room—turning their relationship into the most talked-about rumour in school.