She called her parents with her new phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she told them everything—how she had seen Ava again, how strange it felt, and how unsettled she still was after last night. They tried to reassure her, but even their voices couldn't fully calm her nerves.
After the call, she stood in front of the mirror for a moment, staring at her reflection like she was trying to recognize herself. Then she shook her head and began getting ready. She slipped into a short, simple white skirt and a soft pink T-shirt that hugged her just right, making her look effortlessly beautiful—cute, gentle, and calm on the outside, even though her mind was anything but. She applied light makeup , just a touch of lip gloss and mascara, then wore her black sneakers, ready to head out.
She didn't eat breakfast. Her stomach felt tight, like it was tied in knots. Before leaving, she walked back to the door and checked the lock twice. The memory of the note she had seen last night flashed through her mind—the handwriting, the words, the way it felt like someone had been watching her. She exhaled slowly, placed the key inside her tote bag, held the strap tightly, and stepped outside.
The morning air was cool and quiet. Too quiet.
She had just reached the road when the sound of an engine broke the silence. A sleek black sports car slowed down and stopped right in front of her. Her heart jumped, her feet freezing in place.
The window rolled down.
"Ava?" she said, disbelief written all over her face.
Ava sat behind the wheel, sunglasses resting on her head, looking calm and confident. She smiled and lifted a small lunch bag. "Morning. You forgot breakfast again, didn't you?"
Her mouth opened slightly. "How did you even know—"
"Get in," Ava interrupted gently. "I don't want us to be late on the first day."
She hesitated. Every instinct told her to be careful, but something about Ava felt familiar… safe. Slowly, she opened the car door and sat down. The interior smelled like vanilla and coffee, warm and comforting.
As the car moved, silence filled the space between them.
"So…" she finally spoke, glancing at Ava. "You didn't tell me you were transferring."
Ava shrugged. "It happened fast."
She frowned. "To my school?"
Ava smiled again. "To your class."
Her eyes widened. "Wait—what?"
"We're in the same class," Ava said casually, as if it were nothing. "Seatmates too, if the seating plan hasn't changed."
Her heart skipped. "That's… crazy."
"Or meant to be," Ava replied, her voice low.
She laughed softly, but the sound didn't reach her eyes. Something about the way Ava said it made her uneasy. She looked around the car, trying to distract herself—until she saw it.
Hanging from the rear-view mirror was a small charm.
Her breath caught.
It was the same symbol drawn on the note from last night.
Her hands clenched around her tote bag. "Ava…"
"Yes?" Ava answered, still focused on the road.
"Where did you say you were last night?"
Ava didn't respond.
The car slowed slightly, and Ava's fingers tightened around the steering wheel. The silence stretched, thick and uncomfortable.
"I was out," Ava finally said.
"Out where?" she pressed.
Ava turned to her then, her smile gone. "You ask too many questions."
A chill ran down her spine.
Before she could reply, the school gates came into view. Students were already gathered, laughing, chatting, living normal lives—while her world felt like it was slowly slipping into something darker.
Ava parked the car and handed her the lunch bag. "Eat something. You'll need the energy."
She stared at the bag, then at Ava. "Why do you care so much?"
Ava leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper.
"Because I promised myself I wouldn't lose you again."
Her heart pounded.
"Again?" she repeated.
But Ava had already stepped out of the car.
Standing there alone for a moment, she realized one thing with terrifying clarity—
Seeing Ava again wasn't a coincidence.
It was the beginning of something she wasn't ready for.