Aria's P.O.V
I couldn't stop thinking about when Cairo hugged me.
It was the first time he ever hugged me—it was so awkward.
But what kept replaying in my head was what happened earlier in the gym.
I wondered how Asher was doing now. I was worried about him.
I didn't even get the chance to approach him.
Every time I needed help, he was always by my side.
But earlier, I wasn't even able to help him or ask if he was okay...
I was mad at myself.
I felt like I wanted to go to the clinic.
I walked without really knowing where I was heading until I realized I was already on my way there.
I peeked through the clinic's window and saw Asher lying on the bed reading a book.
Luna didn't seem to be there anymore.
So I gathered my courage and walked into the clinic.
I saw the surprise on his face when he saw me.
He immediately sat up and smiled at me.
I grabbed a chair, placed it next to his bed, and sat down.
"How are you feeling?" I asked quietly.
I was really worried about him.
"I'm okay, Aria. Thank you for coming," he said with a smile.
"Sorry I didn't check on you earlier. There were too many people around you at the gym," I explained.
"Don't worry about it. You don't have to apologize. I won't die from getting hit by a ball," Asher said.
But I still felt guilty.
"But still…" I couldn't finish my sentence—he ruffled my hair.
"Stop frowning already. I'm fine. So, you were at the gym earlier?" Asher asked.
"Yeah… and I saw what happened. I actually wanted to go to you," I said, unable to look at him.
"Were you worried about me, Aria?" Asher asked.
I looked at him and nodded slightly.
He smiled again—that kind of smile you never get tired of looking at.
"Just knowing you were worried about me is enough, Aria. That makes me feel a whole lot better," he said.
I couldn't help but smile at what he said.
I wanted to ask Asher about Luna, but I was scared to know the truth.
I didn't think I could handle it.
"I heard from Denzel that you got into the Art Club," Asher said.
"Ah… yeah, I auditioned earlier and passed," I replied.
"I'm happy for you! I knew you'd get in. I've always believed in your talent," he said.
"Thanks," I replied.
Moments later, Luna arrived.
I didn't expect to see her here.
"Oh, hey Aria! I didn't know you were here," Luna said when she saw me.
"Ah, yeah… I just came to check on Asher," I said.
"I see. So, you two are friends?" she asked.
"Yes," I answered.
"I stepped out for a bit. I went to buy food," Luna explained.
"Oh, here, Asher. Eat your lunch," she said, handing the food she bought to Asher.
They really did seem close.
"You two know each other?" Asher asked Luna.
She then told the story of how she saved me from those students who tried to bully me and brought me to the clinic.
"I see. Aria, Luna's my friend—we were classmates in kindergarten. I didn't think I'd see her again here in the university. We've been friends ever since," Asher said.
I nodded slowly.
So they've known each other for a long time.
"I'll get going. I still have class…" I said.
"See you around, Aria," said Luna.
"Thanks again for coming, Aria," Asher added.
I just nodded in response.
I started walking back to the classroom.
As I walked, I couldn't help but wonder—could Luna be the one Asher's writing a song for?
I didn't know for sure, but it hurt.
I didn't know when it happened, but I think I've fallen for him.
And it hurts…
I've never felt this kind of pain before—it's overwhelming.
After class, I went to the bookstore.
The school had its own bookstore, so I just went there.
I was going to buy cartolina (poster board).
I was going to make a DIY banner because I didn't have money, tsk.
I didn't even know why I had to do this—Cairo was so annoying for basically blackmailing me. Ugh.
After I bought what I needed, I left the school.
I was going to ride a jeepney home since my bike broke down.
Kai was also headed home, so I couldn't go to him either.
As I was walking along the side of the road, a van suddenly sped toward me—and to my shock, it looked like it was trying to run me over.
Even though I was on the side, it veered in my direction.
I quickly jumped onto the walkway behind a barrier, so I wasn't hit.
But as I jumped, my foot got caught on the rail, and I landed wrong.
It felt like I dislocated something in my foot, making it hard for me to stand up.
I looked at the van, but its windows were tinted—I couldn't see who was inside.
A few seconds passed and it sped away.
There weren't many people around since most students had already gone home.
My heart wouldn't stop pounding.
Someone in that van wanted to kill me.
Why does it feel like someone wants me gone?
Even before, someone tried to drop a flower pot on my head—good thing Asher showed up then.
What did I do to deserve this?
I forced myself to stand up, and though I was limping, I pushed through and walked to the jeepney stop.
I rode the jeep and headed home.
By the time I got there, my foot was already swollen.
But I didn't pay much attention to it anymore.
I just cooked dinner while Kai wasn't home yet.
A few minutes later, he arrived.
He noticed my foot right away.
But I didn't tell him the truth—I didn't want him to worry.
"Sis, is it true you just twisted your ankle? Maybe that guy bullied you again," Kai asked, clearly worried.
"I just twisted it. And besides, it's true—he doesn't bully me anymore. He's been nice to me lately," I told Kai.
"You should get your foot massaged," he said.
"No need—it'll go away. I just need to rest. Go eat, I'm going to my room," I said.
I went to my room, but instead of resting, I worked on the banner Cairo asked for.
I made it colorful using the art materials Cairo gave me before.
It was almost 3 AM by the time I finished the banner.
I was so sleepy that I ended up falling asleep at my desk.