---
🏫 School – The Shift
Lila walked into class a little late.
Theo was already seated. Kai too.
Usually, they'd joke. Tease her.
But today?
They just looked at each other.
Cold. Tense. Silent.
Lila (confused):
"Did I miss something?"
Kai (smiling tightly):
"Nope. All good."
Theo (not even looking at her):
"Yeah. Totally fine."
She narrowed her eyes.
They were anything but fine.
---
📚 Hallway – Mira Knows
Mira pulled Lila aside during break.
Mira (raising an eyebrow):
"Okay, spill. What happened between your boys?"
Lila:
"They've been acting weird lately…"
Mira:
"More like they're about to punch each other over you, weird."
Lila blinked.
Lila (laughs nervously):
"What?! Don't be dramatic. We're just friends."
Mira:
"Girl, even your textbooks can see they're not just your friends anymore."
Lila went silent.
Because… deep down… she knew Mira was right.
---
🍽️ Lunch Table Tension
The trio sat together.
But Kai was quiet.
Theo only spoke to Lila.
And Lila?
She was just trying not to explode from confusion.
Kai (finally):
"So… anyone want to hang after school?"
Theo (without looking up):
"Busy."
Lila:
"Sure. We could—"
Theo (interrupts):
"Actually, I need to talk to you after class. Alone."
Kai's jaw clenched.
Lila blinked.
Lila:
"Wha… okay?"
---
🌧️ After School – Truth Under Clouds
The sky looked like it might rain.
Theo stood under the bike shed, waiting for her.
Lila walked over, nervous.
Lila:
"What did you want to talk about?"
Theo looked at her. Really looked at her.
Then said, carefully:
Theo:
"Lila, you know I'm not good with feelings."
Lila:
"Um what?."
Theo:
"But when I see Kai look at you like that… when he gets to sit next to you, make you laugh, walk you home— I just… I hate it."
Lila (confused):
"Um Theo…"
He looked down. His fists clenched.
Theo:
"I'm trying not to ruin things. But I think I already have."
Before she could say anything…
Theo hugged her.
Lila froze but wraps her arms around Theo and comforts him.
---
End of Chapter 26