The exam day had finally ended, and students spilled out of Northern Heights Academy like a wave of relief. The air was filled with chatter, the sound of zippers, and the crinkle of snack wrappers from the canteen.
Luna stretched her arms above her head, groaning. "Finally. My brain's officially fried."
"Same," came a familiar voice beside her. Peryn had appeared out of nowhere, balancing his notebook on one hand. "I swear, that math paper was written by Satan himself."
She laughed. "You actually studied for it, though. I just prayed."
He grinned. "Then your prayer worked better than my formulas."
They both laughed ... the kind that came easily after days of stress. Around them, people were cheering, trading answer sheets, talking about vacation plans.
Justin shouted from across the courtyard, waving for Peryn to hurry.
"Guess I'll see you Monday," Peryn said, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Yeah. Try not to complain about math till then," she teased.
"No promises," he called back, walking off.
Luna shook her head, smiling to herself. Just a normal end to a long day ; or at least, that's what she told herself.
Sayuri, watching from a distance, noticed Peryn's attention and Akio's reaction. Akio hadn't been near Luna today, but she knew the tension inside him would spike the moment he saw her interacting with Peryn. She clenched her notebook nervously, wondering how to navigate her own feelings for Akio while observing the dynamics around Luna.
Peryn, oblivious to the mental gymnastics around him, continued scanning the street. When Luna walked by a tree partially blocking his view, he tilted his head, eyes narrowing playfully, as if making sure he saw everything he wanted. Luna rolled her eyes, hiding a blush.
By the time her bus finally arrived, Luna felt her chest race ; a mix of excitement, thrill, and the odd, confusing warmth that came whenever Peryn was nearby. Akio, if he were here, would have been fuming silently, while Sayuri would have been torn between teasing him and protecting him from his own jealousy.