The next week went completely normal.
Classes. Homework. Tests. Laughter.
Sophia returned to school, and the three girls were together again. Emily acted the same as always — loud and dramatic. Oliver stayed with his group of boys.
Nothing special happened.
At least… that's what it looked like.
But Anna started noticing something.
Sometimes, when she lifted her head during class, she would find Oliver already looking at her.
Not staring.
Just… looking.
And the moment their eyes met, he would quickly look away.
The first time it happened, she thought it was a coincidence.
The second time, she felt nervous.
By the third time, she was sure.
One afternoon, during English class, Anna was answering a question. When she sat down, she heard a soft whisper from behind.
"Topper showing off again," Oliver teased lightly.
She turned slightly. "At least I know the answer," she replied quietly.
He smiled.
Another day, while she was walking to the library, he passed by and said, "Careful, Roll 11. Don't walk too fast."
She rolled her eyes. "Mind your own business, Roll 12."
But her heart was beating fast.
It wasn't mean teasing.
It wasn't annoying.
It felt different.
Like he was trying to get her attention.
Like he wanted her to react.
Anna didn't say anything to Emily.
She didn't admit anything to herself either.
But now, when she entered the classroom, she didn't just search for him.
She wondered if he was searching for her too.
And sometimes… when their eyes met across the room…
It didn't feel one-sided anymore.
But she was too scared to believe that