Our vacation had just ended, and a new school year was about to begin.
Which meant… I had to go back to boarding school.
This year, I was going into ninth grade.
And just like always, I was doing everything at the last moment.
A day before leaving, I went shopping with my mom, rushing through things like I always did.
"Aria, why do you always do everything at the last minute?" my mom scolded. "You should keep everything ready beforehand."
"I forgot," I replied, like it wasn't a big deal.
After we got home, I quickly packed my luggage trunk, stuffing everything inside in a hurry.
I felt both excited… and sad.
Excited for a new class.
But sad—because going back meant no phone, no home… no family until the next vacation.
---
The next morning—
"Aria, wake up! We're getting late. The driver will be here in ten minutes. Hurry up!" my mom called.
I rushed to get ready, took a quick bath, wore my uniform, grabbed my phone, and got into the car.
And then…
I couldn't hold it in anymore.
I started crying.
I hugged my sister tightly before leaving. She couldn't come—she was busy. Ever since my father passed away, it had only been me, my mom, and my sister.
The car ride felt long.
Three hours later, we finally reached the school.
I hugged my mom one last time, said goodbye, and walked inside.
---
At the entrance, there was the usual checking—luggage inspection and everything. Students stood in lines—girls on one side, boys on the other.
I was talking to my friends when my eyes drifted…
Towards the boys' line.
And that's when I saw him.
For the first time.
He was… attractive. A soft smile, dimples, and a small mole near his lip that somehow made him impossible to ignore.
I didn't know why—but I kept looking at him.
Again.
And again.
Until it was my turn.
"Who are you staring at?" Lily, my best friend, asked.
"No one," I replied quickly.
But even I didn't know who he was… or which class he belonged to.
---
After the checking, we went to the dorm and started unpacking.
But my mind wasn't there.
I kept remembering his face.
And without realizing it… I smiled.
"Why are you smiling like that?" Lily asked, suspicious.
"Nothing… just like that," I said.
---
That evening, we had roll call, then movie time, then brushing, and finally lights out.
I was so tired… but somehow, he was still on my mind.
---
The next day started with the same routine.
The bell rang. We woke up, folded our blankets, brushed our teeth, and went for study hour.
But during study hour…
I couldn't focus.
His face kept coming back to my mind.
Aria, it's just an attraction. Focus on your studies, I told myself.
After that, we got ready for school and went to the dining hall for breakfast.
And there—
I saw him again.
My heartbeat suddenly became faster.
He was laughing with his friends like he didn't have a single worry in the world.
I tried to act normal… but I couldn't stop myself from looking at him again.
Just for a second.
---
The day went on like usual—classes, routines, nothing special.
But my thoughts weren't normal anymore.
I kept wondering—
Which class is he in?
What's his name?
Should I ask my friends?
But if I asked, they'd start teasing me.
So I stayed quiet.
---
Later, during study time, something unexpected happened.
He walked into my classroom.
My heart skipped a beat.
He was there to submit notebooks to the teacher.
I couldn't look away.
And just as he was about to leave—
"Ethan, come here," the teacher called.
Ethan.
That was his name.
I repeated it in my mind again and again.
Ethan.
And then I found out—
He was a senior.
Tenth Grade.
One year above me.
---
I smiled without even realizing it.
"You've gone crazy. Why are you smiling to yourself?" Lily said.
"Nothing…" I replied.
But deep inside—
I knew this wasn't nothing.
Something had started.
And I had no idea where it would lead.