I wake up like a monster who forgot how to be human. My phone alarm screeches like a dying bird, and I slap it so hard it almost falls off the table. For a few seconds, I just sit there-hair tangled, eyes half-open, brain running on 2% battery.
Three hours of sleep. My body feels like it's made of bricks.
I drag myself to the mirror. One glance and I immediately regret it. "Yup, definitely a zombie," I mutter. I brush my teeth, wash my face, and go through my daily routine. But honestly? It's boring. The same "wake up-get ready-rush out" loop every day.
I pull on my uniform, grab my bag, and step out of the house. The morning air is sticky, carrying that faint scent of dust and chai from the roadside stalls.
I hop into the auto, squeezing next to my friend, who's already talking about something I can't keep up with. Probably about school gossip or some teacher's meltdown. I nod, pretending to listen, but inside I'm thinking about how the traffic lights probably have a personal grudge against me.
Every single day, I get stuck in traffic.
Every. Single. Day.
It's like the universe whispers to the vehicles, "Let's make her late. Again."
Just when I start zoning out, another auto pulls up beside ours. I don't even have to look. My heart already knows who it is.
Rivan.
He's sitting with one arm resting casually, wearing that stupidly confident smirk that could annoy angels. The morning light hits his face just right-ugh, unfair.
"What's up, Miss Hot-headed?" he says, leaning a little toward my side, his eyes full of mischief.
I raise an eyebrow. "Trying to start the day with an insult? How charming."
He grins wider, like teasing me is his favorite sport. "Oh, I thought you liked attention."
I snort. "Poor guy. Thought I'd blush, huh?"
He leans in closer, voice lower. "Maybe I was hoping for something else."
Oh, he did not.
I tilt my head, matching his smirk. "Not so soon, Mr. I-kiss-strangers."
That shuts him up. His grin falters for half a second, and it's glorious. My auto starts moving, and this time, it's me who smirks back at him before turning away. Victory achieved.
The rest of the ride to school feels lighter. The morning chaos doesn't bother me as much, maybe because I just roasted him so cleanly.
When I reach school, it's back to the same routine. The same hallways, same noise, same chaos. Honestly, I don't even want to describe it-it's exhausting just thinking about it. I have to be the class monitor, manage presentations, deal with teachers who think I'm some "ideal student."
If only they knew I'm one bad grade away from an emotional breakdown.
Finally, after what feels like ten years, the last bell rings. I pack my bag faster than light. Freedom.
I jump into the auto, slump against the seat, and exhale. The sound of students laughing fades behind me, replaced by the comforting hum of the street. I'm halfway lost in thought when I notice another auto sliding beside mine.
Of course. Him again.
Even without looking, I know it's Rivan. My heart does that annoying skip thing that I pretend not to notice.
He leans slightly forward, his voice smooth. "Even after school, you smell pleasant as spring."
My eyes widen for a second. Did he just-what?
I turn my head slowly, trying to keep my expression neutral. "You just sniffed me?"
He grins unapologetically. "You noticed."
I roll my eyes. "You seriously need new hobbies."
He laughs, low and lazy, like he knows he's getting on my nerves and loves it.
The autos start moving again, both side by side. The wind plays with my hair, and for a brief second, our eyes meet across the noise of the road. There's something there-something quiet, curious, and maybe a little dangerous.
Before I can say anything, he leans forward again. "Don't forget," he says softly, "tomorrow. My house."
Then his auto turns off into another lane, and he's gone.
I sit back, heartbeat slightly faster than usual. My friend nudges me. "Who was that?"
"No one," I say too quickly.
By the time I reach home, my brain is a mess of emotions-half confusion, half excitement. I toss my bag on the floor, change into my comfy clothes, and flop onto the bed.
Homework. Study. Scroll. Repeat.
In between math problems, my thoughts drift back to him. His smirk. His voice. The way he said spring. I shake my head, trying to focus. Nope. Not falling for that.
Later, Nivi barges into my room, giggling like a villain. "Didi! I saw Rivan outside today!"
I groan. "Can you not bring him up for one day?"
She grins. "You like him."
"Out."
She leaves, laughing, and I throw a pillow at the door after her.
When the house quiets down, I scroll through Instagram, then Pinterest. I save random aesthetic pictures-coffee mugs, sunsets, and random romantic quotes I'll deny liking. Somehow, every single one reminds me of him.
"Even after school, you smell pleasant as spring."
Ugh. Why does he talk like he's in a movie?
My eyes start to close, my phone still glowing softly beside me. The city hums outside, a low buzz of life. My thoughts blur as sleep pulls me in-his voice echoing in my mind.
Tomorrow. His house.
And for the first time that week, I fall asleep smiling.
--------------------------------------------------------------
How's the chapter guys?
Hope you love it!
Lots of love from me!
~sweetpancakes_17