Nilla and Eleven were huddled over their desks, whispering furiously, papers scattered across the table. Their pens tapped rhythmically, almost like a secret drumbeat for the juicy gossip they were sharing.
"I swear," Eleven said, leaning close so only Nilla could hear, "you will not believe what Sara did yesterday at lunch."
Nilla's eyes widened. "No way! Spill it!"
Before Eleven could continue, the classroom door swung open. Will, Nilla's boyfriend, leaned casually against the frame. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, with his typical effortless confidence, he walked toward their desk.
Nilla and Eleven instinctively stood, slightly startled. Will's eyes met Nilla's, and without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Nilla's heart skipped a beat.
"Will—" she whispered, unsure whether to protest or melt.
"Morning," he said softly, leaning close enough that she could feel his breath on her cheek. His hand rested lightly on her waist as he smiled. Then, just as casually as he had approached, he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek and stepped back, giving her a wink before moving toward the front of the classroom to settle.
Nilla's cheeks flamed red. She stared at him, frozen in shock, while Eleven couldn't contain a snicker.
"You are so red," Eleven whispered, shaking her head. "Adorable."
"Stop it," Nilla groaned, peeking out between her fingers. "Why does he have to do that?"
The rest of the class passed in a blur, Nilla trying to focus on the lesson but finding her mind spinning. As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, the classroom buzzed with students gathering their bags.
Will approached Nilla and Eleven again. His expression was calm but had a slight edge of seriousness. "Bye, Nilla. Bye, Eleven," he said softly. "There's… something I have to do. I'll explain later."
Nilla didn't respond, still simmering, and Eleven gave him a small, wary nod.
But as the bell rang and students began filing out, something about Will's behavior caught the sisters' attention. Instead of walking normally, he moved quickly toward the exit, glancing over his shoulder a little too often. He slipped past the other students with an unusual urgency, his expression tense, almost secretive.
Eleven noticed it first. She nudged Nilla. "Did you see that? He looks… weird. Suspicious."
Nilla narrowed her eyes, her anger mingling with curiosity. "Yeah… what is he hiding?" she muttered under her breath.
"Come on," Eleven said, already walking toward the door. "We need to check this out. Something's off, and I'm not letting him off the hook."
Nilla nodded. Instead of driving straight to his house, Eleven suggested, "Let's park a few blocks away. That way we can sneak in without being seen."
They got into Nilla's car, hearts pounding. The drive was short but tense, each of them glancing out the windows as if expecting Will to appear at any corner. Once they reached a street a few blocks from his house, they parked and stepped out.
The cool air of the afternoon made Nilla shiver slightly, her nerves on edge. "Alright," Eleven whispered, "on three."
"One… two… three!"
They started walking quickly but quietly toward Will's house, weaving between fences and hedges, their steps careful yet purposeful. Every sound—the rustling of leaves, a distant dog barking, the hum of a passing car—made Nilla jump slightly.
When they reached the front door, it was unlocked. The girls froze. An open invitation… or trouble waiting? Nilla swallowed, and they both stepped inside, hearts pounding.