Chapter 1: The first time I noticed you 😌
The first day of school after the summer holidays always felt strange. The corridors were louder than usual, friends were hugging each other after weeks apart, and teachers were already reminding everyone that this year would be "important."
I walked into the classroom with my bag hanging from one shoulder, hoping to grab my usual seat near the window.
And then I saw you.
You were sitting in the second row, talking to someone and laughing. It wasn't a loud laugh, but it was the kind that made people around you smile without even realizing it. Sunlight from the window fell across your face, making your hair glow slightly.
I had never seen you before.
"New student?" my friend whispered as he sat beside me.
"I guess so," I replied, pretending not to care.
But for some reason, I kept looking in your direction.
The teacher entered the class and started attendance. When your name was called, you stood up for a moment and said, "Present, ma'am."
That was the first time I heard your voice.
It was simple. Calm. Nothing special.
And yet, for some reason, I remembered it.
The day went on normally—math class, boring notes, teachers giving instructions about homework. But every now and then, my eyes would drift toward your seat.
You didn't notice me.
Of course you didn't.
At lunch break, everyone rushed outside. I was sitting with my friends when I saw you again across the courtyard. You were talking with some new classmates, smiling like you had always belonged here.
That moment felt strange.
Because while everyone else was just meeting a new student…
I felt like I had just met someone who would unknowingly change my whole story.
And the funny thing was—
You didn't even know I existed.