Chapter 12
Asha felt her cheeks warm as Kavin winked at her before walking away.
Aarina immediately squealed.
"Oh my God! Did you see that? He literally winked at you!"
Aeri smirked.
"Looks like someone has a crush."
Asha rolled her eyes.
"He was just being friendly."
But even she didn't sound convinced.
As the day went on, Asha found herself distracted.
Her mind kept drifting back to Kavin.
His voice.
His gaze.
The way he looked at her like he already knew something she didn't.
Later, she caught herself scrolling through his social media.
Swimming competitions.
Awards.
Pictures.
That same confident smile.
"There's definitely something about him…" she whispered to herself.
After school
"Are you coming?" Aeri asked.
"Yeah. I just need to return a textbook to the library. I'll be back in a few minutes."
"Okay."
Hallway
On her way, Asha heard laughter from the relaxation room.
Curious, she slowed down and pushed the door open slightly.
Her eyes widened.
Kai.
And Vanessa.
They were sitting close, talking comfortably.
Laughing.
Like they had known each other for years.
Asha frowned slightly.
That was strange.
Vanessa wasn't usually like that.
But instead of thinking too much about it—
She closed the door quietly and walked away.
Walking to the school gate
"Omg! Kavin just posted something!" Aarina squealed, showing Aeri her phone.
"Wow…" Aeri muttered.
"I know right? He's so hot, I can't handle it!" Aarina gushed.
"Then quit."
"What?"
"You said you can't handle him. So quit."
Aarina gasped.
"That's so mean! Are you even my friend?"
"Relax. I'm joking."
They both laughed.
Then Aeri turned to Asha.
"Ashy… are you okay? You've been quiet."
"I'm fine. It's just…"
"Just what?"
Asha hesitated.
"On my way to the library… I saw Kai and Vanessa together."
"So?" Aeri asked.
"They were really close. Talking like they've known each other forever."
They reached the bus stop.
Aeri crossed her arms.
"And?"
Asha frowned.
"What do you mean 'and'? Doesn't it bother you? Vanessa isn't the type to just open up to anyone, especially someone like Kai."
Aeri looked at her for a moment.
Then smirked.
"You're not worried."
"What?"
"You're jealous."
Asha let out a small laugh.
"Me? Jealous? Please."
"Say whatever you want," Aeri shrugged. "But I know what I'm seeing."
Asha looked away.
"I'm not jealous."
"Sure."
They stepped onto the bus.
Meanwhile
6:27 PM
Phile walked slowly down the dusty road leading home.
Her stomach growled softly.
It had been another long day.
Another day of whispers.
Of insults.
Of Angeline.
But she kept walking.
Because home… was supposed to be safe.
Then she saw it.
A group of men stood outside her house.
Shouting.
Her father was being dragged.
Her mother was crying.
Phile froze.
Her body refused to move.
She hid behind a nearby tree, fear gripping her chest.
"You owe me money!" one of the men shouted. "And you know what happens when you don't pay!"
Before she could react—
Her father was hit.
He fell to the ground.
Her mother rushed forward, but was shoved back harshly, falling as she clutched her swollen stomach.
Phile's vision blurred with tears.
"No…" she whispered.
Her hands trembled.
She wanted to run to them.
To scream.
But her legs wouldn't move.
Then—
"Please! Take this!"
Her little brother ran out, holding money with shaking hands.
"Just leave my family alone!"
The men laughed, snatched the money, and finally left.
Silence fell.
Phile's mother pulled her son into a tight hug.
Phile stepped forward slowly.
Their eyes met.
And in that moment…
Everything felt broken.
That money…
was meant for food.
Now it was gone.
Night fell.
Phile lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Tears slid silently down her face.
"How are we going to survive…" she whispered.
Her fists clenched weakly.
"I just… want things to get better."