Lata couldn't sit still.
The teacher's voice faded into the background, dissolving into meaningless sound as her thoughts drifted elsewhere—toward a hospital room, toward someone she hadn't seen for far too long.
A soft smile lingered on her lips.
Unconscious.
Uncontrolled.
It was enough to draw attention.
Boys nearby stole glances, whispering under their breath, drawn in by something they didn't fully understand.
Lyly leaned closer, her voice light, almost teasing.
"Something good happened, didn't it?"
Lata turned to her, her smile brightening instantly.
"My mom finally said yes."
There was a warmth in her voice that couldn't be hidden.
"I can visit him again… I really miss my brother."
The word came out naturally.
Without hesitation.
Lyly watched her for a moment longer than necessary.
Then she smiled.
"I hope you succeed…"
A small pause.
"…in making him fall for you."
Lata didn't notice the pause.
She leaned in, wrapping her arms around Lyly without thinking, holding her tightly.
"You really understand me…"
Her voice softened.
"You're my best friend."
Lyly's body stiffened—just for a second.
Then her hand slowly rose, resting against Lata's back, stroking gently.
"I'll always help you…"
Her voice was quiet.
"…no matter what."
Around them, whispers began to spread.
Too close.
Too intimate.
Too much.
Lyly noticed.
A faint blush rose to her cheeks as she became aware of the stares.
Lata only laughed softly, pulling back just enough to look at her.
"You're always like this."
She tilted her head, amused.
"How do you even have a boyfriend if you get shy so easily?"
Lyly looked away.
Her fingers curled slightly against her sleeve.
"I already… like someone."
Lata's eyes lit up immediately.
"Really? Who?"
Lyly hesitated.
For a fraction of a second—
Her gaze flickered toward Lata.
Then away.
"I… can't say."
A small, embarrassed smile.
"It's too embarrassing."
Lata didn't push further.
Instead, she took Lyly's hand, squeezing it gently.
"I hope your feelings reach them."
Simple.
Sincere.
Lyly's smile didn't change.
But something behind it did.
"…Thank you."
Her fingers tightened—just slightly—around Lata's hand.
Then, more quietly:
"What if you fail?"
Lata blinked.
Then shook her head without hesitation.
"No way."
There was no doubt in her voice.
"He loves me."
Not I think.
Not maybe.
"I know it."
Lyly's gaze lowered.
A shadow passed through her expression—quick, almost imperceptible.
"And if someone takes him away from you?"
This time—
Lata paused.
Just for a moment.
The question lingered longer than expected.
"…Then I won't force him."
Her voice softened.
"If he chooses someone else… that's his choice."
There was no bitterness.
Only acceptance.
Lyly's grip tightened again.
More noticeable this time.
"You're too kind."
A quiet breath escaped her lips.
"I wish I could be like you."
Lata tilted her head slightly.
"Wish what?"
Lyly looked at her.
Really looked this time.
Not at her face—
But at the way she smiled.
The way she trusted.
The way she gave everything so easily.
"…That I can stay by your side."
Her voice dropped.
"…like this."
Lata laughed softly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"You will."
There was no hesitation.
"You're my best friend."
Even now—her tone didn't change.
"Even if I end up with him…"
She squeezed Lyly's hand again.
"I won't leave you."
Lyly lowered her gaze.
"…I hope so."
The words were quiet.
But they lingered.
After a moment, she spoke again.
"Why do you love him so much?"
Lata's expression softened instantly.
Not dramatic.
Not overwhelming.
Just—
Real.
"He supports my dreams."
Her fingers unconsciously tightened around her bag.
"He listens to me… even when I talk too much."
A small laugh escaped her.
"He reads my writing… even the bad parts."
Her voice grew warmer with each word.
"He even tried learning art… just to draw for my stories."
A pause.
Then, softer—
"I'm never lonely when I'm with him."
Lyly's smile froze.
Only for a second.
Then it returned.
Perfect.
"But… your mom doesn't accept it, right?"
The shift was smooth.
Too smooth.
Lata's expression dimmed slightly.
"…Yeah."
A small sigh.
"She doesn't understand me."
A pause.
"…Neither does he."
Something flickered in her eyes.
Something she didn't notice herself.
"But I don't hate her."
Lyly reached for her hand again.
This time—
More deliberately.
"Let's go somewhere else."
Her voice was gentle.
"We should make a plan."
A faint smile.
"To make your dream come true."
Everything about her tone was reassuring.
Supportive.
Perfect.
And yet—
Something didn't quite align.
Lata hesitated.
Just for a second.
A feeling she couldn't name brushed against her thoughts.
Then disappeared.
She smiled again.
"Yeah!"
Bright.
Trusting.
"With you, I'm sure we'll succeed."
They stood up together.
Hands still linked.
As they walked out—
The whispers grew louder.
"Does Lyly like her?"
"Maybe…"
"No way…"
Rumors twisted and spread, reshaping themselves with every retelling.
But none of them came close to the truth.
Because the truth was quieter.
More patient.
And far more dangerous.