The morning air was fresh as Heena stepped out of her house. Heading towards school, she paused for a moment to take in the view. A soft, genuine smile spread across her face
No matter what anyone says," she whispered to herself, "the monsoon season is truly my favorite."
As she reached the school entrance, she saw her friends waiting. Mika waved her hand excitedly. "Heena! Over here! Wow... what's the matter today? You look incredibly beautiful!"
Heena blushed slightly and gave a shy smile. "Stop it... it's not that much."
But Hikari, her other friend, leaned in with a smirk. "Heena, just look around. Almost every boy in school is staring at you today
Mika nodded eagerly. "Seriously, Heena. Haven't you liked any boy from our school yet?"
Heena's expression turned cold and indifferent. "No," she replied flatly. "I don't like any boy from this school. They are all... useless."
"You really are a strange girl!" Mika laughed, shaking her head.
Suddenly, Hikari nudged Heena's arm. "Heena, look ahead. Kenji is standing there."
Mika whispered, "I think he's been waiting to talk to you."
Kenji walked up to them, a nervous smile on his face. "Hi, Heena. How are you?"
Heena looked at him with no expression at all. "I'm fine."
Are you free after school today?" Kenji asked, his voice hopeful. "Would you like to go out somewhere with me?"
The atmosphere grew tense. Mika and Hikari watched with wide eyes.
The atmosphere grew tense. Mika and Hikari watched with wide eyes.
I'm sorry," Heena said firmly. "I have absolutely no time after school. I can't come."
Kenji's face fell. He looked visibly upset as he turned around and walked away without another word. Mika turned to Heena in shock. "Why did you reject him like that? Heena, he's considered the most handsome guy in our school!"
To me, all these boys are the same," Heena replied calmly. "Useless. There's nothing special about them
Hikari looked at her thoughtfully. "Heena, mark my words. One day, someone will enter your life who will change the way you think
Heena smiled faintly. "I'll be waiting for that day."
The day went by slowly. During the lectures, Heena found herself staring out the window, Hikari's words echoing in her mind. When the final bell rang, she bid her friends goodbye
Bye Heena! See you tomorrow
Yeah, see you guys," Heena replied with a smile.
As she started walking home, the sky began to turn dark. Heavy black clouds gathered quickly. Heena realized it was about to pour. Within minutes, the rain started coming down hard. She ran towards a nearby tea stall to take shelter.
As she stood under the small roof, trying to dry herself, another boy ran into the stall to escape the rain.
Heena froze. She looked at him and realized something immediately. Who is this guy? His uniform... it's not from my school. I've never seen him before.
For the first time, a strange feeling washed over her.
That was the day I saw him for the first time, she thought. And deep down, I had a feeling... that my life was about to change forever.
[End of Chapter 1]