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🏫 At School – Subtle Changes
Everything seems like before as Kai parents now stay with each other.
But something had shifted.
Kai still joked with Lila.
Theo still walked with them.
But now there were pauses.
Moments where the silence said too much.
Theo had been quieter lately.
Not distant — just... holding something back.
Lila noticed.
Lila (lightly teasing):
"Why so serious, Theo? Missed your morning sarcasm today."
Theo (smirking faintly):
"Saving it for people who deserve it."
She rolled her eyes but blushed for some reason she didn't understand.
---
🍽️ Lunch with the Trio
They sat together as usual.
But Mira walked by with Sara and shot a quick glance at Theo — he looked away.
Kai brought up plans for the weekend.
Kai:
"Movie night? We could binge horror. Lila screams the loudest."
Theo:
"Only if you promise not to pretend you're not scared."
They all laughed.
But Lila noticed Theo didn't eat much.
And kept glancing at her when he thought she wasn't looking.
---
📚 Library Period – Just Theo and Lila
Somehow, they got stuck working on an assignment together. Alone.
Theo passed her a pen.
Their fingers brushed.
Lila (quickly):
"Sorry."
Theo:
"No need to be."
Then he added with a soft chuckle:
"You always say sorry when you're nervous."
Lila (defensive, blushing):
"I am not nervous."
Theo (teasing, low voice):
"Then why are your ears turning pink?"
She hit him with a notebook playfully.
But her heart was racing.
And so was his.
---
🌙 At Night – A Missed Message
Theo typed something in his chat with Lila.
He stared at it for a long time.
> "You looked really beautiful today."
He hovered over the send button…
Then deleted it.
Instead, he sent:
> "Don't forget to bring that bio worksheet tomorrow."
Lila read it with a smile.
Lila (to herself):
"Wish you'd just say what you're really thinking, Theo."
She didn't know he was thinking the exact same thing.
---
End of Chapter 24