Chapter 14: Glances, Walks & Second Chances
Monday – After School
The classroom was still, but not silent. The five of them were stuck finishing a group project on "Modern History Through Art," which sounded way cooler than it actually was.
Lana sketched the poster. Noah was organizing the data. Ethan and Aiden argued over fonts. Aria... watched Aiden with a tiny smile.
"Let's not make the title Comic Sans," Aiden groaned.
"Don't insult Comic Sans," Ethan replied. "It's the rebel of typefaces."
Lana snorted. "You're such a nerd."
Noah peeked at her from behind his laptop. "Says the girl drawing Napoleon in sunglasses."
"History's cooler this way," she shrugged.
---
Later – A Walk and a Moment
The sky had turned golden when Aiden offered to walk Aria home. Neither said much at first. The wind picked up a little, just enough for Aria to hug her hoodie tighter.
"You cold?" Aiden asked.
"I'm fine," she said, but he already shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
She blinked. "Thanks…"
They walked a bit further.
"You know, I used to think you were all basketball and noise," she said.
"And now?"
She looked at him. "Now I know you're also sarcasm and heart."
He laughed. "I'll take it."
There was a pause—a soft, open quiet.
Aria spoke. "I… like this version of us."
Aiden looked at her for a long second.
"Me too."
---
Group Chat – Later That Night
[Ethan]: sleepover @ my place this Friday. bring chaos.
[Aiden]: I'm bringing spicy chips and trauma
[Noah]: I'll bring logic
[Ethan]: yawn
[Lana]: girls-only sleepover Saturday. Aria's place.
[Aria]: I didn't agree to—
[Lana]: you blinked. that's agreement.
[Aiden]: should I be worried?
[Aria]: extremely.
---
Tuesday – Hints and Glances
Lana and Noah ended up paired during science.
As they adjusted the microscope, their hands brushed.
He didn't move away.
Neither did she.
Their eyes met—brief, electric.
Neither said a word.
But something had changed.