It was the first day of school for Samantha Romano, also known as Sam. She woke up early, and her grandmother did the same to prepare breakfast for her. After eating, Sam took a bath while her grandma got her school supplies, shoes, and socks ready.

Once she was dressed and packed her bag, her grandmother sent her to school at 6:30 AM. The flag ceremony started at 7:00 AM and lasted for thirty minutes.

After it ended, everyone went back to their respective classrooms and chose their seats. Their teacher arrived thirty minutes late, apologized to the class, and then introduced herself.After introducing herself, the teacher asked everyone to stand up one by one and introduce themselves to the class. Cassy went first, greeting everyone cheerfully and saying she hoped they would all be friends. Next was Lina, who spoke shyly and softly before sitting down quickly. Alexa followed with a bright and energetic introduction, expressing how excited she was to make new friends.

Then it was Samantha Romano's turn; she smiled warmly and told everyone her name, saying she hoped to get along with them all. Finally, Michael Ricci introduced himself politely, also expressing his wish to be friends with everyone in the room.

After their classmates had finished showcasing their talents, Sam took the stage to sing while playing the piano, violin, and flute, and Mike also performed by singing and playing the guitar. Once two classes were over, the bell rang signaling recess time.

Seizing the moment, Sam walked up to Mike and asked, "Hello! Can I be friends with you?" to which Mike smiled and replied, "Sure!"

Michael told Samantha that his full name was Michael Ricci, but she could call him Mike for short, and Sam replied that her name was Samantha Romano, though she preferred to be called Sam too. They exchanged warm greetings, both saying how nice it was to meet each other.

As time went by, they grew very close over the next year. Now in Grade 4 of elementary school, the two of them were ready to meet someone new who would become their friend. Xian Moretti introduced himself warmly, and Sam and Mike also told him their names, saying he could call them Sam and Mike. Xian then shyly asked if he could be friends with both of them, and they happily agreed, both saying "Sure!"

Just then, the bell rang signaling that class was about to start, so the three of them quickly ran towards their classroom. It was time for Mathematics class, and the teacher arrived to begin the lesson. After forty minutes, the subject changed to Arts, and the students paid close attention, taking notes carefully.

Another forty minutes passed, and finally, it was lunchtime. The three friends met up at the canteen, where Xian asked what they planned to eat. Sam smiled and replied that she already had a lunch box prepared lovingly by her grandma. Mike said he also brought his own lunch just like Sam, so Xian decided he would go buy food and drinks, asking them to wait for him. He left and returned about twenty minutes later carrying his meal and something to drink. The three of them sat together to eat, happily chatting about their likes, favorite colors, hobbies, and other things they enjoyed.

Once they finished eating, they headed to their next class, which was Science. After forty minutes, Science class ended and it was time for P.E. The girls, including Sam, went to the restroom to change into their P.E. pants. Once they were ready, they walked to the parking lot, which had plenty of open space for activities. During class, they did forty-meter sprints and practiced hexagon drills both clockwise and counterclockwise. The lesson lasted for forty minutes, and when it was over, everyone packed up and went home for the day.

As the months went by, Sam, Mike, and Xian grew even closer and often planned fun hangouts together.

Today, they decided to visit Sam's favorite bakery shop. Sam suggested staying there for a while, and Xian playfully replied that he knew she would say that, while Mike happily agreed. Their server, Haider, then approached their table and asked what they would like to order. Sam smiled and told him she wanted a strawberry milkshake and donuts filled with strawberry flavor. Next, Mike ordered a chocolate milkshake and a waffle with a little chocolate on top, politely thanking Haider. Xian then chose a blueberry milkshake and pancakes served with strawberry syrup, adding a smiley emoji to his order. Haider kindly told them to wait just a few minutes for their food, and Sam replied with a cheerful "Okay!" while Xian thanked him again.

As they waited, the scene shifted to show both Lucas and Rose perspectives.

Meanwhile, Rose was ordering nearby. Rose sweetly asked Lucas Russo for a strawberry milkshake and pancakes with strawberry syrup, and Jake Caruso quickly added that he wanted the same as Mike—chocolate milkshake and a waffle with chocolate. Lucas sighed in amusement but agreed, saying it would be his treat.

Suddenly, Jake looked up and spotted Sam sitting across the room. His eyes widened in surprise, wondering to himself if that was really her.

He walked over to her table, calling out, "Sam???"

Sam looked up in surprise and asked, "Jake?? What are you doing here?" Jake smiled and teased her, saying he should be the one asking that question.

Sam playfully argued that she asked first, but Jake insisted "Still!!" and she replied with a stubborn "No!!"

Watching them bicker like little kids, Mike couldn't help but intervene, saying, "Can you both stop fighting?" Sam immediately pointed at her cousin and complained, "He started it!!".

Jake denied it loudly, but Sam firmly said, "Yes you did!!" Feeling annoyed, Jake clicked his tongue, turned his head away, and crossed his arms over his chest. Sam did exactly the same, huffing and looking away with her arms crossed too.

Seeing this, Rose Russo walked over and asked Jake, "Jake, who is she?" Lucas also nodded, curious to know. Jake looked at Sam and replied with a playful grin, "She's my annoying cousin."

"Who are you calling annoying?! Ehh?!" Sam exclaimed angrily. Without hesitation, she reached out and smacked Jake lightly on the head. "Ouch!! What was that for?!" Jake cried out, rubbing his head.

Sam just smiled mischievously and said, "I just felt like it." Jake looked clearly annoyed by her action, but Sam wasn't done yet—she stuck her tongue out at him playfully to tease him even more. "You?!" Jake stared at her in disbelief, pointing a finger at her.

Sam put on her most innocent face and asked, "What did I do?" Then, trying to escape, she accidentally hid right behind Lucas.

"Hey!! Don't hide away from me!!" Jake shouted, trying to get to her.

"No!!" Sam stubbornly replied from behind her shield.

Mike and Rose just looked on, completely confused by their silly argument, while Xian could only sigh and shake his head at their childishness.

Xian told Jake to stop, and he finally agreed with a grumpy "Fine!". Sam couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction.

Suddenly, Lucas, who was standing right next to her, blushed slightly and, without even realizing what he was doing, gently pinched Sam's cheek. "Huh??" Sam made a confused sound and looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise and confusion.

Inside, Sam was wondering, Why did he pinch my cheek? Feeling embarrassed, Lucas quickly pulled his hand away and mumbled, "Sorry..." while looking away to hide his face.

Sam noticed his cheeks were bright red and asked curiously, "Why are you so red?" Lucas just answered shyly, "Nothing..." Sam looked at him skeptically and said, "Okay?" Seeing this awkward and sweet moment, Jake couldn't help but tease them, "Ayiee!!" while Rose looked at her brother in confusion, asking, "Big bro??"

Rose leaned closer to Lucas and whispered, "You liked her don't you?" Lucas blushed even more and quickly snapped, "Shut up!" trying to deny it.

Meanwhile, Sam was completely unaware of their conversation, simply taking a sip of her delicious strawberry milkshake. Soon after, everyone sat down together, enjoying their food and drinks while chatting happily and getting to know one another better.

Six years flew by quickly. Now in Grade 10, they were still studying at the same school, though Sam and Mike were assigned to different sections. Only Sam and Xian remained classmates.

Sam had secretly harbored feelings for Mike for all those six years, hiding her emotions very well, with only Xian knowing the truth.

One day, Sam arrived extra early and waited alone in the laboratory room for their Cookery class.

After a few minutes, the other students started filing in, but the teacher was late. Throughout the wait, Sam's mind wandered far away, lost in deep thoughts about Mike.

"Psst! Sam!" Xian whispered loudly enough only for her to hear.

Sam got startled and turned to him, whispering back, "What?..." "Stop looking outside and focus on the lesson," Xian advised gently.

Sam sighed sadly and confessed, "I can't focus... After knowing the section of Mike..."

Xian understood her feelings but still reminded her seriously, "I know. But you still need to focus. Because what if there is a quiz today or an assessment about the lesson? What will you answer then? Hm?" He asked her, his voice filled with genuine concern.

"Sorry... I'll focus now," Sam whispered, feeling a bit upset but forcing herself to pay attention to the lesson.

Forty minutes later, their first class ended, and they had to return to their respective classrooms. As Sam walked down the stairs with Xian, she suddenly spotted Mike in the hallway. She couldn't help but stop and stare at him for a moment, completely forgetting where she was going. When Mike finally disappeared from sight, she realized she was left behind and quickly ran after her friend, shouting, "XIAN!! Wait for me!!" Xian turned around and asked, "Why did you take so long?"

"I just saw Mike," Sam said with a silly smile. Xian sighed and teased her, "So you daydream about him first? Then after he left, you finally came here."

Sam just giggled nervously in response. Seeing her so smitten, Xian encouraged her, "If you really liked him that much, you should just confess to him."

Sam's smile faded slightly as she replied softly, "I know... But I can't..."

"Why not?" Xian asked gently. He then guessed, "Because you're shy and anxious? Is that it?"

Sam nodded sadly, admitting, "Yes..." Her voice trembled slightly as she shared her biggest fear, "What if he rejected me? I'm scared to be rejected..." She looked down sadly and added, "You already know I've liked him for 6 years already..." Xian listened patiently and then told her sincerely, "I know you are scared. But at least he will know. It's better saying it to him than him being oblivious to what you are feeling." Sam let out a deep breath and whispered, "I know..."

"You know I will always support you, right?" Xian assured her.

Sam managed a small smile and said, "I know..." She took a deep breath and made up her mind, "sigh Fine I'll confess to him. But not right now.... Maybe soon.."

Xian smiled back and said, "That's okay." Sam nodded in agreement.

After a Few Days

Time passed, and Sam spent every moment practicing in her head exactly what she wanted to say to Mike, preparing herself for that special moment.

While Xian was busy helping Sam get ready to confess her feelings, the scene shifted to show what Mike was doing.

At that moment, Mike was attending an SSG meeting together with Rose, spending time with the girl he actually liked.

During the meeting, Rose noticed and asked Mike, "Hey Michael! I've been not seeing Samantha with you".

"Why?" Mike simply replied, "We had different section."

Rose looked curious and asked, "But I heard you and Samantha were inseparable? Did you both get into fight?"

Mike paused for a moment and answered softly, "No, just complicated."

Rose hummed in confusion, but Mike quickly changed the subject, saying, "Never mind it. By the way how are you?"

Rose answered, "I'm fine and you?" Mike smiled and said, "I'm good too. It's good to see you." Rose then teased him softly, "Why were not that even closed yet."

Mike caught her meaning immediately and asked hopefully, "The 'yet' you said, you mean I have a chance?"

Rose pretended not to understand, asking, "Chance at what?"

Mike looked at her and replied confidently, "You already know about it."

Rose insisted, "I don't."

So Mike took a deep breath and said seriously, "Fine I'll tell you, but please give me a chance."

Rose hesitated and replied, "Well it depends..."

Mike looked her in the eyes and confessed, "I like you for 2 years now..."

Rose was speechless and just said, "Uhm..."

Gathering all his courage, Mike asked directly, "Can I court you?"

Rose looked surprised and said, "That was unexpected from you..." Rose looked flustered and said, "I don't know what to say..."

Mike pleaded sincerely, "Please give me a chance..."

Finally, Rose gave in and smiled softly, "Fine... I'll let you."

Overjoyed, Mike couldn't help but hug her tightly, saying, "Thank you very much!"

Rose gently patted his back in return.

With that moment settled, the scene shifted back to where Samantha and Xian were.

"Is that Mike?" Xian asked suddenly.

Sam followed his gaze and saw Mike hugging a girl whose face looked very familiar to her.

"That girl looks familiar..." Xian remarked.

"Yeah she does..." Sam replied softly, though her heart was sinking. (Inside her mind questions were swirling: Why does he hug her? Are they together?) Overwhelmed by sadness and anxiety, she unknowingly clenched her hands tightly into fists.

"Sam??? Are you okay?" Xian asked worriedly.

Sam forced a weak smile and replied, "I'm Okay..I guess..." Gathering all her strength, she walked over to where Mike and Rose were standing. "Hello Mike!" she greeted cheerfully, trying to hide her pain.

"Oh Sam…" Mike said, sounding a bit surprised.

Rose smiled warmly at her and said, "Hello Samantha!"

Sam looked at her closely and asked, "Do I know you?"

Rose smiled and reminded her, "It's me Rose. I was with Jake 6 years ago."

Sam's eyes widened in realization, "Ohh... That was you?"

"Yes!" Rose confirmed happily. "Nice seeing you."

Xian then stepped forward and said, "Ohh So you were Rose?"

Rose looked at him and asked, "Oh! you must be Xian, right?"

"Yes that's me. How did you know?" Xian asked curiously.

Rose explained, "Jake been talking about you three being not inseparable to each other, and it was cute. It's like triplets or trio of friends." Then she turned to Sam and asked, "But can I ask you something, Samantha?"

"Uh sure! What is it?" Sam replied.

Rose looked at her and asked directly, "Did you and Michael get into fight or something else?"

Sam looked at her and asked curiously, "Why?"

Rose answered honestly, "Because before he was close with you but now you both look like stranger to each other."

Just as she said that, Mike suddenly said, "I need to go first. Bye..." and quickly walked away.

Rose pointed at him and exclaimed, "See?!! He just left!"

Sam looked at where he was standing and said sadly, "I don't know what happened to him either..."

Little did she know, Mike had developed feelings for a girl named Rose. He had already confessed to her, and Rose accepted him. Samantha was completely unaware of this.

Realizing the conversation was getting awkward, Rose said, "Oh, okay... I need to go now. See you next time!!"

"Okay!" Sam replied softly.