Chapter 2

At the age of fourteen, Zara Liayana had already become a well known name at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. Not only because of her intelligence in academics, but also because of her enthusiasm and active involvement in every co curricular activity she joined. To most students, Zara was someone who never stopped smiling and was always the center of attention, both inside and outside the classroom.

During recess, Zara walked along the school corridor that was filled with other students, greeting almost everyone she passed. With a wide smile and a cheerful voice, she said, “Hi!” to everyone she met. Everyone knew who else was always full of energy and happiness if not Zara.

Suddenly, three of her friends who had been waiting in front of her locker teamed up to surprise her.

“Boo!”

They shouted loudly, and Zara, who was already used to their antics, got startled and screamed even louder, causing several nearby students to turn their heads toward them.

Zara felt a little embarrassed when everyone looked at her, but she did not get angry. Instead, she just laughed and joined in her friends’ laughter. The three of them, two girls and one boy, continued teasing Zara in a friendly and cheerful atmosphere. Zara never felt annoyed with them. Instead, she simply laughed along, enjoying every moment of happiness with them.

“Zara, are you not in the mood today? You do not seem like your usual self,” one of her friends, Aisyah, said while laughing.

“Ah, no, Aisyah. I was just surprised earlier,” Zara replied, her smile still wide.

Even though her school days were often filled with activities and laughter, behind her smile, there were still many things Zara kept to herself. But she preferred to forget those things and chose to enjoy life as a cheerful teenager.

“Hey guys! Let’s go to the canteen, I’m starving,” said Rachid as he rubbed his stomach. They all nodded and walked to the canteen, each carrying their food or buying their favorite meals. Rachid, whose hunger was growing, quickly sat at a table with Aisyah, Alya, and Zara. They ate while chatting and laughing, sharing stories about classes or funny events that had happened throughout the week.

However, their cheerful atmosphere was suddenly interrupted when someone approached their table. Valentina, another friend of Zara, walked closer with a wide smile on her face.

Zara was the first to notice her presence and quickly said, “Hi, Valentina!” while making space for her to sit beside her. Valentina grinned and sat down casually in the seat provided.

Rachid, who noticed Valentina’s expression, raised an eyebrow. “Why are you grinning like that? Did you finally get a boyfriend?” he teased.

Everyone who heard that burst into laughter, including Valentina, who pouted. “Be quiet! I have something important to tell you guys,” Valentina said, trying to hold back the smile that refused to leave her lips.

They all fell silent for a moment, waiting for what Valentina was about to say. Zara looked at Valentina with curiosity, but she could sense that whatever she was about to say must be important.

Valentina pretended to clear her throat before touching her flushed cheek, turning her body slightly from side to side, letting out a soft, girlish sound. “Aww.”

Alya, Aisyah, and Rachid sighed at the same time, already used to Valentina’s dramatic behavior. Meanwhile, Zara tried to hold back her laughter as she shook her head.

“I want to tell you something,” Valentina began excitedly. “Yesterday, I had to be a guide for a new student and oh my God, he is insanely handsome.”

Alya and Aisyah spoke at the same time. “Ooooh!” They smiled excitedly. Zara only gave a small smile, listening carefully.

Rachid leaned back lazily and raised an eyebrow. “Is he really that handsome for you to act like this?”

Valentina nodded eagerly, her blonde hair swaying with the movement of her head. “Seriously, Rah. His skin is fair, his hair is jet black, and when you look at his face, he is clearly a mix of European and Malay. Perfect.”

Then Valentina lowered her voice slightly and whispered excitedly, “But the most interesting part is his eye color.”

All eyes turned to her.

“His left eye is blue,” she said softly, “and his right eye is hazel.”

Zara flinched slightly. Her smile slowly faded. She fell silent, her eyes now empty as if searching for something in her thoughts.

Valentina continued in a disappointed tone. “But he did not respond to me at all. I asked him so many things, but he just stayed quiet. Even when he answered, it was only one or two words. It felt like I was talking to a rock.”

Alya chimed in, “He must be arrogant and proud.”

Aisyah said, “Maybe he is introverted. Probably shy.”

Rachid shook his head. “To me, he sounds weird.”

They all laughed softly, but Zara remained silent. Her hand slowly clenched, her face slightly tense.

She seemed to remember something. Something she had kept in her heart for a long time. Her eyes were now fixed on the untouched food in front of her.

“Left eye blue, right eye hazel.” The words echoed only in her heart. Her thoughts slowly darkened with a name she had not spoken for years. Aidan.

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