The sky was slightly overcast that morning, but the school air was still filled with the spirit of new students. The sound of shoes clashing with the corridor floor, the laughter of old friends, and the shy hugs of children who had just met again after a long vacation. Among the crowd, a student seemed to be walking slowly at the end of the hallway. He wasn't talking to anyone. His head was slightly bowed, and his black backpack hung heavily on one shoulder. That was Aksa.
> "First day... should be normal," he thought to himself.
Aksa wasn't the type of student who liked crowds. He preferred to be quiet, observant, and alone in a corner of the room while reading a book or watching the sky from the classroom window. There was something in him that made it difficult for him to trust others. She knew there was a part of her past that was empty-dark-but she couldn't understand why. It was an inexplicable void.
In class 11-B, the seats have started to fill up. Some students were busy greeting each other, some knew each other from previous classes. On the other hand, three girls stood out with their cheerfulness: Bianca, Aira, and Lily. They instantly created a festive atmosphere.
"Waaah Lily, you're still wearing your old bag!" Aira exclaimed with a laugh.
"Let it go, it's a limited edition you know!" said Lily while hugging her bag.
Suddenly the door opened, and a girl with a sweet smile entered. She walked gracefully yet friendly. Her face was as bright as the morning that had just greeted us. She was Artha.
"Hey! Did you miss me?" she exclaimed.
"Artha!!!" all three immediately greeted with a hug.
Artha, the popular girl who never failed to bring joy into the room. Everyone seemed to like her, teachers and friends alike. But few knew that behind her warm smile, there were sad memories that she kept close. Just like Aksa, Artha also had a part of his childhood that felt... empty. Like a missing puzzle piece.
Not far away, Aksa sat by the window. He raised his head slightly and watched Artha from a distance. There was something that kept her silent for a while longer. The girl's face... somehow felt familiar.
> "Where have you met? Or is it just a feeling?"
The homeroom teacher came in and class started. Some new students were asked to introduce themselves.
When it was Aksa's turn, he only stood for a moment, voice low and inexpressive,
"My name is Aksa. From out of town
Short. Solid. Silence. Then he sat back down. The class was awkward, but Artha clapped his own hands.
"Yeay, welcome, Aksa!" said Artha.
Some students chuckled at Artha's spontaneous gesture. Aksa just looked down, a little surprised, a little... warm.
During break time, Hazel - Aksa's best friend who was quite expressive - came over with Keira.
"Eh, why have you been silent all this time? You haven't said hello to the girls yet, you're missing out," Hazel chided.
Keira elbowed her girlfriend's shoulder. "Hazel, don't teach me anything, Aksa just moved in."
"I'm not one to say hello, you know," Aksa replied flatly.
But secretly, Aksa's gaze flicked several times to Artha, who was laughing with his friends.
It was a normal day, but a small thing felt... different. Artha passed by Aksa's desk on her way to throw the paper in the trash.
"Aksa, huh? That was a cool introduction, really short. Like the names of samurai in Japanese movies," he said with a smile.
Aksa looked at him for a moment. Silence. But the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
> "I think today... wasn't as bad as I thought."
The class is quiet again when the physics teacher enters. Mr. Dirga, a teacher known for his fast and expressive speaking style, immediately attracted attention.
"Welcome to the new semester, I hope you haven't forgotten the gravity formula!"
The atmosphere of the class began to relax as Mr. Dirga jokingly asked the students to come forward one by one to answer the questions. When Artha came forward, he confidently answered the question while teasing Aksa from the front of the class.
"Try Aksa, help me... if I'm wrong, let's remediate together, okay?"
Instantly the class was excited. Aksa just sighed, looked down deeply, and didn't answer. But he smiled for a moment.
And as the class ended, the long break bell rang. Hazel, Keira, Bianca, Aira, and Lily decided to have lunch together. Keira invited Aksa to come along.
"Aksa, let's go to the cafeteria with us," she invited kindly.
"Yes, don't be alone. You'll be mistaken for a real ninja," Bianca said with a laugh.
With some hesitation, Aksa followed. In the cafeteria, they sat at one big table, talking about many things: from Korean dramas, action movies, to who was the most handsome in the next class. Artha actively chatted and occasionally threw jokes at Aksa.
"Eh Aksa, do you like horror movies? Your face is perfect for the mysterious main character!"
Hazel laughed. "No, he'd make a good ghost hunter. Quiet but sharp."
"You guys..." Aksa looked down in shame, but his heart felt lighter.
In the afternoon, the class received an announcement: there would be a creativity competition next week. All students were asked to form groups. Bianca immediately pulled Artha and Lily, and Aira followed. They glanced around.
"Aksa, you can join our group," offered Artha.
"Uh, seriously?"
"Yes, yes. Let our group not only be lively, but also mysterious," Aira said with a laugh.
The day closed with laughter and curiosity. Although not all of them were close, Aksa felt like... something was starting to change.
> "Maybe... this is the start of something bigger."
And as she looked up at Artha smiling down at her, Aksa didn't realize that it was the smile of someone who secretly held the key to the same secret: a forgotten past.
The sky outside the window began to turn golden gray. The sound of the end-of-school bell has yet to be heard, but the atmosphere of the classroom has already begun to relax. Some students leaned back in their seats, others doodled in their books or joked with each other. Aksa, still in his seat by the window, watched the shadows of the trees dancing softly in the wind.
Artha sat in his seat only two seats away from Aksa. Occasionally, their eyes met, though both quickly looked away. But not because of awkwardness - more because of a strange feeling they couldn't explain.
"Daydreaming again, Samurai?" Artha's voice startled him. She was standing next to his seat, bent over slightly while carrying a notebook.
Aksa turned his head slowly. "Huh?"
"You look like someone who's thinking about another planet. Are you an alien?" asked Artha with a chuckle.
Aksa shook her head, trying to hold back a smile. "No, I'm not. Just... looking at the sky."
"The sky?" Artha also looked at the window. "Hmm. You know, the evening sky has a vibe that's hard to explain. Like... there's something we've forgotten."
That sentence made Aksa pause. He looked more closely at Artha's face. The girl wasn't joking. Her tone of voice changed. Her eyes were dreamy.
Artha noticed the stare and returned his smile. "Uh, you're looking at me."
"No," Aksa replied hurriedly. "It's just... you just said something similar to what I've been thinking."
Artha raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"
Aksa nodded slowly. "Sometimes... the sky reminds me of something. But I don't know what."
Both of them fell silent. Not because they ran out of topics, but because their hearts seemed to touch each other-without the need for many words. Hazel and Keira's laughter from behind broke the silence.
"Oi, Aksa!" exclaimed Hazel as she leaned forward on the bench. "Don't monopolize it, Artha is public property!"
Artha rolled his eyes. "Hazel, don't be tacky."
Keira just laughed softly while hitting Hazel's arm. "Already, we want to have a group meeting, right? Mr. Dirga told us to come up with a theme for next week's creativity competition."
"Theme?" asked Artha as he turned toward them.
"Free," replied Keira. "It can be drama, mural, technology, or art exhibition."
Bianca interjected, "What if we make a drama? But with an element of mystery. Let's be different from other groups."
Aira nodded. "Ih, yes! It's like a detective story but set in a school. It's really exciting!"
Everyone turned to Aksa. He looked at them one by one, then said, "If you can include comedy elements too, it will be more fun to watch."
Lily clapped her hands. "Yess! Aksa agrees, so the idea is valid!"
Hazel chuckled. "Wow, you're talking at last, bro. You're a good fit to be a screenwriter."
Aksa shrugged. "I was just making a suggestion."
The atmosphere of the group began to feel familiar, although there was a little awkwardness in some of the gaps. Aksa, who initially wanted to avoid all interaction, was now starting to feel... like he didn't want to leave so soon.
After school, the sky was completely gray. A drizzle started to fall. Children ran to the bus stops and parking lots. Artha, who didn't bring an umbrella, stood under the canopy of the school gate hugging his bag.
Aksa was about to step towards the gate when he saw her.
"Not picked up yet?" he asked softly.
Artha shook her head. "I think Mama will be late. But that's okay. I like the rain."
Aksa approached, taking out a black folding umbrella from his bag. "Let's go together."
Artha looked at her, a little surprised. "Seriously? No hassle?"
"Nope. My house is north. Where do you go?"
"West... but I can get off at the market junction. It's close from there."
They walked together under an umbrella. The sound of rain and footsteps was a soft background. There wasn't much conversation, but their silence wasn't empty - it was comfortable.
Artha occasionally glanced to the side. Aksa, with his calm face and forward gaze, looked very... peaceful. Or perhaps, holding something back.
"Do you change schools often?" asked Artha quietly.
Aksa turned her head, a little hesitant to answer. "Twice."
"Why did you transfer?"
The question kept her silent for a long time. Then, softly, she answered, "Family reasons."
"Oh... sorry, if I-"
"It's okay."
Artha nodded. "I also moved when I was in second grade. But because Papa died. We had to move house."
Aksa turned his head. His gaze changed. There was something in Artha's voice-a kink that felt contrived.
"I'm... sorry," he murmured.
Artha smiled slightly. "No, it's okay. That was a long time ago. Besides, I still have Mama."
They stopped at a small junction. The rain had subsided, leaving only dew in the air.
"Just stay here. Thanks for coming," Artha said, looking at Aksa.
Aksa nodded. But before Artha could leave, he said, "Artha."
The girl turned her head.
"I'm glad you're sitting in my class."
Artha was silent for a moment. Then she smiled. "Me too, Aksa."
And with light steps, Artha walked away. Aksa stood watching her back until she disappeared around the corner.
The next day, the classroom atmosphere was not much different. Some students were still talking about last night's rain, others were complaining about the homework that had started piling up. However, Aksa felt a little... lighter this morning.
When he entered the classroom, Artha was already in his seat. Her hair was in a two-sided ponytail, with a small blue ribbon. She seemed to be joking with Aira and Bianca, then suddenly turned to Aksa and gave a small wave.
Aksa didn't wave back, just nodded briefly as he walked to his seat. But his face couldn't hide the faint smile that just appeared.
Hazel, who was sitting behind him, immediately elbowed him. "Oi, bro. Are you for real? It's only been two days of school and you're already waving at the school queen."
"She's the one waving," Aksa retorted quickly.
"And you're the one who gave her heart, huh?" chimed in Keira, who was also listening. She and Hazel laughed contentedly at Aksa who immediately covered his face with a book.
Not long after, the homeroom teacher came in with a new announcement.
"Next week you'll start working in groups, make sure you have a concept. This creative presentation is worth a lot, so don't underestimate it."
Bianca immediately stood up and turned her body towards her group. "We're going to make a mystery play, right? Let's meet after school."
"Where?" asked Lily.
"The back hall is empty at four. We can use that place."
Artha agreed. "Okay, we can all go there. Aksa, are you coming?"
"Yes," Aksa replied without hesitation. Hazel who sat at the back just gave two thumbs up while whispering to Keira, "Look, he's already tamed."
The day went quickly. As soon as the last bell rang, their small group headed to the back hall of the school. The hall was spacious, with slightly creaky wooden floors and tall windows that let in the afternoon light. The atmosphere was a bit old, but cozy.
"The place is kind of creepy, huh," Aira murmured as she hugged Artha's arm.
"It's perfect for practicing mystery plays," Bianca added.
They sat in a circle in the center of the room. Bianca opened her laptop, while Lily started doodling in her sketchbook.
"I've already thought of the setting," said Bianca. "An elite school with a secret underground room. One student is missing, and the only clue... is a diary found in the art room."
"Wow," Artha commented. "It's like a mystery novel. I like it!"
"Who's the main character?" asked Aira as she glanced around.
Everyone's eyes immediately turned to Aksa.
"Eh? Me?" asked Aksa, confused.
Artha laughed. "Yes. You're the one who's best suited to be the quiet, secretive character. That's Aksa."
"I can't act."
"You can," Lily said. "We'll help you later. You just need to be yourself, like now."
Aksa sighed. "Okay... just don't ask me to dance or sing."
Hazel, who had quietly come to sit at the edge of the hall, grinned. "If you sing, we'll all go home early, bro."
Everyone laughed. The atmosphere of the group meeting became relaxed and intimate. Artha began to distribute roles and tasks. He seemed a natural as a group leader-intelligent, perceptive, and knew when to joke around.
When they took a short break, Artha sat next to Aksa. He opened a small lunch box that contained orange slices and biscuits.
"Want some?" he offered, offering an orange.
Aksa hesitated for a moment, but then took one. "Thanks."
"I usually bring lunch in the afternoon. I was once starving during an extracurricular activity. It was really bad."
"That's true," Aksa said as he chewed.
Artha looked at him for a moment, then said softly, "I'm glad you want to join our group work."
Aksa turned his head. "Why?"
"Because... I know what it's like to be new. It's hard to fit into other people's circles. But you don't seem pushy, and you fit right in with the rest of us."
Aksa didn't answer immediately. But in his heart, he felt touched.
"I thought this school would be the same as before," Aksa said softly. "But apparently, it's different."
Artha looked deeply into his eyes. "What's different?"
"The people."
Artha's smile grew. But before she could say anything, Hazel called out, "Artha, Aksa, come here first. We want to simulate the initial scene."
The two got up and returned to the center of the hall. The rehearsal was exciting. They tried out various scenes, even laughing when Aksa mispronounced a character's name and Bianca spontaneously turned it into an improvised scene.
Afternoon was beginning to fall. Golden light poured in through the windows of the hall, giving it a warm feel that strangely felt... like home.
After rehearsal, they walked hand in hand to the school gate. Aksa walked beside Artha, while Hazel and Keira were busy arguing about who should be the antagonist in the story.
"I think Zen should be the antagonist," said Bianca. "He has a heavy voice and a mysterious face."
"Zen?" muttered Aksa quietly. The name sounded foreign, but familiar.
"An 11-A student," Lily replied. "He's said to be really smart but rarely socializes. I hear he has a unique background. Perfect for a mysterious role."
Aksa just nodded slowly. But something in the back of her mind seemed to be disturbed. That name... it was as if he had heard it in a dream, or in a vague shadow.
After saying goodbye, Artha returned with Bianca and Lily, while Aksa went home alone with Hazel.
"You're daydreaming again," Hazel said suddenly.
Aksa blinked. "Nope. Just thinking about it."
"Are you getting comfortable here?"
Aksa nodded. "Not bad."
Hazel looked at her best friend for a moment. "I know you don't get close to people easily. But... Artha is different, isn't he?"
Aksa didn't answer, but his eyes were fixed on the sky. Dusk had fallen. The afternoon breeze carried the smell of grass and soil wet from yesterday's rain. There was something in Aksa's heart that was slowly melting.
The next day, the sky was clear. A perfect morning to start a new day at school. Aksa came a little earlier than usual. The corridor was still quiet. He walked slowly towards the classroom, and found that Artha was already in the room, sitting in his seat listening to music through white earphones.
Aksa paused at the doorway, watching Artha from afar. The morning sunlight filtered through the window, hitting Artha's neatly coiffed hair. He looked peaceful. Unaware of anyone's presence.
For some reason, Aksa felt the scene was... familiar.
"Have I seen him like this before...?"
Aksa's step woke Artha from his reverie. She turned around, smiled a little, and removed one of her earphones.
"Morning, Aksa," she greeted lightly.
Aksa nodded. "Morning."
There was a brief pause. Silence. But not an awkward silence. More like... a comfortable silence.
Artha lifted a small box from the table. "Want some bread? I brought two."
Aksa hesitated, then sat up slowly in his chair. "Sure."
They sat next to each other, eating the bread in silence. But there was no awkwardness. Occasionally, Artha glanced at Aksa and smiled when he saw her eating with gusto, though she tried to remain calm.
"Uh, do you like strawberry flavor?" she asked.
Aksa nodded. "Why do you ask that?"
"Because yesterday at the cafeteria, you took strawberry juice. And now you're eating strawberry too."
Aksa looked down at the bread in his hand. "Didn't realize."
Artha laughed softly. "I like the taste of matcha. So if you see me quiet, I'm probably enjoying something bitter."
Aksa smiled too. "But you don't seem to like bitter things."
"Bitter doesn't mean disliked, right?" Artha replied.
That answer made Aksa think for a moment. Deeply. Deeper than just the taste of food.
One by one, the students began to arrive. Hazel appeared with a big yawn, her hair still a bit disheveled.
"Crazy, I dreamt of being chased by zombies last night," she said as she dropped her bag on the table.
Keira followed behind, sitting down while combing her hair that had gotten tangled in the morning breeze.
"You have weird dreams every day, Hazel. But you're still alive. Strong too," Keira teased with a smile.
Hazel raised an eyebrow. "Because I have you, of course."
Keira pretended to be disgusted, but her face turned red.
Meanwhile, Artha got up and returned to his seat. Before leaving, she briefly turned to Aksa.
"I saved one more loaf of bread. If you're hungry, just tell me."
Aksa only replied with a small nod. But his cheeks, unconsciously, began to warm.
The lesson began. The day seemed to pass quickly because in between free periods, their group began discussing the props needed for the mystery play. Bianca seemed enthusiastic about borrowing an old coat from her father. Aira suggested using the projector to show the atmosphere of the "secret room."
"I can edit the video later," said Lily, lifting a flashdrive from her pocket.
"Wow, you're so cool!" praised Artha.
"It's normal. I've always been into editing," Lily replied with a proud smile.
When class time ended, Artha approached Aksa again.
"Do you have time today?"
Aksa looked over. "Why?"
"We're going to the city library. Look for references for the story's setting. Bianca said there's a book about the history of old schools in this area."
Aksa thought for a moment. "That's fine. What time?"
"Four o'clock. Let's meet at the gate, okay?"
"Okay."
Hazel, who was listening from behind, immediately piped up, "Wow, this is already the academic dating stage."
"Hazel!" exclaimed Keira as she covered her girlfriend's mouth.
That afternoon, Aksa walked towards the gate with light steps. There, Artha was waiting for him with Aira and Lily. Bianca followed five minutes later, hastily carrying a large folder.
"Sorry! I left my wallet behind!" she said under her breath.
The trip to the library was a short ten-minute angkot ride. Along the way, Aksa sat next to the window, listening to Artha and Aira talk about the suspicious-looking new teachers.
"Mr. Dirga must have a secret background. I'm sure!" said Aira.
"I think he's a former failed magician," chuckled Lily.
Arriving at the library, they were greeted by cool air and the smell of old books. A large room with tall shelves full of history.
"This is heaven," whispered Artha as he looked around.
They split up to look for references. Aksa and Artha accidentally found themselves standing on the same shelf. Both were looking for books related to the history of the old school.
"It's funny," Artha said suddenly. "We're often unknowingly... in the same place."
Aksa looked at her. "Do you believe in destiny?"
Artha didn't answer immediately. He rubbed the spine of an old book that was neatly lined up, then turned his head slowly.
"I believe... that some encounters are not coincidences. But not destiny either. Maybe... an opportunity given by nature to change our lives."
Aksa stood still for a moment. Then smiled faintly. "You're too poetic for a high school student."
Artha laughed. "I like to think about unimportant things. But sometimes what's not important can become really important."
Aksa nodded slowly. "Maybe you're right."
As they walked towards the reading table, Artha unconsciously nudged Aksa's arm. It was gentle. But enough to make them look away from each other for a moment.
It was getting dark by the time they finished. Outside, the sky was already turning orange.
"Tomorrow we'll practice again in the hall, yes," Bianca said as she waved goodbye.
Aksa and Artha walked together slower than the others.
"Are you tired?" asked Artha quietly.
"No, I'm not. It's just... I haven't talked this much in a long time."
Artha looked at her, smiling. "Then you need to talk more often. So you're not alone in your own head for too long."
That sentence... struck a deep chord in Aksa's heart.
They stopped at the fork in the road, where they had to part ways.
"Artha."
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
Artha winked. "For?"
"Everything. Today was... fun."
Artha laughed softly. "Did you just know? Today is one of the best days of our lives. Although we don't know why yet."
And as Aksa walked home, he felt... his chest warm. Like something was growing there. Slowly. But surely.