That day, the sun shone as usual. The sky was a clear blue without a single cloud, and the light fell gently to the ground. But to Raeya, that light felt piercing—too bright, too sharp, like it was exposing the feelings she desperately wanted to hide.
She walked down the school hallway with her books clutched tightly to her chest, as if protecting something fragile. Her eyes stared blankly at the ground, following the shadow of her slow steps. Laughter and conversations echoed all around her, but none of it reached her. It was like a distant hum without direction.
For days now, being with Val, Chessa, and Rere felt… strange. They used to laugh together, whisper secrets under the desk, and doodle their dreams on notebook pages. But now, all that was left were hollow conversations and smiles laced with hidden jabs. Their laughter still rang out—but it wasn't the kind that warmed her heart. It was sharp, laced with invisible blades that silently landed on Raeya's chest.
She still sat beside them. Still walked with them. But the space between them had turned cold, like a glass wall separating her breath from the world.
One sunny afternoon, Raeya tried opening another door. She approached a group of students sitting in the school garden. Her cheeks were stiff with nerves, but she forced a small smile onto her lips.
"Hi… I'm Raeya. Can we be friends?" she asked. Softly. Sincerely. Carrying a small hope that hadn't yet died.
The kids turned to look at her. One of them stared for a moment. But only for a moment—before they all stood up, turned away, and walked off without a single word.
Raeya remained standing there. Frozen. The afternoon breeze brushed her cheeks as they began to burn.
Am I scary? Am I dirty? Why does everyone stay away from me…?
Later that same day during recess, the four of them sat near the hallway window. The light was warm, but not to Raeya. Val turned toward her, looking like a queen ready to give orders.
"Raeya, go get me a drink. I'm super thirsty," she said lazily, stretching out her hand.
Raeya frowned slightly. "Mmh… why don't we just go together to the canteen?"
Val grimaced, as if the question was absurd. "Ugh, Raeya… I'm really tired. And we're in the middle of a great conversation. Come on… would you really let your friend dehydrate?"
"Yeah," Chessa and Rere chimed in almost at once. "Raeya, go buy it. Hurry up, we're thirsty too."
Their gazes shifted. Not harsh. But sharp. Eyes that said: Just follow along. Don't resist.
Raeya swallowed hard. Her heart pounded with unease. She didn't want to make them angry. She didn't want them to leave her. All she wanted… was to still belong. Even if only as a shadow.
"…Alright," she said quietly.
"Use your money first, 'kay? I'll pay you back later, promise!" Val added quickly, before Raeya could say anything.
"Huh? But—"
"Us too," Chessa interrupted. "Just get for all of us."
Raeya bit her lip. "But you still have your allowance…"
"Oh really? You mind?" Rere tilted her head with a mocking tone. "Such a great friend, huh."
With heavy steps, Raeya went to buy three bottles of drinks.
When she came back and handed them over, there were no smiles. No thank yous. Just hands grabbing the bottles without a glance her way. Caps twisted open, and their conversation picked up again—about who was weird in class, which teachers were boring, and who should be ignored this week.
Raeya sat among them. But not a single word touched her.
Her hand still held the empty plastic bag.
Her chest tightened.
When did their laughter turn into thorns?
The final bell rang, shattering what was left of her day.
They walked to the school gate together, steps that once felt joyful now just flat and empty. And once they reached the front, one by one, they climbed into their private cars. No goodbyes. No waves. Not even a glance back.
Raeya remained standing there. Alone.
Then she took a long breath.
Maybe it's just in my head… Maybe tomorrow, they'll be like they used to be…
She gripped the straps of her backpack tighter, clinging to whatever courage she had left. Then she walked home, toward the one place that still made her feel like she mattered.
To the hospital. To the apartment.
To someone she could still protect.
+:｡.｡ ｡.｡:+
Auntie Lily and Raeya stood outside Kael's room. After the critical incident some time ago, the boy's physical condition had improved significantly. But his heart hadn't. Kael still held on to fear, trauma, and deep distrust. Every time Raeya tried to approach, he would resist—sometimes even lash out. But today, Raeya didn't want to give up. She knew… she had to be brave.
They entered. Auntie Lily set the supplies on the table and began tidying up the bed.
Raeya slowly walked toward Kael's bed. The boy sat there, staring out the window with a distant look. But the moment he heard her footsteps, his body tensed up.
"Umm… hey, Kael. Are you… doing okay today?" Raeya asked softly.
Kael turned to look at her. His gaze was sharp—but behind that sharpness, there was something else. Something darker. Fear.
His heart pounded. She's here again. She came again. Even though he had clearly pushed her away so many times. Why does she keep coming back? he thought in a panic.
He bit his lip. His small hands started trembling on top of the blanket. His breath quickened, as if he were suffocating. In his mind, echoes returned—loud voices… dark places… and touches that made his body freeze.
Don't come near me… Don't come near me… Don't come near me… he whispered in his head, over and over like a chant.
But Raeya kept walking. Her expression gentle. Her smile warm. And that only made Kael more afraid.
Why is she smiling? Why isn't she scared of me? Why doesn't she just give up…?
"Kael… If you're feeling better, let's play together. I know… you must be lonely here…"
Raeya stepped closer. Too close. Too fast.
In an instant—Kael's eyes widened. His hand shot out, grabbing a light metal object from the table. And—
THUD!
"Aaah—!!"
The object hit Raeya's temple with a dull smack. Her vision went blurry, and a hot pain spread across the side of her head.
"Raeya!!" Auntie Lily screamed, rushing over to cradle the small, slumped body that clutched at the bleeding wound.
Kael's breaths came fast and uneven. His chest rose and fell rapidly. His eyes were wide, stunned by what he'd just done. He stared at them… waiting for a scolding… retaliation… rage.
But instead, he saw—
Raeya crying in a warm embrace.
"Oh my god… Sweetheart, you're hurt…" Auntie Lily whispered, voice shaking with worry.
Kael froze. His hand gripped the hem of his shirt tightly. Something broke inside his chest. He couldn't understand—why wasn't anyone yelling at him? Why… was she crying? Not out of anger, but from sadness?
He had hurt her… but she didn't hurt him back?
Raeya's tear-stained face kept replaying in his mind.
Why… does she still come back?
༶•┈┈⛧┈♛
After her wound was treated, Raeya sat quietly in Auntie Lily's lap, a small bandage wrapped around the side of her head. Her body was still trembling softly.
Auntie Lily held her tight. "Sweetheart… You're safe now. It's okay. I'm here."
Raeya bit her lip. Her eyes were glassy with tears.
"Auntie… I just wanted to be close to Kael… I just… didn't want him to feel alone…"
Auntie Lily gently stroked Raeya's hair. "Sweetheart… Kael hasn't fully healed yet. He's hurting in ways we can't even see. He needs time… and your patience. But I know your heart, Raeya. It's so big. And if you keep holding on… I believe you'll reach him."
Raeya nodded slowly, hugging Auntie Lily tighter.
And in her heart, though the pain still stung…
"I won't give up. I'll stay by his side. I'll protect Kael… like he's my own family."