The Fence Between Us

Episode 17

That afternoon, the sky was overcast. The sunlight was hidden behind thick clouds, leaving only a soft, muted glow over the schoolyard after the final class. Grande and I walked back to our room, carrying our teaching supplies.

Grande hummed as she walked, swinging a canvas bag by her side. She always looked like nothing ever bothered her — cheerful, light-hearted, and full of energy.

We had just turned down the narrow path behind the classrooms when Grande suddenly stopped. She turned to me, narrowing her eyes like she was sizing me up for something serious.

— “Leyla.”

— “Hmm?”

— “Do you… like Mathis?”

I froze. My heart skipped a beat.

Grande kept her gaze on me, tilting her head expectantly.

— “Why would you ask that?” — I tried to keep my voice neutral, but something in my expression must have given me away because she let out a small laugh.

— “I’m not blind, you know. Ever since he showed up, you’ve been watching him more than usual. Every time he’s nearby, you sneak glances at him — and when he looks your way, you pretend you weren’t looking at all.”

I slowed my pace, eyes fixed on the ground.

Grande leaned in closer, her voice teasing:

— “You like him, don’t you?”

I quickly raised my index finger to my lips, whispering:

— “Shh!”

Her eyes widened, then she burst into laughter.

I was too embarrassed to meet her eyes.

— “Yeah… I like him.” — I exhaled softly, barely louder than a breath.

— “Since when?” — Grande asked, her tone no longer teasing.

I bit my lip and answered quietly:

— “Since I was a student… It’s been eight years now.”

Her eyes grew wide in disbelief:

— “Wait, Leyla! You’ve known Mathis from before?”

— “Not exactly. He doesn’t remember me. I just… liked him, silently. No one ever knew.”

Grande fell silent for a moment, then asked gently:

— “So, what are you going to do now?”

I stopped walking and looked at her, my eyes more serious than usual.

— “I don’t know yet. I’m still trying to figure out what I’m feeling. Whether I’m just holding on to old memories… or if this is something real, something new.”

Grande nodded slowly. I continued, more quietly now:

— “That’s why… Grande, could you please keep this a secret?”

She didn’t reply right away. Instead, she studied me for a moment, then gave me a soft smile.

— “Of course. But only on one condition.”

— “What is it?”

— “When you’re sure… you have to tell me first.”

I laughed, the weight in my chest easing a little. I nodded:

— “Deal.”

And then, we kept walking down the narrow path. Neither of us said anything more, but I knew — something important had just been shared… and was now being protected.

The next morning, I woke up with a strangely light heart. Maybe it was because I had finally voiced the feelings I’d been hiding for so long to Grande. No one had to coax or urge me—I simply felt relieved to have named my own emotions at last.

As I stepped out of my room, the sky was clear and blue, with the early sunlight gently resting on the thatched rooftops and bamboo fences. The air was fresh and still carried the soft dampness of the rain from the night before. I stopped by the canteen for a cup of hot ginger tea, then quickly made my way to class.

After the lesson ended, I took advantage of the free time to visit the library behind the main building and look for a few additional teaching materials. The room was quiet, with only the soft sound of the wind slipping through the cracks in the wooden doors. I let my hand glide along the rows of books until I reached the math section for primary students. My eyes landed on a blue-covered book placed quite high on the shelf.

I tiptoed.

Reached out.

Stretched a little further… still not high enough. The old bookshelf towered over my height. I pursed my lips and tried again—this time I nearly touched it, but still couldn’t quite reach.

Suddenly, another hand reached out from behind me.

Very close.

A breath brushed past my ear.

Startled, I froze. The person behind me was so near I could hear the sound of his footsteps stopping, feel his presence, his stillness… and the rapid beat of my own heart.

The book was pulled down with ease. I turned—only to see Mathis.

He stood there calmly, as if this happened every day. He handed me the book, his gaze as gentle as ever.

— “I thought you might need this.”

I nodded, taking the book from him, my voice barely audible:

— “Um… thanks.”

He didn’t reply immediately. The slanting light from the window caught his face, illuminating the strong yet quiet features. I felt my composure slipping, especially after I had just confessed to Grande about the feelings I had for him.

Mathis glanced around for a moment, then asked:

— “Why didn’t you ask someone to help?”

— “I… thought I could reach it,” I replied softly.

Mathis didn’t say anything. But he stood there, not leaving right away. The space between us seemed to slow down.

I didn’t know what to say next. Hugging the book to my chest awkwardly, I took a small step back:

— “I… I should bring this back to the classroom…”

I turned to leave, but then paused. Something inside me urged me to ask. I turned back, looking at him hesitantly:

— “Um… why are you here?”

Mathis lifted his gaze slightly, eyes scanning the old bookshelves, then answered in a calm voice:

— “I was looking for some materials for the team. A few things related to community activities and education programs.”

I nodded slightly, a bit surprised:

— “You… read that kind of stuff too?”

— “Sometimes,” he replied with a slight shrug. “I don’t understand all of it, but knowing a bit helps. Especially when I’m working alongside a teacher.”

I let out a soft chuckle.

Mathis looked at me, the corner of his lips curving upward slightly:

— “You find that strange?”

— “No… it’s just… I thought you’d only focus on your own duties.”