Laughter That Hurts

Episode Four(4):The Collision

The next morning, I woke with Sama on my mind. Her hug at the junction yesterday, her bright smile—it lingered like a warm shadow as I got ready for school. Breakfast was quick—bread and Milo—but Granny noticed my excitement and simply smiled, saying nothing more. I felt a flicker of hope I hadn’t felt in months.

At school, the corridors buzzed with the usual chaos: lockers slamming, students shouting greetings, teachers rushing past with stacks of papers. Somehow, it all felt less overwhelming. Seeing Sama yesterday had reminded me that maybe I wasn’t invisible anymore.

After first period, I found her at the canteen. She waved me over, her energy practically lighting up the crowded room.

“Morning, Lucy! Ready for another round of studying?” she called, grinning.

“Always,” I replied, sliding into the seat opposite her. She had a tray piled with bread and juice, and for a moment, I envied her confidence. But it was contagious. Soon, I felt lighter, more willing to laugh and talk.

We shared notes, quizzed each other, and laughed over mistakes. My head was buzzing with formulas, historical dates, and tricky English sentences, but it felt good. For the first time, I felt like I belonged somewhere—not just a ghost wandering the hallways.

Time flew. The bell for closing rang before I realized it. I grabbed my bag and started toward our usual meeting spot for after-school lessons. My heart skipped at the thought of spending more time with Sama, learning, joking, and sharing small secrets only we knew.

The stairs were crowded. I rushed to make up for lost time, taking two steps at a time, focused on the small victory of being on time. And then—bam!—I collided with someone descending the opposite side. Books spilled everywhere.

“I’m so sorry—it’s all my fault!” I gasped, bending quickly to help gather them.

When I stood, my heart nearly stopped.

It was Ivan.

He looked up at me with that impossible calm. His chiseled jaw, messy-perfect hair, and piercing eyes made the world tilt slightly. He smiled politely, and it felt like someone had switched the lights on in the middle of a gray room.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I didn’t see you coming.”

Why was he apologizing when I had caused the collision? My throat tightened. I managed, “It’s… fine,” and grabbed the last book. My legs moved before my mind could catch up.

As I rushed to class, Sama called after me. “Hey! Who’s chasing you?”

“No one. Can we start?” I said, still distracted, but my mind replayed Ivan’s face—the curve of his smile, the intensity of his gaze.

Sama caught on immediately. She furrowed her brow but didn’t press, letting me focus as we began our after-school study session. I tried to concentrate on the problems in front of me—algebra equations, science diagrams—but Ivan kept intruding, like a shadow I couldn’t shake.

After a while, Sama closed her book. “Lucy, you’re not concentrating. You don’t look okay. You know you can tell me anything,” she said gently.

“I… yeah, I know,” I muttered. But I couldn’t explain it. How could I? One small collision had turned my stomach upside down, made my chest beat too fast, and left me thinking of things I didn’t fully understand. We closed earlier than usual.

We said our goodbyes at the junction. Sama waved and turned down her usual path, humming softly as she went.

I stood there for a moment, watching her disappear. Then I took a deep breath and faced my own direction.

Get a grip, Lucy, I told myself. It was just an accident. Just a stranger.

I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and started walking. One step. Then another. I focused on the sound of my sandals against the pavement, determined to clear my head and leave the day behind me.

I had barely taken five steps when I slowed.

Something—or someone—was standing right in front of me.

My heart dropped to my stomach.

Guess who I met again?