Before We Knew

Between Pages and Hallways

The warmth of Saturday faded quickly. By Monday morning, the frost was back, stretching across rooftops and dusting the school gates in thin, glittering white.

Ruhi walked beside Sidro as usual, their steps familiar on the pavement leading to Westbridge Academy. The chatter of other students drifted around them, but the world between the two girls felt like its own small space.

"You’re not gonna believe this," Sidro said, pulling her bag tighter over one shoulder. "They moved our literature assignment deadline forward."

Ruhi blinked. "Forward?"

"Forward. As in due this week. Mr. Halden said something about wanting to ‘make room for creative presentations.’" Sidro sighed. "That man lives to stress people."

Ruhi chuckled lightly. “We already have the draft done. We’ll be fine.”

“You have the draft done,” Sidro shot her a look. “I was depending on your calm brain energy to rub off on me.”

They entered the building through the side door, the scent of cold air and hallway floor polish mingling in the air. School was as it always was—voices bouncing off lockers, the soft slam of books, and that half-chaotic rush to beat the bell.

Ruhi made her way to her locker, twisting the dial easily.

A voice called from down the hallway. “Yo, Sidro! Tell Ruhi to stop stressing and let you wing it.”

Sidro grinned. “Speak of the devil.”

Irfan approached with his usual confident grin, tossing his bag over one shoulder. “Morning, Ruhi,” he added, tone playful but respectful.

“Morning,” she replied with a polite nod, not breaking rhythm as she slid her books into her bag.

Junaid trailed a few steps behind, quieter, calmer. He offered a simple “Hey,” as he passed, his eyes briefly meeting hers.

Ruhi gave a slight smile. “Hey.”

It was the kind of moment that passed quickly—but still felt like it lingered.

They all shared the first period together—History—so the four of them walked the corridor in a loose group, Sidro and Irfan chatting ahead while Ruhi and Junaid trailed a few steps behind.

“Did you finish the reading for today?” Junaid asked, keeping his voice low.

“Yeah. Last night,” Ruhi replied.

“I figured you would.” He didn’t say it mockingly—just matter-of-fact. Like he noticed things.

Ruhi didn’t quite know how to respond, so she said nothing. But she didn’t feel awkward either. Just… aware.

As they entered the classroom, she took her usual seat by the window. Sidro plopped down beside her, Irfan in front, and Junaid two rows over.

The teacher’s voice eventually filled the room, but Ruhi’s thoughts drifted. Her gaze flicked to the tiny crease forming in Junaid’s brow as he focused, the way he leaned slightly forward when listening. She looked away just as he glanced up, unsure if he’d seen.

It wasn’t anything serious. N

ot yet.

Just… something small.

Something steady.