ICE AND ECHOES
"Ruhi!"
The voice came before the knock, followed by the sound of the front door creaking open. Ruhi looked up from her book, a soft smile forming as she recognized the energetic rhythm of Sidro’s voice.
"Ruhi, let’s go! Class at the ice rink starts in thirty minutes—Yafutu’s gonna lock us out if we’re late!"
Ruhi carefully placed her bookmark between the pages and stood, stretching slightly. Her world had been quiet just moments ago—exactly how she liked it. But she didn’t mind the interruption, not when it came from Sidro.
By the time her friend burst into the room, cheeks flushed from the breeze outside, Ruhi was already reaching for her coat.
"You didn’t check if I was free," Ruhi said mildly, though there was a gentle tease in her eyes.
"You’re never too busy for Yafutu’s class," Sidro replied with a wink. "Besides, everyone’s going today. Irfan’s there already—and I think Junaid is too."
Ruhi paused only for a heartbeat. Not because of anything big—just that Junaid had a quiet presence, the kind that stood out without trying to. He wasn’t someone she thought about often, but when she did, it was usually with respect. He always lowered his gaze, always spoke with calmness, and always helped the younger students without being asked.
That kind of character stuck with her.
Still, she said nothing, only nodded and followed Sidro out the door, wrapping her scarf a little tighter.
The wind met them as they stepped outside, cold and full of promise.
They walked side by side, boots crunching against the sidewalk dusted with frost. The sun was still low in the sky, casting a pale golden hue over the rooftops. Sidro, as usual, filled the silence with easy chatter.
"Irfan said he’s trying to race Junaid on the ice today. I told him he's going to fall flat on his face," she laughed, hugging her arms against the cold.
Ruhi smiled, tucking her hands into her sleeves. "Doesn’t Junaid usually help the others rather than race them?"
"Exactly!" Sidro grinned. "That’s why it’s going to be a disaster. Irfan just wants an excuse to compete."
Ruhi didn’t reply immediately. Her thoughts drifted slightly as she watched a bird hop from a low fence and take flight. It wasn’t that she was nervous about seeing Junaid—but there was something about how he carried himself. Calm. Grounded. Like he belonged in every space he entered without needing to say much.
But it wasn’t something she would ever speak of out loud. Not even to Sidro. Not unless there was something serious and clear—and with intention. For now, they were classmates. And that was enough.
"You’re quiet again," Sidro said, nudging her lightly. "Thinking about physics or feelings?"
Ruhi rolled her eyes. "Neither. Just enjoying the cold before the rink makes me regret coming."
Sidro laughed, the sound warm in the crisp air. "You say that every time, but you always skate better than all of us by the end."
They turned the final corner, the ice rink’s curved roof coming into view ahead—frost shimmering on its windows like lace. The hum of students gathered outside reached them before they saw anyone.
Ruhi took a deep breath, letting it settle her. Just another class. Just another day.
And maybe—just maybe—a new page in a story that hadn’t been written yet.
