Aira set her phone aside and looked up as she walked out of the cafeteria. Ahead Elena was leaving class with her friend moving gracefully but looking slightly weary. Suddenly Aira felt a quick flutter in her chest she didn't know why She instinctively slowed her pace, careful not to draw too much attention.As she passed in front of Elena some of her things slipped to the floor. Without a second thought Aira bent down and picked them up her hand brushing lightly against Elena's. Her gaze met Elena's eyes deep a little tired and tinged with something Aira couldn't quite identify. She couldn't look away.Elena noticed and offered a small grateful smile.Thanks Mira.Aira's lips curved into a soft smile but she didn't correct her name. She simply said gently,Take care of yourself
you don't look well.Elena paused for a moment pressing her hand to her forehead.Yeah my head really hurts.She stood there swaying slightly as if she might collapse.Instinctively Aira stepped closer holding her steady their hands brushing again. She slipped her arm lightly around Elena's steadying her.Do you want me to help you? Aira asked concern threading her voice.
Tasha and Ton had paused mid bite at their table trays in front of them still completely fixated on something happening a few feet away. Mira's eyes wandered in their direction and instantly she noticed their wide eyed stares.What's gotten into you two? she asked.Tasha and Ton froze glancing guiltily at each other a tray of food midway to their mouths. Mira shook her head with a dramatic sigh and muttered under her breath,Honestly what are you even doing?Curiosity got the better of her. She slowly turned around eyes narrowing trying to see what had captured their attention so completely.And that's when she saw it.
Aira and Elena standing close, a subtle intimacy in their posture. Aira's arm lightly around Elena's shoulders, steadying her as Elena leaned slightly exhausted. The moment was quiet and it froze Mira in place. Her eyes widened mouth slightly open expression a mix of surprise amusement, and a pinch of disbelief.For a heartbeat she just stood there unable to look away.Tasha and Ton realizing Mira was watching too quickly rose from their chairs. Tasha moved to Mira's right Ton to her left both trying and failing to appear casual while still sneaking glances at the pair in front of them.
After Aira askedElena shook her headNo, thank you. I'll manage.Aira's eyes softened I still think you should head home.Elena hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding. Her eyes met Aira's who held her gaze with quiet insistence.
Do you need anything else? Aira asked gently.
Elena shook her head again releasing Aira's arm. Aira smiled softly a hint of apology in her expression.Amm sorry,Just take care of yourself.
Saying this she stepped away leaving just before Elena could move.
Tasha and Ton noticed Mira standing there lost in her thoughts still processing the Aira Elena moment.Ton elbowed Tasha Come on let's get her attention. She looks like she's about to melt into the floor. Tasha rolled her eyes but nodded, Ton pulled a small juice carton from his tray with a flourish.Look what I got for you! Juice! Quick choose your flavor!Tasha waved her hand dramatically.Orange obviously. She will pick orange, right?Ton shook his head dramatically.
No way. Blueberry! Definitely blueberry.Mira didn't move still frozen in place. she said No thank you, both of you but since I'm in this much tension, just give me both.Before they could react she grabbed the two juices from their hands held them together and shoved both straws into her mouth at once,She took a tentative sip then pulled a face and exclaimed Yuck! What is this?Tasha and Ton burst out laughing but quickly tried to cheer her up nudging her lightly.Come on it's not that bad!Tasha said.Yeah cheer up! You've got this! Ton added still chuckling.Mira exhaled dramatically straws still in her mouth giving them the most exaggerated deathly glare imaginable.You two succeeded,Thanks for trying.Tasha grinned leaning slightly closer and gently placed her hand on Mira's head.See? We knew we could get you to smile.Ton followed suit resting his hand softly on the other side of Mira's head.Mission accomplished. You're officially cheered up.