***
*Ding* *Dong* *Ding* *Dong*
A loud bell blared through the school, signalling that the day had come to an end. Everyone stood up from their seats at once and gave a small bow.
"Thank you for today," we all said in unison.
The teacher returned the gesture with a polite nod before dismissing us. Students grabbed their bags and began filing out of the classroom. I didn't like squeezing through crowded doorways or walking in packed hallways, so I stayed seated at my desk for a little longer.
I glanced out the window. Snow blanketed the world outside.
A shiver ran down my spine. Wow, I just can't wait to walk home with this snow! I thought sarcastically.
Back when I was still in elementary school, I would've been ecstatic at the sight of snowfall. Now that I'm in my first year of middle school, however, the winter magic kind of disappeared.
I couldn't help but sigh. It was a little sad, but I guess that's just what happens when you grow up. I still try my best to enjoy it, though.
Suddenly, from the reflection in the glass, I noticed someone sneaking up from behind me.
I held back a breath of exasperation. What the hell does she think she's doing? Does she think I can't notice her?
That was when a bright idea formed in my mind. A smirk threatened to cross my face, but I kept it down as I continued to feign ignorance.
I let her close the distance between us until she was a few feet away. Then I quickly spun around and shouted, "BOO!"
"AHHHHHH!"
The mystery person lurched backwards so fast that she lost her footing and hit the floor with a thud.
"Ouch!" she groaned, rubbing the back of her head.
I casually got up from my seat and crouched beside her.
"So," I asked obnoxiously, "how does it feel?"
She crossed both her arms and dramatically flicked her head away, refusing to look at me.
"Nope. I don't even want to look at you right now. Shoo shoo, go away."
She held a hand up in a feeble attempt to block my face. I tilted my head to the side, but she moved her hand accordingly. We repeated this until I got tired and grabbed both her arms.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing to me!" she yelled in horror.
"Just stop being annoying for a second!" I said through gritted teeth.
The two of us continued this pointless struggle until suddenly, I heard the sound of footsteps rapidly approaching the classroom. Yuka tensed, but I moved.
I jumped up immediately, grabbed my bag, slung it over my shoulder, and caught Yuka's arm.
"Hey! What are you–"
Before she could finish, the door swung open, and the custodian barged into the room.
"What are you two still doing here?!" he shouted.
Yuka squeezed my hand, but I kept my composure. I put on a polite smile as I gracefully tucked my hair behind my ear.
"Haha, sorry for all the ruckus we caused," I said. "My friend tripped and hurt her ankle, so I was trying to help her up." I paused, then let out an embarrassed chuckle. "Sadly, I'm not that strong, so it was a bit of a struggle for me."
I could feel Yuka staring at me in disbelief from the corner of my eye as I kept my gaze steady on the custodian.
"Should I help?" he asked hesitantly.
I shook my head right away.
"No, there's no need. I already called my Big Brother over to help, and I don't want to waste his time for nothing. He'd also have to help walk her home anyway. I appreciate your offer, though, thank you."
The custodian nodded firmly and left the room.
I listened until his footsteps faded completely. Once the hallway was quiet again, I finally relaxed.
"He's gone," I said. I turned to Yuka with a sly grin. "You can start screaming again."
Yuka immediately let go of my hand and collapsed onto the floor with a tired groan. Even though she hadn't done anything, she was completely out of breath.
"Holy shit, Lily," she panted, staring at the ceiling. "You're wayyy too good at that, ya know."
I stood up and wiped the dust off my uniform. "What are you talking about?"
She struggled to pick herself up from the floor as she replied, "Well—you know… that whole making up thing you just did."
I walked over to the classroom door and slid it open. "Well," I said lightly, "I guess I learned from the best."
I stepped into the hallway and shut the door behind me.
The hallway air was cold and still, completely devoid of students. My footsteps echoed as I walked. I glanced out the window. The falling snow added to the quiet, filling me with a strange sense of peace.
I took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.
I guess… the magic isn't all lost yet–
Then, a door slid open behind me.
"Goddammit, Lily! Can't you just wait for a girl to get her stuff?!"
Yuka's footsteps thundered down the hall. I stopped and let her catch up. Once she did, she wrapped her arm around mine and pointed ahead.
"To home we go!"
I rolled my eyes.
You're so overdramatic, but…
I intertwined my fingers through hers—
That's what I like about you!
And started running.
"W-wait–"
I didn't slow down. We just kept running and running, the cold air stinging our faces as we laughed. A wall suddenly loomed ahead of us—but we were moving too fast to stop.
We crashed into the wall and tumbled to the floor.
Even then, we never let go of each other's hands.