Chapter 1:
Date: May 21st, 2022.

Azure Harrington woke with the gentle embrace of the morning sun filtering through her sheer curtains, casting soft golden hues across her room. She stretched, her arms extending above her head as she let out a small sigh, savoring the quiet stillness of dawn. The world outside was just beginning to stir, birds greeting the day with delicate melodies, and the faint rustling of leaves whispering in the morning breeze.

Rolling onto her side, she gazed at the small wooden nightstand beside her bed. A book lay open, its pages slightly curled from being read too many times, and tucked within them was a small, well-worn photograph. She reached out and gently pulled it free, her fingers ghosting over the familiar face in the picture. Thomas Holland. A name that had become a silent prayer in the depths of her heart.

He had been her closest friend, a presence so entwined with her life that sometimes she couldn't tell where friendship ended and something deeper began. But love, true, undeniable love, was a fragile thing, and she had never dared to name it aloud.

Instead, she let it live in the smallest of gestures: the photo hidden in her book, the delicate silver necklace she never took off, simply because he had once touched it, and the unsent messages that lingered in her drafts, filled with words she could never bring herself to send.

With a small, wistful smile, she tucked the picture back between the pages of her diary. The crisp scent of morning air beckoned her, a reminder that life did not pause for longing hearts. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and rose, her feet sinking into the plush rug. The floor was cool beneath her as she made her way toward the window, where a small ceramic pot sat on the sill.

The delicate white blooms of her jasmine plant greeted her, their petals slightly kissed by the morning dew. Azure reached out, brushing her fingers over the leaves. Caring for this plant had become a quiet ritual, a moment of solace in the early hours of the day.

With practice ease, she grabbed the small watering can beside it and let a gentle stream trickle down to the roots. The plant had been a gift, a spontaneous, thoughtless gesture from Thomas during one of their many walks together.

"Something to brighten your window," he had said, grinning as he handed it to her. And now, every morning, she tended to it with the same quiet devotion she had for him.

As she stepped away, her gaze flickered toward her desk, where a notebook lay open. The page was filled with neat, flowing script, lines of poetry she had written in the stillness of night when her thoughts of him were too heavy to bear.

"

Date: May 21st, 2022

Dear Diary,

The morning is quiet. The kind of quiet that feels gentle, like a whisper rather than silence. I woke up early again, though I didn't mind. There's something about dawn that feels different, almost like a new beginning, even though nothing truly changes. Maybe it's the way the light shifts, or how the air smells just a little fresher.

I watered my flowers today. The petals are soft, a pale shade of pink that reminds me of springtime. They make me think of him. How silly, right? To associate something so small with someone so significant. But maybe that's just how my mind works, connecting little things to him without even realizing it.

He used to tease me about my habit of writing in my diary, always curious about what I scribbled away in these pages. I never told him, of course. How could I? How could I admit that so many of these words are about him? That I write about the way he laughs, the way his eyes brighten when he's passionate about something, the way he makes me feel like I belong?

I have a small photo of him tucked inside one of my books, hidden between the pages where no one else will find it. It's not much, just a simple picture, but sometimes I take it out and just look at it. As if staring at it will bring back the moments we've shared, the laughter, the conversations that stretch long into the night.

There's also the necklace. He once touched it, only for a brief moment, but I remember. It was an accident, his fingers brushing against it as he reached for something else, and yet, I haven't been able to forget the way my heart raced at the contact. It's ridiculous, isn't it? Holding on to something so small. But that's just who I am, I find meaning in details that most people would overlook.

I almost texted him tonight. My fingers hovered over the screen, typing out a message before quickly deleting it. What would I even say? "Hey, I miss you." No. Too much. "Hope you're doing well." Too impersonal. So, in the end, I said nothing at all. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe someday.

For now, I'll just write. I'll let my heart speak in ink instead of words sent across a screen. And maybe, just maybe, that will be enough.

I do not say your name aloud,
but it lingers between every breath I take.
Like sunlight that touches without holding,
like rain that soaks without drowning,
you exist within me, always.

I watch you in passing,
a dream made of laughter and fleeting glances,
and in the silence of my own heart,
I wonder if you ever look back.

Love is a quiet thing,
a whisper between the pages of a book,
a touch never taken, a word never spoken,
but still, I keep you here.
Always.

You are the quiet ache I do not name,
A whisper of warmth in the coldest rain.
A constellation traced in trembling hands,
The echo of laughter in shifting sands.

You are the pause between heartbeats slow,
A melody hummed where wildflowers grow.
A touch remembered, a word unsaid,
A dream I cradle but do not shed.

I don't know if he'll ever see these words, if they'll ever reach him. But that's not the point, is it? Some feelings exist simply to be felt, to be written, to be carried quietly in the heart. And if that's all I'll ever have of him, fragments of moments, echoes of memories, then maybe that's enough.

For now, my day continues as it always does. Breakfast with my family, the usual chatter filling the room. I listen, I laugh, I engage, but a part of me is always somewhere else, lost in the quiet spaces where his presence lingers.

I spend yesterday afternoon reading, letting the words of others drown out my own thoughts. I take a walk, letting the crisp air clear my mind, but every so often, I catch myself glancing at my phone. Hoping. Waiting.

But he doesn't text first. He never does. And so, I go about my day, pretending it doesn't matter. Pretending I don't care. But at night, when the world is quiet again, when the only sound is the soft rustling of the wind outside my window, I know the truth. I miss him. And I don't know if he misses me too.

"

Azure let her fingers trail over the ink, as if by touching the words, she could bring them to life. But poetry could not turn longing into reality, the words she wrote cannot come true and so she closed the book with a sigh.

Deciding it was time to start her day, she pulled on a light cardigan over her nightdress and padded downstairs. The scent of coffee already drifted through the air, a comforting sign that the house was waking up.

In the kitchen, her mother stood by the stove, flipping pancakes, while her younger brother sat at the table, scrolling through his phone. The warm, familiar hum of home wrapped around her as she moved toward the counter.

"Morning, sweetheart," her mother greeted, sparing her a quick glance.

"Morning, Mom." Azure reached for the coffee pot and poured herself a cup, inhaling deeply before taking a sip. The first taste of coffee always felt like a small luxury, a quiet indulgence before the day truly began.

Her brother, Roman, finally looked up from his phone. "You were up late again, weren't you?"

Azure shot him a look. "And how would you know that?"

"You always leave the hallway light on when you go to bed late." He smirked, taking a bite of his toast. "What were you doing? Writing more poetry about..."

"Shut up, Roman," she interrupted, shooting him a warning glare before their mother could pick up on anything.

He chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Relax, I'm just saying. You've been kind of lost in your own world lately."

Azure hesitated, her fingers tightening around her coffee cup. He wasn't wrong.

"Just thinking," she said simply.

Their mother turned around, setting a plate of pancakes in front of Roman before turning her attention to Azure. "Thinking about what, dear?"

Azure offered a small smile. "Life, I guess."

Her mother studied her for a moment before nodding. "Just don't forget to live in the present, honey. Too much time in your own head can make you miss what's right in front of you."

Azure nodded, taking another sip of her coffee as if that could wash away the ache in her chest. Because what if the thing she longed for most had already slipped through her fingers? What if Tom was never meant to be hers?

But that was a thought for another time. For now, she would settle for the simple pleasures, the warmth of coffee, the comfort of home, and the quiet presence of love, even if it was never spoken.

Azure made her way upstairs, her feet light against the wooden steps, though her heart felt heavier than usual. There was an ache deep within her, a strange, lingering sadness she couldn't quite explain. It settled in her chest, whispering that she should stay home today. But she didn't listen. She never did.

Stepping into her bedroom, she closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment, letting out a quiet breath. The air felt heavier today, the morning light not as warm, as if the world itself was trying to tell her something.

Shaking the feeling away, she quickly grabbed a fresh set of clothes and headed toward the bathroom. The cold tiles sent a shiver up her spine as she turned on the shower, letting the water heat up before stepping in. The warmth wrapped around her, but it didn't chase away the unease lingering in her thoughts.

She washed quickly, letting the water run over her face, hoping it would wash away whatever this feeling was. But it clung to her, a quiet weight that refused to leave.

After drying off, she slipped into a white floral frock, its soft fabric flowing gently around her. It was simple but elegant, perfect for the warm summer day. Looking in the mirror, she thought she looked fine, even beautiful, but inside, she felt anything but.

Her diary sat on the nightstand, waiting for her. Without thinking, she picked it up and tucked it into her bag. Maybe she'd write later. Maybe the words would help ease the feeling that today was different. She took a deep breath and left her room.

Downstairs, her family was in the sofa room. Her mother sat with a book in hand, occasionally glancing at her husband, who was sipping his morning tea. Nolan was lazily sprawled on the couch, still lost in his phone. It was a normal morning, yet Azure felt as if she were seeing it for the last time.

Shaking the thought away, she walked over to her father and sat beside him. Without a word, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, holding her close.

"Stay home today," he murmured after a moment. It wasn't a command, just a quiet suggestion.

She hesitated. For the first time, she wanted to say yes. She wanted to stay. But she shook her head, offering a small smile. "I'll be fine, Dad."

Her mother looked up, concern flickering in her eyes. "You can listen to your father if you want, sweetheart. It's okay to stay home if you're not feeling up to it."

Azure swallowed, the lump in her throat tightening. Why did it feel like they knew something she didn't?

"I'm okay," she said, her voice softer this time. "I have to go."

Her father sighed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Alright, but be careful. Drive safe."

"I will."

She looked at her mother and brother, memorizing the way they sat, the way they existed in this moment. There was something painfully beautiful about it, about home.

She hugged her father a little tighter before standing. "I love you guys," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Her mother smiled warmly. "We love you too, sweetheart."

Roman barely looked up. "Try not to write poetry while driving."

She rolled her eyes, letting out a small laugh. "I'll try."

With one last glance, she stepped out of the house, the feeling still clinging to her like a second skin. Every part of her had screamed to listen. But what reason could she give? That she felt off? That she had a strange feeling in her chest, a sense of unease she couldn't explain?

She shook her head, brushing off the thought as she slipped into the driver's seat. The sky was a dull shade of gray, clouds heavy with the promise of rain, though the air was still warm with the lingering touch of summer. Rain in summer. It was a strange combination, but perhaps that was what today felt like, contradictory.

***

The drive to college was peaceful. The world looked different today, softer somehow. The sky was a pale shade of blue, with thick clouds gathering at the edges, hinting at rain that had come and might return. Rain in the summer, it was strange, but beautiful.

She turned onto the familiar roads, her hands steady on the wheel. The streets were lined with trees, their leaves still wet from the earlier downpour, glistening under the morning light.

Her mind wandered to Tom. She had always called him that, Tom. It was easier, more familiar. More hers. She wondered what he was doing right now. If he was awake. If he ever thought about her the way she thought about him. She wanted to believe he did.

As she reached the main street, a small coffee shop caught her eye. The place was cozy, tucked between a bookstore and a flower shop. Without thinking, she pulled over.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee wrapped around her the moment she stepped inside. The shop was quiet, a few early customers scattered at different tables, lost in books or quiet conversations.

She walked up to the counter, her fingers brushing against the strap of her bag. The barista, an older woman with kind eyes, smiled at her.

"The usual?" she asked.

Azure nodded. "Yes, please."

As she waited, she glanced outside. The sky was still overcast, but the world felt alive. Drops of water clung to the petals of flowers in the shop next door, the pavement reflecting soft golden hues from the streetlights that were still on.

"Here you go, sweetheart." The barista placed her coffee on the counter, then, to Azure's surprise, added a small plate with a cake on it.

She looked up, surprised. "I didn't order this."

The woman winked. "It's on the house today. You look like you could use a little sweetness."

Mrs. Callahan, who had known Azure for years, gave her a once-over and clicked her tongue. "You look a little pale today, sweetheart. Everything okay?"

Azure hesitated before forcing a small laugh. "Just one of those days, I guess."

Mrs. Callahan nodded, then handed her a cup of steaming coffee, placing a small cake beside it. "Here. Your favorite. On the house."

Mrs. Callahan waved her off. "A little something for my favorite customer. You always bring such kindness into this place. Consider it a treat."

Azure's lips curved into a touched smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Callahan. You didn't have to."

"Nonsense. You deserve a little sweetness in your life," the woman said warmly before shuffling away to tend to another customer.

"Mrs. Callahan, you don't have to..."

"Shush. Eat."

Azure's heart clenched. She didn't know why. She took the plate, offering a grateful smile. "Thank you."

Settling into a corner table, she took a slow sip of her coffee. The warmth spread through her, grounding her. The cake was soft, just the right amount of sweet. It reminded her of childhood, of home, of things she couldn't quite put into words.

She pulled out her diary, flipping to a blank page.

"
Date: May 21st, 2022

Dear Diary,
(Continuation.)

It rained this morning. Not the heavy, stormy kind, but the soft, gentle kind. The kind that feels like a quiet whisper rather than a storm. I feel strange today. There's a weight in my chest, and I don't know why. Maybe it's just one of those days.

Dad told me to stay home. I wanted to. I should have. But I didn't. I stopped by the coffee shop. The lady gave me a cake for free today. Said I looked like I needed something sweet. Maybe I did.

I keep thinking about Tom. I always do. But today, it feels different. Like something is shifting, like something is changing. I don't know what it is, but I hope it's not something bad.

I wish I could tell him. I wish I could say everything I write in these pages. But I won't. Because some things are meant to stay in the quiet corners of my heart.

You are the rain before the storm,
The whisper before the wind howls.
A love too soft to be spoken,
A dream too fleeting to hold.

Maybe I'll see him today. Maybe I won't. Maybe nothing will change. Maybe everything will.

"

She closed the book, pressing her hand against it as if she could keep the words from spilling into reality. Finishing her coffee, she stood, slipping the diary back into her bag. Across the street, the flower shop stood, its colorful blooms swaying slightly in the wind. Without thinking, she walked toward it.

Azure stepped out of the coffee shop, the warm taste of the cake still lingering on her tongue, and the comforting weight of her diary pressed against her side. The rain had stopped, but the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers filled the air. She glanced at her watch.

8:40 AM.

She was going to be late. Letting out a small sigh, she hurried back to her car, slipping into the driver's seat. The roads were clearing up as the morning rush faded, and within minutes, she was pulling into the college parking lot.

The campus was already buzzing with students. Some were gathered in small groups, laughing, chatting about assignments, or complaining about their professors. Others rushed to their classes, clutching books and half-finished coffee cups.

Azure had always loved this place. It was familiar, comfortable-like a second home. She made her way toward the main building, adjusting the strap of her bag when a voice called out to her.

"Azura! Still dreaming about your Tom?"

That's what her friends called her, Azura. She turned to see Lily, her best friend, grinning mischievously. Lily knew, of course, she knew. Azure rolled her eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Lily chuckled, falling into step beside her. "Right, right. You just happen to stare at him every chance you get."

"I do not," Azure protested, though the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her.

Lily nudged her playfully. "Come on, just admit it. You like him."

Azure sighed, shaking her head. "It doesn't matter."

But before Lily could tease her further, they stepped into the cafeteria, where a group of boys sat at one of the corner tables. The center of attention, Thomas Holland. Azure's heart stuttered.

Thomas was laughing at something his friend had said, his brown hair slightly tousled from the wind. His presence was effortless, drawing people in without even trying. Azure swallowed, forcing herself to look away. She walked past their table, keeping her gaze forward, pretending he wasn't there.

But just as she thought she had escaped unnoticed, a firm hand wrapped around her wrist. Her breath hitched. She turned back, eyes widening slightly as she found herself face to face with Thomas. He was smiling, but there was something unreadable in his gaze.

"Where were you going without even acknowledging me?" he asked casually.

Azure blinked. "I... I didn't think you..."

"Notice?" His lips quirked slightly. "I always notice."

Her heart skipped a beat. She smiled, forcing herself to act normal. "Hi, Tom."

"Hi, Azura." His fingers were still around her wrist, warm against her skin. "I have a basketball match today."

"Oh," she said, trying to keep her voice even. "Best of luck."

She attempted to pull her hand away gently, but his grip tightened for just a second before loosening.

"You'll come to cheer me on, right?" His voice was casual, but he took a step closer.

Azure felt her breath hitch. "I..." She bit her lip. "I'll try."

He tilted his head, studying her as if he knew she was lying.

"Good," he said after a moment. "I'll be looking for you."

And just like that, he took her bag from her shoulder.

"Let me take you to class."

"You don't have to..."

"I insist," he interrupted, already walking toward the main hall.

She had no choice but to follow. By the time Azure reached her classroom, she was late. Professor Dawson, an older man with a sharp gaze, paused mid-sentence as she slipped inside.

"Miss Harrington," he said, his voice carrying over the quiet room.

Azure winced.

"Late again?"

"I'm sorry, sir," she said quickly, lowering her head as she hurried to her seat. Professor Dawson sighed, shaking his head. "I assume you have a good reason?"

She hesitated. "I got caught up..."

"With?" He raised a brow.

Azure swallowed. "An important conversation."

His eyes narrowed slightly, but after a beat, he sighed. "See that it doesn't happen again."

She nodded quickly, sinking into her chair as Lily smirked beside her. "Nice excuse," Lily whispered. "Was it with Tom?"

Azure shot her a look, then turned her attention to the professor.

"Now, as I was saying," Professor Dawson continued, "today, we are discussing Shakespearean tragedies, specifically, the themes of fate and free will in Macbeth."

He walked toward the board, writing the title in bold letters.

"Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most profound tragedies, exploring the consequences of unchecked ambition and moral corruption. The question we often ask when analyzing the play is whether Macbeth was truly destined to fall, or if his choices led him there."

He turned to the class. "Miss Harrington, since you've graced us with your presence, let's start with you."

Azure's stomach dropped. "Do you believe Macbeth was a victim of fate or his own choices?"

She hesitated, gathering her thoughts. "I think... it's both."

Professor Dawson raised a brow. "Elaborate."

Azure took a deep breath. "The witches' prophecies set things in motion, but Macbeth still made the choices that led to his downfall. The ambition was already inside him; the prophecies just fueled it."

Professor Dawson nodded, clearly pleased. "An insightful answer. Anyone else?"

A few students joined in, debating the role of Lady Macbeth, the supernatural elements, and whether Macbeth was truly to blame. Azure looked outside of the window and saw Thomas with a girl, she was speaking. Occasionally, Azure took notes, but her mind kept drifting.

To Thomas. To the way he had held her hand. To the way he had looked at her. Was he just being friendly? Or was there something more?

"Miss Harrington."

Azure's head snapped up. "Yes?"

Professor Dawson gave her a knowing look. "Stay with us, please."

She flushed, nodding quickly. The lecture continued, but her heart was still racing. And it had nothing to do with Macbeth.

***

The evening air was electric, filled with the unmistakable energy of a game night. The college's basketball court was packed, students, faculty, and even some locals had gathered to watch the biggest match of the season. The bleachers were overflowing with fans wearing the college colors, their voices blending into an excited hum of anticipation. The cheerleaders lined up at the side, ready with their practiced routines, and the school band was warming up, their instruments gleaming under the stadium lights.

Azure sat somewhere in the middle of the crowd, arms wrapped around her knees. She had told herself she wouldn't come. That she wouldn't sit here among the loud, excited fans. That she wouldn't risk the chance of meeting Thomas's eyes. And yet, here she was.

The match hadn't started yet, but she could already feel the tension in the air. She could hear the murmurs of students placing their bets on who would dominate the court tonight. Most of them had one name on their lips.

Thomas Holland.

It was no surprise. He was the star player, the one who carried the team on his shoulders. He had the skill, the agility, the charm, everything that made him the golden boy of the college basketball team.

But right now, Azure couldn't think about that. She wasn't here for the excitement, for the game, for the college spirit. She was here for him. Even if she wouldn't cheer. Even if she wouldn't call his name like the rest of them. She just wanted to see him.

The referee blew the whistle, and the game began. The players leaped into action, the ball soaring high in the air as Thomas, wearing his signature jersey with the number 11, jumped higher than anyone else, tipping it to his teammate. The crowd erupted in cheers as their team took possession.

Thomas moved across the court with effortless grace, his movements sharp, calculated. He dribbled past one defender, then another, before passing the ball to his teammate, who immediately went for a layup. The ball hit the backboard and fell straight into the hoop.

"And the first points of the game go to the home team! What a brilliant assist by Thomas Holland!" the commentator announced, his voice booming through the speakers.

Azure sat still, fingers clenched into fists on her lap. The crowd around her roared in excitement. Girls were chanting Thomas's name, calling out to him, blowing kisses. She swallowed hard, keeping her eyes on the court.

Thomas was playing brilliantly. He was fast, unpredictable, weaving through the opponents like water slipping through cracks. Every time he had the ball, the audience leaned in, waiting to see what magic he would pull next. But then, something happened.

Thomas was on a breakaway. He had stolen the ball from an opponent and was charging toward the hoop. Everyone could already see the perfect slam dunk coming. And then... He tripped. It was barely noticeable to the untrained eye, just a moment of hesitation, a second of lost control. But it was enough for the opposing team to intercept. Gasps rippled through the crowd.

She could see Thomas tense, his jaw tightening as he watched the other team score in his place. His fingers curled into fists, frustration clear in his posture. He shook his head, muttering something under his breath before jogging back to his position. The game continued, but Azure could see it. He was slipping.

He was still playing well, but there was something off. His shots weren't as sharp. His movements weren't as fluid. He was making mistakes he normally wouldn't. She bit her lip. He wasn't just frustrated. He was waiting for something.

Another quarter passed. Thomas was back in form. His confidence had returned, and he was stealing the show again. The crowd had forgotten his earlier mistakes, chanting his name once more. Azure's breath hitched when he suddenly stopped mid-dribble, turned his head, and looked right at her.

Her stomach twisted. His gaze was unwavering. Intense. And then... He winked. It was subtle. Almost teasing. Almost as if to say, "I know you're watching me." Azure looked away, heart hammering.

The crowd around her was still cheering, but she felt like the moment had stretched between just the two of them. He had been waiting. For her to cheer. For her to call his name like everyone else. But she didn't. She couldn't. She wouldn't.

Not when there were so many people around him, so many voices calling for his attention. What difference would hers make? She heard the crowd erupt again and forced herself to focus. Thomas had just made an incredible three-pointer from nearly half-court. His teammates rushed to him, patting him on the back.

"Holland is on fire tonight! He's making up for every lost point! What a performance!" the commentator shouted. Azure let out a breath. Of course, he was. He was Thomas. He always shone, even when he faltered.

The game had reached its last quarter, and the score was tight. Both teams were pushing their limits, exhaustion evident in their movements. The final minute arrived, and the scoreboard read 78-78. A tie. And then... Thomas stole the ball.

It happened so fast that the crowd barely had time to process it. One moment, the opposing team was preparing for a shot. The next, Thomas was sprinting across the court, the ball in his control, his opponents chasing behind him.

Everyone was on their feet. Azure held her breath. He reached the three-point line. He didn't slow down. Didn't hesitate. Didn't overthink. He jumped. The ball left his hands in a perfect arc. The stadium fell silent. A heartbeat. Two. And then... Swish.

The ball sank through the net just as the final buzzer rang. The stadium exploded with cheers. "Thomas Holland wins the game for the home team! What an unbelievable shot! What a finish!"

His teammates tackled him in celebration. The coach rushed in, ruffling his hair. Fans stormed closer, chanting his name, some even crying in excitement. Azure sat frozen. The hero of the match. The golden boy. The one everyone wanted.

She watched as he high-fived his teammates, laughed with them, took in the adoration like he was born for it. And then, in the middle of all the chaos, his eyes searched the crowd. They found her. Azure inhaled sharply. For a brief second, he looked like he was about to step toward her. To say something.

To ask something. But then... A group of girls ran up to him, throwing their arms around him, congratulating him. And just like that, the moment was gone. Azure stood up quietly. She turned and walked away. She didn't belong in the chaos of his world. And he, He was never just hers to begin with.

***

Azure sat in the quiet classroom, her fingers brushing against the edges of her diary. The room was dim, the only light coming from the faint glow of the streetlamp outside. The day had stretched longer than she had expected, but she wasn’t ready to go home just yet. 

She flipped to the next page, the pen poised between her fingers. The words from earlier still lingered in her mind, the emotions heavier now after the game. 

"

(Continuation.) 

The game ended. He won. I should have cheered for him. Everyone else did. His name echoed across the court, voices loud, hands clapping, feet stomping. And me? I just sat there. Silent. Watching. 

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to. My heart screamed for me to call his name, to let him know that I was there for him, that I saw every moment of his game, the good and the bad. That I noticed the way he faltered at first, the frustration in his eyes when he missed a shot, the way he waited, unknowingly, for something I never gave him. 

A single word. 

A single cheer. 

But how could I? He is Thomas Holland. The boy everyone wants, the one everyone adores. What difference would my voice make when a hundred others were calling for him? 

And then, he winked at me. It was like the world had blurred, like the game didn’t exist for a second. It was just him, and me, and that moment. I looked away. Because I’m a coward. 

Because if I let myself believe, even for a second, that I meant something more to him, it would break me when I realize I don’t. Maybe he doesn’t even care. Maybe I was just another face in the crowd. 

Maybe I...

"

The sound of footsteps made Azure snap the diary shut. She looked up, And there he was. Thomas stood in front of her desk, his expression unreadable. He didn’t sit down immediately, just stared at her for a few seconds. 

He for some reason recorded their conversation. Her heart pounded. The classroom was empty. Just the two of them. The silence stretched between them, heavy, suffocating. Finally, he exhaled and sat down in the chair directly across from her, leaning forward slightly. 

“You didn’t cheer,” he said. 

Azure’s fingers curled around her diary. 

“I was there,” she murmured. 

“That’s not what I asked.” 

She swallowed, looking down. 

Thomas sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “And you didn’t congratulate me either.” 

“I...” she hesitated, searching for an excuse, any excuse. “You had so many people around you. I didn’t think you’d notice.” 

His lips pressed into a thin line. “I noticed.” 

Azure’s breath caught in her throat. His eyes were locked on her, searching for something she wasn’t ready to give. 

For a moment, she wondered if he knew. If he could see right through her, if he had pieced together the way she looked at him when she thought he wasn’t watching, the way her hands trembled whenever he was too close, the way her heart ached when he was surrounded by people who could call his name so freely when she couldn’t. 

Thomas exhaled sharply and shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “You’re impossible, you know that?” 

Azure forced a chuckle. “I try.” 

Azure’s pulse quickened as Thomas leaned even closer, his gaze unwavering, his eyes like a force she couldn’t avoid. The heat in his stare made her want to squirm, but she remained still, fingers clutching the edges of her diary tightly as if it could shield her from his probing gaze.

“You still haven’t answered me.” His voice was calm, but the underlying tension in it sent a shiver down her spine. “What’s in there?”

Azure’s breath caught. Her diary, her secret, her heart poured out on paper. She hadn’t meant for him to see it, not yet. Not when her feelings for him were still locked away, buried deep in the pages where no one could find them. Not even him.

“It's... just stuff,” she said, her voice shaking. She shifted in her seat, trying to keep her body language as closed off as possible, but he saw right through it.

“Stuff?” He raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a small, knowing smile. “Let me see.” His hand reached for the diary in her grasp.

Azure pulled it closer to her chest instinctively, almost as if the words inside could escape if she let him get too close. “No.” Her voice was firmer than she felt. “It’s just... personal.”

He didn’t move at first, just stared at her with a look that sent a thousand emotions swirling in her stomach. There was something unsettling about how he watched her, as if he could read her like an open book. Maybe he could. Maybe he knew more than she was willing to admit.

He tilted his head slightly, still observing her as if trying to decipher the hidden parts of her. “Personal, huh?” His voice softened, but the intensity in his eyes remained. “Then why do I get the feeling there’s something more? Something you’re not telling me?”

Azure’s heart hammered in her chest. She didn’t want him to see. She didn’t want to admit the truth to herself, let alone him. She glanced down at the diary again, her fingers trembling against the cool leather cover.

Thomas leaned back in his chair, his gaze not leaving her for a second. The silence stretched between them again, and for a moment, she thought maybe he would let it go. Maybe he’d stop asking. But then, he broke the silence, his voice casual but laced with something unspoken.

“Do you remember last night? The rain came down like it had something to prove. Rain in the may. And do you remember last year in September?” He leaned back, his eyes turning upward, as though lost in the memory of it. “I remember thinking that rain has a way of making everything feel different. Like the world can start over, clean and fresh, no matter what happened before.”

Azure blinked, taken off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. Rain in May. She remembered it well. The scent of wet earth and the way the world looked blurred through the mist, as if everything was softer, quieter. But she also remembered that he’d been there, standing next to her, as they both waited for the storm to pass. It hadn’t been a significant moment for him, but it had been to her. She had never told him, but she’d secretly hoped it was a sign that something would change between them.

“You know, there’s something about the way the rain falls that makes it impossible to hide your thoughts,” Thomas continued, his gaze returning to her after looking at the recording that was still going on. “The kind of rain that soaks you through, that makes everything feel... exposed.” He let the words linger, like a puzzle piece he was giving her to figure out.

Azure swallowed, her voice almost a whisper. “What do you mean?”

Thomas tilted his head slightly, his gaze deepening. “I mean, the rain has a way of washing away all the things you try to hide. It leaves you with nothing but what’s underneath.” He stared at her, his eyes unwavering, like he was looking into her very soul. “I can see it in you, Azura. You don’t have to hide from me.”

Her breath caught, her heart racing in her chest. She wanted to deny it, wanted to push him away, but the intensity of his gaze rooted her to the spot. He was right. The rain, the weather, it felt like everything had always been pointing to this moment. To this conversation. To him knowing.

“I... I’m not hiding anything,” she said, though the words felt like a lie the moment they left her lips.

Thomas didn’t respond right away. Instead, he leaned forward again, his eyes never leaving hers. “You’re not fooling anyone, Azura. I know when you’re hiding. And I know when you’re lying to yourself.” His voice dropped lower, his words hitting her like a soft whisper in a crowded room. “I don’t want you to hide from me. Not anymore.”

Azure opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out. She was trapped, not by him, but by her own feelings, feelings she had been hiding for far too long. The silence that followed felt like it would crush her, suffocate her.

He leaned back in his chair again, but his eyes didn’t waver. “It’s funny, isn’t it? How we try to control things, how we try to hide what’s really going on inside.” His fingers drummed lightly on the table, the sound rhythmic and almost soothing. “But the rain... it makes everything come to the surface, whether we’re ready for it or not.”

Azure couldn’t look away. She felt exposed, vulnerable in a way she never had before. The rain in May, the secrets in her diary, they were all connected in this strange, inexplicable way. And Thomas... he had a way of seeing right through her, of knowing things she didn’t want to admit, things she didn’t even know herself.

“You’re not ready to show me yet, are you?” Thomas asked softly, as if understanding her struggle.

Azure shook her head, her voice barely audible. “No, I’m not.”

Thomas smiled gently, a trace of sadness in his eyes. “That’s okay. But just know... I’m here. Whenever you’re ready.”

He stood up, stretching. Then, as he started walking toward the door, he did something unexpected. He turned, walking backward, still looking at her. 

“See you tomorrow,” he said, his voice light, teasing. 

Azure’s lips parted in surprise before she found herself smiling. “See you tomorrow.” 

And then he was gone, he closed the recording. Thomas stepped outside the building, the night air cool against his skin. He barely took a few steps before he heard a familiar, mocking voice. 

“Well, if it isn’t the golden boy himself.” 

Thomas rolled his eyes before turning to face the source of the voice. Jason Carter. The captain of the rival college’s bike racing team. He was leaning against his motorcycle, arms crossed, his usual cocky smirk in place. Behind Jason stood his group, tall, rough-looking guys who always had something to prove. 

“What do you want, Jason?” Thomas asked, uninterested. 

Jason pushed off his bike and stepped forward. “Just wondering how it feels, being worshipped by a bunch of screaming fans.” 

Thomas scoffed. “Jealous?” 

Jason’s smirk widened. “Of you? Please.” He gestured toward his bike. “I don’t need a crowd to know I’m the best.” 

Thomas shrugged. “Good for you.” 

Jason narrowed his eyes. “Race me.” 

Thomas stilled. Jason leaned in slightly, voice low. “Or are you scared?” 

Thomas let out a slow breath. He hadn’t raced in a while, not since the last time someone tried to pull a stunt to throw him off the road. But he wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. 

“Fine,” Thomas said. “Let’s race.” 

The Race Begins. The two bikes roared to life, the engines echoing through the empty streets. The starting point was set at the college gates, and the finish line was three miles ahead, a winding road that led to an old bridge. Thomas tightened his grip on the handlebars. 

Jason grinned at him. “Try to keep up.” 

And then. The flag waved. The bikes shot forward, the tires screeching against the pavement. Thomas leaned forward, his body aligned with the bike, the wind rushing past him. He was fast, faster than Jason expected. 

Jason cursed under his breath “Som of a bitch.” and accelerated. The city lights blurred as they sped through the streets, weaving through the empty roads, their engines roaring. Thomas was ahead. Jason gritted his teeth. He couldn’t let Thomas win. 

The final lap approached, the bridge in sight. Jason glanced at his teammate, who nodded. Then. A sudden push. Thomas barely had time to react before Jason’s friend swerved in, clipping the edge of Thomas’s bike. His control slipped. 

The wheels skidded. And then. A crash. His bike screeched down the road, sparks flying as it hit the pavement. Thomas was thrown off, rolling onto the hard ground.  Pain shot through his body, but he barely had time to register it before he heard Jason’s laughter. 

Jason stopped his bike a few feet away, shaking his head. “Tsk, tsk. Not fast enough, golden boy.” 

Thomas clenched his jaw, pushing himself up, his palms scraped and bleeding. Jason’s group howled in amusement before speeding off into the night. Thomas sat there for a moment, breathing heavily. He let out a slow, humorless chuckle. Jason thought he had won. But Thomas knew one thing for sure. This wasn’t over.

*** 

Azure walked out of the classroom, her diary clutched tightly in her hands. The night air was crisp, and the campus was quieter now. Most of the students had left, their laughter and footsteps fading into the distance. The events of the day played on repeat in her mind, Thomas’s words, his stare, the way he had walked backward just to look at her one last time before leaving. 

She sighed, rubbing her temples. She wanted to stop thinking about him. But how could she? He had become a constant in her life, in her thoughts, in the words she wrote in her diary. Tonight, something felt different. 

Maybe it was the way he had looked at her. Maybe it was the way he had asked why she didn’t cheer. Maybe, just maybe, he actually cared more than he let on. Her heart pounded. What if… what if she told him? 

For the first time, she seriously considered it. What if she just let go of her fears and told him everything? The worst that could happen was rejection. She could live with that, couldn’t she? Before she could second-guess herself, she pulled out her phone and dialed his number. 

It rang. And rang. Then, voicemail. Azure hesitated before exhaling shakily and pressing the record button. 

“Hey, Tom,” she started, her voice soft. “I don’t know why I’m calling, and you probably won’t even listen to this, but… I just, I need to say this.” 

She bit her lip, gripping the phone tighter. 

“I think I’ve been in love with you for longer than I even realized. I think about you all the time. I notice things no one else does, how you run your hand through your hair when you’re frustrated, how your eyes light up when you talk about something you love. I watch you when you’re not looking, and maybe that makes me pathetic, but it’s the truth.” 

She laughed quietly, shaking her head at herself. 

“I wanted to cheer for you today. I really did. But there were so many people around you, and I just… I didn’t want to be just another voice in the crowd. I didn’t want my voice to blend in when I wanted it to be the only one that mattered to you.” 

Her chest ached. 

“But maybe it never did. Maybe I’m just imagining things. Either way, I...” 

Her phone vibrated suddenly, cutting off her confession. A message from her mother. 

Mom: “Where are you?”

Azure smiled, blinking back the tears in her eyes. She quickly typed back. “I’ll be home soon.”

She shoved the phone back into her pocket and walked toward her car, inhaling deeply. It was fine. If Thomas never listened to that message, she would survive. At least she had finally said it. 

***

Thomas groaned as he lay sprawled on the cracked pavement of Swinton Street, his bike twisted a few feet away, one of its wheels still spinning weakly. A sharp pain lanced through his side, and he winced, bringing a trembling hand to his forehead. His fingers came away damp with blood.

The impact had been sudden, a sharp skid on the rain-slick road, the sickening crunch of metal, and then the jarring collision of his body against the asphalt. Through the haze of pain, he spotted his phone a short distance away, the screen shattered but still faintly glowing. Gritting his teeth, he stretched his arm out and dragged it toward him.

The cracked screen flickered erratically, but he could make out several missed calls and voice messages, from Azure. His stomach twisted at the sight of her name. She must have been trying to reach him for a while. His thumb hovered over the messages, but there was no time to listen. His vision blurred at the edges, his head growing lighter with every passing second. With unsteady fingers, he tapped the record button, his breath shaky. 

"Azura," he murmured, his voice hoarse, "I had an accident. I..." He swallowed, trying to focus. "Bike crash on Swinton Street. Don’t, don’t freak out. I just... I think I hit my head. Gonna call someone now."

His fingers fumbled to open another contact, Nathan. His best friend. The call wouldn’t go through, so he sent a voice message instead. 

"Nate... mate, I need help. Swinton Street. Bike wrecked. I think I might be bleeding bad." He exhaled sharply, blinking against the streetlight’s glare. "Just... get here." 

His body felt heavier, his head lolling slightly to the side. The phone nearly slipped from his grasp, but he held on, hoping help would come soon.

***

It had already started raining. She slid into the driver’s seat and turned on the ignition. Then, her phone vibrated again. A voice message. From Thomas. Her heart stopped. She hesitated before pressing play. A single sentence. 

“I had an accident...” 

That's all she heard before her mind went numb. Her breath hitched. Then, the rest. 

“Swinton Street… Don't... don't freak out.” 

Azure’s stomach dropped. She didn't care to listen further. She gripped the steering wheel, her hands trembling as she pressed down on the accelerator. Swinton Street. That was across town. It was practically abandoned at night, no lights, no security, nothing. 

Why was he there? How bad was it? Her mind was spinning, her chest tightening. She tried calling him. No answer. She pressed harder on the gas, weaving through the streets, her headlights slicing through the darkness. 

“Come on, come on,” she muttered under her breath. 

What if he was bleeding out? What if no one else was there to help? She forced herself to focus, her fingers clenching around the steering wheel so tightly they ached. The roads were almost empty, but she barely noticed the few cars she sped past. 

Her mind was filled with him. Thomas. Thomas, who had smiled at her just hours ago. Thomas, who had asked why she hadn’t cheered. Thomas, who was lying somewhere on a dark street, waiting for her. 

Her chest tightened painfully. And suddenly, It happened. A sudden glare of headlights. A truck. It was raining heavily. Azure barely had time to react. She slammed on the brakes, her tires screeching against the pavement. 

Too late. The impact hit her with a force so violent it threw her forward. The windshield shattered, glass raining around her like deadly shards. Her car spun, crashing into the divider before flipping, once, twice, before slamming onto the pavement with a sickening crunch. 

Silence. Her vision blurred. The world tilted. Pain. Her head throbbed, her body felt like it had been torn apart. She tried to move, but something warm trickled down her forehead, clouding her vision in red. Her hand. 

It was outside the car, limp, blood pooling beneath it. Her phone lay inches away, the screen cracked, Thomas’s voice message still open. She wanted to reach for it, but darkness was creeping into her vision. She tried to say his name. Nothing came out. And then, everything faded.