As the final school bell rang, Aleena eagerly made her way toward the front doors of the school. Her usual routine consisted of meeting Shane outside the school's entrance and walking home together. Their houses were only a few doors apart, making it a convenient arrangement for both of them.
 
A smile graced Aleena's face as she stood before the school's imposing doors, eagerly anticipating her time with Shane. She couldn't help but chuckle to herself, tightening her grip on her backpack strap. She tried to peek inside, hoping to spot Shane.
 
Thoughts of Shane's cute smile, the one that always made her stomach flutter, brought a rosy hue to her cheeks. Whenever Shane gave her special attention, Aleena felt her heart race. These feelings had been bubbling beneath the surface for years, but she had always dismissed them as mere fondness for her best friend. Even now, Aleena's smile persisted as she pondered the emotions swirling within her.
 
She'd do anything to bring a smile to Shane's face. Over the years, she had willingly lent him her bike, helped him with homework, and invited him to family dinners. Happiness seemed to follow Shane wherever he went, and Aleena felt fulfilled being the one he turned to for anything. The prospect of brightening Shane's day brought her immense joy.
 
In the midst of her musings, Aleena experienced a life-altering revelation. Suddenly, everything became crystal clear. She understood why her breath caught when Shane drew near, and why she couldn't tear her eyes away when they were together. It all made perfect sense now.
 
Aleena's breath nearly caught in her throat as she realized the truth: she was in love with Shane, deeply and irrevocably. It had likely been the case for years. The realization sent her heart racing, and she couldn't contain the thrill that surged through her. This newfound awareness explained why she had always been so accommodating and affectionate toward Shane, unlike anyone else.
 
How had she not seen it before? As she contemplated her past actions, everything seemed to align with this newfound truth. Her breathing quickened as she considered the prospect of meeting Shane now that she had come to terms with her feelings. What if Shane noticed? Aleena fretted and paced back and forth in front of the door, consumed by anxiety.
 
Yet, her anxiety was unfounded because Shane had yet to arrive. After a few minutes, Aleena began to consider that Shane might be running late from his previous class.
 
Fifteen minutes after the school day had ended, there was still no sign of Shane. Aleena, patient and determined to wait for her friend, finally took a seat on a nearby bench. However, as twenty minutes passed, then twenty-five, and eventually thirty, Aleena's patience began to wane. She wondered why Shane hadn't called or sent a message. The hope of their planned hangout slowly started to fade.
 
Aleena glanced at her phone and found no notifications or messages from Shane, causing her heart to sink. With a sigh, she stood up once more. She lingered by the front doors as raindrops began to fall from the darkening sky. Again, she hadn't brought an umbrella, believing that Shane would have one, as she always did.
 
An hour after the final bell had rung, Aleena stood alone at the school's entrance, the rain soaking through her clothes. She couldn't help but feel abandoned, as if Shane had deliberately left her waiting like a fool. The pain was unbearable, the realization that Shane had either stood her up or led her on cutting deeply.
 
The rain intensified, and Aleena barely noticed as the drops struck her skin like tiny bullets. Her heart ached, knowing that Shane's attentions were solely reserved for Daisy. Aleena's heartbreak deepened as she accepted that Shane would never look at her the way Aleena looked at her. Their fairy-tale ending seemed destined never to come true.
 
With a bitter smile, Aleena acknowledged that she had only realized her love at the worst possible moment. Her smile faded as the pain in her heart grew, a throbbing ache that claimed her every thought. She had confessed her love to Shane, only to have her heart crushed.
 
"Stupid, stupid," Aleena muttered brokenly, her voice drowned out by the sound of the rain pounding on the pavement.
 
Suddenly, the sound of rain lessened, and the drops ceased striking her face. She felt someone standing beside her, holding an umbrella over her head, sheltering her from the rain.
 
Without looking, Aleena knew it was Damian. The boy stood there in silence, drenched from his selfless act of shielding Aleena from the downpour. Damian didn't utter a word as he stood by Aleena's side.
 
Aleena didn't realize she was crying until she was no longer getting soaked by the rain, yet she still felt the wetness on her cheeks. Tears streamed silently down her face as her heart shattered under the protective cover of the umbrella.