In the gym, Aleena and Shane found their seats on the bleachers after the game had ended. Aleena had given Shane a congratulatory hug, perhaps lingering just a bit longer than usual.
Their tradition was to hug each other whenever one of them achieved something significant, whether it was a singing competition for Aleena or a track race for Shane. They had always shared this bond of celebration through hugs.
Shane playfully complained about his sweaty condition, suggesting that Aleena shouldn't be hugging him. Aleena chuckled, knowing that she didn't mind the sweat as long as she was hugging Shane. This was one of the rare moments when she could embrace her friend without any reservations.
"Great game, Shane! Your shots were amazing," Aleena praised her friend.
"Thanks, Aleena," Shane beamed in response.
Aleena tried to engage Shane in a conversation about the game but noticed her friend's attention drifting elsewhere. Shane was gazing across the gym at a trio of people near the exit – William and Jayden, with Daisy in front of them.
Shane couldn't take his eyes off her, even after William had left the gym. It took a few calls of his name from Aleena to snap him back to the present.
"Mmhm, yes?" Shane answered, finally turning to face Aleena.
Aleena felt a pang of hurt, but she resolved to let go of whatever had bothered her yesterday. It was petty, after all. If Shane wanted to talk to Daisy and spend time with her, who was Aleena to object? She wasn't his mother, brother, or even her boyfriend. She quickly dismissed that thought.
Aleena sighed and mumbled, "Never mind."
She didn't want to be upset with Shane, but she also didn't want to spend the entire walk home hearing about Daisy. The fact that Shane was so engrossed in Daisy that he hadn't even noticed Aleena's presence was a bit too much to handle for some reason.
"Hey, where are you going?" Shane asked, grabbing Aleena's hand to prevent her from leaving.
Aleena's heart skipped a beat, but she was still hurting from Shane's behavior yesterday and today. So, she gently pulled her hand away and offered a small smile.
"I just remembered I have an important paper due soon, so I should head home to work on it." (In reality, the paper wasn't due for another month, but Shane didn't know that.)
"Oh, alright. Need a ride?" Shane asked, still distracted by the door through which Daisy had exited.
Aleena knew exactly who Shane was eager to look for, and she didn't want to waste any more of his time.
"I'm fine. Actually, I'm walking home with someone today. Thanks though," Aleena fibbed on the spot.
Shane turned his attention back to Aleena, looking at her in disbelief. Walking home together had always been their thing, despite Shane having her own car.
He looked at his best friend thoughtfully, then smiled at Aleena before saying a quick thanks and okay, bounding down the bleachers.
Aleena watched him leave, a hint of longing in her eyes, before descending the steps herself.
Although she had told Shane she was walking home, her feet carried her to the staircase leading to the roof. Aleena had occasionally sought solace here when she needed to think. The rooftop was a modest space, made entirely of solid concrete. There was only a slightly elevated wall on one side, with no fencing or protection against falling.
Aleena pushed open the heavy door and stepped onto the rooftop. To her surprise, another student was there. Few ventured to the roof, but she recognized the student's raven-black hair as Damian, whom she'd heard some girls mention as a frequent visitor.
However, Aleena was alarmed to see how close Damian was sitting to the edge of the ledge. Any slight movement, and he could have fallen.
Suddenly, Damian started leaning forward, dangerously close to the edge, holding on with just his fingertips.
"Hey! Damian! Damian!" Aleena shouted, but the wind drowned out her voice.
Aleena sprinted toward him, panicked at the thought of Damian falling. Just as Damian's fingers slipped off the concrete, Aleena reached him and grabbed his waist, pulling him back. It might have been too forceful, but the fear of Damian falling compelled him to act swiftly. Both of them toppled backward and landed safely on the pavement next to the ledge. Damian appeared disoriented as he attempted to sit up, but Aleena held him firmly to prevent him from trying anything rash.
"Heyyy... You're okay. You're okay," Aleena whispered into Damian's ear, trying to calm him down.
A minute later, Damian passed out, and Aleena lay there with him in her arms, breathing in the scent of his strawberry shampoo. She knew she should take Damian to the hospital, but she suspected Damian might not want to answer certain questions. So, she decided to take him home instead.
Aleena carefully shifted Damian off her lap and laid hier gently on the ground. She glanced around the roof and spotted Damian's duffle bag. Curiosity led her to check it and find clothes, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a substantial amount of money. Aleena's eyes widened as she looked back at Damian.
"Are you running away?" Aleena whispered aloud, even though she knew Damian was unconscious.