Chapter One: The New TermThe first bell of Crescent Heights Secondary School rang sharply through the cool Monday morning air, slicing through the hum of chatter and the scrape of sandals against concrete floors. Students hurried into classrooms, clutching notebooks that still smelled new, uniforms freshly ironed by tired parents, and hearts filled with the familiar mix of excitement and nervousness that came with a new term.Form A sat at the far end of the east wing, a long classroom with wide windows that let in sunlight and dust in equal measure. Wooden desks stood in neat rows, their surfaces carved with the names of students long gone—silent witnesses to years of laughter, boredom, dreams, and secrets.Among the students finding their seats was Makai, a quiet boy with thoughtful eyes and an air of seriousness that made teachers trust him almost instantly. He adjusted his glasses, placed his books carefully on the desk, and looked around the room, observing rather than speaking. Makai had always been like that—more comfortable listening than talking, more interested in ideas than noise.Across the room, Zara laughed softly as her friend whispered something into her ear. Her laughter was light, the kind that didn’t demand attention but somehow drew it anyway. She had transferred from another school just a week before the term began, and though she wore the same uniform as everyone else, there was something about her that stood out. Perhaps it was the calm confidence in her posture, or the kindness that seemed to follow her like a shadow.Makai noticed her without meaning to.He told himself it was nothing—just curiosity about a new student—but his eyes returned to her more than once, lingering just long enough for him to feel embarrassed with himself.The class teacher, Mrs. Adeniyi, entered with a firm stride, clapped her hands once, and the room settled.“Welcome to a new term,” she said. “And welcome to Form A. This is where foundations are laid. What you build here will follow you.”Makai listened carefully, as he always did. Zara listened too, though her eyes wandered occasionally, taking in her new surroundings.Neither of them knew it yet, but that morning was the beginning of something that would quietly change both their lives.Chapter Two: Assigned SeatsTwo days later, Mrs. Adeniyi announced a new seating arrangement.“There will be no complaints,” she said, peering over her glasses. “This is to help you learn discipline and cooperation.”Groans rippled through the room.Makai stayed silent, though his heart beat faster when he heard his name.“Makai Yusuf—second row, by the window.”He moved calmly, pulling his chair back.“Zara Bello—same row.”She walked over, hesitated slightly, then smiled politely at him before sitting down.“Hi,” she said softly.“Hi,” Makai replied, surprised by how nervous his voice sounded.At first, they spoke very little. Their conversations were limited to borrowed pens, shared textbooks, and brief comments about assignments. Yet there was an ease between them that neither could explain. Sitting side by side, they learned each other’s habits without trying.Makai noticed that Zara always underlined important points in her notes. Zara noticed that Makai never rushed his work and always helped anyone who asked.One afternoon, during a group exercise, Zara struggled with a mathematics problem. She stared at the page, frustration clouding her face.“Do you want help?” Makai asked gently.She looked up, surprised, then nodded.“Yes, please.”He explained slowly, carefully, making sure she understood every step. When she finally solved the problem herself, her face lit up.“Thank you,” she said. “You explain things well.”Makai felt a warmth spread through his chest, a feeling he had no name for.Chapter Three: Friendship in Small ThingsWeeks passed, and their quiet friendship grew.They walked to assembly together, shared jokes during break, and sometimes studied under the mango tree behind the science block. Their conversations moved beyond schoolwork—to favorite subjects, dreams, and fears.Zara talked about how difficult it was to move schools, to leave friends behind and start over. Makai listened, offering understanding rather than advice.Makai spoke about his love for writing and his fear that people might think it was strange. Zara listened with interest, encouraging him in ways no one else had.“You’re not strange,” she said once. “You’re thoughtful. That’s rare.”Her words stayed with him long after the bell rang.Other students noticed their closeness. Some teased them lightly; others whispered. But neither Makai nor Zara paid much attention. What mattered was the quiet space they had built—safe, respectful, and honest.Yet somewhere between shared laughter and comfortable silence, something deeper began to grow.Chapter Four: The Feeling Without a NameMakai realized it one afternoon when Zara was absent from school.The desk beside him felt unusually empty and something felt so unsuall with him