It was finally dismissal time at exactly 4:30 pm. Mrs. Collins, the last subject of Kezia's afternoon class dismissed them after giving out a new performance task that is due next week. Kezia is a happy-go-lucky kind of a girl yet at this moment, that might not be the case. With her brows furrowed, she is brainstorming what she should do for their Performance task. She is the assigned leader after all. The majority of her classmate finally went home but there are several of them who are left behind in their classroom.

"Kezia."

Kezia's head perked up and a guy with messy hazelnut hair welcomed her sight. That guy is named Dino.

"I already told you, it's pronounced as Kezaya, not Kezia." Kezia frowned, definitely not pleased at all.

Yet Dino remained unfazed, unbothered by Kezia's remarks.

"What's the plan for our project?"

Kezia blinked, she forgot the fact that Dino was one of her groupmates. Her expression turned grim as she pursed her lips. Why? Why do I have to be grouped with him?

Dino noticed how her expression shifted. He is aware of how Kezia hated his guts for some unknown reasons that he doesn't know but wants to know. As far as he remembered, he never did something abhors towards her except pronounce her name wrong every time.

"I honestly don't know yet. I'll probably just contact you all by messenger once I settled everything out. Besides, it's due next week. Let's just take it easy there, will ya'?" Kezia managed to say.

"Oh. . ." Dino unconsciously runs his hand through his hair causing his drowsy chinky eyes to be seen.

Kezia who witnessed the scene suddenly paused while her eyes were stuck staring at him. Her lips parted a bit as if her jaw dropped. Anyone who sees her state might think that she was mesmerized by Dino because technically that is exactly the case.

"Got it- wait, is that saliva dripping from your mouth?" Dino tilted his head and squinted his eyes.

That pulled Kezia out of her reverie and immediately touched her jaw. There is no saliva.

"Kidding." Dino smiled smugly at her and looked at her meaningfully. "I know that I'm handsome. Just take it easy, will ya?" Dino mocked her tone earlier.

Kezia's face heated up. Out of instinct, she grabbed her pencil case and threw it towards him. Good thing Dino was able to avoid it yet because of that, Kezia is not satisfied. She wants to get even but as soon as she got up, Dino hurriedly ran to the door.

"It's not funny, you annoying slimy dog!"

Kezia twisted the knob and as soon as she opened the door of their house, a gloomy, dark, and sad mood welcomed her. A deafening silence rang in her ears and a hollow and empty feeling suddenly occupied her heart.

It's funny how her home doesn't feel like a home anymore.

She suddenly missed those days when her Grandpa was still alive. The time when everything is still fine. To the time when her house is filled with bright and vibrant warmth, occupying every corner of the house. Good old times.

She trudged her way through the room. As soon as she got there, she threw her bag to one side and plopped on her bed

Suddenly, she remembered what happened earlier. Her cheeks heated up again and in frustration, she squealed against her pillow. She let it all out, all her feelings.

Once she was done, she rested with her back against the sheet. "I was reckless, wasn't I? I hope I wasn't too obvious." she buried her face in her palm. Yes, no one is supposed to know that she has a big crush on Dino. The guy who's quiet yet witty, that guy named Dino.