Day 5: Plans for the Weekend

The final bell of the day echoed through the halls.

Zick packed his things calmly, as always, while watching the sky through the window as it began to take on soft hues. He felt the accumulated exhaustion… but also something else. A strange lightness, almost pleasant.

—Zick! —Kori called from the doorway—. Are you ready?

Zai appeared behind her, holding her backpack with both hands.

—Hey —Zai said, a little nervous—. We wanted to ask you something.

Zick turned to face them.

—What is it?

—This weekend —Kori began—, some friends are going to the beach.
—And… —Zai continued— we thought you could come with us, if you want.

Zick blinked, surprised.

—Me?

—Yes —they both answered almost at the same time.

A brief silence followed. Zick lowered his gaze, thinking.

—I’ve never gone with a group like that… —he admitted—. But… it sounds nice.

Zai smiled immediately.

—Then it’s decided!

—Before that —Kori added—, we want to stop by a few shops to buy some things. Will you come with us?

—Sure.

They walked together through the streets near the school. The atmosphere was calm, with small shops and people heading home. Kori talked nonstop, sharing ideas for the trip; Zai listened attentively, adding comments from time to time.

Zick walked a few steps behind, watching them.

It felt strange how natural it was to be with them.
He didn’t have to force himself to talk.
He didn’t have to pretend.

Inside a shop, Kori tried on some exaggerated sunglasses.

—How do I look? —she asked, posing.

—Like a retired celebrity —Zai said, laughing.

Zick let out a small laugh.

—They suit you —he added—. Just not for running on the beach.

Kori looked at him, surprised… and smiled.

—Wow, Zick. That was direct.

—Sorry —he replied, scratching the back of his neck.

—No, no —she said—. I like it.

After buying a few things, they left the shop with bags in hand.

The sun was beginning to set.

While they walked, Zai slowed down a bit next to Kori.

—Hey… —she said quietly— how did you meet Zick?

Kori took a few seconds before answering.

—Three years ago —she finally said.

—At school?

—Not exactly.

Zai looked at her, curious.

—Then where?

Kori shifted her gaze forward, where Zick was walking absentmindedly.

—It was during a complicated time —she replied—. For both of us.

She didn’t say more.

Zai stayed quiet, understanding she shouldn’t push… but the doubt had already taken root.

A few steps later, Kori stopped.

—That’s how we met —she concluded, as if closing the topic.

Zai frowned slightly.

—Okay… but then, what are you two?

Kori blinked.

—We’re friends.

Zai tilted her head, watching her closely.

—I don’t know… —she said—. The way you are feels more like a couple.

The words lingered in the air.

Kori didn’t answer right away.

She looked at Zick walking a few meters ahead, unaware of the conversation.

For the first time, the question didn’t seem so simple.