A Note Between Us

Chapter 5: Count On Me

The narrow alley was quiet except for the distant hum of traffic from the main road. Fourth stood frozen, gripping the book tightly against his chest as he faced Prang. His heart raced-not because of being caught outside with her, but because she had it.

"How... how did this end up with you, Prang?" His voice was low, but the panic was impossible to hide.

Prang crossed her arms, unfazed. "I was curious. You've been so distant lately, always buried in this book. I wanted to know what was keeping you so focused."

Fourth swallowed hard, his nerves rising. He carefully asked, "Then... did you see the notes?"

She gave a casual nod, as if it wasn't a big deal. "Yeah. I saw them. What are those for?"

Fourth's grip on the book tightened. "It's not mine," he blurted out, trying to sound convincing.

"Really now?" Prang raised a brow, clearly not buying it. She hugged the book against her chest playfully. "If you won't tell me the truth, then I won't give it back."

"Prang, please... give it back!" Fourth's panic grew louder.

"Not unless you tell me what this is about."

Backed into a corner, Fourth let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine. It's... it's how I talk to someone. I don't even know who they are. We just leave notes in this book."

Prang blinked, taking it in, her expression softening into something more neutral. "So it's like a secret pen pal? Huh. I thought it was something serious." She handed the book back without hesitation. "Here. No big deal."

Relief rushed through Fourth as he clutched it tightly to his chest. "You can't tell anyone about this, Prang. Please. If that person finds out someone else knows, they might stop replying."

Seeing the genuine worry in his eyes, Prang's expression softened further. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me."

For the first time in days, Fourth felt a small sense of relief. At least now, someone else knew. And somehow... that didn't feel so bad.

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The following days, Prang became Fourth's quiet shield. Whenever their friends tried to drag him into their usual hangouts, she always backed him up with believable excuses.

"Come on, Fourth, just skip the library for once," Win whined one afternoon, slumping dramatically on the cafeteria table.

"Yes, you're always there! You'll turn into a book yourself," Namtan teased, poking his arm.

Fourth just smiled sheepishly, already preparing an excuse, but before he could answer, Prang cut in smoothly. "He has exams. Let him be, okay? Not everyone's as carefree as you two."

The others groaned but dropped the subject, mostly because Prang's words had weight. Fourth glanced at her in quiet gratitude, though he never said it out loud.

But not everyone was convinced.

Gemini had been watching carefully these past few days. He noticed how Prang always jumped to defend Fourth, how Fourth seemed a little more nervous than usual, and how his eyes darted whenever someone mentioned the library. Something wasn't adding up.

So one evening, as they were walking back to the dorms, Gemini slowed his pace until he was walking beside Fourth. "Hey," he said casually, "you've been extra busy lately. Anything you're not telling us?"

Fourth stiffened slightly, caught off guard by the sudden question. "N-No, just... exams," he muttered, hugging his bag closer to his side.

Gemini didn't press further, but he didn't miss the way Fourth avoided his gaze.