Ethan POV

I struggled a lot before I could send that text.

I couldn’t remember who Quiet Lily was, but somehow… I felt drawn to her. Like there was something important hidden behind that username. Something my mind couldn’t reach anymore.

Then I looked down at my phone and saw Quiet Lily is typing…

My heart started beating fast, and I didn’t even know why I was nervous. Maybe because this stranger somehow felt familiar. Or maybe because I was scared of what I had forgotten.

“Really? After all these months, this was the first text you sent? You don’t expect me to reply to that question,” she wrote.

“I’m sorry if that question seemed rude,” I typed back. “I just wanted to know who you were. Yours was the only chat still pinned on my account.”

“You can’t possibly have forgotten me, have you? Unless you have amnesia, which I doubt you have.”

I stared at the screen for a few seconds before typing again. “You’re right, actually. I got into an accident. I was in a coma for months, and when I woke up, I couldn’t remember some things. I don’t have any memory of you at all. It’s like a part of my memory was just wiped clean.”

There was no reply for almost a minute. Then the typing bubble appeared, disappeared, and appeared again, like she was struggling to find the right words.

“You’re joking, right? Because this can’t be real. It doesn’t even make sense.”

“It’s real,” I wrote back.

“Wait… seriously?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh my God…” A second message followed right behind it. “So you really don’t remember me at all?”

I stared at her message for a long moment before I answered. “I’m trying to. But no matter how hard I think, nothing comes back.”

“Wow.” Another pause, then: “I honestly don’t know what to say right now.”

“I’m sorry,” I typed, because there wasn’t much else I could say.

“I can’t believe you forgot about me. Everything we did… everything we shared together.”

That message made my chest tighten. The worst part was that I couldn’t even remember hurting her.

“Well, we can start all over again, can’t we?” I typed. “I heard from my nanny that I asked you out. But we’d have to get to know each other from scratch.”

“From scratch is such a crazy thing to say after everything.”

“I know,” I typed back. “And I know I probably sound like a terrible person right now.”

“You do a little.”

“Fair enough.”

That earned me a few seconds of silence before another text popped up.

“I’m heartbroken” she wrote. Then, before I could respond, another message followed. “I waited for months for your reply but nothing came. Every day I kept checking my phone hoping you’d text me back. I even started thinking maybe you got tired of me. Then suddenly you come back saying you lost your memory? This honestly feels unreal.”

I slowly rubbed my forehead. I didn’t know how to explain something I barely understood myself.

“I’m sorry I made you go through that,” I typed. “But it was out of my hands. I didn’t choose any of this. And that’s why I want to get to know you again properly. I promise I won’t disappear again, okay?”

Another pause, longer this time.

“You know… a part of me wants to stay angry at you,” she finally wrote. “But another part of me is just happy you’re alive.”

I smiled faintly at the screen.

“So… does that mean I still have a chance?” I typed.

“Maybe. Don’t waste it this time, Golden Boy.”

“I’ll try not to.”

“‘Try’?”

“Okay fine. I won’t waste it.”

“Better.”

I found myself laughing quietly. It felt strangely easy talking to her, comfortable in a way I couldn’t quite explain.

My fingers already knew how to text her before my brain could catch up.

“So… since we’re technically strangers again, tell me about yourself,” I typed.

“Wow. We really are starting from zero.”

“Unfortunately.”

“Fine then. My name stays a secret for now.”

“Seriously?”

“Yep.”

“That’s unfair.”

“Life is unfair.”

“At least give me a hint.”

“Nope.”

“Height?”

“Short enough to threaten people without looking scary.”

“That explains nothing.”

“Exactly.”

I shook my head with a smile. “Okay, mysterious girl. So what have you been up to after my disappearance?”

“School mostly. Stress. Assignments.” A beat later, another message came through. “Missing someone who forgot I existed, apparently.”

“Ouch.”

“You deserve that one.”

“I probably do.” I typed for a second before adding, “What about you, though?”

“Besides waking up with memory loss and emotionally attacking innocent girls online?”

“Hmm. Recovery, mostly,” I wrote back. “Physical therapy. Doctor appointments. My dad acting like I’m made of glass every five seconds.”

“That sounds exhausting.”

“It is.” I hesitated before typing the next part. “But there’s something new happening now.”

“What?”

“I’m moving.”

“Moving? To where?”

“Another town. My dad said changing environments will help me recover faster.” I paused, trying to remember the name. “I think he said we’re moving to Oakwoods.”

The reply came back almost instantly.

“NO WAY”

“…What?” I typed, confused.

“Oakwoods?!”

“Yes?”

“Shut up.”

“I’m confused.”

“I literally live in Oakwoods.”

I sat up straighter immediately. “Wait, seriously?”

“Yes!! Oh my God, this is actually insane.”

“So we’d finally get to meet each other after months of texting online?”

“Months of texting, arguing, joking, flirting…”

“We flirted?”

“A lot actually.”

“Wow. Old me had confidence.”

“Old you was annoying.”

“Was?”

“Okay… still annoying.”

I laughed again. It felt nice, natural, easier than I expected talking to a stranger to feel.

“Which school do you go to?” I typed.

“Eastview High School.”

I blinked. “No way.”

“What?”

“That’s the school I’m attending too.”

A few seconds passed before multiple texts flooded in at once.

“ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Oh my God. This is actually happening. You have no idea how excited I am right now.”

“Me too,” I wrote back. “Though I’m suddenly nervous.”

“Nervous about what?”

“What if you meet me and realize I’m disappointing in real life?”

“Impossible.”

“You sound very confident for someone hiding her identity.”

“Maybe because I already know you better than you know yourself.”

That message lingered in my mind for a moment.

“Guess I’ll have to learn myself again, then,” I typed.

“And I’ll help you.”

For some reason, that reply hit me harder than it should have. It was soft, gentle, comforting in a way I hadn’t expected.

“Getting to know each other this way will be fun and easier, won’t it?” I asked.

“Yesss. Oh my God, I’m seriously smiling so hard right now. You’re finally coming here.”

“Sounds like you missed me a lot.”

“Don’t let it get to your head, Golden Boy.”

“Too late.”

“Still dramatic, I see.”

“Apparently some things survived the accident.”

“I’m glad they did.”

I stared at that last message longer than necessary, and for the first time since waking up from the coma, something inside me felt warm again. Maybe this move really was the fresh start my dad kept talking about. Maybe meeting Quiet Lily again would help me remember pieces of myself I had lost, or maybe it would change everything entirely. Somewhere in Oakwood, a girl I couldn’t remember was already waiting for me, and neither of us knew that meeting again was about to become far more complicated than either of us expected.

Eva’s POV

The next morning, everyone acted like nothing had happened.

It was almost impressive.

Yesterday, I had been the main character in the school’s favorite joke. Today, everyone was walking around, laughing and talking about completely different things as if they hadn't spent half the day embarrassing me.

I should have been relieved.

Instead, I kept wondering if people were still whispering about me whenever I walked past.

I hugged my books against my chest and kept my eyes on the floor as I made my way to class.

Maybe if I didn't look at anyone, no one would look at me.

Simple.

I was almost at my classroom when someone suddenly bumped into me.

Hard.

My books slipped from my arms and scattered across the floor.

“Are you blind?” a deep, irritated voice snapped. “Can't you see?”

I froze.

Did he seriously just say that to me?

I looked up, ready to defend myself, but he was already walking away.

A few students nearby had turned to stare.

Of course they had.

Why wouldn't they?

“Excuse y—”

He didn't even turn around.

My mouth fell open in disbelief.

Who did this guy think he was?

I pushed my glasses back up my nose and crouched down to gather my books.

“Unbelievable,” I muttered.

I should have ignored him.

I really should have.

But apparently, my patience had decided to disappear along with my dignity.

He wasn't too far away.

I stood up, took a breath, and shouted, “I'm not the cause of your problems, douchebag!”

He stopped.

Immediately.

My heart dropped.

Oh no.

He slowly turned around.

For a second, our eyes met.

His expression was unreadable.

I suddenly forgot every single word I had planned to say.

Panic took over.

Before he could say anything, I turned around and hurried into my classroom.

I didn't stop until I reached my seat.

I dropped my books on the desk and took a deep breath.

Okay.

Maybe running away wasn't exactly my bravest moment.

But at least I didn't have to deal with him.

Yet.

I was still irritated when Nat walked into the classroom.

She looked unusually happy today.

Actually, happy didn't even describe it.

She looked like she had woken up determined to make the entire world smile with her.

“Hey, Nat,” I called.

She turned toward me with a huge smile.

“Hello, Eva!”

She dropped her bag on her chair.

“Today is such a great day, isn't it?”

She threw her hands into the air dramatically.

I stared at her.

“Are you okay?”

She laughed.

“I'm perfectly fine.”

“You're smiling too much.”

“Is that a crime?”

“It should be.”

She gasped dramatically. “Wow. And I came here ready to spread positivity.”

“Spread it somewhere else.”

Nat laughed and pulled out her chair.

“Okay, okay. What's wrong with you this morning?”

“Nothing.”

She narrowed her eyes.

“That ‘nothing’ sounded very much like ‘something.’”

I sighed.

“Yeah. It was looking like a great day for me too before someone irritated me in the hallway.”

Her eyebrows immediately shot up.

“Wait.”

She leaned closer.

“It was a guy, right?”

I rolled my eyes.

“Of course it was a guy. What other human being is as annoying as them?”

Nat burst out laughing.

“Okay, girl! Relax! What happened?”

I looked around before leaning closer.

“This guy bumped into me.”

“Bumped into you how?”

“Like he was trying to knock me into next week.”

Nat covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.

“Why are you laughing?”

“I'm not!”

“You are!”

“Okay, maybe a little.”

I glared at her.

“He knocked my books down and then had the audacity to ask if I was blind.”

Her smile disappeared.

“He said that?”

“Yes!”

“Wow.”

“Exactly.”

“What did you say?”

I hesitated.

Nat's eyes narrowed.

“What did you say, Eva?”

I sighed.

“I may have called him a douchebag.”

Nat's mouth dropped open.

“You?”

“Yes, me.”

“You actually called someone a douchebag?”

“Don't sound so shocked.”

“I've known you for how long?”

“Too long.”

“And I've never heard you insult anyone to their face.”

“Well, there's a first time for everything.”

Nat burst out laughing.

“Okay, I need to know what happened next.”

“He turned around.”

Her laughter stopped.

“And?”

“I ran.”

There was a beat of silence.

Then she burst out laughing again.

“You ran?!”

“I panicked!”

“You insulted the guy and then ran away?”

“I was protecting myself!”

“From what?”

“From the consequences of my actions.”

Nat laughed so hard she had to hold onto my desk.

I folded my arms.

“Are you done?”

“No.”

“Nat.”

“Okay, okay.” She wiped the corner of her eye. “I'm sorry.”

She tried to compose herself.

“But how did you even bump into him? You didn't see him?”

I gave her an offended look.

“Nat, seriously? What kind of question is that?”

She shrugged.

“I'm just asking.”

“You're supposed to be pacifying me, not asking me questions.”

“Okay, okay. I'm sorry.” She raised both hands. “He was really rude and made my best friend feel small. I'm so sorry, Eva.”

I sighed.

“Thank you.”

“Besides,” she added, “maybe he was having a bad morning.”

I stared at her.

“Are you defending him?”

“No!”

“Because it sounds like you're defending him.”

“I'm not defending him. I'm just saying…”

“Good. Because I already hate him.”

Nat laughed.

“You don't even know his name.”

“I don't need to.”

Before she could reply, the classroom door opened.

Miss Agatha walked in.

The noisy classroom immediately became quiet.

Everyone stood.

“Good morning, ma.”

“Good morning, class.”

She smiled before turning toward the doorway.

“Today, we have someone new joining us.”

A boy stood behind her.

Tall.

Handsome.

Calm.

And somehow… familiar.

Miss Agatha stepped aside.

“Come in.”

The boy walked into the classroom.

I stared at him.

There was something about him.

Something I couldn't quite place.

Miss Agatha smiled.

“Class, this is your new transfer student.”

She looked at him.

“You can introduce yourself.”

He cleared his throat.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Ethan Brooks. I'm a new transfer student.”

He paused briefly.

“I hope to get along with everyone.”

A loud applause filled the classroom before he could even finish.

Someone from the back shouted, “Welcome to Eastview, Ethan!”

Another person added, “You picked the right class!”

Everyone laughed.

Ethan gave a small smile.

“Thank you.”

I barely joined in.

Miss Agatha pointed toward an empty seat.

“Ethan, you can sit over there.”

He nodded.

“Thank you, ma.”

He picked up his bag and started walking toward his seat.

Then his eyes met mine and something strange tugged at my chest. It wasn’t attraction.

At least, I didn’t think it was. It felt more like déjà vu.

There was something strangely familiar about his face.

I immediately looked away.

My heart skipped.

I frowned.

I shook the thought away and opened my English textbook.

Focus, Eva.

Just focus.

A few minutes later, Mr. Michael walked into the classroom.

“Good morning, class.”

“Good morning, sir.”

He started the lesson, but somehow, my mind kept drifting.

Every few minutes, I found myself glancing at Ethan.

His face.

Every time I looked at him, I felt like I was trying to remember a dream I’d forgotten.

But where had I seen him before?

“Eva.”

I jumped.

I looked up.

Mr. Michael was staring directly at me.

“Yes, sir?”

“You haven't been paying attention since this class started, have you?”

My eyes widened.

“Ye…”

I stopped.

Everyone was already looking at me.

“...No.”

A few people laughed.

Mr. Michael raised an eyebrow.

I swallowed.

“Yes, sir. I have.”

“Then tell me what I just explained.”

My heart sank.

Oh no.

I stared at him blankly.

Mr. Michael folded his arms.

“Well?”

I opened my mouth.

Nothing came out.

Someone behind me snickered.

My face immediately heated up.

Mr. Michael sighed.

“Eva, you're usually one of the more attentive students.”

“I'm sorry, sir.”

“Sit down and focus, or I'll send you out of my class.”

“Yes, sir.”

I quickly sat down.

Nat leaned toward me and whispered, “Smooth.”

I shot her a warning look.

“Don't.”

She covered her mouth to hide her laughter.

The rest of the lesson dragged on forever.

When the bell finally rang, I let out a long breath.

Finally.

I felt like I had been sitting there for hours.

Nat walked over to my desk, resting her hands on it.

“So,” she said, “what do you want for lunch today?”

I closed my textbook.

“I don't know. Maybe rice.”

“Again?”

“What's wrong with rice?”

“You eat rice like it's your boyfriend.”

I stared at her.

“Please leave my table.”

She laughed.

“Fine. So rice?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

She turned to leave.

Then I looked up.

My eyes suddenly landed on the new transfer student.

Ethan Brooks.

He was standing a few desks away, talking to another student.

I stared at him.

Something about him had been bothering me all morning.

The way he looked at me.

Why did he seem so familiar?

I narrowed my eyes.

I tried to remember.

Where had I seen him before?

Nat noticed that I wasn't listening.

“Eva?”

I didn't answer.

“Eva?”

Still nothing.

She waved a hand in front of my face.

“Earth to Eva.”

I blinked.

“Huh?”

“What are you staring at?”

I pointed subtly toward Ethan.

“There's something about him.”

Nat glanced at him.

“What about him?”

“I don't know.”

I frowned.

“His face just looks familiar.”

“Maybe you've seen him around.”

“Maybe.”

I kept staring.

Then suddenly—

It clicked.

My eyes widened.

I sat up straight.

“Yes!”

Nat jumped slightly.

“Yes what?”

I barely heard her.

I was still staring at Ethan.

And suddenly, I knew exactly where I'd seen him.

“I know him.”