Her Final Breath Was a Curse

[Fruit Shop ]

The sun hangs low as Dio and Alia step out from the hospital and into the neighborhood fruit market. The scent of ripe mangoes, guavas, and lychees fills the air.

Alia glances at Dio, who's checking the freshness of some apples. "So... Dio," she begins, her tone airy but calculated, "do you, um, by any chance have a girlfriend?"

Dio lifts a brow, pausing. "Is that even the right time to ask something like that?"

Alia giggles softly. "Well, we're already here getting fruits for Ami... and you seem awfully concerned about her. It's just... interesting."

Dio places an apple in the basket without looking at her. "She's my friend. She saved my life. That's reason enough."

"Of course," Alia says, brushing her hair back. "But I mean, don't you think she's a little... attached? Even though she has a fiancé and all."

He freezes. "What fiancé? She's only in high school."

Alia feigns surprise, "Oops. She didn't tell you? Ugh, I shouldn't have said anything. Gotta zip it."

Dio frowns. "What nonsense are you blabbering?"

Alia shrugs innocently. "You'll figure it out. Let's pick some oranges."

Back at the hospital, Ami lies in her bed, sunlight filtering through the blinds. She's sketching lightly in her notebook.

There's a knock. Nyra enters with a smug smile, and Ron trails behind her in dark sunglasses and a fitted jacket.

"Amiii," Ron says, his voice low, slightly awkward. "I heard from Nyra. You got into an accident."

Ami glances up, bored. "Yeah. I lived. No big deal."

Nyra rolls her eyes. "He was worried. Asked me like, ten times. We didn't talk about anything else, okay?"

Ami shrugs. "Cool. Thanks. You guys can go ahead now. I'm fine."

Ron shifts uncomfortably. "You sure?"

"Positive."

As they leave, Soha leans closer to Saad, whispering, "Who was that guy in sunglasses looking like he owns a movie set?"

Saad watches Ron's back as he exits. "Looks like he's about to drop his debut rap album."

Soha glances at Ami. "You know him?"

Ami sighs. "That's Ron. My family's brilliant idea of a fiancé."

Saad bursts out laughing. "That guy? The overly styled one? Wow. Your family's taste is... unique."

Ami smirks. "Tell me about it."

They all laugh softly.

Days pass. Ami recovers well and is finally discharged. She walks through the academy gates, holding her bag like a shield, but the moment students notice her---cheers, claps, and whispers fill the air.

"She saved Dio, right?" "She literally took the hit." "Queen behavior."

Soha throws an arm around Ami. "Back with a bang!"

Dio greets her with a warm grin. "Heroic return. How's the head?"

"Still on my shoulders," Ami replies. "What about yours?"

"Haunted by the fact you beat me to being cool."

As they laugh, Alia watches from across the corridor. Her smile is sweet, but her eyes are hard.

She skips over, standing just a little too close to Dio. "Oh Ami~ You're back! We were soooo worried."

Ami blinks. "Wow. Didn't know plastic came with feelings."

Dio hides a chuckle. Alia giggles anyway. "Hehe, you're sooo funny. Anyway, Dio, shall we get you that smoothie you wanted?"

"What smoothie?" he asks, genuinely confused.

Alia shrugs. "Just kidding! Haha, you're sooo forgetful."

Ami watches the exchange silently. Her inner voice echoes: A new game, huh? Let's play.

[Lunch Break ]

During lunch, Ami walks into the cafeteria and immediately notices something odd. Alia and Nyra are cornering someone near the food line.

It's a girl withstraight hair , confident and definitely not a pushover.

Alia bumps into her 'accidentally', and the tray crashes.

Sneha's lunch spills onto the floor.

"Oops," Nyra says with a fake pout. "You should be more careful."

Sneha looks down, then up---slowly. She glares.

"You seriously think I'm going to cry over rice? What are you, six?"

Alia blinks. "Excuse me?"

Sneha smirks, picking up her spoon. "Next time you wanna act like a brat, try not wearing heels you clearly can't walk in."

Laughter bubbles up from a few tables nearby.

Nyra huffs. "Let's go, Alia."

Ami watches from the corner, impressed. Interesting... She's got fire.

As she heads back to her seat, Saad joins her with his tray.

"That new girl has more sass than Nyra can handle."

Ami nods. "Might just become my favorite person."