Before You Loved Me - Chapter 4: A Different Feeling

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The announcement came during Monday assembly.

"Grade 10 students will be going on a two-day educational trip next month," the principal announced. "Please submit your permission forms by Friday."

The courtyard immediately filled with excited whispers.

"A trip!"

"We're staying overnight!"

"I heard the hotel has a swimming pool!"

Even Khem looked a little curious.

After school, the four friends walked toward the front gate together.

Than stretched his arms.

"I'm definitely bringing snacks."

Rin laughed.

"You'll spend more money on food than the trip itself."

"What about you, Khem?" Than asked.

Khem thought for a moment.

"I'll probably bring a book."

Than dramatically placed a hand over his heart.

"Who brings a book on a school trip?"

Khem smiled shyly.

"In case I can't sleep."

The group laughed.

Kavin didn't.

He was busy watching Khem smile again.

Why does he smile like that...?

It wasn't flashy.

It wasn't meant to impress anyone.

It was simply... beautiful.

The day of the trip arrived.

The students boarded the buses early in the morning.

Than immediately sat beside Rin.

Kavin walked onto the bus, looking around.

Only one empty seat remained.

Beside Khem.

"Can I sit here?" Kavin asked.

Khem nodded.

"Of course."

The bus started moving.

Some students sang loudly.

Others played games or watched movies.

Khem rested his head against the window, quietly watching the scenery.

"You don't like noisy places?" Kavin asked.

"I don't mind them."

"Then why are you so quiet?"

Khem smiled.

"I like listening more than talking."

Kavin chuckled.

"I've noticed."

After a short silence, Khem asked,

"What about you?"

"I like talking."

"I've noticed that too."

For a moment, they looked at each other.

Then they both laughed.

It was the first conversation that didn't feel like classmates making small talk.

It felt... easy.

That afternoon, the students visited a historical museum.

As everyone wandered around, Khem stopped in front of an old painting.

He looked at it quietly for several minutes.

"What are you thinking about?" Kavin asked.

Khem didn't take his eyes off the painting.

"I wonder how many stories disappear because nobody remembers them."

Kavin looked at him.

Most people would've commented on the painting itself.

Khem thought about the people behind it.

For the first time, Kavin realized something.

He didn't admire Khem because he was quiet.

He admired the way Khem saw the world.

That night, after dinner, the students gathered outside the hotel for games.

Teachers divided everyone into teams.

During one game, Khem accidentally tripped over a small rock.

Before he hit the ground, someone caught his arm.

"You okay?" Kavin asked.

Khem nodded quickly.

"I'm fine."

"You almost fell."

"...Thanks."

Neither of them noticed Than watching from a distance.

Than nudged Rin.

"See?"

"See what?"

"Kavin."

Rin looked toward the pair.

Kavin was still making sure Khem wasn't hurt.

Rin smiled knowingly.

"I noticed."

"You think...?"

"I don't know."

Rin glanced back at them.

"But I think Kavin looks at Khem differently than he looks at everyone else."

Later that night, everyone returned to their rooms.

Kavin lay awake, unable to sleep.

His mind replayed every moment from the day.

Khem laughing on the bus.

Khem talking about forgotten stories.

Khem almost falling.

Khem saying thank you.

Kavin covered his face with his pillow.

His heart wouldn't stop racing.

Finally, he whispered to himself,

"...I like him."

The words hung in the darkness.

No excitement.

No fear.

Just a quiet realization.

For the first time in his life...

Kavin knew he had fallen in love.5Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JssQOlp4s

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