You and he were classmates

Familiar faces sharing the same space, yet living in different worlds. Despite sitting only a few meters apart every day, the two of you had barely exchanged a handful of words.

That afternoon, the hallways buzzed with noise, the sky outside tinted with the warm glow of the setting sun. You were rushing down the school stairs, heart racing, mind elsewhere, when he appeared from the opposite direction, ascending the steps at a calm pace. Neither of you saw the other in time. There was no warning, no chance to stop. The impact was sudden. You collided, bodies crashing together awkwardly. Your feet slipped, gravity yanked you downward, and in the confusion of flailing limbs and lost balance, your faces drew too close. For a split second, your lips brushed against his — a light, accidental touch. Time froze, just for a heartbeat before darkness swallowed everything.

When you came to, the stairwell was silent. Your body ached as you tried to move. You pushed yourself up slightly, head spinning, and your blurry gaze locked onto someone lying across from you.

At first, all you saw were familiar features — the shape of the eyes, the curve of the lips. It felt strangely comforting… until a cold realization crawled up your spine. The face staring back at you wasn’t his. You were staring at yourself.