the day we first met : version [ enhanced ]

Volume 3 – Exam Time!

A New (Q)? Part 2

Raitha and Shyam walked out from behind the bookshelves, Raitha continuing to recount her unusual encounter with the girl now sitting at the library table.

The moment the girl saw them emerge together, she quickly pieced the situation together. Spotting Shyam in the same school uniform as Raitha, she assumed he was her friend. Without hesitation, she approached them.

"Hi! I'm Ritika, Class 11C. And you?" she said, her voice brimming with confidence.

For someone meeting them for the first time, she showed no signs of nervousness. Her bright demeanor caught Shyam off guard.

"I-I'm Shyam, Class 12B. Nice to meet you," he replied, his voice faltering slightly. Trying to mask his hesitation, he quickly asked, "So, are you here to study for the exams too?"

Ritika nodded, a friendly smile spreading across her face. "Yup! And judging by your books, I guess you're doing the same?"

Shyam attempted a polite laugh. Although he initially found Ritika's presence unsettling, her easygoing nature soon began to break the ice. Raitha observed the interaction quietly but seemed pleased that the tension was easing.

The trio began talking about their interests. Shyam, feeling less awkward, even forgot the hesitation in his voice. Conversations ranged from favorite subjects to funny school stories, and the hours passed unnoticed.

It wasn't until Shyam glanced at his watch that reality struck.

"Wait—it's already evening!" he exclaimed. The library's closing time was near, and he hurriedly packed his things.

Raitha and Ritika followed suit, and the three left the library together, parting ways at the school gate.

That day, Shyam and Raitha didn't just find a study partner—they gained a new friend. Ritika, in turn, seemed to have found people she could talk to freely.

---

A New Friend?

(Fun Segment)

Ritika: "Hello, everyone! I'm the newest character in the story. Hehe! I'm here to book my seat as one of the main characters. Exciting, right?"

"I've only been in one story by Noobie before this, so I'm really looking forward to being part of this one. Oh, and just so you know, I'm an ambivert kind of girl, so please be gentle with me!"