As the bell rang, signaling the start of the science exam, the students shuffled into the classroom. Miyu usually sat next to her friends, but this time, she surprised everyone by taking the seat right next to Hiroshi. Her friends exchanged curious glances but decided not to question it.
Hiroshi smiled as she sat down, trying to hide his nervousness. “You got this, Miyu. I believe in you.”
Miyu blushed faintly, nodding. “Y-yeah… I’ll try my best.”
The teacher walked through the aisles, handing out the exam papers. Miyu stared at hers, gripping her pen tightly as anxiety bubbled up inside her. But remembering Hiroshi’s words, she took a deep breath and focused.
To Hiroshi’s astonishment, Miyu began answering questions at lightning speed, her pen flying across the page.
In just 15 minutes, Miyu was finished. She leaned back in her chair, exhaling deeply with a relieved smile. Hiroshi caught her eye and gave her a thumbs-up before returning to his own exam.
An hour later, the teacher collected the last of the papers, announcing the end of the exam. Hiroshi immediately turned to Miyu, his eyes wide with anticipation. “So, how did you do?!”
Miyu slumped forward, pretending to sob. “Augh… I have bad news…”
Hiroshi froze, his stomach sinking. “Wait, what? No… it can’t be…” he murmured, his mind racing. Was I a bad teacher? Did I mess this up for her?
Miyu suddenly stopped “crying” and grinned mischievously. “I’m just acting! I totally aced it!”
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Hiroshi blinked in surprise before breaking into a relieved smile. “You…! I can’t believe you—!”
Before he could finish, Miyu laughed, and they hugged in celebration. “Yay, you did it!” Hiroshi exclaimed, proud of her progress.
Their moment was interrupted when Mani and Styan, Hiroshi’s new friends, approached with smirks on their faces.
“Yo, Hiroshi,” Mani teased, “you got yourself a girlfriend or what?”
Hiroshi’s face turned bright red. “N-no! We’re just friends!” he stammered.
Miyu, however, narrowed her eyes, a slight pout forming on her lips. “Y-yeah… just friends…” she muttered, her tone betraying a hint of frustration.
Mani shrugged. “Alright, man. Anyway, we’re heading to a party later. You wanna come?”
Hiroshi hesitated, glancing at Miyu. “Uh… can Miyu come too?”
Mani shook his head apologetically. “Nah, sorry, dude. It’s just for the guys.”
Hiroshi frowned. “If Miyu can’t—”
“It’s fine!” Miyu cut him off, her voice slightly sharper than usual. “You can go. Have fun.”
Hiroshi studied her face, noticing the flicker of irritation she tried to hide. “Are you sure?” he asked hesitantly.
Miyu forced a smile. “Y-yep. I’m totally fine with it…” But inside, she wasn’t fine at all. A strange, bitter feeling churned in her chest. She didn’t understand it completely, but she didn’t want Hiroshi to leave.
“Well… okay then,” Hiroshi said, still unsure. “Can we hang out after I get back?”
Miyu nodded quickly. “Yeah, sure. See you later.”
As the school bell rang, signaling the end of the day, Hiroshi and Miyu walked out together.
“See you soon,” Hiroshi said, waving as he joined Mani and Styan. “I swear I’ll come by after!”
“Yeah, see you soon!” Miyu called after him, her voice strained.
She watched him disappear into the distance, her expression darkening. Her hand gripped the strap of her bag tightly as an unfamiliar ache tugged at her chest.
Why am I feeling like this? she thought to herself. Why does it bother me so much that he’s going without me?
As she walked home, her mind raced. Memories of Hiroshi flashed through her head—his awkward smile, his encouragement during the exam, the way he cheered her on.
Finally, she stopped in her tracks, her cheeks burning. “Am I… in love with that nerd?”
The thought made her heart race, but she quickly shook her head. “No way. That’s ridiculous…”
But even as she denied it, her emotions betrayed her. And for the first time, Miyu found herself waiting impatiently for Hiroshi to return.