Our beloved youth

14: Waiting for her

How come I never realized you were the girl I had been searching for...

Their brief moment was interrupted by the sliding classroom door. Kevin glanced over, allowing Elina to deftly step on his foot, retrieve her book, and stick her tongue out at him.

"Good morning!!!" Hana greeted them both with a smile, and Elina reciprocated as she approached.

"Good morning, Hana."

"You came early today?" Hana asked, surprised, as Elina nodded while heading to her seat to stow away her diary.

"Yeah, had some work," Elina replied with a shrug. Hana raised an eyebrow in understanding before glancing towards Kevin, who wore a slight smile. Hana frowned as she took her seat, playfully teasing Kevin.

"Woah, what's with that smile?" she asked, her tone teasing, while Elina rolled her eyes.

Huh! Smile and him?

"Nothing," Kevin responded, reverting to his usual unexpressive self, causing Hana to nod hesitantly as she blinked her eyes trying to divert herself.

"Hana, do you want to come with me for a walk outside?" Elina asked, turning to her with a bright smile. Hana's expression softened, and she nodded eagerly.

"Come on, let's go!" Elina said, placing her hands on Hana's arms as they walked out; while Elina glared towards Kevin as she walked out.

Meanwhile, Kevin watched Elina's departing figure, perplexed.

Did I upset her?

__________________________

Hana and Elina strolled together, chatting comfortably. "Wow, another picture of you?" Elina remarked upon seeing another picture of Hana on the bulletin board. Hana blushed modestly.

"It's not much. I still have a lot to improve on," she replied humbly.

"You're perfect! Kind, smart, and beautiful!" Elina praised sincerely, making Hana feel genuinely appreciated.

"Well, you're no less than a model yourself!" Hana returned the compliment shyly.

"Hehe, thanks!" Elina beamed, while Hana admired her silently.

I wish I could be more like her, carefree and happy...

After a few minutes, students began arriving, filling up the classroom. Elina and Hana returned to their seats. Elina glanced back at where she had left the helmet, her expression slightly disappointed.

Why hasn't he come yet?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Jiya's loud voice. "Where are you staring so intensely"

She turned and saw Jiya standing as she wiggled her eyebrows.

"Oh, nowhere... What about you? What's new?" Elina deflected.

Jiya took the seat in front of her. "Not much... Although I think Ross might have forgotten our 100-day anniversary," she said with a hint of annoyance.

"100 days? Seriously?" Elina responded with a raised eyebrow.

"So what? He should be celebrating every day since I'm his girlfriend," Jiya retorted, nonchalantly blowing on her nails, which made Elina chuckle.

"Yeah, poor Ross," Elina agreed with a laugh. "Is it today?" she asked curiously, but their conversation was cut short by the opening of the classroom door, prompting everyone to stand.

Jiya returned to her seat, mouthing 'I'll tell you later' to Elina, who nodded and gave her a thumbs-up.

AN: Despite multiple warnings against talking during math class, the old besties couldn't resist, resulting in their teacher separating them as punishment.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Mr. Herriot had already began taking attendance.

"Jason... Jason Mallie... Jas-"

His words were cut off by the classroom door sliding open, revealing Jason.

"Late. But you made it before attendance was finished, so it doesn't count as late," Mr. Herriot said with a feigned frown, then smiled. "It's okay, go ahead and take your seat," he said, as Jason nodded and closed the door behind him.

"Yeah, and meet me afterwards," Mr. Herriot added with a smile, to which Jason nodded again and took his seat.

AN: This was why Mr. Herriot had become everyone's favorite teacher. He was approachable, fun, and someone not only Jason but everyone felt comfortable talking to.
He believed that teaching should be enjoyable, not just a responsibility, understanding the delicate balance between shaping futures and cherishing the last days of youth.

Jason made his way to his seat, his gaze briefly catching Elina's as she smiled warmly at him. He frowned momentarily, but then his expression shifted to a smirk as he winked at her.

Elina squinted in surprise, turning away in gross.

Meanwhile, Jason chuckled at her reaction, taking his bag and preparing to sit down. He noticed his helmet on the desk, along with a piece of candy.

So that's why she was so excited to see me.

Shaking his head in amusement, he picked up the helmet and sat down. As he was about to set it aside, he noticed a yellow note attached. Curious, he unfolded it and read.

Hey, sir!

I didn't touch your stuff, and I know I shouldn't interfere, but I couldn't help it. I don't know what happened between you and Kevin yesterday, but I saw you were hurt, and I couldn't help because you had already left. So here's a caramel candy; the theory is, whenever you're sad, have one, and you'll feel better!

Take care and sorry again~~

He looked at the note for few seconds and then slowly glanced up and saw Elina pulling out a book from her bag, her hair falling across her face, which she tucked behind her ear.

Her small act of concern made him feel something... something he couldn't quite define or accept.

Returning to reality, he heard Mr. Herriot call his name.

"Jason, take out your book."

"Yes, sir," Jason replied, placing his helmet near his bag.

"Okay, now that we're done with attendance..." Mr. Herriot began, but was interrupted by a student.

"Why are you so nice, sir?"

"Because you're all so nice," Mr. Herriot replied with a smile.

"Sir, you're just saying that to be polite," another student chimed in.

"Do you not believe me?"

"Wait..."

"See? It fell down," he said, pointing towards the floor.

"What, sir?" everyone asked, glancing around, while Elina also looked over from her desk.

"My heart," Mr. Herriot replied with a laugh, shaking his head while the students laughed along.

Elina felt a bit happier, smiling even more, as she had never met such a friendly teacher before.

"So cheesy, sir!" Charlie joked, prompting Mr. Herriot to clear his throat.

"Okay, okay, let's get started with today's lesson," he said.

Meanwhile, two people couldn't take their eyes off one particular figure. One was confused by his feelings, while the other happy to find something old.

For so long, I've been waiting for her... 

I hate caramel candies, but why do I find myself unable to throw this one away?

To Be Continued