Mathletes - Mingyu ShortStory

Mathletes

     Joshua took a deep breath as he approached Carat's locker. His palms were sweating and his heart was pounding. Carat was the smartest, kindest, most beautiful girl he knew - and he had a huge crush on her.
     As she appeared at her locker, Joshua felt his breath catch in his throat. Carat was an angel, with her honey blonde curls framing her sweet face and warm hazel eyes. She looked up and broke into a sunny smile when she saw him.
     "Hey, Shua! Getting ready for the Academic Decathlon?" She began pulling out her books, oblivious to how adoringly he was gazing at her.
      "Y-yeah," he stammered, then mentally kicked himself. Get it together! "I just wanted to wish you luck. May the best nerd win." He managed a small chuckle.
      Carat laughed, the melodious sound making Joshua's heart swell. "You're so sweet. But I have to warn you, I've been studying really hard. I'm coming for that valedictorian spot!"
      "We'll see about that," Joshua teased, feeling more at ease in their playful banter. "Maybe if you're lucky, I'll let you have it."
      She gasped in mock outrage, swatting him lightly with her textbook. Joshua's breath caught again at the sparkle in her eyes. Suddenly, feeling emboldened, he blurted, "Hey Carat? Would you maybe want to grab a study snack later? With me?"
      Carat's eyes widened in surprise, but then crinkled at the corners as her smile widened. "I'd love that, Shua. It's a study date."
       He felt like his face might split from grinning so hard. "Awesome! I'll pick you up at 7?" She nodded, biting her lip shyly.
      As Joshua turned and walked away, he did a little skip of joy. He had a study date with Carat! All those nights of studying had paid off. He couldn't wait to spend more time with the sweet, funny, beautiful girl of his dreams.
      A few hours later, Joshua was at Carat's door, a big bouquet of sunflowers in hand. He took a few calming breaths to steady his nerves as he rang the bell. The door swung open to reveal Carat, looking impossibly pretty in a yellow sundress.
      "Shua! You didn't have to get me flowers!" She accepted the bouquet with another dazzling smile.
      "I-I wanted to," he stammered, feeling very aware of how closely their families lived. "Should we get going?"
      "Lead the way!" Carat looped her arm through his trustingly.
      They spent the evening quizzing each other over milkshakes and burgers at the old-fashioned diner downtown. Joshua couldn't remember the last time he had laughed so much. Carat was hilarious and whip-smart - she matched him quip for quip.
     As they were leaving, Carat shyly reached out and took his hand. "I had an amazing time tonight, Joshua. Thank you for asking me out."
      He stared down at their intertwined fingers in wonder. "Are you kidding? This was the best night of my life."
      They lingered outside her door for a few long moments, neither wanting the night to end. Finally, mustering up his courage, Joshua leaned in and pressed a soft, sweet kiss to Carat's cheek.
      "Goodnight, Carat. Sweet dreams."
      She blushed prettily, giving his hand a squeeze. "You too, Shua. I'll see you at the Decathlon!"
      He watched her slip inside with a ridiculous lovestruck grin on his face. Win or lose at the Decathlon, he had already felt like the luckiest guy in the world tonight getting to know Carat better. She was truly one in a million.
      Over the next few weeks, Joshua and Carat's relationship blossomed. They studied together every night, sharing snacks, help, encouragement - and plenty of sweet kisses and hand-holding.
      The Decathlon was a delightful, friendly competition between the two academic rivals. At times, Joshua would catch Carat's sparkling gaze from across the room and his heart would feel fit to burst with how much he adored her.
      In the end, Carat edged him out for the valedictorian spot - but Joshua couldn't have cared less. He was over the moon to watch the love of his life give her valedictory speech. She was brilliant, poised, and beautiful.
      As she stepped off the stage, diploma in hand, Joshua swept her up in a jubilant hug, spinning her around. "I'm so proud of you, Valedictorian Carat!"
      She laughed merrily, throwing her arms around his neck. "Thank you for always supporting me and believing in me."
      "Always," he promised solemnly, pecking her sweetly. "I love you, my little Neuroscientist."
     Carat's face glowed with happiness. "I love you too, Future Mr. President."
      In that moment, with his beautiful, accomplished girlfriend in his arms, Joshua knew he was the luckiest, richest man in the world. He had already won the biggest prize.

~The End~