Our beloved youth

30: Hana's farewell

Time skip (next day at school after study hours)

"Hana hasn't come to school for so many days," Jiya said, making Elina realize she hadn't noticed.

I hope she's okay. After that day, we haven't talked much, and I've been so engaged with myself that I completely forgot about it. How could I even...

"I wonder if she's fine..." Jiya added, while Elina spoke with a small pout on her lips, "I too hope so."

"Let's visit her this evening?" Jiya suggested, and Elina nodded. "Okay then, I'll come to your place, and we can visit her together?" Elina said, and Jiya nodded.

"Finally, I found you," Ross said as he approached Elina, making her frown.

"Was it for Jiya?" Elina asked, looking at him and then at Jiya. Ross shook his head and then came closer to their seat.

"Mrs. Sella is calling you," Ross said, looking at Elina.

(AN: Mrs. Sella is their art teacher)

"Me? Why?" Elina asked, waiting for an answer. Ross just shrugged his shoulders and sat beside Jiya. "I don't know."

Elina sighed as she closed her bag. "Okay then, where is she?" she asked, standing up. "She's in the art room," Ross said, and Elina nodded, speaking to Jiya, "I'll get going."

Jiya nodded, closing her eyes and bidding her bye.

Elina walked to the art room, tense about why Mrs. Sella had called her. She knew she hadn't done anything wrong but still felt anxious. She kept thinking about the possibilities and unknowingly entered the art room without taking permission. Realizing her mistake, she was about to apologize but froze when her eyes met someone she didn't want to see at the moment. She widened her eyes and immediately turned around.

What is Kevin doing here?!

"I better come when he is not here." Elina murmured to herself as she almost reached the door, but Mrs. Sella called her back.

"Oh, Elina! You're here. Come in quickly," Mrs. Sella said, finally noticing Elina's presence and welcoming her with a smile. Elina bit her tongue, slowly turning back and giving a nervous smile. "Yes, Ma'am," she said, slowly entering.

Okay, stay cool, Elina, and don't look at him. 

Don't make it obvious that you are bothered by last night's incident.

Elina thought to herself, determined to stay calm. She stood two feet away from Kevin while Mrs. Sella smiled and spoke. "I have called you both for an important task. As you must know, every year we select students from any club for our school's magazine front page. This year, after discussion, we have concluded to select you both." She continued, "And Kevin, as you are already familiar with it, I would like you to help Elina with it."

Elina blinked, not believing what she heard.

I have ZERO charms to be the representative. 

Did they sell their brains and eyes to chose me as the representative?!

Elina shook her head, speaking, "I- don't think I deserve it. Um- why don't you ask Hana? I bet she can do better than me, and she has been the representative earlier too..." Elina said politely with an apologetic smile, while Kevin frowned, looking at her.

What's wrong with her? 

Is she avoiding it because of me because of last night?

Mrs. Sella frowned and said, "Nothing is undeserving about you, Elina. We all believe you can do it, and Hana won't be here anymore, so we can't choose her." Mrs. Sella smiled, encouraging Elina to believe in herself. Elina frowned, not understanding Mrs. Sella's words. "Ma'am, what do you mean by Hana won't be here?" Elina asked.