Whispers of the Heart

XII. Distance and Longing

The end of the semester was approaching, and with it came the overwhelming pressure of final exams. Vivi found herself buried in textbooks, lecture notes, and practice exams, her schedule packed with study sessions and group projects. The once-relaxed days spent with friends now seemed like a distant memory.

One evening, as she sat in the university library, Vivi's eyes drifted over the crowded tables. Students were hunched over their books, some furiously typing on laptops, others muttering to themselves as they reviewed flashcards. The stress in the air was palpable.

Vivi sighed, rubbing her temples. She hadn't seen Sunoo in days, their paths only crossing briefly in the hallways or during rushed meals. She missed their quiet moments together, their easy conversations, and the comfort of his presence.

Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at it, hoping it was a message from Sunoo. Instead, it was from Mika.

Mika: How's the studying going?

Vivi: Overwhelming. You?

Mika: Same here. Wanna take a break and grab some coffee?

Vivi hesitated, her eyes flicking to the stack of notes beside her. She really needed to keep studying, but the thought of a break—and some company—was tempting.

Vivi: Sure, meet you at the café in 10?

Mika: See you there!

Vivi packed her things and made her way to the campus café. As she walked, her thoughts wandered to Sunoo. She wondered how he was handling the stress of exams and if he missed her as much as she missed him.

When she arrived at the café, Mika was already there, sipping on a latte. Vivi ordered a cappuccino and joined her at a corner table.

"So, how's your study schedule?" Mika asked, taking a sip of her drink.

"Intense," Vivi replied, stirring her coffee. "I feel like I'm drowning in work. And I haven't seen Sunoo in ages. I miss him."

Mika gave her a sympathetic look. "I know how you feel. Exams are rough on everyone. But you and Sunoo will get through it. You always do."

Vivi nodded, though the longing in her chest didn't ease. "I just wish we had more time together. It feels like we're drifting apart."

Mika reached out and squeezed Vivi's hand. "You're not drifting apart. It's just a busy time. Once exams are over, things will go back to normal."

Vivi smiled weakly, grateful for Mika's reassurance. "I hope you're right."

The next few days were a blur of studying and stress. Vivi spent most of her time in the library or her dorm room, her focus entirely on her exams. She saw Sunoo occasionally, but their interactions were brief and filled with the tension of impending deadlines.

One evening, as Vivi sat at her desk, her eyes blurry from hours of reading, she decided to take a break. She pulled out her journal, a habit she'd picked up over the years to help clear her mind.

Dear Journal,

It feels like forever since I've had a moment to breathe. Exams are taking over my life, and I miss Sunoo so much. I miss our talks, our laughter, and the way he always knows how to make me feel better. I wonder if he feels the same way.

Lucas has been around a lot, offering to help me study, but it's not the same. Sunoo is different. He's special. I don't know if it's because of everything we've been through or something else, but there's a part of me that longs for more with him.

But I'm scared. What if I ruin our friendship? What if he doesn't feel the same way?

For now, I just need to get through these exams. Then maybe, just maybe, I'll find the courage to talk to him about how I really feel.