Unwritten Rules

Found Peace

Kierra's POV

Great! Today is our prelim, and Sir Mike just decided to talk to me yesterday. Of all days. And now, here he is again, walking towards me.

I could feel my heart rate picking up as he approached. "Good luck on your preliminary exam, Kierra," he said genuinely, his deep voice calm and reassuring.

"Thank you, Sir," I replied, trying to hide my surprise and the flutter of nerves his sudden attention caused. Did he have to pick today, of all days, to speak to me again?

"I'll be waiting for you," as he walked away, his tall figure exuding confidence, I felt a mix of frustration and longing. How was I supposed to focus on my exam now?

Taking a deep breath, I clutched my notes tightly. "Come on, Kierra, get it together," I muttered under my breath. I had studied hard for this, and I couldn't let a brief interaction with Sir Mike throw me off balance.

Walking into the exam hall, the weight of my fellow students' nervous energy pressed down on me. I found my seat, the paper and pen in front of me feeling heavier than usual.

As the exam began, I couldn't help but replay our conversation in my mind. Only if he knows how powerful his words and presence are. Did he know what kind of effect he had on me? I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

This was my moment to prove myself. To show Sir Mike, and more importantly, to show myself that I could handle this. No distractions, no second-guessing.

I put my pen to paper and started writing, focusing on each question with a determination I hadn't felt in a while. This was about my future, my goals. Sir Mike might have thrown me off balance, but I was determined to find my footing again.

My examination flows smoothly, and my friends and I are talking about our answers, debating whether we got them correct or not. Though every minute, Sir Mike is peeking into my head, a constant distraction.

This is such a fulfilling day. We congratulate each other because, finally, we passed through our exam. Our reviews and exhaustion are all worth it.

Later that day, as we're leaving the campus, I saw Sir Mike waiting outside. He's standing near the tree where Joshua parked his motorcycle last time. I don't know if he's waiting for me or someone else. I give no damn, but just as I'm about to exit the gate, he runs towards us.

My friends give me pleading looks. They know all my frustrations and want to help me end them. They urge me to talk to him, saying that to let go, I should know his reasons first.

I hesitate, glancing back at Sir Mike. His expression is unreadable, but there's something in his eyes that makes me pause. Maybe they're right. Maybe I do need to hear him out.

Taking a deep breath, I nod to my friends and step towards him, my heart pounding in my chest. "Sir Mike," I say, trying to keep my voice steady, "can we talk?"

He looks at me, a mix of surprise and something else flickering in his eyes. "Of course, Kierra," he replies, his voice soft but tinged with apprehension.

We walk a few steps away from the gate, finding a quiet spot under the shade of the tree where no one can see us. The air is thick with unspoken words, and I can feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me.

"Why now?" I ask, my voice trembling slightly. "Why did you come to see me after the exam? You know how hard it's been for me."

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Kierra, I know I've caused you pain, and I'm sorry for that. I wanted to give you space, to let you focus on your studies without my presence complicating things."