Crimson Threads

10

Y/N's POV

The two-day break before the final exam felt like an eternity. It wasn't just the pressure of studying that weighed on me—it was the gnawing uncertainty and the growing anxiety about not seeing him for those two days, and possibly never seeing him again after the last exam. I tried to dive into my studies, but every time I opened a book, my thoughts would drift back to him—V. The idea of not seeing him for two whole days was enough to make my chest tighten with unease. But what was worse was the looming reality that after our last exam, I might never see him again. The thought alone left me restless. How had this crush, this whirlwind of emotions, taken such a hold on me? I asked myslef looking at the mirror while I was brushing my hair.

At home, I tried to keep my mind occupied and maintain my usual routine. My mom would peek into my room every now and then to check on me, bringing snacks or offering to help quiz me on the material. I could tell she was concerned; she'd seen the look on my face, the one that said I was here but my mind was miles away.

"Y/N, honey, you okay? You look a bit out of it," she said one afternoon, her brow furrowed with concern.

I forced a smile, trying to hide the turmoil inside. "Yeah, Mom. Just...tired. You know, exams."

She nodded, but I could tell she wasn't convinced. "Don't overdo it. Remember to take breaks, okay?"

"Okay, Mom," I replied, my voice a little too cheerful to be real.

My dad was more subtle. He'd make small talk during dinner, his usual gentle way of checking in on me.

"So, how's the studying going?" he asked one evening as he passed me the salad bowl.

I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "It's fine, Dad. Just the usual stress."

He smiled at me, his eyes filled with the kind of quiet support that only a father can give. "You'll do great. Just hang in there."

"Thanks, Dad," I mumbled, my mind already wandering back to V.

My brother, always the observant one, noticed my distraction too. He'd tease me about it, trying to lighten the mood, but a part of him genuinely wanted to know what was going on. I brushed it off, saying I was just tired from all the studying.

But I wasn't fine. The thought of possibly never seeing V again was gnawing at me. As the days dragged on, I tried to distract myself with studying, but my mind kept returning to him. I'd sit at my desk, books open in front of me, but the words on the pages were just a blur. All I could think about was him and what might happen—or not happen—after the last exam.

Finally, the last day of exams arrived. My morning routine was the same—my dad drove me to college, offering his usual advice and encouragement. But this time, there was a heaviness in my chest, a sadness I couldn't shake. I couldn't believe it was all coming to an end. As we arrived at the college, I felt an overwhelming mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, sadness—all tangled up inside me.

"Just do your best, Y/N. That's all anyone can ask for," he said, giving me a reassuring smile.

"I will, Dad," I replied, though my mind was elsewhere, already at the college, already searching for him.

Walking into the exam hall, I spotted Hwan and Kris right away. They were already chatting animatedly, but when they saw me, their faces lit up. We exchanged a few words, our usual banter, but even as we joked around, I couldn't help but notice the ticking clock on the wall. Each second felt like it was bringing me closer to an inevitable end, not just of the exams, but of something more.