The campus was quieter than usual that morning, the typical hustle and bustle replaced by an air of tension as the Final Weeks began. The first exams were set to start with the Architectural students, and the pressure was palpable.
Maxwell, Wayne, Isabel, and Andrea sat at their usual spot in the campus café, sipping on coffee and trying to keep the anxiety at bay. The four of them were deep in their own thoughts, the looming exams casting a shadow over their usual banter.
“Ang tahimik natin ngayon, ah,” Andrea remarked, breaking the silence. “Parang lahat tayo kinakabahan.”
“Hindi na nakakagulat, considering it's Finals,” Isabel replied, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. “Pero kaya natin ‘to, guys. We’ve been through worse.”
Wayne glanced at Maxwell, noticing the slight furrow in his brow. “Okay ka lang ba?” he asked softly.
Maxwell nodded, offering a small smile. “Oo, okay lang. Medyo na-stress lang dahil sa mga kailangan aralin. Pero kakayanin ko.”
“Rhiannon’s already taking her exam, right?” Wayne asked, looking at Isabel.
“Yeah,” Isabel confirmed. “I’m sure she’s got it under control, though. Alam mo naman si Rhiannon, she’s always on top of things.”
Andrea chuckled. “Grabe yung dedication niya. She’s one of the running dean's listers, after all. Pero ‘di lang naman siya—lahat tayo, diba?”
Maxwell smiled, feeling a bit of pride despite the stress. “Different departments nga lang tayo. But yeah, we’re all in the same boat.”
“Speaking of Rhiannon,” Isabel added, “you know what’s funny? Kaitlyn and Joshua did the same thing when they were in school—pulling all-nighters before Finals. It runs in the family, I guess.”
Wayne raised an eyebrow. “So Rhiannon did that too?”
Isabel nodded, laughing. “Yep. Kagabi pa siya nag-review. Typical Rhiannon, ayaw magpahuli sa mga kapatid niya.”
Andrea shook her head in admiration. “That’s dedication for you. I’m just glad we’re all here to support each other. We’ve got each other’s backs.”
Maxwell took a deep breath, feeling a bit more at ease. “Oo nga. Hindi naman tayo nag-iisa sa stress na ‘to. We’ll make it through.”
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As they continued to chat, the weight of the upcoming exams felt a little lighter, knowing they had each other for support. They talked about their study strategies, shared tips, and even managed to laugh at some of the more absurd questions they’d encountered while reviewing.
Isabel leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. “You know, watching Rhiannon go through this reminds me of how determined she’s always been. She’s really something else.”
Wayne nodded. “Yeah, she’s one of a kind. And it’s not just about being smart—she works hard for it.”
Maxwell smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. “We’re all working hard. We’ve all come a long way since we started. And no matter what happens, I’m proud of us.”
“Proud ka lang kasi kasama mo si Wayne palagi,” Andrea teased, nudging Maxwell with a grin.
Maxwell rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but laugh. “Gusto mo ba mag-aral pa or gusto mo masigawan kita?”
They all laughed, the tension easing a bit more as they returned to their coffee and conversation.
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As the morning continued, the café started to fill with more students, all in various stages of pre-exam stress. But Maxwell, Wayne, Isabel, and Andrea stayed in their little corner, finding comfort in each other’s presence.
“Good luck to all of us,” Isabel said, raising her coffee cup in a mock toast. “Kaya natin ‘to.”
“Cheers to that,” Wayne agreed, clinking his cup against hers. “Final push na ‘to.”
Maxwell nodded, feeling a surge of determination. “Let’s do this.”
The conversation turned to their plans after exams, a welcome distraction from the immediate pressure. They talked about what they’d do to unwind, where they’d go, and how they’d celebrate once it was all over.
But in the back of their minds, they all knew the next few weeks would be tough. The Final Weeks were aptly named—everything they’d worked for all semester was riding on these exams.
Yet, in that moment, as they sat together in the café, the stress seemed a little more bearable. They weren’t alone, and that made all the difference.
As the time for their exams drew closer, they finished their coffee and packed up their things, ready to face whatever the Finals had in store for them.
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“See you after the exams,” Maxwell said, offering a small wave as they all stood up.
“Good luck, everyone,” Wayne added, giving Maxwell a reassuring smile before they parted ways.
As Maxwell walked to his exam, he felt a sense of calm settle over him. No matter what, he had his friends by his side, and that gave him the strength to push through.
And with that thought, he entered the exam room, ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.
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YOU ARE READING
Patience and Affection
Hayran KurguWayne spends a day with his overly enthusiastic friend, Maxwell, testing the limits of his patience. As Wayne tries to endure Maxwell's over-the-top behavior, he begins to question whether their friendship is truly mutual or if Maxwell's feelings ru...
