We all boarded the bus after packing up our things, exhausted but full of memories from the trip. As soon as the bus began moving, the entire class erupted in cheers for Ryan and Yvonne.
"Ryan! Yvonne! Kiss again!" someone shouted from the back. Ryan, being his usual self, grinned and winked at Yvonne. "Sorry folks, that was a one-time show!" he said, making the class laugh. Yvonne, pretending to be annoyed, lightly shoved Ryan. "Yeah, you wish!" she said, but her smile betrayed her.
Mei and I sat quietly together, watching the fun unfold. I leaned over to her and said, "Looks like everyone enjoyed the show last night."
Mei giggled, "Yeah, it was sweet. I didn't know Ryan could be so romantic."
I nodded, then asked, "Did you have fun last night?"
She smiled, looking out the window for a moment before replying, "I did. Thank you for being my partner, Levi." I felt a warmth in my chest and replied, "It was my pleasure."
As the bus ride continued, the conversations quieted down. Many of us were exhausted, and a few students began to doze off. Mei rested her head on my shoulder, and I didn't move a muscle, afraid I might wake her. I glanced over to Ryan, who gave me a knowing look and silently mouthed, "Smooth."
---
When we finally arrived back at school, everyone groggily grabbed their bags and shuffled off the bus. The teacher gathered us quickly for a final announcement.
"Alright, everyone, listen up!" the teacher said, clapping their hands to get our attention. "I hired a photographer during the trip, so all the pictures will be posted tomorrow on the bulletin board. If you want a copy of any, make sure to bring money! And one last thing-I know you're all tired, so there are no classes today. Head home, rest up, and I'll see you all tomorrow!"
A collective sigh of relief spread through the group. "No classes? Best news I've heard all day!" Ryan exclaimed, and everyone agreed.
---
As we started heading home, Ryan and Yvonne walked beside us, teasing each other like usual. Yvonne turned to Mei and me. "So, what's the plan? You two heading straight home?"
"Yeah, I think we all need some rest," I said, though part of me didn't want the trip to end just yet.
Mei agreed. "Yeah, but I'm sure we'll have a lot to talk about when we see the photos tomorrow," she said with a smile. "I wonder what moments the photographer captured."
Ryan chuckled, "Oh, I hope they got the legendary dance moment. That'll be priceless."
We all laughed, imagining the photos we'd see the next day.
As we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways, I couldn't help but reflect on everything that had happened during the trip-especially my moments with Mei. There was something about this trip that felt different, like the start of something new.
With a final wave to Ryan and Yvonne, I walked Mei to her house before heading home myself, both of us feeling a little lighter after the trip. The anticipation of tomorrow's photos made it hard to wait, but for now, all we needed was rest.
At home, I lay in bed, replaying the moments from the trip in my mind-especially the times when Mei slept on my arm. I couldn't help but giggle and whispered to myself, "Best day ever." With that thought, I drifted off to sleep.
When I woke up the next morning, I was filled with excitement. Today was the day the pictures would be posted! I rushed to get ready for school, barely able to contain my anticipation. When I arrived at the school entrance, I saw Mei standing there, waiting.
"Morning!" she greeted me with a smile.
"Morning, Mei! Ready to see the photos?" I asked, trying to sound casual even though I was pretty excited.
"Definitely! I hope we get to see some good ones," she replied, and we walked to class together.
---
As soon as class started, our teacher stood up with a wide grin. "Alright, everyone! The moment you've all been waiting for-the photos from the trip are now available! You can head over to the bulletin board to check them out."
Without wasting a second, the entire class rushed out the door to get to the bulletin board. The excitement was contagious, and soon we all gathered around, eager to see the memories captured in photos.
Ryan, of course, was already there with a mischievous grin on his face. "Hey, folks! I've got some exclusive photos here too!" he announced proudly.
Yvonne gave him a suspicious look. "Ew, why would you do that?"
Ryan grinned even wider, "Come on, it's not what you think! Here, check this out." He showed us a picture of Kris eating like he hadn't seen food in days and Jane crying during the campfire dance. We all burst out laughing.
"Don't worry," Ryan added. "I've got some for you too. Just you wait!"
---
At the bulletin board, I saw Yvonne eagerly picking up a bunch of pictures. Meanwhile, Ryan sidled up to me with a smirk. "So, Levi, are you going to pick some or what?" he asked.
I was still scanning the board, trying to find something that really stood out. I had already seen several pictures of Mei and me, but I wasn't sure which one to choose. "I'm just looking for something nice," I said, trying to act nonchalant. "You know, a picture of us-bro's together."
Ryan snorted sarcastically. "Yeah, sure, bro. Here's one for you!" He pulled out a photo of Mei with both of us awkwardly in the background, completely out of focus. He laughed at my embarrassed expression.
"Come on, I've got something better for you. Follow me," he said.
---
Curious, I followed Ryan to the side where he revealed some more photos he had taken. My jaw nearly dropped. There were pictures of me and Mei-one of us in the woods, another of us sleeping together in the futon, one of us dancing, and even pictures of Mei paddleboarding and eating.
"Where did you even get all these?" I asked, utterly shocked.
Ryan grinned, clearly proud of himself. "Well, your boy has a bit of a photography hobby. I made sure to capture all the 'precious' moments."
I grabbed the photos, blushing. "How much for all of these?" I asked, already knowing I had to have them.
Ryan leaned in with a grin. "Only $15 for the whole lot."
"Sold!" I said without hesitation, quickly handing over the money. As I walked away, cherishing every photo, Ryan called out after me, "Have a nice day, sir!"
As I walked away, I noticed a picture lying on the ground. "Who left this here?" I muttered. Picking it up, I saw that it was a photo of Jane-but when I looked closer, my heart sank. In the background, there was a glimpse of Mei changing. I couldn't believe it. "What kind of photographer did the teacher hire?" I thought to myself, suddenly panicking. I couldn't let anyone see this-it was too invasive. I rushed toward the faculty office to surrender the photo before anyone else could find it.
Just as I was turning a corner, I bumped into someone-Mei. I barely had time to react. "Sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going," I said hurriedly.
"I'm sorry, too," Mei replied softly.
In my rush, I realized something. "Where's the photo?" I patted my pocket but it wasn't there. I looked up and saw Mei holding it in her hand. My stomach dropped. "Oh no, she has it," I thought, my mind racing.
Before she could unfold it, I quickly snatched it from her hand. "I'm really sorry, Mei, I need this! Thanks for picking it up!" I blurted out as I bolted toward the faculty office, praying she wouldn't ask any more questions.
---
Mei's POV
That was a picture of Jane, wasn't it? Why does Levi have it? And why did he rush off so quickly with it? My mind began to swirl with confusion. Does Levi like Jane? Is that why he's keeping a picture of her?
I bit my lip, consumed by the sudden thoughts. "What do I do?" I asked myself quietly, unsure of what to feel.
YOU ARE READING
You And I
RomanceLevi's life was ordinary-school, friends, and the quiet rhythm of everyday life. That is, until he met Mei, a mysterious girl who quickly became the center of his world. Their relationship blossomed, and for the first time, Levi felt like he had fou...
