8 years later, 25th of september of 2011
The classroom was buzzing with soft whispers and the occasional shuffle of papers.
"In, at, and on... what's the difference! Aghh!" Mila groaned, her frustration echoing through the quiet room as she scratched her head, staring hopelessly at the grammar worksheet in front of her.
"Calm down, Mila. It's easy, just search it online," Xavier whispered in a low voice, leaning closer to her so that the teacher wouldn't hear. His eyes flickered nervously toward the front of the class, where Jun Mamoru sat, her eyes dark and focused.
Jun was glaring. Not at them, but through them. She couldn't focus. She clenched her pencil tightly, tapping it against her notebook. Her stomach twisted in knots every time Mila spoke, her carefree laugh sending a mix of warmth and unease through her. Absentmindedly, Jun started to doodle. Without realizing it, she drew Mila, her soft curls and bright eyes looking up from the page.
A blush crept up Jun's cheeks. Her heart raced when she noticed what she had done. Panic took over, and she quickly erased the drawing with a few frantic swipes, her hands trembling slightly. 'Agh! What's going on with me? Why do I keep thinking about Mila?'
She quickly shoved her sketchbook away and increased the volume on her headphones, hoping to drown out the whirlwind of thoughts that consumed her. Music had always been her escape, but today, it wasn't enough. Every note only made her more aware of Mila's presence, her voice, the light giggle that seemed to bubble out of her every few seconds.
Jun couldn't help but remember the past. The afternoons spent at the park, the long walks home together after school, and the feeling of safety she felt when she was around Mila. Mila was her first real friend-no, her best friend. Back then, things were simple. They'd sit on the swings, talking about everything and nothing. But now, something had changed, at least for Jun. It was getting harder to ignore the feelings that were bubbling up inside her.
After school
"Aggh Xavier what am I gonna get Mila for her birthday?"
"Calm down Jun, I'm going to the mall, you can tag along."
Jun sighed.
"Okay, but I need to get her something good! Because if I don't get her something good then I'll screw up and-"
"Shut up Jun. Knowing her, you being there is already a good enough present for her."
Jun let out a sigh of relief.
"Hahh... okay..."
They headed off to the mall, walking side by side as Jun fiddled with her phone, trying to distract herself from the birthday gift.
"Alright," Xavier said, clapping Jun on the back. "Let's hit that plushie store. Always a win."
Jun perked up. "Yeah, plushies are way more Mila's vibe. Something cute but not too over-the-top."
They wandered through the mall until they found the shop, bursting with colorful shelves full of every stuffed animal imaginable. Jun immediately felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, from giant squishy bears to tiny keychain-sized animals.
"Xavier... what should I give to her? I like the idea of a little elephant plushie..."
"Yeah that sounds good. I think I'm gonna get her a necklace with her initial on it."
And there it was. That little blush. That little blush that made Jun's heart tremble with jealousy. She knew Mila liked Xavier's personality and looks. But the thought, the thought of them being partners... being together, embracing each other, kissing each other... It just made Jun's heart crumble.
"Uh... yeah that sounds good. She'll deffo like that."
They made their way down the mall and over to Mila's place. It was her birthday so they headed over there, to Mila's place.
'I hope we have fun...'
