Chasing Tomorrow

chapter 12

The pre-board exam week arrived in full force, sweeping over Raya and her classmates like a whirlwind. She could feel the weight of each day as it passed, every exam carrying the pressure of her future. Despite the stress, she reminded herself that these exams were only the beginning, a step toward her ultimate dream.

Raya woke up early on the first day, the faint morning light filtering into her room. Her heart raced, thinking about the exams ahead. As she sat up and glanced around her room, her gaze landed on the poster of Jungkook on her wall. His smile seemed to give her courage, a reminder of why she was working so hard.

“I’ve got to pass these exams,” she whispered to herself, her voice filled with determination. “If I don’t, people will just say I’m wasting time because of BTS. They’ll blame Jungkook for my failures, and I can’t let that happen. I have to prove them wrong.”

She clenched her fists, feeling her resolve strengthen. Jungkook’s hard work and dedication inspired her every day, and she knew she had to honor that by giving her best.

During breakfast, her parents sensed her tension. Her father looked at her with a gentle smile, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder.

“Raya, don’t stress yourself too much,” he said. “Just do your best. We’re proud of you no matter what.”

Her mother chimed in, “Yes, and remember, these exams are just one step. Take it one day at a time, okay?”

Raya nodded, comforted by their words. “Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. I just want to make you both proud.”

Her father chuckled, ruffling her hair. “You already have. Now go out there and show everyone what you can do.”

The first day of exams felt like a marathon. As soon as the first paper ended, Raya and her friends met up outside the exam hall, sighing in relief.

“How was it, guys?” Josh asked, stretching his arms. “That was brutal!”

Raiza nodded, grimacing. “Yeah, but I think I did okay.”

Lili turned to Raya, smiling. “How about you, Raya? Did Jungkook’s inspiration help you ace it?”

Raya laughed, rolling her eyes. “I hope so! Honestly, I was just trying not to think about him too much and focus on the paper!”

The group shared a laugh, the lighthearted moment helping to ease the tension of the exams.

Jake walked up to her as they were about to leave. He had a small, reassuring smile on his face.

“You look like you did well,” he said, nudging her. “I bet Jungkook would be proud.”

Raya chuckled, shaking her head. “Stop it! But thanks, Jake. I think I did okay.”

He gave her a thumbs up. “That’s my girl. Let’s ace this whole week, yeah?”

They exchanged a high-five, a simple gesture that filled her with confidence. No matter what, she knew her friends had her back.

The week passed in a cycle of early mornings, intense studying, and nerve-wracking exams. Each day brought a new subject and a new set of challenges, but Raya tackled them one at a time. During the breaks, she found herself gravitating towards Jungkook’s picture for a quick pep talk or texting Jake and her friends for support. Her small conversations with her parents each evening gave her comfort, reminding her that she wasn’t alone in this journey.

Finally, the last day of pre-boards arrived. After the final exam, Raya sat outside with her friends, feeling a wave of relief and exhaustion wash over her.

“We survived!” Josh cheered, throwing his arms up.

Raiza let out a laugh. “Barely! I think my brain has turned to mush.”

Jake looked at Raya, his face full of pride. “You did great, I just know it. All those late nights were worth it.”

Raya smiled, nodding. “Yeah, we all did great. Now we just wait and hope for the best.”

As she walked home, a feeling of satisfaction filled her. No matter what her results would be, she knew she had given her best effort. And with her family and friends by her side, she was ready to take on whatever came next.