Chasing Tomorrow

chapter 11

As Jake’s question hung in the air, Raya hesitated, her mind racing. She looked into his hopeful eyes, but all her thoughts turned to reality—she was only 16, with so many things ahead. She still had her dream of becoming a doctor, her focus on her studies, and their friendship, which she valued deeply. She took a deep breath, pulling back slightly, and gently placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Jake... I don’t know if this is the right time," she whispered, her gaze dropping. “We have our boards coming up, and... well, we’re so young. I think maybe we should just stay friends.”

Jake's smile faltered, and he looked down, absorbing her words. The warmth of the moment faded, replaced by an understanding but heavy silence.

"I get it," he replied softly, nodding. “I just… I just wanted to be honest with you. But yeah, you’re right. We’re just sixteen, and we have a lot to focus on.”

They exchanged a final glance, each carrying a mix of relief and lingering feelings, unsure of where things would go from here.

The next morning, the mood between them was quieter but amicable, a silent agreement to move on and keep things as they were. Raya threw herself into her studies, determined to prepare for her upcoming pre-board exams. Her days became a cycle of classes, studying, and hours spent pouring over textbooks, trying to keep her focus sharp.

At school, she and Jake exchanged friendly smiles and the occasional joke, but there was a slight distance, an unspoken boundary they both respected. Her friends noticed something was off, but whenever they asked, Raya just brushed it off with a smile, assuring them that everything was fine.

One afternoon, a week before their pre-boards, Raya sat in the library, her desk scattered with notebooks and textbooks. She was struggling with biology, the pages of her book blurring in her tired eyes. Jake slid into the seat across from her, setting his own books down. He gave her an encouraging smile, sensing her stress.

“Hey, need some help?” he asked, tapping her biology book.

She looked up, surprised but grateful. “Honestly, yes. I’ve been staring at these pages for so long, I’m not even sure what I’m reading anymore.”

They spent the next hour going over the material, Jake explaining concepts with an ease that surprised her. She found herself relaxing, laughing at his little jokes, and slowly feeling her worries lift. Despite everything, she was thankful he was still there beside her, like he always had been.

After the study session, they walked out of the library together. Jake nudged her gently. “Hey, no matter what, you’re gonna do great, okay?”

She smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest. “Thanks, Jake. I needed that.”

Later that day, during lunch, Raya sat with her friends in the courtyard. They were chatting about everything from the stress of exams to their plans for after boards. Lili leaned over to Raya, an amused glint in her eye.

“So, what’s up with you and Jake? You two seem... quieter than usual.”

Raya laughed, brushing it off. “Oh, you know, just a lot on our minds with the exams coming up.”

Raiza smirked. “Uh-huh. Sure. But come on, something’s different.”

Raya rolled her eyes, grinning. “You guys are reading too much into it. Really, it’s nothing. We’re just... focusing on our future.”

That evening, after an intense study session, Raya lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her phone buzzed with a message from Jake:

“Hey, just wanted to say good luck for tomorrow. And don’t stress too much, okay? You’re going to do amazing.”

She felt a smile tug at her lips. Typing back, she replied, “Thanks, Jake. Same to you. Let’s ace this!”

As she set her phone down, she felt a sense of calm. Whatever feelings lingered between them, she knew they were on the right path, focusing on the future they each wanted to build.