The month leading up to the board exams was a whirlwind for Raya. She had shut herself off from distractions, burying herself in books and notes. Friends' calls grew less frequent, and her usual hangouts were replaced with late-night study sessions and family pep talks.
The night before the exams, Raya sat at the dining table, flipping through her notes. Her mom placed a steaming cup of tea beside her.
"You've been studying so hard, Raya," her mom said softly. "Just remember, we're proud of you no matter what."
Raya smiled, looking up. "Thanks, Ma. But I have to do this. For myself."
Her dad, sitting nearby, chimed in, "You've got this, kiddo. Just stay calm and focused."
Raya nodded, the warmth of their support giving her the boost she needed.
That night, her phone buzzed with a call from Lili.
"Hey, nerd," Lili teased as Raya picked up.
"Hey, what's up?" Raya asked, her voice tired but cheerful.
"I just thought I'd check in before the big day. How are you holding up?" Lili asked.
"Nervous, but ready," Raya admitted. "How about you?"
Lili hesitated before saying, "I'm fine. But... I need to tell you something. Mimi's been hanging out with Jake a lot lately."
Raya paused, her grip tightening on her pen. "Really?" she asked, trying to sound indifferent.
"Yeah. She's always at his house. I don't know what's going on, but I thought you should know," Lili said cautiously.
Raya sighed. "Thanks for telling me, Lili. But honestly, I don't have time to deal with her right now. I told Jake to focus on his studies, and that's all I care about."
"You're right," Lili agreed. "Focus on smashing those exams first. Mimi can wait."
Later that night, Jake called.
"Hey, Raya," his voice came through the line.
"Hey, Jake. You ready for tomorrow?" she asked.
"I guess. But I've been meaning to tell you-Mimi's been coming over a lot. She's nice, but..." Jake trailed off.
Raya interrupted, her tone firm. "Jake, forget about Mimi for now. Focus on the exams. That's what matters."
Jake sighed. "Yeah, you're right. I'll see you at school tomorrow. Good luck, Raya."
"Good luck to you too," she replied before hanging up.
The school was buzzing with nervous energy as students filed in for the first day of the boards. Raya spotted her friends in the courtyard.
"How are we feeling?" Josh asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Terrified," Lili admitted, clutching her notes.
"We've got this," Raya said confidently, though her hands trembled slightly. "All those late nights are about to pay off."
Jake joined them, giving Raya a reassuring smile. "Good luck, genius," he said quietly.
"You too," she replied, their eyes meeting for a brief moment.
The hours flew by, and before Raya knew it, the first exam was over. She walked out of the hall, her heart racing but filled with relief.
"How was it?" Kren asked as they regrouped outside.
"Not bad," Raya said, her confidence returning. "I think I did well."
Jake patted her shoulder. "Told you, you'd ace it."
As they said their goodbyes, Raya walked home, her mind focused on the next challenge. She stepped into her room, dropped her bag, and sat on the bed. "One down," she whispered to herself, staring at her study materials.
The journey wasn't over yet, but she was ready to give it her all.
YOU ARE READING
Chasing Tomorrow
Fanfiction"Raya, why dream so big? Do you think anyone will really notice you?" Raya glanced at her BTS poster, a quiet determination in her eyes. "It's not about being noticed. It's about proving to myself that I'm capable. They may be stars, but they're als...
