The final day of exams had arrived, and the school buzzed with an electrifying mix of relief and excitement. By the time the bell rang, marking the end of their last paper, the weight on Raya’s shoulders lifted. She walked out of the exam hall with Jake, their usual banter slowly returning.
As they strolled toward the school gate, Jake nudged her playfully. "So, how do you feel, Miss Genius?"
Raya grinned. "I feel… free. I think I did well."
Jake smiled. "Of course, you did. You always do."
They stopped at the corner of the road, waiting for their friends.
"Jake, can I ask you something?" Raya started hesitantly.
Jake raised an eyebrow. "Sure, what’s on your mind?"
She looked down, fidgeting with her fingers. "Do you… like Mimi? I mean, she’s always hanging around you, and I just…"
Jake interrupted her with a laugh. "Mimi? Seriously, Raya? She’s just a friend. Annoying at times, but that’s it."
Raya looked up at him. "Are you sure? Because she seems really into you."
Jake sighed, stepping closer. "I don’t care about Mimi, Raya. The only person I care about, the only person I want to be with, is you." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I won’t let any misunderstanding come between us. You mean everything to me."
Raya’s cheeks flushed as Jake’s words sank in. Before she could respond, a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Lili grinned, arms crossed as she approached them. "Jake confessing his undying love again?"
Raya groaned, pulling away from Jake. "Lili, seriously?"
Lili laughed, circling them. "Don’t mind me. Just enjoying the free entertainment."
Jake smirked, turning to Lili. "Jealous much?"
Lili shrugged. "Please, I’m just here for the drama."
The trio laughed, and after some more teasing from Lili, they all parted ways
When Raya got home, her mom greeted her with a warm hug.
"How was the last paper, dear?" her mom asked, setting a plate of snacks on the table.
"It went well, Ma. I think I did my best," Raya replied, smiling.
Her dad nodded approvingly. "Good job, .Now you have a few months to relax before the results. But don’t forget to plan ahead."
Raya laughed. "I won’t. But I’m definitely taking a break first."
Later that evening, she sat on her bed, gazing at the ceiling. "I did it," she whispered to herself. "I did well in the boards." The thought brought a sense of pride and relief.
A week passed in a blur of light study and relaxation. One evening, while Raya was on her balcony reading a dark romance novel, Jake showed up unannounced.
Her mom welcomed him warmly. "Jake, what a pleasant surprise! Raya’s on the balcony, lost in her books as usual."
Jake chuckled, heading upstairs. He leaned against the doorway of her room, watching her for a moment.
"You’re seriously reading that stuff again?" he teased.
Raya looked up, startled. "Jake! What are you doing here?"
He walked over, sitting on the edge of the balcony railing. "I was bored, and I knew you’d be hiding away with your books. So, I thought I’d save you from your fictional world."
Raya rolled her eyes. "I don’t need saving, thank you very much."
Jake smirked, leaning closer. "You know, I’d love to recreate some of those scenes with you. Just for research purposes, of course."
Raya’s face turned bright red. "Jake! Stop it!" she exclaimed, shoving him lightly.
He laughed. "I’m kidding! Mostly."
The two spent the evening chatting about everything and nothing. When dinner was ready, Jake joined her family at the table.
"Jake, you’re practically family at this point," Raya’s mom said as she served him. "We love having you here."
"Thank you, Aunty," Jake said, smiling. "You always make me feel at home."
Raya’s dad chimed in. "So, Jake, what are your plans after the results?"
Jake shrugged. "Not sure yet, Uncle. But I’m thinking of taking up engineering. What about you, Raya?"
Raya smiled. "Medicine. I want to become a doctor."
Jake looked at her proudly. "And she’ll be an amazing one."
After dinner, Jake said his goodbyes and left for home. Raya sat on her bed, reflecting on the evening. She picked up her book but couldn’t focus. Her thoughts kept drifting to Jake.
"What am I going to do with him?" she murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips.
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...
