A Rift Between Us

Chapter 47 - Unspoken Tensions

The two of them left behind a pattern of scratches as they moved, overtaking and zipping through several students. Alfie glanced over his shoulder.

Argh, just go away...

Soft thuds echoed around them as they navigated the crowd. A cascade of annoyed voices hurled curt remarks in their wake.

Stay still, dammit! Her mind raced as she gave chase.

Alfie cast more glances over his shoulder, Keiko close behind. Dozens of eyes followed them as they hurried along. A young man stumbled forward as Keiko brushed past his shoulder, raising his brow at the scene.

"Yo Alfie, what's all this? Why is she chasing you?"

Keiko's heels dug into the ground, eroding the soles of her shoes. Her hair fanned in the air as she spun on the spot. The student tilted his head back, caught off guard by her swift reaction.

"I'm not chasing him. Shut up."

Gentle puffs of air escaped his nostrils as the corners of his mouth creased.

"Suuure you're not."

The smug look remained plastered on his face, causing Keiko's lips to curl in vexation. She turned back around, leaving him to his own devices as she moved along.

A circle of wooden benches was arranged near the perimeter of the school. Most people picked their seats as Mr Dodge waved the last of the students over.

"Sit down, sit down. Get straight into your revision, let's not waste any time. Exams are tomorrow, so focus as much as possible."

Alfie hunched over, his jeans rustling against the wooden bench. He peered past the crowd, his backpack shielding his face. Keiko stood nearby, her bandana fluttering in the breeze. The foliage of the adjacent cherry tree clapped together like a round of applause. A warm breath escaped his lips as he ducked his head. The crunch of footsteps drew closer, followed by the settling weight of someone beside him.

No please...is it her?

His bag slumped forward, revealing his dejected face. He didn't even bother to look up, his eyes fixed on the grass ahead.

"Nice try, nerd. I know what your bag looks like."

She rummaged through her belongings, pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. It was somewhat torn, with creases from the constant battering of other items in her handbag. With a swift motion, she unfolded it and thrust it towards Alfie. His eyes widened as he took in the words.

"You're gonna tell me if these are correct. Look, here."

A low groan rumbled in his throat, mixed with unintelligible words that were muffled by his awkward position. Keiko's breath fanned his ear.

"Speak. Clearly."

His chin raised, eyes skimming over her paper.

"I said they're fine."

A sharp crack echoed from the bench, turning the heads of students nearby. Keiko's palm was pressed down on her pen, rolling it back and forth. She lifted her hand, revealing the pen's barrel marred with several cracks. Alfie examined the damage, his lips glued together, his Adam's apple bobbing rapidly.

"No! I saw all those notes you had in the library. Alara also helped you, didn't she?"

Both their hair waved softly, moving erratically as the wind intensified. He stayed silent.

"You think I didn't see that? You don't wanna revise with me but you revise with her? Make it make sense."

He turned to the right, gazing vacantly at some birds in the distance.

"Exactly. No answer. Now write the rest of these themes for me."