EXISTENCE

CHAPTER 15: Keeping Up

Juan sat at his desk, aimlessly tapping away at his phone. His mind was on other things at the moment.

There was still some time before class started, and students were still coming in. Normally he would be one of the late comers, but Juan knew he actually had things to take care of today. He highlighted the name in his contacts: Jasmine.

This time for sure, I'll give her a proper date.

"Eh? What are you doing here, Juan?"

He jumped back a little in his seat. "Huh?! ...Oh, it's just you."

Standing at his desk was Rym, giving her signature warm smile. "Good morning!"

Juan gave a small smile. "Morning." He looked around. "Where's your boyfriend?"

Rym went really red really fast. "W-w-w-what?! He's not m-m-my boyfriend, Juan!" She held her head down in embarrassment, mumbling all kinds of denials.

Juan let out a hearty laugh. "I know, I know. But where is that little kid? You'd think he'd be with you, at least."

"A-a-are we r-r-really that close?" Rym asked sheepishly, face still flushed. She looked back to Juan. "He said he had something to do at the gym and told me not to wait up. I think it's something to do with the soccer team. He never got to play, after all."

"I see." Juan rested his head on his hand. "You think he's up for it? He spent the entire weekend resting in his room, after, y'know..." He didn't want to bring up any unnecessary memories for her.

But she looked thoughtful. "Yeah, I think he's ready. He's been excited for this chance since the semester even started, after all. I know he can do it."

Juan studied his friend for a minute. She had a sure smile on her face, eyes filled with thought and wonder. She sounded so sure of herself.

Oh-ho. Did something happen, I wonder?

Rym started for her desk. "I'm gonna go take my seat. Let's all hang out at lunch, okay? I made a lot of food for us today."

Juan smiled. "Sure thing."

He fixed his gaze at the doorway that was now empty. Where was Jasmine? She was always good about showing up early; Juan either showed up late or just on time, always seeing her at her seat. He thought about sending her an inquisitive text, showing her just how concerned he was. As he opened up a new message and began typing out the subject, he heard another familiar voice.

"Hi, Juan!"

He jumped back again in his seat. "Why is everyone doing that today? Jeez..." he looked up and saw Jasmine's smiling face. "Oh! I was wondering where you were!" He showed her his phone. "I was actually about to text you."

Jasmine stared at the screen. "Aw, were you worried?"

"More or less. I even showed up early, too."

"I was wondering about that," she set a hand on his desk. "You weren't planning on surprising me, were you? Because I have to say, I'm impressed."

Juan gave a grin. "You think that's impressive, wait till you hear what I've got in store for you!"

She tilted her head slightly. "Honestly, in all the time we've been in school together, this is the first time I've seen you so psyched." She smiled. "It sounds pretty awesome."

"Wait," Juan said, beginning to blush, "you've been watching me back when we were kids, too?"

Jasmine immediately realised what she said and turned a bright red. "Uhm, uh, is that what I said? I mean, like..." She turned towards her desk. "I'll t-talk to you later!" She walked off as quick as she could.