Because I Met You

Chapter 12: Tests

"Haha! I totally aced that test!"

It was my first test ever, and I nailed it! I'm so glad I knew all the answers. It compiled all the stuff sensei taught us for the past month.

"I think I did well, too."

"Well, you do look like the smart type, Yukari. What about you Gaara? I bet you knew all the answers right away."

Gaara looks at me, and flashes me a triumphant smile.

"Of course I knew everything."

Great! All three of us are confident about what the results will be. We still have the physical examination after. Apparently, if we don't pass it, we won't be allowed to start learning about how to use weapons. We can't allow this to happen to any of the three of us.

"You guys ready to head for the physical exam place?"

I look at them with a lot of determination. Yukari seems a little worried. Gaara seems pretty confident, though.

We arrive at the training grounds of the Academy, where we're practically the first ones there. Not long after, however, the others start arriving as well. I'm actually starting to feel a little nervous...

"Alright, everyone. Gather around, so that I can tell you the rules of the physical tests."

We all get in lines in front of sensei, waiting for his instructions.

"Good. Now, let me explain the physical tests. The goal of these tests is to evaluate your stamina, strength, and reflexes. There are three tests that you will need to go through, and the total marks of all three will decide whether you pass or not. Of course, if you completely fail in one of the three, you will automatically fail your physical test. As you all know, if you don't pass, we can't let you train any further, since it will just be dangerous if you do not have the appropriate skills. Now, let's start with the first test. You will be in a group of four people. The only reason why you'll be in these groups is because you'll be taking the test at the same time."

I still hope I'm with Gaara and Yukari. Not a lot of people in the class really like me anyways... Especially since I'm on Mari's blacklist.

"The groups are..."

Sensei starts calling out the names of the students, and, bit by bit, groups of four start getting formed.

"Next group will be Gaara, Yukari..."

I'm in this one too, right?

"Yuto, and Daiki."

Wait... What about me...? Gaara and Yukari look at me worriedly. I just give them a smile, telling them I'm alright, and they go join the rest of their group. Yuto doesn't seem to mind that Gaara is in his team, but Daiki, a short guy with frizzy dirty blonde hair takes a step back when Gaara gets to his group.

It's just a test. The group is just for the test, it's not the end of the world! This could also be a good chance for me to make new friends!

"Next is Kiu, Mari, Ikki, and Koji."

Out of all people... It had to be Mari and her new boyfriend, Koji! At least, Ikki is the most neutral towards me out of the whole bunch. Koji is basically the most good-looking guy in the academy, according to all the girls, except me. I personally find Gaara to be the most good-looking. All the girls keep going on and on about how his white hair is so silky, or how his deep blue eyes are dreamy. I find his blue eyes rather creepy. Ikki is a really tall guy. He's the tallest in the class. He has black hair that covers his eyes. He doesn't really talk to anyone. I think I'll stick around him, and keep away from Mari and Koji.

After sensei finishes calling out the groups, he starts explaining how the tests will go.

"First test will be running one lap around the school. You might think that one lap is nothing, but there's a catch. There is a time limit of twenty seconds. You will literally need to be sprinting throughout the whole run. Anyone who runs this in more than thirty seconds will automatically fail everything without even getting a chance to do the other tests. If you make it in more than twenty seconds, but less than thirty, you will be in danger of failing. You will have to make it up in the next tests. When I call your group number, it means that you're up."

Twenty seconds will be tough, but I can do it. I'm a little worried about Yukari, though. We're group number six. Gaara's group is number two. Him and Yukari will be evaluated early.

The first group starts getting ready.

"Ugh... I can't believe we're stuck with her."

I hear Mari talking to Koji.

"Don't worry. It's only for the test."

Koji somehow looks uninterested.

"Why are you always like that when I mention her? It's like you don't care about how awful she is to me!"

Koji sighs. I'm awful to her? She should get her facts straight.

"Look Mari, we've talked about this. I don't want to get involved in all of that girl drama."

I snort. Mari glares at me. Woops... I couldn't help it. I wanted to laugh, but, by containing it, I ended up snorting instead.

"Hey! What's so funny, loser?"

She really knows how to piss me off...

"What's funny? You."

I point at her and give her a smirk. I hear a chuckle coming from next to me. Ikki just chuckled. I notice that Koji is hiding his mouth with his hand behind Mari.

She slaps my hand away, and flicks her hair.

"Don't point your dirty finger at me."

"Well at least it's not as dirty as your way of dealing with people."

"Big mistake to make me angry, Kiu."

"Whatever, I've had it with passively taking all of your abuse."

I turn away from her. I don't feel like continuing this conversation. It's just making me angrier, and I need to be in top shape for the test.

"Alright, class. Let's get started."