Chapter 10: See You!
After three hours of nonstop studying, Yasmine finally collapsed onto her bed. Her eyes drifted to the alarm clock on her desk.
"Already twelve…?" she muttered, shocked.
She rolled over and pulled her blanket up to her face.
(I was too focused… I didn't even notice the time. I need to sleep now or else I'll be late for school tomorrow.)
But no matter how many times she turned, her eyes refused to close.
(Why can't I sleep?!) she screamed inside her head.
The thoughts from the past few days kept replaying. Her cheeks warmed.
(Why… why did I have to challenge him like that in front of everyone?! It's so embarrassing!)
Her chest thumped strangely.
(But… what is this feeling? It's different… it feels… special…)
Her heart raced until exhaustion finally dragged her into sleep.
---
Morning came.
Yasmine rubbed her eyes. "What time is it?" She glanced at the clock—then froze.
"I'M GOING TO BE LATE!"
She jumped out of bed, brushed her teeth, and threw on her uniform at lightning speed.
Her mother peeked from the kitchen. "What's the rush? You didn't even eat breakfast."
"Thanks for not waking me up, Mom! Now I'm late!" Yasmine yelled, running out the door.
Her mother sighed, watching her disappear. "I hope she makes it on time…"
---
Somehow, Yasmine barely slipped through the school gates before closing. By lunchtime, her stomach was begging for mercy.
Kei stretched beside her. "I'm starving."
(Oh no…) Yasmine pressed her stomach as it growled loudly. (Why didn't I eat breakfast? Now I'm suffering…)
When they reached the cafeteria, a sign hung on the door.
"The cafeteria is closed today due to the chef's illness."
"W-what…?" Yasmine's eyes darkened in despair.
Kei panicked. "Y-Yasmine!"
They headed back to class, Yasmine dragging her feet.
(Now what do I do? If I go outside for food, I'll be late for class. But I'm so hungry…)
A familiar voice called. "Yasmine? You look a little down."
Aijin stood in front of her.
"N-nothing happened," she mumbled.
But then—her stomach betrayed her with another growl.
Her face turned crimson. (Why… in front of him, of all people?!)
Aijin smirked knowingly. "Ah, I get it."
He reached into his desk and pulled out a small package. "Here. Take one."
Inside were two soft buns.
Yasmine blinked. "W-when did you…?"
"I always bring two. I get hungry a lot during class." He pushed one toward her.
"I… I can't…" she whispered, but her stomach growled again, louder.
He chuckled. "Please, just eat. It's not healthy to stay hungry."
"…All right." She accepted it shyly and took a small bite. "…It's good."
"I know, right?" He grinned, already munching his own.
---
Later, their homeroom teacher, Ms. Shoko Usami, entered the classroom.
"Hello, everyone. Tomorrow begins summer vacation! I'm sure you've all made plans. Enjoy your break however you like."
A student raised his hand. "Does that mean no summer homework, ma'am?"
"Of course not," she said sweetly.
The class groaned in unison—everyone except Aijin and Yasmine.
"She's a devil disguised as an angel," one boy muttered.
Ms. Usami only smiled. "Homework is important, but remember—being happy matters more than grades. Spend time with your families. Still… don't forget to finish your homework."
"…What's with the motivational speech and the threat?" another whispered.
---
When the final bell rang, the group left school together.
"Man, Ms. Usami is scary," Jirou groaned.
"Don't say that," Aijin replied. "She only wants the best for us."
Mui shook his head. "I'm not even in your class, but she really does sound terrifying."
Kei looked at Yasmine. "Right? Doesn't it seem rough to you too, Yasmine?"
She walked silently, deep in thought.
"Yasmine?" Kei asked softly. "You okay?"
"…Um, guys," she finally said.
The group turned to listen.
"So… summer vacation starts tomorrow. And this is… the last day of the first semester. I'll really miss you all, since… we won't see each other every day. That's why I'm a little… sad."
Everyone burst into laughter.
"Eh?! Why are you all laughing?" she stammered.
"That's a silly reason to be sad," Aijin said, shaking his head. "Just because school ends doesn't mean we won't meet. We can hang out anytime."
"Yeah! The summer festival's coming up—we'll see each other then," Jirou added.
"And there are plenty of other activities," Mui said.
Kei smiled warmly. "You don't have to worry, Yasmine."
"Yeah," Aijin agreed. "Because—"
Together, they all shouted: "We're friends."
Yasmine's eyes grew teary. "…Thank you, everyone."
---
As they reached their separate routes, they waved.
"See you later!"
The long exam period was over, and summer vacation had finally begun. What awaited them in the days ahead?
---
Bonus Scene
At the Kuroya apartment, Aijin sat slouched in his chair.
"You should've studied harder," Kaiyo said smugly.
Meanwhile, their mother scolded Aijin endlessly.
Aijin buried his face in his hands. (How much torture do I have to endure…?)
Kaiyo smirked. (He really is hopeless.)
Aijin shot him a glare. (Shut up, stupid old brother.)
---
[End of Chapter 10]