Chapter 10 — Memories Returning, Pains Healing
The night lingered in silence, yet the world was awake in thoughts. Memories stirred. Old pains began to soften, and hope whispered.
Sonia: "I have Peter's number."
Liona: "It's late now. Let's do it tomorrow after class."
Clara: "Yeah… that sounds good."
Liona: "Alright, let's shower and get some sleep."
The girls obeyed, settling into quiet slumber, but Clara couldn't. She stared at the moon, tears brimming. Somewhere, in another dorm, Johnson stared at the same moon, lost in thought.
Clara (whispering): "I'm really sorry, Johnson."
Johnson (softly, to himself): "Clara… where are you? I really miss you."
Clara: "Don't worry. Tomorrow, I'll prove everything to you."
Johnson: "I'll wait. And I know I'll find you. You'll show me who you really are."
They smiled in silence, miles apart, hearts aligned in unspoken understanding.
Next Morning — Class
Saturday morning arrived. The girls dressed casually, simple yet elegant, ready for class. Clara's heart raced as they headed out, the day feeling heavier and lighter all at once.
When she entered the classroom, her eyes met Johnson's. She offered a shy smile.
Clara: "Hi."
Johnson: "Hi."
She walked to her desk, trying to act normal, but every glance toward him betrayed her thoughts.
Nelson (whispering to Peter): "This girl… what does she want from him now?"
Peter: "We'll see after class."
The Plan
When Mr. Jimin, their math teacher, wrote a problem on the board, Clara deliberately made a small mistake—ensuring Johnson would be called over.
Johnson was a shark in math, smart and precise. Clara, equally capable, pretended to struggle. As he approached and began explaining the problem, her heart fluttered.
Clara (to herself): "Please… just talk to me."
Johnson (confused, quietly): "What is this girl up to? She wrote the correct answer… then changed it."
Mr. Jimin: "Johnson, help her out."
Johnson went to her desk, solved the problem, and explained every step.
Clara: "Wow…"
Johnson: "Why are you doing this? You wrote the correct answer, then erased it and wrote something else."
Clara (gently, almost shy): "I… I want to talk to you. Please, after this lesson, meet me at the park."
Johnson's eyes flickered with confusion, and he returned to his desk without a word. Clara's stomach churned—how would she know if he would actually come?
Mr. Jimin: "Clara, you're smart—you just mixed up the formulas. Applause for them, class."
The class clapped, oblivious to the silent tension building between the two. Lessons continued, assessments were done, and soon, Johnson left with his friends, still silent, still unreadable.
Clara: "Did he…?" she muttered to herself, unsure if he would honor her request.
Sonia: "Girl… what happened?"
Liona: "We know why you did that—to talk to him."
Clara: "Yes… but he didn't say yes. How do I know he'll come?"
Liona: "We'll find out. Don't worry."
Her heart raced as the hours crawled toward the park. Somewhere, Johnson's mind mirrored her own—confused, curious, and undeniably pulled toward her.