Kasey entered his senior year, and his studies became more and more demanding. He had one more class than our first-year class, so naturally, we couldn't go home together after school anymore.
The opportunities for me to see Kasey grew fewer and fewer, even though he always bought breakfast for me in the mornings and waited for me to go to school together.
But I kept feeling like I was drifting further and further from his world.
Realizing this, I suddenly realized that my feelings for him weren't just friendship. This wasn't good.
I couldn't imagine how he would react if he knew about my feelings. I couldn't bear to see his aloof, indifferent expression again.
I couldn't gamble on it.
Fortunately, I had a noisy friend by my side—my desk mate, Pablo Sutton, a lively and outgoing boy.
With him around, I could distract myself a bit and not always let Kasey affect my mood.
Pablo would always ask to copy my homework with a grin, and when the teacher was about to notice me dozing off, he would secretly wake me up.
But he actually asked for a reward! This shocked me. I snapped at him, "You're such a shady businessman!" He just laughed carefree. I was speechless.
"Stop laughing, it's not funny."
---
Not long after the evening study session started, Pablo suddenly called out to me.
"Hey!" Pablo nudged me with his elbow.
"What's up?"
"What's going on with that senior, what's his name?"
"...His name is Kasey."
He slapped the table, as if realizing something.
"Right, Cacey," I gave him a concerned look.
"It's Kasey."
"I know, Cacey."
...
This is hopeless.
"I've known him since childhood, we're childhood friends, I guess."
But it seems like I've always been the one unilaterally wanting to be friends with him. I have no idea what he thinks of me, even though he's always been so kind to me.
But I just don't understand him.
"Tsk, childhood friends, huh?" He clicked his tongue, his mocking expression made my skin crawl. I punched him.
"What's your problem?"
"Hey hey hey, Jocelyn!"
He quickly blocked my hand.
My gaze, however, shifted past him to the person outside the window.
Kasey had probably just come by to check on the study session, as part of his role as a student coordinator. But he didn't expect to see me goofing around with Pablo.
Kasey looked at me for two seconds, furrowed his brows slightly, then walked quickly into the classroom. After a few polite words, he made his way over to me.
Great.
Another deduction of points.
I'd been caught by Kasey twice before, but each time, he just shot me a disappointed look.
This time, he actually walked right over!
Oh no, this is bad.
I quickly pulled my hand back, and while I didn't say anything, Pablo could tell something was wrong. He just leaned back in his chair, lazily watching as Kasey approached to check on the study session.
"You, outside," Kasey said, tapping my desk before turning and walking away.
"Great, just great," I muttered quietly at Lucian.
Kasey paused for a moment, then kept walking.
Fine, whatever.
I didn't dare say another word.
Pablo shrugged, pulling his hoodie's hood lower, signaling that it wasn't his problem.
