"Oh g-d, I'm gonna die today." Julius panicked, hitting his head with the book we're currently reviewing. "I'm gonna fail the finals and mom's going to kill me."

I laughed at his ridiculousness. Although I do admit to also feeling nervous about the tests, I don't want to put too much pressure on myself. "Stop it, you're going to do just fine. We've been studying for a week now."

"What if I suddenly get mental block while taking the examinations? What if I forget the answers? What if I second-guess the right one and end up choosing the wrong one? What if, Aide? What if?!"

"Exactly, just what if. Well, what if you get a passing or even a perfect score? Don't stress too much, we'll take a break before it starts, okay?" I tried to reassure him. Although obviously still worried, Julius nodded and we thankfully went back to scanning over our notes.

The past week has been an absolute hell for everyone, cramming to get works and projects done while reviewing for the upcoming examination week, which actually starts now. It would be the finals for this semester, something that will determine our overall grades and if we're going to pass for the second semester.

Like how busy students are right now, this also includes professors, which means both Amayah and I are busy with our own situations. We haven't had any interaction outside of the university for the whole week and settled for the few texts we exchanged. Along with school, my new job also takes a lot of my time, hence why I haven't been able to come over Amayah's place nor hangout with Aaron.

"Come on, Aide. We only have 10 minutes left before the first exam starts." Following behind Julius, I took out my phone when I felt it vibrate.

I smiled as the sudden sense of pride and joy enveloped my body, feeling confident that I will ace the examination straight away.

Biting my lip, I contemplated whether I should put a heart as well.

❤️

I did.

Feeling happy and confident, I made my way to the classroom where we'll be taking the tests for today. Julius turned to look at me with a raised brow, rolling his eyes when I only shrugged and gave him a grin.

The day passed like a blur and I knew I was confident enough that I'm going to at least get high scores in all 3 exams that I took today.

My night then ended with me reviewing for the next examinations, which includes Amayah's course subject. I was determined to do my very best, wanting to show her that I've been an excellent student and taking this seriously.

Admittedly, I'm also... maybe hoping to get a praise from her.

Stupid, I know. But her opinion of me is important.

The next morning came and so did the second-day exams for the finals. I sat nervously on my seat though I didn't like to admit it. I started to bounce my legs, waiting as Amayah began passing papers to each of us along with one proctor to help her. Involuntarily, I bit my bottom lip when Amayah's hand brushed my shoulder upon giving me the exam sheet, sending shivers all throughout my body.

My eyebrows rose in question when my eyes landed on a folded note along with it. Discreetly, I opened the small paper to read whatever is written inside.

Good luck. I have a reward for you if you only get 3 mistakes.

– Amayah

Does it put me in a lot of pressure? Yes.

Is it possible? Yes and no.

But am I going to do it? Fuck yes.

Looking up, I caught dark brown eyes in mine, smiling briefly to let her know I'll do my best. Red-painted lips smiled back before looking away. At that moment, I never knew I could confidently finish a 100-item major exam within a span of sixty minutes.

I'm aiming for that reward.

Almost 2 weeks.

I had to wait for twelve consecutive days before I had the time to be free from university, finishing up every school related tasks there is and earning as much credit as I could. And while I was busy with my own thing, Amayah was occupied with computing grades of several classes she's handling along with her upcoming divorce.

Thankfully for my part, I did end up with high semestral grades, a GPA of 1.25 and was able to be included for the academic scholarships.

It was now the month where the first semester of this academic year ends. We were given exactly 25 days for a vacation before the next semester starts, and honestly, it is a much needed break after everything they put us through.

It's been 2 days now since the vacation started, and although I'm free already, Amayah is still somewhat busy. Because of that, I occupied myself with spending time with my friends before they all go home to their own houses to spend half of the vacation month there.

"Something doesn't feel right," Zoey said as she munched on an apple.

"What do you mean?" Lexie asked without removing her eyes from the book she's reading.

"I can't explain it, but the atmosphere is suspicious. We're too quiet and happy that I feel like something bad is going to happen later on."

Vera raised a brow and chuckled at Zoey's remark. "You're being paranoid."

"I agree with Vera." Lexie second the motion, as well as Julius.

Zoey then turned to me for a response. I simply shrugged. "Don't know."

For now, I'm just waiting till I get to finally spend time with Amayah and Aaron. Besides, I'm waiting for my reward. I'm too eager to be pessimistic right now.

Tapping my foot against the floor, I glanced down at my watch to see if it's already time for me to leave. Grinning, I jumped up and grabbed my bag.

"I'm leaving." I said hurriedly and left without waiting for my friends' reply, knowing Julius will cover for me now that he knows.

Once I arrived at Amayah's house, I knocked eagerly. It was the maid who let me in, informing me that Amayah's in the dining are having dinner along with her son. It was Aaron who saw me first, the kid ran to give me a hug.

"Hi, Aide!"

I ruffled his hair. "Hey, kid. Missed me?"

He nodded. "Mom said you were busy."

"I was, I'm not anymore. We can do whatever you want now." Excitedly, the kid pulled me towards his mom and made me sit next to him.

My smile faltered when my eyes landed on a not-so-well looking beauty. Although I didn't have the opportunity to ask considering that Aaron's still here.

"Dinner?" Amayah asked.

I shook my head. "I already ate, but thank you."

The beauty only nodded and resumed eating. She kept quiet the whole time while Aaron and I talked about what I missed during the past weeks. I waited until they finished before offering to do the dishes. Not protesting, much to my surprise, Amayah guided her son to his room after saying goodnight to me.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I questioned worriedly when it's only the two of us. I noticed that she didn't each much.

Amayah gestured me to sit down. "Sit down, my neck hurts from looking up to you."

Still worried about her state, I sat down carefully next to the older woman. Amayah looks absolutely tired and worn-out, and not the good kind. Gently, I took her hand in mine and frowned when her skin felt rather hot. Is she sick?

Using the dorsal of my hand, I touched her forehead. Grabbing my bag, I immediately took out the thermometer from my first aid kit bag.

"You have a fever, Amayah."

The beauty groaned. "I figured. My head hurts."

"Have you taken a medicine?" She nodded. "Do you want me to guide you to your room?"

"We still need to talk."

"We can talk tomorrow, for now you need to rest." I didn't let Amayah object and pulled her up.

Placing my arm around her waist, I held her hand with my free one and guided her up to the second floor where her room is located. I opened the closed door Amayah pointed and immediately, the smell of lily and vanilla enveloped my nose. The room is neat, organized and everything screamed of her.

The want to explore the room with my eyes was overpowered with the need to take care of the dark haired beauty. Carefully, I made her lie down the bed. Draping the blanket over her body.

"Do you have a small towel?"

"Bathroom cabinet."

Nodding, I went inside her bathroom and took one towel along with a basin I saw, filling it up with cool water. Going back to Amayah, I sat next to her and gently wiped her arms and neck with the damp towel. After doing so, I then placed it on her forehead to help reduce her fever.

"Thank you." It was said in a small and hoarse voice.

"You don't need to thank me."

"Why not? I want to thank my girlfriend for being wonderful."

"Because I wanted–what?" My eyes widened, looking down at a now smiling woman. "W-What do you mean?"

Instead of answering, Amayah handed me a paper. Confused, blushing and almost hyperventilating, I opened to see what's inside. My heart rapidly beating as I read.

"It was approved a week ago. I'm not married anymore."

"D-Does that... Does it mean–" I couldn't finish what I was saying when Amayah sat up and grabbed me by the back of my neck before soft lips pressed on mine. My heart momentarily stopped beating, everything around me faded and it felt like I was out of this world. The only thing I could feel are her hands around me and her lips moving against mine.

It was perfect.

fin.