Jason noticed Julie was unusually quiet today, listening while her friends chatted around her. Concerned, he walked over. Kenneth sometimes teased him, but Jason didn't mind—it was easy to ignore. He'll get bored eventually; he always does,Jason thought.
"What are you reading there?" he asked Julie.
"Oh, Jason, you're here. Don't disturb her—she wants to be an achiever or make the honors list," Nicole answered for her.
"Really? That's impressive!" Jason said with a smile, settling into the seat nearby. His eyes drifted to the book's cover.
"That's Cielo's, isn't it?" he asked.
Julie scratched her head. "Ah, yeah… he lent it to me. Actually, he threw it at me earlier," she admitted, blushing slightly.
Jason laughed. She scratched her head again, embarrassed.
Kelly rolled her eyes. "Idiot. You just started reading it a while ago, and now you're complaining?"
Even though Jason was the only guy in the group, he felt at ease. They always made him laugh—and, more importantly, they were the only ones who knew his secret.
Julie continued scrolling for event updates, unfazed.
"So, which part don't you understand?" Kelly asked.
"Do I have to say all of it?" Julie answered, prompting laughter from the others. Jason shook his head in amusement.
Kelly continued, pointing out the sections about academics and other activities. "Academics are based on your performance in each subject, weighted by its percentage. That's in the computation table. Activities include anything you join, like clubs."
Julie gasped. "So you mean… activities count toward our grades?"
Jason nodded. "Grades aren't just about subjects. Activities give extra points depending on your contribution. It can make a real difference."
Julie hesitated. "W—Wait, so if you don't join a club, you might not make honors?"
"Not exactly," Kelly clarified. "If your subject grades are really high, you can still make the honors list without clubs."
Julie flipped through the pages. "What about these outside activities?"
Jason answered, "Those are for student officers."
"Oh… I see. Thanks for explaining. It really sank in now—I should've read the handbook. My brother didn't explain this at all." She scratched her head, blaming herself.
Jason chuckled softly.
"Julie, why the sudden interest in making the honors list?" Melissa asked.
"Yeah, I'm curious too," Jason added.
Nicole whispered, grinning, "She's inspired."
Julie protested. "Hey! What nonsense are you saying?"
Jason teased, "Inspired by whom?"
Nicole smirked. "Her childhood friend."
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Eh? Oh, I see…"
The group laughed at Julie, who now scowled. Jason tapped her shoulder playfully.
Kelly leaned in. "So, what's the real reason for your 'inspiration'?"
Julie sighed. "One reason… I have a bet with my mom."
"A bet?" Jason asked, intrigued.
"Yeah. If I make the honors list and land in the top five, she'll transfer me to a public school next year." Julie said it happily, but the words hung heavy in the air.
The four exchanged glances.
Julie laughed awkwardly. "B—But that probably won't happen." She added quickly, clenching her fists. "Excuse me, I need to go to the comfort room."
"Nicole?" Melissa called, concerned.
*****
Transfer? Nicole's chest tightened.
"Nicky," Julie's voice called softly, worry in her tone as she approached.
"I'm just going to the comfort room," Nicole muttered, irritation and confusion heavy in her voice.
Julie reached out, eyes filled with concern. "W—What's wrong?"
Nicole blurted, "Julie, is it true? That you'll transfer to a public school if you reach the top five?"
Julie froze, caught off guard.
"Nicky, it's not exactly like that… it's not certain yet," she replied cautiously.
"So… you're leaving us?" Nicole's voice cracked. "Because that's exactly how it sounds!"
"No, I'm not leaving. I told you—it's not even sure yet," Julie tried to reassure her.
"But it's the same! You're planning to leave! We both worked hard to adjust here, and now you might just abandon us. It's… so frustrating!" Nicole's voice trembled, tears spilling.
Julie stepped closer. "Even if that happens, Nicky… we'll still be friends."
"No! I had friends at my old public school, but I chose to stay here. I didn't think about leaving—because I found friends here!" Nicole's sobs grew louder. "Didn't you even think of us? You're so selfish!"
Julie reached for her hand. "Wait—Nicky—"
"Let go of me!" Nicole shoved her away and accidentally bumped into Joel.
"S—Sorry," she muttered.
"Hey, Nicole!" Kelly called, chasing after her into the comfort room. "Let's talk."
Melissa followed, worry etched on her face.
"Look at me," Kelly demanded. "Hey."
Nicole hugged her cousin tightly, crying uncontrollably.
"You pick a fight, and you end up crying," Kelly sighed. "It's just unfair… She didn't even consider us. What does she even think we are?"
Kelly patted her back gently. "Stop crying. You look ugly when you cry," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Melissa added softly, "Nicky, I know you're upset because you and Julie became close. But we can't control how she feels either."
"But Meli… I never thought that way. Once she became my friend, I thought we were enough," Nicole admitted.
Kelly placed a hand on her shoulder. "Nicole, remember, we also transferred once. Don't cry. You can talk to Julie. I felt sad too, but if it's her decision, we have to accept it."
"I can't accept that," Nicole shook her head. "I really can't accept it that easily."
Kelly wiped her tears. "Calm your emotions first, Nicky. Think before you act, okay?"
A familiar voice interrupted. "Oh? Why are you crying?"
"Stop now—your brother's here," Kelly said.
Nicole quickly wiped her tears. "N—Nothing, brother," she muttered.
Jonathan glanced between them. The bell rang, signaling the end of the break.
"Go back to your classroom," he instructed.
Melissa and Nicole nodded silently.
"Come on, Nicky," Melissa urged.
They walked back together. Nicole noticed Julie's worried gaze as they re-entered the classroom—but she ignored it, her heart still heavy from the words she had just heard.