The final exams were getting closer, and the atmosphere in school was tense. But for Luna, the only thing that mattered was where Rina was.
Luna had perfected her routine.
Every afternoon, Rina would go to the library to study. And every afternoon, Luna would "coincidentally" be there too, sitting two tables away, pretending to read a novel but actually watching Rina like a hawk.
'She's biting her pen again. So cute.' Luna thought, staring dreamily. 'And her hair is falling over her face... I want to tuck it back for her.'
Suddenly, Rina stood up to get a book from the high shelf. She stretched her arm up, standing on her tiptoes, but the book was just out of reach.
Luna didn't even think. She stood up instantly and walked over.
"Need help?"
Luna's voice made Rina jump. She turned around, and they were suddenly very close. Too close.
Luna reached up effortlessly and took the thick book down. She handed it to Rina, but she didn't step back. She stood there, looking down at Rina with that lazy, confident smirk.
"You're too short to reach that, Rina-chan," Luna teased, using a nickname that made Rina's ears turn red.
"I am not short!" Rina huffed, taking the book quickly to hide her fluster. "I just... needed to adjust my position. Thank you, I guess."
Rina turned to walk away, but her bag strap slipped off her shoulder. All her papers, pens, and index cards scattered all over the floor.
"Oh no!" Rina panicked, bending down immediately. "My notes!"
She was so stressed, her eyes started to water a little. These were her precious notes she had written for months.
Luna instantly knelt down too.
"Hey, calm down. We'll pick them up."
Luna moved quickly, gathering the papers. As she picked them up, she saw how neat Rina's handwriting was. She saw little stars drawn next to important dates, and cute doodles in the margins.
'She's so organized and cute,' Luna melted inside.
Their hands touched as they both reached for the same flashcard.
"Ah!" Rina pulled her hand back like she was shocked.
Luna looked up. Rina was blushing hard, looking down at her lap. The sunlight from the window made her look like an angel.
Luna's heart was pounding so hard against her ribs. 'Stop being so adorable, or I might really kiss you right here.'
"Here," Luna said softly, stacking the papers neatly and handing them back. She looked into Rina's eyes. "You work so hard, you know that? Anyone can see how much effort you put in."
Rina took the notes, her fingers brushing against Luna's again. She looked at Luna, confused.
"Why... why are you always like this?" Rina whispered.
"Like what?"
"Sometimes you are so mean and competitive, but sometimes..." Rina hesitated, biting her lip. "Sometimes you look at me like... like I'm something special."
Luna's breath hitched. 'Did I get caught?!'
But she was good at acting cool. She smirked and stood up, offering her hand to help Rina up.
"Because you are special, Rina," Luna said smoothly, pulling her up. "You're my only worthy rival, after all."
Rina felt a strange twist in her chest. She didn't know if she was happy or disappointed with that answer.
"Just... a rival?" Rina thought to herself, feeling a weird ache in her heart that she didn't understand.
"Of course," Luna winked, though inside she was screaming. 'I want to be more than that! So much more!'
"Come on," Luna said, walking back to their tables. "Study hard. I'll be waiting for you at the top."
Rina sat down, holding her notes tight. She looked at Luna's back, feeling her own face getting hot.
"Why is my heart beating so fast?" Rina wondered, touching her chest. "It's just Luna... my enemy..."
But deep down, she was starting to realize that maybe, just maybe, she didn't mind looking at Luna either.
To be continued in chapter 3>>>(𓂂꜆◕⩊◕꜀𓂂)