The day of the results arrived. The whole school was buzzing with excitement. The announcement of the Top 10 students was always the most awaited moment.
Rina was sitting at her desk, trembling visibly. Her hands were clasped together under the table.
'Please... please let me be number one. Just once. I want Mom and Dad to smile at me. I want to beat Luna.'
She glanced at Luna. Luna was leaning back on her chair, hands behind her head, looking as relaxed as if she was just taking a nap. She wasn't nervous at all.
'Of course she's not scared,' Rina thought. 'She always wins.'
The teacher walked into the room holding the paper. "Alright everyone, quiet down. Here are the results for the Final Exams."
The teacher started reading from 10th place upwards. Rina's heart was beating so fast it hurt.
"...and finally, the Top 2!" The teacher smiled. "With an average score of 97%... Luna!"
The class clapped. Some were surprised. Luna just smirked and stood up slowly, acting cool, but her eyes immediately searched for Rina.
'Wait... Luna is Top 2?!' Rina's eyes went wide. 'That means...'
"And finally, our Valedictorian for this semester... with a perfect score of 99%... Rina!"
Silence for a second, then the whole room erupted!
"OH MY GOD RINA!!"
"YOU DID IT!!"
"YOU BEAT LUNA!!"
Rina froze. Her mind went blank. She stood up slowly, feeling like she was dreaming. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes. She did it. She was actually Number 1.
She looked at Luna, who was walking towards her with that proud, soft smile.
"I told you," Luna said softly, so only Rina could hear. "You were always the best."
Rina couldn't help it. She jumped and hugged Luna tightly, burying her face in Luna's chest. "I did it! Luna! I did it!!"
Luna's body stiffened for a second, then she wrapped her arms around Rina gently, patting her back. Her heart was screaming with joy.
'Yes, you did it. All for you, my love.'
(⑅•ᴗ•⑅)
Later that day, everyone was confused. How did the genius Luna lose?
During lunch, Rina found Luna sitting alone on the rooftop. She walked over, holding her certificate tightly.
"Luna," Rina said seriously. "Why?"
Luna looked up, pretending to be confused. "Why what?"
"Why did you get second place?" Rina asked, furrowing her eyebrows. "I saw your answer sheets during the review. You only answered half of the test! You left the last page blank! And you made silly mistakes on purpose!"
Luna scratched her cheek, looking guilty but still smiling. "Ah... you noticed?"
"Of course I noticed!" Rina stomped her foot lightly, looking frustrated but also teary-eyed. "Why would you do that?! You always wanted to be first! Did you... did you go easy on me?"
Luna stood up and walked closer to Rina until she was towering over her slightly. She looked down at Rina with eyes full of warmth and affection.
"So what if I did?" Luna said calmly.
Rina looked up at her, shocked. "But... why? It's unfair to you!"
Luna chuckled softly and reached out to wipe a tear from Rina's cheek.
"Because Rina... seeing you happy is more important to me than any rank or trophy."
Rina's breath hitched.
"I know how hard you worked," Luna continued, her voice soft and sincere. "I know how much you wanted to make your parents proud. I saw how you stayed up late, how you sacrificed your rest. You deserved this more than anyone."
She leaned in a little closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Besides... seeing you stand on that stage, shining so bright... that was the best view I ever had. I don't mind being second place, as long as you are number one in my eyes."
Rina's face turned bright red. Her heart was pounding so hard against her ribs.
'Number one in her eyes...'
"Luna..." Rina whispered, unable to find words. "You are so... stupid. Why are you doing this for me?"
Luna smirked, going back to her teasing mode to hide how emotional she was.
"Because you're my rival, duh. I want you at your strongest. Now that you're Top 1, you have to maintain it okay? I won't go easy on you next time... maybe."
Rina looked at the certificate, then at Luna. She realized something. It wasn't just kindness. It felt like... Luna was giving her the world.
"Thank you," Rina said, her voice wobbly but full of emotion. "Really, Luna. Thank you."
She took Luna's hand and squeezed it tightly. "But next time... you have to do your best. I want to beat you fairly. Because your full potential is the only one worth beating."
Luna looked at their joined hands, then at Rina's determined face.
"Yes, Ma'am," Luna saluted playfully.
Inside, she was screaming: 'SHE'S HOLDING MY HAND AGAIN! SHE'S SO CUTE! I'D GIVE HER THE WORLD IF I COULD!'
To be continued in chapter 6>>>ლ(╹◡╹ლ)