After the intense confession in the hallway, the world seemed to change colors. Everything felt brighter, warmer, and sweeter.
They walked out of the school gate hand-in-hand, fingers laced together perfectly. Luna's hand was big and warm, completely wrapping around Rina's smaller one. Neither of them wanted to let go.
The sun had already set, and the streetlights were turning on one by one, casting a soft orange glow on the road. The evening breeze was cool and refreshing, blowing their hair gently.
They walked slowly, not in a rush at all. They wanted this moment to last forever.
"So..." Luna started, breaking the comfortable silence. She looked down at their joined hands and smiled. "We're actually doing this, huh?"
Rina looked up, her cheeks still slightly pink. She squeezed Luna's hand.
"Mhm," she nodded softly. "It still feels like a dream. I keep pinching myself to see if I'm awake."
Luna chuckled, the sound vibrating through their connected hands. "Well, I'm very real. And you're officially my girlfriend now. No take backs."
"Girlfriend..." Rina whispered the word, feeling a strange flutter in her stomach. She liked how it sounded. "I like it."
They walked a little further, passing by the park where they used to study.
"Hey," Rina said, looking up at Luna curiously. "Tell me something... when did you start... you know... liking me?"
Luna thought for a second, then smiled nostalgically.
"Hmm... I think it was last year," Luna said. "Remember that time you stayed behind after class to help the cleaner arrange the books even though you were in a rush? Or when you stood up for that freshman who was being bullied?"
Rina blinked. "You saw that?"
"I see everything about you," Luna said confidently. "I saw how kind you are, even though you act tough and serious all the time. I saw how passionate you are. And... I just couldn't look away anymore."
Rina felt her heart melt. She leaned her shoulder slightly against Luna's arm as they walked.
"I thought you just saw me as an annoying rival," Rina mumbled.
"You were annoying," Luna teased, poking her cheek. "In the best way possible. You challenged me. You made school fun. But eventually, I realized I didn't want to compete with you anymore... I wanted to be with you."
Rina smiled, leaning more comfortably against her.
"What about you?" Luna asked, turning her head to look at her. "When did the great Top 1 fall for me?"
Rina blushed deeply, looking at her feet.
"Recently..." she admitted shyly. "When you gave up being number 1 for me. When you said my happiness was more important than any trophy. That's when... that's when I realized you weren't just nice, you were... everything."
She looked up at Luna with sparkling eyes.
"I was so stupid before. I was so focused on beating you, I didn't realize I was already falling."
Luna stopped walking. She turned to face Rina, under the soft light of the streetlamp.
"You weren't stupid," Luna said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind Rina's ear. "You were perfect. And now... you're mine."
She pulled Rina closer, wrapping an arm around her waist as they continued walking, making sure no one could separate them.
"So," Luna grinned, changing the topic to something lighter. "About school tomorrow. Does this mean we stop being rivals?"
Rina immediately shook her head, her competitive spirit coming back even in love.
"No way!" she huffed. "I'm still Top 1! And I'm going to stay Top 1! I will beat you fair and square next time!"
Luna laughed loudly, squeezing her waist.
"Hahaha! Feisty! I love it. Okay then, deal. We will be the cutest couple and the scariest rivals. Everyone won't know what hit them."
"They are going to be so shocked," Rina giggled, imagining everyone's faces. "Especially those girls who were clinging to you this morning."
Luna smirked. "Let them look. Because my hand is holding yours, and my heart is with you. They can try all they want."
Rina felt a surge of happiness and confidence. She squeezed Luna's hand tight.
"Good."
They continued walking, talking about everything and nothing. They talked about their favorite foods, their dreams for the future, funny stories from class, and silly inside jokes.
For the first time, Rina didn't feel the heavy pressure of expectations on her shoulders. She didn't feel alone in her fight.
She had Luna.
When they finally reached the corner where they had to part ways, neither of them moved.
"I don't want to go home yet," Luna said, pouting playfully. "I want to stay here with you."
"Me too," Rina whispered, looking reluctant to let go of her hand.
"But we have class tomorrow," Rina said, though her voice was soft.
"Fine," Luna sighed dramatically. Then she leaned down slowly, her eyes asking for permission.
"Can I...?"
Rina understood immediately. She closed her eyes shyly and nodded slightly.
Luna smiled gently. She lifted Rina's hand and placed a soft, warm kiss on the back of it, like a prince charming.
"Goodnight, my favorite girl," Luna whispered. "Dream of me."
Rina's face was burning, but she smiled happily.
"Goodnight, Luna," she said softly. "See you tomorrow."
They stood there for a moment, looking at each other, smiling like idiots in love. Then, slowly, they let go, walking backwards, waving until they couldn't see each other anymore.
Rina walked into her house, touching her hand where Luna kissed it, feeling warm all over.
'Tomorrow can't come soon enough,' she thought.
To be continued I'm chapter 12>>ʚ(꒪ˊ꒳ˋ꒪)ɞ