The next day, during break time, the usual group of friends gathered at their favorite spot near the garden.
Luna and Rina walked over together. But this time, it was different. They weren't walking side-by-side as rivals. They were walking close, shoulders touching, and Luna had her hand protectively around Rina's waist.
"Hey guys!" Luna called out cheerfully.
Their friends looked up. Sarah, Mike, and the others waved.
"Hey Rina! Hey Luna! You two are together again? Still discussing formulas?" Sarah joked.
Rina blushed a little, but Luna just grinned confidently and pulled Rina to sit right next to her on the bench.
"Actually," Luna started, looking down at Rina with a soft smile, then looking back at their friends. "We have something to tell you."
Mike took a bite of his sandwich. "What is it? Did you two switch classes or something?"
"No," Rina spoke up, taking a deep breath. She felt nervous, but she felt Luna squeeze her hand reassuringly under the table.
She looked at Luna, who nodded encouragingly. Rina straightened up and smiled.
"We are... we are dating now," Rina said clearly.
Silence.
The whole group froze. Sarah's eyes went wide. Mike stopped chewing. The air seemed to stop moving.
"..."
"WAIT WHAT?!" Sarah screamed, jumping up from her seat. "D-DATING?! As in GIRLFRIENDS?!"
"Yes," Luna answered proudly, interlacing her fingers with Rina's and raising their joined hands up in the air for everyone to see. "Officially. Rina is my girlfriend. And I am hers."
"OH MY GODDDD!!!" Sarah started squealing loudly, clapping her hands. "I KNEW IT! I KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING GOING ON! YOU TWO ARE ALWAYS STARING AT EACH OTHER!"
Mike finally swallowed his food and looked shocked but happy. "Wait... so the two top students... the biggest rivals in school... are now lovers?!"
"Yep," Rina said, a small proud smile on her face. She didn't let go of Luna's hand. "It happened."
"But... wait..." another friend named Jenna asked, looking confused but happy. "What about the competition? The exams?"
Luna laughed and wrapped her arm around Rina's shoulders, pulling her close comfortably.
"Don't worry, the rivalry is still on!" Luna declared playfully. "Right, babe?"
Rina leaned into Luna's touch, feeling safe and warm. "Of course!" she said, looking up at Luna with a competitive glint in her eyes but full of love. "I'm still Top 1, and I'm going to stay Top 1! I will beat you fair and square next time!"
"Haha, we'll see about that," Luna chuckled, leaning her head on top of Rina's. "But win or lose... at the end of the day, she's still mine."
"EEEEKKK!!!" the girls in the group were screaming from the cuteness.
"That is so sweet!!"
"You two are perfect together!"
"The power couple of the school! Oh my god!"
Sarah leaned over to Rina with a teasing grin. "So... does this mean Luna is no longer free real estate? All those girls who have crushes on her are gonna cry today."
Rina's expression changed instantly. She puffed her chest out and held Luna's hand tighter, looking possessive but cute.
"Yes! She's taken! She belongs to me only!"
Luna laughed heartily, finding her jealousy so adorable. "Hear that? I'm property of Miss Top 1 now."
Everyone laughed. The atmosphere was so happy and warm. Their friends were genuinely excited for them. They always knew Luna and Rina had a special connection, they just didn't know it was this special.
"So," Mike smirked. "Does this mean we get free treats from now on? Since you two are happy and all?"
"Sure," Luna winked. "As long as my girlfriend agrees."
Rina rolled her eyes but smiled. "Fine. But only if you guys stop being noisy."
"Deal!"
They spent the whole break time talking, laughing, and answering questions. Rina felt so happy. Before, she was always worried about grades and expectations, but now, sitting here, holding Luna's hand while their friends cheered for them... it felt like everything was complete.
She looked at Luna, who was telling a story animatedly, looking so handsome and happy.
'We did it,' Rina thought happily. 'We are really together.'
And Luna, feeling Rina's gaze, looked down and smiled at her, whispering softly so only Rina could hear.
"I love you, rival."
Rina blushed bright red, but whispered back shyly.
"I love you too, dummy."
To be continued in chapter 13 >>
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