The day everyone had been talking about finally arrived.
Final exams.
The classroom felt different that morning. No loud laughter. No silly jokes. Just nervous faces and open books.
Anna reached early and sat quietly at her desk. She checked her pens twice. Then her admit card. Then her timetable.
Emily rushed in a few minutes later.
"I didn't sleep properly," she whispered dramatically. "If I fail, I'm blaming this school."
"You won't fail," Anna said calmly.
Sophia sat down beside them. "First paper is English. At least it's not Math."
From behind, Oliver's voice came softly, "Don't remind me about Math."
Anna turned slightly and gave a small smile.
The bell rang.
Invigilators entered.
Answer sheets were distributed.
The room became completely silent.
When the question paper reached Anna, she took a deep breath before turning it over.
It wasn't too difficult.
Her pen began moving steadily.
A few minutes later, she heard pages turning behind her — Oliver was writing quickly too.
Halfway through the exam, Anna paused to think about an answer. Without realizing, she glanced slightly back.
For a second, their eyes met.
Oliver raised his eyebrows as if asking, Easy?
She gave a tiny nod.
That small exchange made her strangely calm.
When the final bell rang, the tension in the room broke instantly.
"How was it?" Emily asked loudly.
"Manageable," Sophia replied.
Oliver leaned forward. "Roll 11, topper paper?"
"It was fine," Anna said.
"Good," he smiled. "We survive one. Many more to go."
The next few days passed in the same pattern.
Study.
Exam.
Discussion.
Stress.
Sometimes Anna noticed him looking at her during the writing time.
Sometimes he teased her lightly after the paper.
Nothing dramatic happened.
But with each passing exam, Anna felt something else growing.
Not just feelings.
But fear.
Because exams meant results.
And results meant the end of the year.
And the end of the year meant…
Change.
And Anna wasn't sure if she was ready for that. 💕