Ten years ago, 17th of June in the year XXXX was the start of a new 10-month long journey to the next tier of education. It may not be the day all students look forward to, but it certainly was an exciting time for the fifteen-year-old Alexandra Park.
"Honey, hurry up [because] Denzel's waiting in the car!"
"Yes, mom!"
Alexandra hurried downstairs in her school uniform. She was very well excited, for it was a brand-new school year with her best childhood friend, Denzel Suarez. She smiled as she kissed her mother goodbye, rushing to the car after wards.
"How was summer?" she gently asked as she sat.
"What do you mean? You were with me the whole month."
Alexandra pouted. "Well, that was because mom and dad was always with your parents."
"I'm sorry for taking away your parents then."
Giggles escaped from their mouths before Alexandra shifted her gaze to the front seat. There was no sign of Ivan, Denzel's older brother and her senior. She wanted to ask Denzel, but opted to shut her mouth. She thought that maybe he would be skipping classes again—just like what he always did.
June was usually the start of the sunny season in their country; it was no surprise since Alexandra could feel the scorching sun through the roof of the car and outside as they stepped out. The students simply stared at their presence in the school grounds; they were worshipped like gods and goddesses as they were the superior duo.
Alexandra breathed out as she stood beside Denzel. It felt nice, as if she was the only person existing. It made her heart skip though she did not know why. Classes started, and the bell rang loudly, with each period passing by in a blink of an eye.
Lunch time came with Alexandra rushing to Denzel's class. They always ate lunch together, sometimes with Ivan, in the school canteen. Still, all eyes were theirs alone. From the others' perspective, it was a romantic date, but to theirs' it was a friendly lunch. They laughed and talked as if they were the only ones in the area, but Alexandra knew there was something missing.
"Denzel, what do you think about dating?" she asked, trying to appear as flawless as usual.
Denzel looked up to meet Alexandra's pretty eyes. "Dating? Hmm… I haven't thought of that yet."
"Well, aren't you getting a girlfriend sooner or later?"
"I would, but I still need to make sure you get one first."
At that moment, Alexandra felt light. Her heart beat fast with colors of pink sparkling in her imaginary world. Calm down, she thought, he doesn't know what's he's saying.
"W-What? You should worry about your future," she said, panic thickening her words. Excitement just filled her mind even more when Denzel did not reply but, instead, smiled at her with a warm expression.
"You're like a sister, of course I'd look after you."
Ah, a sister-like relationship might just hurt, but for some reason, it felt okay. She did not feel disappointment, but she did not feel that happy. It was a neutral feeling that she knew would last a lifetime.
She smiled at the gesture. "Yeah, I'll do the same."