Nothing changed.
The same routine with students loitering around. Teachers passing by the hallways. Noise evading the corridors from chattering.
After the exams, Lucas did what he needed to do. Nothing. Sit back and wait. The days breezing through.
Time to time, there were students who peers over in the classroom whenever it is break time. Pupils from the other class which Lucas pinpoints their rival or their schoolmates now.
It's not that nothing has changed. There is still change. Although, not too much change had happened.
Actually, the disruption in the routine is a nuisance. Familiarity molding into a new form of familiarity takes a big leap of reform.
Lucas cannot do anything but get used with the change.
Loud screeching of a chair did not elicit the attention of others. The sound is near. Lucas turns his head, his bangs covering his eyes.
"The break time has passed. Math is not yet here." Owen informs, his back on the chair.
Lucas nods. In fact, he knew what Owen meant by that.
"The result is not out yet?"
Owen fidgets in his chair, shifting his weight and then plays with his fingers.
"Not yet. I checked the school post and forum. Nothing. Nu duh."
"Oh."
Lucas does not know what to say anymore. Eyeing his friend, Owen keeps on squirming. Body tense and his look distanced.
Lucas licks his dry lips. He could not think of any comfort words. He is not the best person for that. He clamps his mouth shut.
The sarcastic remarks almost got out from his lips.
It is not the time to be sarcastic. Especially, he can tell Owen is not up to the mood of their play time. He sniffs.
Since words cannot resolve this situation, actions might do.
Steadily, Lucas reaches out. He clasps Owen's slightly trembling hand. Ignoring the jolt of surprise, he began to massage to release the tension.
''You're lucky. I am in good mood.'' Lucas says as he kneads his paw.
''And don't get me wrong. I don't have any romantic feelings for you so shut up your trap.''
Owen gulps his retort. He lets Lucas do what he wanted to do with his hand. It's not like it is the first time he did this to him. Do not be fooled. Even though sometimes he exudes the feeling of confidence and silliness. He has these moments of doubt. Especially as a child. The pressure on his shoulders is not bearable.
The only time his parents would look at him is when he has good grades. Good grades that a young master like him should have.
''Lucas.''
Lucas unclasps his hand. His face did not change much. That was the signal.
Tension releases on his body, Owen relaxes. No words exchange, but the tacit understanding from the years of being together engraved in their bones, knows what the other would say.
''Maybe Math is just running late. Might be still finding where his x is.'' Owen jokingly says.
''That was not funny at all.''
"Not funny? Are you sure about that? I can see you smiling from here.'' Owen points out.
His finger pointing at the upturned smile of Lucas. The crinkling eyes and twitching of the corner of his lips. It vanishes.
''You must have seen it wrong. Lucas Allard does not smile.'' Lucas denies. Slapping the paw near his face.
Owen snorts. Before he could bring up more of the past, the door slams open.
Math had finally found his x.
The appearance of the stern looking teacher, the noise quietens down. Everyone looks at the new person in front of them. Not new but their teacher.
''Pardon me for being late. I just got the result from the office.'' He says.
He trudges in front, a piece of paper in his hands.
The class holds their breath awaiting for his next words. Pairs of pupils on the pieces of paper.
''I would not announce the results. There will be no more fun if you know the result. It was not posted on the school forum however, it is pasted on the school bulletin board. You could see by lunch.''
Lucas adjusts his sight from the teacher towards the clock.
''By then, I can say. Congratulations, you did your utmost best.'' His stern looking face softens, a smile hangs up on his face.
Someone brave enough raises a hand up. Seeming to have a question.
''Yes, class president. What question do you have?''
Being called upon, the class president musters up the strength to speak.
''Sir, may I ask if everyone had passed and will remain as classmates?'' The hopeful tone did not escape Lucas' ears.
Lucas lightly shakes his head. Around fifty percent of the class will remain as classmates and the others will be in the second section. Inevitably, he knows his classmates' capability. It might be not obvious since he does not interact that much yet, based on his observation, that is his hypothesis.
His hypothesis is correct.
''Fifty percent of the class remains as section one while the rest will be in section two. To answer that question, not everyone had passed.''
The classroom descends into depression.
''But do not be discouraged too easily. You are still classmates after all.'' The teacher tries to lighten up the mood.
Class president sat down, his energy sucked out from his body. The mood did not lighten. Lucas bows his head in thought.
Will he get the chance of being classmates with that person? It has been a while since his competitiveness has been piqued.
Lucas did not get discouraged. He has been looking forward to it. Being classmates with him will be interesting. After all, from the files, the information written there is worthy to ponder on.
''Then-''
This time, Lucas spoke up amidst the depressing ambience of the room.
''Sir, who topped the rank?''
The teacher smiles. Did not reprimand Lucas' disrespectful today. He knows the boy. Lucas is too lazy to stand up.
''You will know later.''
The teacher mysteriously did not directly answer Lucas' question. He turns his back and proceeds to teach a new lesson. Unbothered with the look of confusion on Lucas' face.