"Ashan, wake up! It's time for school," my mom's voice pierced through my sleep.
Drowsy and reluctant, I forced myself to open my eyes. "Aww, so early. I really hate class," I muttered to myself, feeling the weight of another school day pressing down on me.
Good morning to you all, and yes, life still sucks. I hate getting up early, and I hate school even more. Why? Because it means I have to interact with people. Seriously, who enjoys that?
Just then, my phone rang. Instinctively, I checked it immediately.
Tsula: "Good morning."
Okay, so maybe not everything about interacting with people is terrible. I quickly replied, "Good morning."
We texted for a few minutes, exchanging pleasantries and small talk. She ended the conversation with, "See you at class then."
"Sure, see ya," I replied, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and resignation. I closed my phone, the brief interaction adding a small bright spot to my otherwise mundane morning.
So yeah, I hate interacting with people... unless it's Tsula. But that doesn't count, right?
Anyway, back to the misery of the morning routine. After finishing my wash-up, I moved to the kitchen for breakfast. While eating, I kept one eye on the clock, knowing I had to get dressed soon. With breakfast done, I started putting on my uniform, my mind still half-asleep.
As I buttoned my shirt, I turned on the TV and let the familiar sounds of Doraemon fill the room. It was a small comfort, a piece of childhood that helped ease the monotony of the morning.
It's almost 7:30 AM, and I reluctantly head out for my classes.
I reach school on time and make my way to my bench. "Hmm, guess I'm early today," I think to myself. Before settling in, I decide to go to the bathroom. On my way, I bump into Apong and exchange a few words before heading back to class.
And yes, Tsula is here. I still can't believe I texted with her for so long yesterday. She seemed so different in our texts than she appears in person. She looks so happy and determined, but yesterday, I felt a sort of vulnerability. Or maybe it's just my imagination.
But well, it seems those rumors are still bothering her, I suppose. I wish I could do something for her.
As classes go by and break comes, I cross paths with Tsula again. Neither of us makes eye contact or tries to speak. I don't make a move to talk to her. Why? Well, it's not like I'm nervous or anything... Okay, maybe I am a bit nervous. I mean, what would I even say? What if she thinks I'm weird for texting her and then being awkward in person? Ugh, I'm overthinking this.
So, classes are over, and I head home. As soon as I reach home, I see a "good evening" text from Tsula. Hmm, isn't this the opposite of what happens in class?
"Good afternoon," I text back.
We chat for a while again.
"With a laughing emoji, she writes, "You're funny, Ashan."
"Is that so?" I reply.
"Yeah, you're a very funny person," she responds.
"Well, I didn't know about it, but thanks," I say, feeling a bit flattered since she's the only one who's ever said that to me.
After a while, she has to leave for some work, and so we part ways in our texts. And now, I'm back to being bored with nothing to do, so I escape into my games.
Hours pass, and it's time for dinner. My mom's food is always delicious, and she's careful to make things I like, especially my favorite potato dishes. I wonder if I'll get such food when I go out for further studies.
After eating, I help my mom with some chores and then head to our room together. I check my phone and see a "good night" text from Tsula. I giggle as I reply, "Good night."
As I try to sleep, my conversations with Tsula replay in my mind. When she said I was funny, it made me happy. It was the first time anyone has ever told me that. No lie, I really enjoyed our chat today. But I wonder if I can have conversations like that with her in real life too. These thoughts swirl around in my head as I drift off to sleep.
Days went by with our usual routine—texting each other after classes and sometimes late into the night. Tsula managed to laugh at my unfunny jokes, but there was still no real-life interaction. Am I really that unsociable? Well, maybe I am.
Then, just before a week went by, Tsula confronted me about it in our evening texts.
Tsula: "Ashan, why are you so antisocial in our class?"
Me: "Well, what do you mean?"
Tsula: "I try to approach you time and time again, but you never make eye contact. I can't approach you to talk!"
Me: "Oh, that? I don't really make eye contact with anyone."
Tsula: "Exactly! You're so introverted! I really want to speak with you in class too, but you don't even try."
Me: "Haha, is that so? Well, next time I see you in class, I'm gonna stare at you with big, big eyes."
Tsula: "Sure, then I'm gonna stare back at you."
Me: "Then I'm gonna give you an even bigger stare!" (I add two eyes emojis)
We ended the chat with a deal to see each other the next day.
And so the night ended. It was time for us to see each other literally. I reached my class a bit late that day and sat at my seat. Then I saw her at her desk, waiting for the teacher. She saw me watching her, and this time, I wasn't going to look away. So I stared at her.
While giving a slight giggle, she stared back at me with an adorable face. It did give me emotional damage, but it didn't make me give up. So I moved my head closer and gave her an even bigger stare. At that point, she started smiling.
Well, I didn't stand a chance. I myself was smiling too, but she looked so pretty that I couldn't help but blush a bit. Just as I was lost in that moment, the teacher suddenly came in, saving me from that spot. She really was adorable. I couldn't help but keep thinking about it the whole period. We didn't have any conversations today either, but at least we made eye contact.
Later, she texted, complaining about how we couldn't converse today either, but we soon started laughing, remembering that staring contest.
Days passed, and maybe she had given up on trying to have a conversation with me—after all, it's me we're talking about. I don't blame her. But then, on that very day, something unexpected happened.
After class, I was walking home alone when I heard a familiar voice call out from behind me. I turned around, and there she was, Tsula, accompanied by a friend.
"Hey," I greeted her.
"Finally caught up with you! You walk so fast," she chuckled.
"Well, I am tall with long legs, unlike you," I teased back.
"Shatap! Anyway, I finally got a chance to talk to you in person," she said, smiling.
"Yeah, after such a long time," I replied.
We chatted for a bit, but soon it was time for us to part ways. Our houses were in different directions.
"See you tomorrow," she said as she started to cross the road.
Just as I was about to turn and head my way, I heard her call my name again. I turned back to see her standing there, her face radiant with a wide smile. She waved her hands high above her head, the evening sunlight casting a golden halo around her.
"Bai bai, Ashan!" she exclaimed cheerfully, her voice carrying across the street.
Her happiness was palpable, infectious even. For a moment, everything else faded away—the noise of the people, the weight of my thoughts. All that existed was her, standing there with such genuine joy. The image of her waving with such abandon, her eyes bright and full of warmth, etched itself into my memory like a masterpiece.
I felt a smile tug at my lips, unable to resist the sincerity of the moment. With a small wave of my own, I managed to say bye back to her. As she turned and continued on her way, the memory of that scene lingered, a moment frozen in time that I knew I would carry with me forever.
As I walked home, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just witnessed something truly special—something that would stay with me, no matter how many years passed.
But of course, I wouldn't admit that to anyone. I silently cherished the memory as our happy days continued.
It's the month of August, and my birthday is approaching, though I haven't mentioned it to anyone—not even Apong or Tsula. Birthdays have never been my thing, and I find the attention embarrassing. Life otherwise continues as usual.
I still text Tsula regularly, but apart from a couple of incidents, we haven't had much interaction inside our school. Recently, I learned Tsula is no longer the vice-captain as her term ended, and the teachers are searching for new leaders. It seems like a weight off her shoulders, and I'm glad she can move forward.
One evening, Apong dropped a surprising piece of news on me. "Since when?" I asked incredulously.
"It's been a while," Apong replied casually.
"Didn't you used to live near the jail colony?" I asked, surprised.
"Yeah, but I moved and have been staying with my grandparents for a bit now," Apong replied.
"And you're neighbors with Tsula?" I asked, curious.
"Yeah, of course. What's up?" Apong asked.
"Oh, nothing," I replied nonchalantly, though inside, I was caught off guard. I hadn't told anyone about texting Tsula daily.
Later that night, I texted Tsula about it, and she confirmed the news. I played it cool, but my mind raced with thoughts of what it would be like to see her every day outside of school. I couldn't help but wonder what she looked like in casual clothes, not just her school uniform.
As I pondered, an idea formed in my mind. It had been a while since I last visited Apong, and perhaps it was time for another visit. I could use it as an excuse to secretly see Tsula, without revealing my true intentions.
On that Friday, I headed to Apong's place, with a sense of purpose and anticipation. This visit was different; it wasn't just about catching up with Apong but also about what lay ahead. What would happen once I saw Tsula? How would she react? The thrill of the unknown added to my excitement as I embarked on this clandestine adventure.
And so, with these thoughts swirling in my mind, I set off for Apong's place, secretly hoping for a chance encounter with Tsula, all while maintaining the guise of visiting my friend.