Kevin rarely got to spend time with Diana because she often went to the library. Now, he entered the library just to look for her.
After searching around, he finally found Diana at the farthest corner table in the back. She was deeply focused on her book.
Without asking for permission, Kevin sat directly across from her. Diana quickly noticed his presence and looked up as he approached.
Kevin remained silent, simply staring at Diana. After a full minute of silence, she raised an eyebrow, puzzled by his behavior. They kept staring at each other without speaking. Diana was confused.
Realizing her reaction, Kevin hesitated before finally speaking. "Diana, you know the new student in my class, right?"
Diana frowned. "Revan Gael?"
Kevin nodded. "I wanted to talk to you about him yesterday at the library," he admitted. But since Revan had been there too, Kevin had decided to drop the topic.
Diana realized that Kevin’s visit to the library that day had been unusual. Especially if it was just to disturb her. Kevin might be playful, but he wasn’t the type to waste time on something fruitless—Diana would just ignore him while reading if it wasn’t important.
"He’s completely different now from the person I used to know. Honestly, I wouldn’t care whether you knew him or not. But after what happened that night, I started wondering… Could it be that you remember him?"
Diana tensed.
"Let me tell you first—he used to be a school delinquent. Even though he was only at our school for a short time, I could tell right away. I fought him once. And of course, he was in the same school as you too."
Diana continued listening.
"Since he was only at our school temporarily, I wasn’t sure whether you knew him or not. I also know he used to switch schools frequently. Many students don’t even realize who he is. I just want to understand why you care about us."
Diana held her breath when Kevin added, "You remember him because of the last fight before he left, don’t you?"
Silence. Diana didn’t answer immediately.
"Don’t forget, I was also there when it happened. I wouldn’t have known him if it were only because of that incident, and I assume the same for you. I know him because I once fought him," Kevin explained.
"So, you do know him," Diana finally spoke.
Kevin’s eyes widened. His guess was right—Diana knew Revan.
She continued, "You’re right. I remember him because I was the cause of that incident. It was such a ridiculous event. That’s why I care about him." She scoffed at her own words.
Kevin was about to say that the incident wasn’t something that should have bothered her, but Diana interrupted, "Now, tell me how you ended up fighting him."
Her demand caught Kevin off guard.
"Well… um… Oh! I just remembered—Revan got the highest score in class today. That’s what surprised me and pushed me to tell you all this," Kevin quickly changed the subject, hoping to distract her.
"You know, he used to do nothing but fight, and his grades were never great. But all this time, after switching schools, he hasn't fought anyone at all. He hasn’t been involved in any trouble."
"You’re right," Diana murmured.
Kevin felt relieved—Diana had taken the bait.
"Except for the incident between you and him that night at the bus stop," she added, fixing an intense gaze on Kevin.
Her eyes seemed to say, "Come on, explain why you fought him back in middle school."
Why is this happening? Kevin thought to himself. His attempt to steer the conversation away had failed.
"Alright, I’ll tell you. But not now—I have something important to take care of," Kevin said, standing up.
"Eh? What are you going to do?" Diana asked as he walked away. The table between them prevented her from stopping him.
Kevin simply waved his hand without looking back, quickly putting some distance between them.
---
Diana arrived home from school and saw David reading a letter. She noticed the logo on the envelope—it was from an airline company.
"What does it say?" she asked.
David shook his head, his expression sorrowful. Diana understood what it meant and didn’t press further.
"Another month has passed," Diana muttered, glancing at the calendar.
"Diana…"
"It’s okay, brother. We’ll keep waiting, right?" she said with a smile, hoping to ease David’s worried expression.
But instead of disappearing, his concern only deepened.
---
"My midterm exam results are out," Revan said inside the car.
He was being driven home, as usual, by his older brother.
"Really? Let me guess—you got a perfect score," Valen teased, raising an eyebrow.
"I ranked first in class. But this is nothing yet. Just wait until the final exams," Revan replied confidently.
"I knew it—you are my brilliant little brother," Valen praised.
"So, what reward are you going to give me?" Revan grinned.
"Hmm… What should it be?" Valen pretended to think. "Tell me what you want."
"Hm? Are you saying you’ll grant me anything I ask?" Revan smirked.
"Of course…"
Revan could hardly believe it.
"…that’s not possible," Valen continued his sentence.
Revan rolled his eyes.
"…but it depends on what you ask for," Valen finally finished.
"What if I don’t know what I want yet?"
Valen frowned. "Well, if you don’t have anything in mind—"
Revan cut him off, "I didn’t say I don’t have a request. I said I don’t know yet. So, I’ll consider this a debt that you’ll have to pay when I decide what I want." He smirked in satisfaction.
"Fine, fine, whatever you say," Valen said, steering the car around a bend.
"Deal."
"By the way, have you told Dad about your achievement? You managed to surpass all your classmates even though you're new."
"You talk as if I just started studying. I studied in my previous schools too, you know," Revan replied, changing the subject.
"Dad might be proud if he knew about this," Valen said, hoping to improve their father-son relationship.
But Revan remained silent, his gaze fixed ahead.
"I’m too lazy," he finally muttered.
"It doesn’t take much effort. Why are you so reluctant?"
Come on, Valen, you should know Revan doesn’t want to talk about this. His mood, which had been good earlier, immediately shifted.
"He’s never home, and he’s hard to reach. He’s always busy and only cares about truly important information. Why waste my energy on something pointless?" Revan spoke in a disinterested tone.
"If I graduate as the top student in my entire grade, maybe then it’ll be worth mentioning," he added, hoping to end the conversation.
But even if that happens, will he be proud? Maybe he won’t even care, and I won’t tell him anyway, Revan thought to himself.