Prologue - An Unforgettable Summer

Prologue - An Unforgettable Summer 

This was it - the moment of truth for Ryker Nantell, a diligent high school student, who had been breaking sweat over the last few months diving in his chemistry textbooks like divers in a swimming pool, for his final exam of that semester.

He sat there in the exam hall, tapping his pencil impatiently as he was torn between daydreaming about the upcoming gaming session with his friends, Kaelan Blackwood and Tobias Dalton and focusing on his current predicament. Yet the more he thought the more he got drowned in, and a thought creeped up like a grapevine - will he do well in this exam? After all, his entire future was decided on this.

The teacher's voice drew him back to reality: “Last 20 minutes!” Ryker's breath was rugged, his palms were perspiring, and drops of sweat trickled his forehead. He couldn’t think straight.

He scribbled his pen on the answer sheet, writing down whatever little he could remember, and, well, he could barely even fill half of the answer sheet. His vision blurred as his lips trembled like an earthquake, and tears pricked at the corner of his eyes. He smacked his head with his own hands.

“Focus, Ryker! Your future relies on this paper!” Was his mental monologue, but it wasn't as effective as he had thought, instead, his mind went back to the shleek new PS5 he had at home, on which he was going to play. He groaned hopelessly.

“Fuck - am i screwed?” He thought again, scratching his pencil on the table. “Let's forget it…” He gave up thinking, and he began focusing back on the answer sheet. The harsh fluorescent lights cast an angry glow on his half empty answer sheet, as the unusually silent room was like an ASMR of scribbling pens and pencils.

The room was so thick with tension you could cut it with a knife, and Ryker’s breathing steadied as he tried to remember whatever chemical formulas he had crammed up last night with his girlfriend, Cassandra Clarke’s help. He sighed with relief, “At least my paper won't be empty now.” He was thinking, as the last bell finally rang, its sharp chime interrupting his internal dialogues.

With a mix of relief and exhaustion, he finally put his pen down. It was honestly a miracle how he even survived that exam without just staring blankly at the empty answer sheet, he had made up his mind that he'd treat his girlfriend on a nice coffee date. 

He approached Cassandra, who was packing up her stationary. “Hey, Cassie. How about I treat you to Starbucks, that's the least I can do for helping me last night-” He began, but was cut off by her cheerful laughter.

“Pfft, okay, I'll come. After all, without me, you would've failed for sure.” Cassandra aughs, hitting Ryuugo playfully, who rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” He pouts slightly, grumbling, making Cassandra chuckle more. “Hold my hand?” She asks, still chuckling, and Ryker, unable to resist her charm, takes her smaller hands in his, loving how they perfectly fit together.

As they pack up their remaining things, they walk together hand in hand, in the bustling corridors of the school, with students rushing around to celebrate their last exam of this semester.

They walked down the winding staircase, Ryker’s eyes landed on Kaelan Blackwood , who was shamelessly flirting with Noemi Rosseti, one of the most popular girls of her class. She seemed unimpressed as she rolled her eyes, but a faint trace of a smile tugged on her lips.

Ryker shook his head in mock aggravation, nudged Cassandra. “Shall we invite them to a group hangout later?” He Said, shaking his head in exasperation. “Sure, why not!” Cassandra said enthusiastically, her excitement infectious. Ryker laughed as the couple approached the duo.

As they approached the duo, they greeted each other, and the four of them made their way downstairs, chatting and exchanging playfully banter.

Near the school gate, they spotted Tobias Dalton, their bespectacled, reserved classmate trying to strike up a conversation with Yvette Emerson, in an awkward attempt. Yvette’s sharp wit and teasing was quite making a quick work of Tobias's nervous energy, leaving him a flustered mess.

“Hey, it's not easy for introverts Like me trying to talk, okay?” He Grumbled, his cheeks flushed. Yvette’s smirk widened. “Oh please, I haven't seen you talk all semester, stop being a drama queen.” She teased, poking his already flushed cheeks.

“Ugh, I get it, will you stop being evil for once?” Tobias Groaned, throwing his hands up. “Not a chance!” Yvette shot back, her voice dripping with mock innocence. 

The group burst out laughing, the playful exchange breaking the ice. “Hey, I have an idea,” Cassandra said, “How about we all go on a night bike ride? It's been a while.” She proposed shyly, her cheeks turning pink.

Ryker chuckled and squeezed her shoulder. “Sounds like a plan. It's been a long time since I gave you a ride.” Cassandra beamed happily, giving Ryker a kiss on his cheek.

“Count me in! I might be able to give my girl Noemi a ride~!” Kaelan declared dramatically, sending hearts with his fingers to the said girl, who rolled her eyes and pretended to throw away his hearts.

But Noemi couldn’t help but flush crimson, managing a shy smile. “Yeah right, only if you behave, idiot.” She bonked his head as Kaelan grumbled adorably.

Ryker cackled at the scene, as he nodded, “Alright, let's meet at 7, after my date with Cassie. I'll send a text in the groupchat.” The Friends parted ways, their spirits lifted at the thought of an exciting evening.

Later as planned, Ryker sent a text in the group chat after his date with Cassandra, and they soon heard the roaring of the engines in the distance, indicating the boys had arrived on time, with Noemi and Yvette on the bikes.

The cool night breeze greeted them as they reached the beach, their energetic laughter and camaraderie echoing into the stillness of night. The rhythmic crunching of the tires pressed against the sand blended in harmony With the waves of the ocean that lapped against the shore. Under starlit sky, they raced along the water’s edge, having the time of their life, their spirits soaring with the freedom of the night. For Ryker, it more than just an ordinary summer, but going to be an unforgettable one.