Exam Week

The next day, Neo thought about what Len had asked. Why was he interested in Neo's feelings for Saya? He looked under the bunk bed to find the boy, but the bed was empty. Where had he gone? He hadn't been in the bunk bed the day before either. The week of exams began, and the tension among the students escalated. The anxiety and heavy atmosphere in the hallways was palpable.

Neo, on the other hand, didn't feel this tension at all, he found it stupid. He understood that life was determined by such things, but to be afraid or nervous would be more of a hindrance than a help. So he focused on the fact that he had studied and would react based on what he knew.

The first test of the day was in math. The entire class was somber as they received the test. As Neo answered the questions and did the calculations, he didn't see the horror of the other students. He enjoyed talking to Professor Antonio and took the opportunity to clarify doubts with him whenever he could. He also liked mathematics very much. So numbers and calculations were fun for him.

During the next few days, Len was never present when Neo was awake, which increased the curiosity about his whereabouts. Still, Len was always on time for class. The rest of the week was a repetition of the first day, except that Saya gave Neo some treats since he was injured and his reaction to each test:

Tuesday: Biology and Geography.

For the former, he struggled to remember some flower names and biological processes, and for the latter, he always confused it with history, which was a significant problem since the subjects weren't similar in practice.

Wednesday: English and physics.

What a terrible combination. Neo really struggled that day. Although Physics was similar to Math, it wasn't the same, and that confused him a lot. He only did better in English with Saya's help, as his mind was filled with her explanations.

Thursday: Portuguese and Philosophy/Sociology.

Two subjects that came easily to Neo. He had a certain ease with Portuguese, and the other subject was always on his mind, haunting him, so he knew it well.

Friday: History and Chemistry.

Neo found History very interesting. While he struggled with exact dates, he could easily follow a logical sequence. Chemistry, on the other hand, was easier when there were more numbers than words, but that wasn't the case that day.

And so the week of exams ended. Neo's twisted ankle had healed, so he went to the doctor right after school to have the cast removed. He returned to the dormitory exhausted, just lay down on his bed and fell asleep.

Saturday was so warm. He woke up early, considering that he had also slept early. It felt like a miracle and a relief to have nothing to do during the day. Still, he was excited.

He got up, undressed, and went straight to the shower to refresh himself and shake off the drowsiness. He came out of the shower in just a towel, it had been refreshing. Neo was startled to see Len sitting on the bed looking at him.

"Looks like you finally woke up. You could at least finish getting dressed before you leave the bathroom," Len commented.

Neo looked at him annoyed. "I've been living here alone for quite a while, so I'm not used to having someone else around."

Len was taken aback by this statement and continued arranging his things. Neo went to change in the bathroom and when he returned, he couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing here? I never see you when I wake up."

"Well, you always sleep too much. You're like a cat with how much you sleep," Len replied.

Neo chuckled, thinking of himself as a cat. "You could be right about that." Then he thought about the week. "And how did you do on your exams?"

"Very well."

Neo doubted the answer, it didn't make sense. "Even though you didn't go to school?"

"I have my ways," Len said confidently.

"So it seems," Neo replied, still suspicious of the answer.

"And you?"

"I hope so," Neo said, remembering that he hadn't done well on some tests.

Len finished getting ready, got up and went to the door. "I have to go now. We'll talk later."

Len left and Neo stayed behind, sitting on the sofa and thinking about what he would do this Saturday. He hadn't planned anything. The silence grew, and his curiosity took over.

"Where did Len go every day so early?"

With that, Neo left the dormitory and began to follow Len.

Len walked for a long time, until he left the city. He entered a path and climbed to the highest point of the mountain until he reached a clearing with a small house.

Neo continued to watch as Len left what he was carrying inside the house and then assumed a fighting stance, performing sequences of punches in the air. The boy was focused, practicing various forms. It was obvious that he had been doing this for a long time, for his movements were quick and precise. After a while, he suddenly stopped.

"Now that you've seen my secret, I think it's only fair that you tell me yours, Neo..."

Seeing that the words were directed at him, Neo emerged from his hiding place and stood in front of Len. "I'm sorry for following you and watching you. I was curious."

"Well... I don't mind that you saw. But it's good because now you can tell me about yourself."

"That's fine... seems fair," Neo hesitated for a moment out of embarrassment, then took a deep breath. "I'm in love with Saya, if that's what you want to know."

Len looked at him without changing her expression.

"You don't seem surprised," Neo said, confused.

"Because it was obvious, although I wanted to hear it from you."

"Why? If you already knew, I didn't have to say anything," Neo replied irritably.

"Well, the fact that you talk about it proves that you trust me. But the secret I want to ask you about is something else."

"What other secret? As far as I know, it's the most important one."

"Who is Mia?"

This name caused a certain pain in Neo, he felt a shiver down his spine, but he couldn't remember who it was. "I don't know. Why?"

Len wasn't convinced by the answer. "You're not lying, are you?"

"Of course not."

"You don't seem to be lying. It's a name you said in your sleep."

Neo asked, "Why do you want to know so much about me? That is strange."

"I want to be your friend."

"You want to be my friend? How can I trust you?"

"What would be a proof of trust for you?"

He thought for a moment, trying to find a way for Len to prove his trustworthiness, but he couldn't think of anything. "I don't think there's anything that proves trust. It's something you build over time through small actions."

Len smiled, seeing that he was right. "That's true."

Neo surprised him by suggesting something else. "But since you insist on something, would you let me punch you in the face? If you let me do it without reacting, it would prove to me that you're somewhat trustworthy."

Len was a little uncomfortable with the idea, but he agreed anyway. "Fine. If that's what it takes to prove something to you..."

The boy took a fighting stance, but remained still. Surprised that Len had actually agreed, Neo prepared to throw the punch, looked into Len's eyes, measured the distance, clenched his fist with all his strength and pulled it back. "All right, hold still."

Len nodded, and Neo continued to look into his eyes, which remained calm. But that didn't stop Neo, he swung with all his might, aiming for Len's face. Neo's fist came dangerously close, but it didn't hit. Still, Len didn't react, and Neo's open hand brushed across his face. "Powwww!"

Len had a confused look on his face. "Aren't you going to hit me?" he asked.

"Like I said, it wouldn't prove anything. But the fact that you didn't even flinch and stayed calm the whole time is enough for me."

"I see... so... are we friends?" Len asked, wanting confirmation.

"We are... But I have to warn you, if you betray my trust, then you will really get a punch in the face."

Len was impressed.