A Worry In Silence

Three weeks has passed. And finally time came for the results of the exam, which were posted on the walls of the classroom. 

For the past three weeks, Sora and Hino went about their ways. Even in the same classroom or on the school's rooftop there, they didn't speak to one another. 

Unable to talk to him, Hino simply concentrated on her studies, reading her mangas and playing her phone during lunch time when she had the chance. 

But even when they were doing their own thing, Sora would observe her from afar. He knows he couldn't get too close to her. She wouldn't want him to. So, when he was where she was, in the classroom or on the rooftop, out of worry he couldn't help but to occasionally look at her. 

She didn't seem stable. If she needed anything at least he would be there.

Now that the exams are finished, maybe she will be allowed to go to the café again. I mean, she closed herself because of her mom and the exam. So without the exams, it should be less stressful for her. And maybe. We could talk again. 

I've finished reading the first volume the manga she lended me. It would be nice if we could take about it...

Sora came in the morning of the day of the results and all of the students were already gathering around to see if they had received a 40 or higher to pass. Among the students there was Hino, at the back trying to look over and between the crowd to see the results. 

Sora soon joined them, but on the opposite side to Hino. He'll wait. If Hino was allowed to talk to him again, then he was sure she would approach him. 

Sora was tall enough to see the writings from behind the crowd. He searched for his name and after a brief while of searching, he found his name on the top of the list. He had the best grades. Almost perfect.

Relieved with his results, Sora wanted to know how Hino did and what she thought of the exam.

He turned to look at her. 

He saw Hino's face and body completely still. Her face sweating. Her eyes, now black and white, couldn't believe what they saw. Nor did it want to believe what it had seen. 

Sora immediately turned to look back at the board. Seeing Hino worried also made him worried. What happened? Curious, he searched all over the list for Hino's name. But, he couldn't find i-

No. It's there. 

After looking down the list. Sora finally found her name. 

Hino was one of the four students who didn't get a 40 or higher. She didn't pass the exam.

"Everyone, please sit down in your seats, class is starting." The teacher came in class and everyone went to their seats, immediately disbanding the group.

Once everyone was settled, the teacher began explaining, "Okay, I'm sure all of you have seen the results of your mid term exams. I'm happy to say that the majority of your class pass with relatively good grades. Congrats to those who..." 

Sora tried to find Hino on to the other side of the class, but his view of her kept being blocked by the students in between them. He knows that it wasn't a good sign. So much for things being less stressful for her. 

"But, as you can see there on the board, there were sadly a small group of students who did not pass the exam. Four students to be exact" 

Oh, for a moment Sora had a clear vision of her. Unfortunately it was a brief moment before the students covered his view again.

But in that brief moment he clearly saw her. Her head lowered, staring towards the table as if in guilt. Her fists holding tightly to her skirt. Somehow the strands of her hair are now much visible than before. Some stuck out, making it appear messy. Her hair tried to cover her eyes, but in between the strands you could still see them. Her eyes were half way to closing. It started to shine, but not like how it usually glows. It was most likely because of the light reflected from the tears. 

"However, these four students shouldn't worry. Instead, they should study even harder, because the teachers are offering the four of you a make up test."

Once again Sora turned to Hino. He still couldn't see her completely, but he saw she finally lifted her head. 

Good for her. Things might not go back to how it was yet, but I'm sure it's better than what would happen if she completely failed. 

"The make up exams will be held at the end of next week so for those four students, please study hard and prepare yourself for that. For the time being, let's continue with where we left off... "