Study Session

winter has certainly become my new favorite season. From the winter holiday, Christmas, and New Year celebrations, all the way to the brief winter break that marked the end of the season, I've never had this much fun in my entire life. However, now that winter is finally over and its frigid grip is gradually loosening on our town, the refreshing touch of spring has become impossible to ignore. A gentle spring breeze wafted through the streets, transforming once-bare trees into lush canopies of green leaves, and delicate blossoms adorned the branches in a vibrant display of colors.

As the recess period drew to a close, John and I strolled back toward our classroom. My thoughts were scattered in various directions when John's voice suddenly interrupted.

"Reol," he began, prompting me to shift my attention toward him. "It's already March now, isn't it?"

"Haven't you checked the calendars? Why are you asking that?"

"No, I mean... time really flies, right? Next fall, we'll be in our third year, high school juniors..."

"But there's still the spring semester left," I interjected with a huff.

John shared my sentiment with an audible huff. "Except for the cultural festival, there's nothing fun in this semester. Just exams."

As we discussed the upcoming spring, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety about the spring literature festival deadlines. I hadn't made any progress at all, and I knew I needed to sit down and think about it soon.

"By the way, Reol, have you ever considered the idea of group studies?" John asked, shifting the conversation.

"Group studies...?" I hadn't really considered it much until John brought it up. To be honest, my one and only strategy for the final semester exams had been to rely on Adica's assistance, just as she had generously aided me in the past. However, it had been nagging at me for a while now. Was I depending on her too heavily? While Adica's support was invaluable, it didn't feel right to keep leaning on her indefinitely.

The question lingered in the air as we walked down the hallway, sunlight streaming in through the windows. After a moment to organize my thoughts, I decided to voice my concerns. "Where do you plan on studying?"

"How about the town library? It's quiet there, and if we grab a table in a corner, the librarian won't hassle us much either."

The library did sound like a good idea. I could almost imagine us huddled in a quiet corner, books spread out before us, delving deep into our studies. "Alright," I agreed with a nod. "That sounds like a plan."

John's grin widened, but he seemed to hesitate, his gaze drifting away for a moment. When he finally spoke again, sounding a bit uncertain though. "Hey, do you mind if I ask you to invite Adica to join our group too?"

Adica? I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Why Adica?"

John gulped, his eyelids flickering nervously. "Well, she's a model student, isn't she? Having her in the group would benefit both of us."

He wasn't wrong. Adica was undoubtedly a model student. Still, I couldn't help but wonder if she'd even agree to join us. I let out a sigh, turning my gaze back to John. "I'll do my best to convince her, but don't get your hopes up too high."

As we continued our walk, I couldn't help but ponder John's insistence on having Adica in our group. Without a doubt, he's an excellent student himself, so it's not as if he needed her help academically. And something about his behavior had struck me as odd lately. Was I just imagining things?

The minutes ticked by as we made our way back to our classroom, the bustling chatter of students around us gradually dwindling. The rest of the school day slid by without any notable incidents. When the final bell chimed, signaling the end of classes, I followed my routine and headed for the club room.

As I walked inside the room, I saw Adica and Emma chatting across their usual spots. Adica held a book in her hand, its pages open, yet she was fully engrossed in Emma's conversation, occasionally nodding in agreement. Emma, as always, exuded her usual vivacity, her short black hair dancing with her animated gestures.

"What's the topic of discussion here?" I ventured to join in.

Adica looked up and greeted me with a smile. "Reol, how was your day?"

"Not too shabby. Umm... Adica, could I have a word with you for a moment?"

She bookmarked her page and closed the novel, her attention fully on me. "Of course. What is it that you want to tell?"

I drew in a deep breath, searching for the right words. "Well, John and I were discussing the idea of starting a study group to prepare for the upcoming exams. Would you be interested in joining us?"

I had anticipated her declining my proposal, so I awaited the expected "no." However, to my astonishment, Adica's eyes gleamed with genuine excitement. "A study group? That sounds like a fantastic idea! Count me in!"

I blinked, taken aback by her immediate enthusiasm. "Are you sure about this, Adica?"

"Absolutely. It'll be a great opportunity for all of us to help each other out."

"Yep, me too. I'm in!" Emma said, her hands raised with a chuckle.

"Alright, then. Welcome aboard."

The much-anticipated day had finally arrived, and my excitement was practically bubbling over. After our classes concluded, we rushed home to grab fresh clothes, with a plan to rendezvous at the library. I intended to arrive a bit early, before everyone else, so I left my house ahead of schedule.

Just as I was about to step out of my home, my mother intercepted me with a curious look. "No club today, Reol?"

"Not today."

"And where are you headed, all dressed up?"

"We're having a group study session at the library."

"Study session with your classmates?"

"Yeah, Mom, with my friends..." I couldn't help but feel a touch bashful as I explained. "I'll be on my way now."

Her surprise was evident, but it quickly transformed into a warm smile. "That's wonderful, Reol. Study hard and enjoy your time there."

I nodded and stepped outside. As I set foot on the pavement, I spotted Adica emerging from her house as well. We exchanged a somewhat awkward glance, standing side by side by our respective doors. I had assumed I was the early one today, but it appeared I was mistaken.

In the end, we walked to the library together, even though it felt slightly awkward. The silence between us accompanied us all the way, and I couldn't help but wonder why I felt this way when I walked beside Adica. It was an unfamiliar sensation, especially considering I didn't experience this weightiness or entanglement when strolling through the mall with Emma to shop for Christmas gifts.

I couldn't find a proper definition to it though... as if there was something unusually dense and intricate within me. Just as I was lost in these thoughts, Emma joined us, her arrival providing a welcomed break from the tension.

Upon our arrival at the library, I was surprised to find John already waiting for us, waving eagerly as we approached. Though I had secretly hoped to be the one to greet everyone, it seemed arriving early was some sort of unwritten rule for group activities.

We settled into the library and located a table where we could all sit together. Our textbooks and notebooks found their places on the table, and we immersed ourselves in our studies. Emma, on occasion, would rise from her seat and disappear into the labyrinthine bookshelves, returning each time with a different illustrated book to flip through. But, for the most part, she was as focused on her studies as the rest of us.

"Emma, you seem like a completely different person today," I commented, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"A different person? Why's that?" she replied, looking up from her book.

"I mean... because you're studying really hard today."

Emma let out a long sigh. "Well, you're not wrong. I mean, you're not the only dumb one out of the three of us though. I'm just as scared of re-tests and make-up classes as you are."

Hearing her, John and Adica started laughing around the table, escaping their lips without restraint. Even I couldn't help but join in, although our laughter didn't go unnoticed. The librarian shot us a stern look, her eyes narrowing over her spectacles, a silent warning to keep our volume in check. We quickly returned to our books, stifling our chuckles and trying to contain the occasional snicker that slipped out.

As our study session in the library neared its end, my thoughts began to wander to a different subject altogether. I couldn't shake the anticipation that Adica might suggest we walk back home together, a thought that left me feeling somewhat uneasy. I searched for a way to politely decline, but before I could formulate a plan, my worries materialized. Just as I had feared, Adica turned to both Emma and me. "Should we start heading back now? It's getting late."

There was no elegant way to decline the offer, particularly because our homes lay in the same direction. Emma parted ways with us midway through our walk, leaving just Adica and me. On our initial journey to the library, our conversation had been limited to pleasantries, allowing a comfortable silence to settle between us. However, this time, Adica opted to shatter the quietude before it could reestablish itself.

"Reol, how do you feel about our group study sessions?" she inquired, her gaze fixed intently on my face.

"Honestly, it's been a real help for me. Having both you and John to assist me is a relief."

"I'm having a great time too. I never thought group study could be this enjoyable. Thanks a lot, Reol."

Her words caught me by surprise, and I could feel my cheeks warming up. I instinctively turned my face away, attempting to hide my blush. Adica seemed to pick up on my sudden discomfort as she tilted her head and asked, "Is everything okay, Reol?"

"N-No, nothing's wrong. Everything's fine."

Adica gave a small nod, choosing not to probe any further. We proceeded to walk home together, wrapped in a peaceful silence that was now infused with an unspoken connection between us. I was kind of liking it this way now, just walking along... together. 

What is this feeling?