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It was another day for school. Remi hated school. She forced herself to get up the agonizingly comfortable bed despite falling asleep at 3:00 AM. She moves like shes on autopilot. Eventually— she arrives at school. She greeted her friends as usual and plopped her bag onto her chair. It was still 7:10 AM, class starts in 20 minutes.
She was just mindlessly scrolling on her phone until she felt a light pat on her shoulder. Confused, she turned around. It was Merielle, her close friend. Early as always, how the hell does she look so put up this early in the morning? A mystery that only she knows to be honest.
”Oh. Hey, Mei. What’s up?” Remi asked. Her voice still rough from sleep, or the lack of it.
”Rem, do you have notes for the first period? The others said we’re going to have a quiz and I didn’t get to study.” Merielle responded.
”We’re having a quiz?! Shit. I don’t have notes either.” Remi completely forgot about the quiz. Damn it.
”Yeah. I wasn’t able to prepare. Shiiiiiit.” Merielle groaned in frustratiom.
”We can ask Philyn. She usually has them prepared.” Remi suggested.
”She’s not here yet. I bet she’s running late again.” Merielle replied.
”Oh damn. She won’t be able to enter until second period if she is. Mrs. Anrev already said that she won’t let any students in if they’re late.” Remi added.
”Exactly. She’s going to miss the quiz. We’re going to fail it too if we don’t find anyone who has notes.” Merielle sighed.
They spent the next 5 minutes panicking. Merielle blurting out the things she remembered from yesterday’s lesson in a way to study. Remi on the other hand was frustrated as hell. She doesn’t remember a thing because she’s a visual learner. She was shuffling her bag to find a copy of her notes, but it was nowhere to be found. Just as Remi was about to spiral, she felt a soft voice cut into her messy thoughts.
“I have a copy. Do you want to borrow it?” Yana, one of her smart classmates asked. She just arrived and knew what’s going on thanks to Merielle’s panicking.
“Really? Sure, if it’s okay. But don’t you need it for yourself?” Remi replied, feeling a mix of happiness and guilt.
Yana shook her head and smiled softly. Oh my gosh the way her hair moves along, and that smile- NO. Think properly, Remi. What the hell was that?
”Oh.. I see. Uh- thank you, Yana! You just saved me from failing.” Remi finally spoke after she realized that Yana was waiting for a response as she awkwardly offered her copy of the notes to Remi.
She politely took it and their hands brushed for a moment. They both somehow syncronized because they looked at each other at the exact same time. They locked eyes for what felt like hours (but was actually just 2 seconds) before Remi looked away. She felt her neck and cheeks heat up. ‘What the hell? Why am I being so weird?!’ Her train of thought was interrupted when Yana replied.
”You’re… You’re welcome! I.. uh. You don’t have to return the notes because I don’t need it anymore… goodluck.” Yana replied.
When Remi looked back, Yana already turned around and walked back to her seat. ‘She’s so endearing- wait. No! What the fuck, Remi.’ Remi shook her head and snapped herself back to reality. She then sat next to Merielle, which was Philyn’s empty seat to study with her. But to her surprise, Merielle already has a picture of the exact notes.
”Where did you get that? I thought you didn’t have the notes.” Remi asked, genuinely confused.
”I didn’t, Philyn sent it to me.” Merielle replied. While Remi’s eyebrows shot up.
”She’s online but she’s not here yet?” Remi asked again.
”Yeah, she said she’ll be late. She has to drop off her little brother to school and will be missing first period.” Merielle answered.
”She’ll miss the quiz. I bet she’ll sulk when she arrives.” Remi stated.
”Yeah, she goes really quiet and blinks a lot when she fails something.”
“Uh uh, and you of all people noticed that?” Remi questioned, raising an eyebrow. Before receiving a shove on the arm.
”She’s my seatmate, Remi! Of course I notice! Now shut your ass up and let’s study.” Merielle answered with a pointed look.
”Fine fine!”
As Remi looked at the concept notes Yana gave to her to study, she noticed a little doodle of a hydrangea and a lily. ’Cute’, Remi thought.
After the quiz, Remi got 18/20. Wow, that’s a high score. She’s proud of herself, and really thankful that Yana gave her her notes. Yana left to go to the restroom with Marie. Remi was also too shy too talk to Yana when she returns. So, she decided to get a piece of paper and write a note.
”Thank you for the notes, Yana. I really appreciate it :D”
She then folded the paper and put it on Yana’s desk. Putting a notebook on top of it so it doesn’t fall or fly away. While she was waiting, she saw Philyn at the door and entered. There was no teacher at the moment. Sir Rye is probably not attending today. She saw Philyn put her bag down as she sat on her chair next to Merielle. She predicted that they’re going to talk. With nothing else to do, she decided to stand up and sat somewhere close but not obvious to eavesdrop on their conversation.
”You missed the quiz, Phil. It was a 20 item test.” Merielle teased, but her tone died down when she saw Philyn’s disappointed face.
”Oh. Well that’s a shame. My dumbass got caught up, I didn’t schedule my time.” Philyn replied, her voice so low Remi could barely hear it.
”Hey, you’re not a dumbass. You’ve been busy, and that’s okay. We still have a ton of quizzes and I’m sure that one missed quiz won’t affect your whole grade.” Merielle spoke, her tone uncharacteristically soft.
”I guess.” Philyn murmured.
”I’m serious. You’re smart and anything you say other than that is just you being a bitch to yourself. So, don’t push yourself so hard, okay?” Merielle added. Her tone gentle yet firm. Philyn seemed to believe it.
”Okay.” Philyn finally answered, a small smile on her lips.
Ugh Remi just witnessed that. She regrets eavesdropping— but at the same time, she doesn’t. Philyn is such a softie when it’s about a Merielle. It’s both adorable and pathetic. She has an obvious crush on her and Merielle clearly knows. ‘Just kiss already.’
Her gaze shifted to the window, oh no. Yana and Marie are coming back. ‘Shitshitshit’. Remi basically bolted back to her seat, pretending to be focused on something else as she waits for Yana to find the note. When both girls returned to the classroom, Marie muttered.
”What’s that?” Marie asked curiously as she pointed to the folded piece of paper on Yana’s desk.
”Huh… This wasn’t here earlier.” Yana answered as she took the note and started reading.
Remi was sure she heard a gasp from Marie, followed by a shove, and quiet squealing. She feels a mix of excitement, nerves, and something else she’s not ready to name yet. Minutes pass and Yana stood up to go to her other friend’s table to ask for food again. ‘She’s so adorable when she does that’. She wasn’t wrong, she did go there. But on the way, Yana whispered to her. Her voice low enough for only Remi to hear.
“You’re welcome, glad you got a high mark.”
Remi’s cheeks heated up. Okay, maybe what she felt isn’t platonic. She’s so done for.
Days passed, and this strange feeling Remi has been feeling seemed to have gotten worse. She’s crushing hard on her. To the point that Philyn noticed Remi’s odd behavior. If Philyn, the person with terrible eyesight could see how whipped Remi is— then it means Remi is obvious as hell. The closet is glass girl. It’s gotten so bad that Philyn had to pull her into the corner of the classroom and talk to her about it.
”Okay, you’ve been acting really weird lately. What the fuck’s up with you?” Philyn interrogated.
”What do you mean?” Remi asked, trying (and failing) to play it cool.
”Don’t give me that look. Are you in love with Yana or something?” Philyn said bluntly.
Remi turned from neutral to crimson in record time. Yep, she’s in love.
”Okay hear me out! It.. It happened so suddenly, okay? Even I’m surprised myself!” Remi replied.
”Ah, you’re confused. Okay, how about this? What’s going on your mind whenever you see or think about her? Butterflies in your stomach? Excitement? Or-“ Philyn started. Suddenly, she got cut off when Remi started rambling.
”So, she gave me a copy of our notes for our first period and it was cool and all. Until one random Tuesday, I was on my way home when she smiled at me and said goodbye. The sun was shining on her face and my heart skipped a beat. Ever since that day, I couldn’t stop thinking of her smile. Every time I get a glance at her, my heart rate increases, my hands get sweaty, and no one has ever made me that nervous. Like oh my gosh.” Remi stated. While Philyn’s trying to hold a barely contained smile.
”Oh my gosh. You’re not just crushing on her, you’re down bad.” Philyn teased.
”Shut up!” Remi complained, covering her face with her hands.
”So, what’re you going to do? Are you going to tell her?” Philyn asked, genuinely curious.
”Hell no. Girl, who am I to tell her?! Like… Look at her. She’s like a goddess. Meanwhile I look like a twink.” Philyn’s expression immediately changed from curious to stern. She does not play.
”Don’t say that about yourself.” Philyn responded.
”Girl, I’m chopped as hell. Everyone wants her and she has so many people to choose from. What make you think she’ll like me back?” Remi added.
”Stop saying that, Rem. You’re not chopped. Yana may have high standards, but you’re a good person. Who knows? Maybe things will go in your favor. Just be yourself around her. Also, don’t rush things. No one’s setting a deadline against you.” Philyn replied, gentle but firm.
Remi nodded in response. Taking in Philyn’s advice. She’s right, maybe Remi is just overthinking. So, she calmed down and stopped self-deprecating herself for the time being. Philyn noticed and did not push.
The days passed quickly. Nothing that exciting, just a normal routine in school. Remi was having fun with her friends while Philyn is also doing her own things. It’s Thursday, it was supposed to be another boring day. Until Ms. Jenn, their art teacher entered their classroom. Calling their attention.
”Alright, class! I’ll be giving you another task, but I’ve changed things up a bit.” Ms. Jenn started.
The rest of the class immediately snap their heads to her. Uh oh, they know that tone from her.
”I’ve assigned all of you with a partner. This project is done by pair.”
The class seemed to hold their breaths as Ms. Jenn mentioned each pair in their class. Some got lucky and some hated their partner. Somehow, Philyn Pimentel got paired up with Merielle Lockwood. Wow, talk about fate.
”And lastly… Remi Chamberlane and Yana Wallace.” Ms. Jenn concluded. Everyone gasped as their gazes landed on Remi and Yana. Audible ‘oooh’s and ‘omg’s are heard before Ms. Jenn shushed them.
“I already have permission with your other subject teachers. For the rest of the day, you and your assigned partner will be painting on a canvas. Due will be on 4:00 PM. This task is worth 40% of your grade. Goodluck.”
And just like that, Ms. Jenn just sat on her desk chair as the class went to each canvas prepared. Some were already arguing, while others are getting along well. Philyn just agreed to what Merielle said and planned. Well Merielle is talented in arts, and maybe it’s because Philyn loves listening to her. Loser. Remi and Yana on the other hand, were dead silent. The silence was charged, heavy— almost suffocating. None of them knew what to say. As they stand there awkwardly infront of the canvas, Yana broke the silence first.
”So… we have 4 hours. What’s the plan?” Yana asked. Seemingly calm but nervous. Remi noticed Yana subtly biting her lip and her hand fidgeting on her tie. A mannerism that Yana does when she’s nervous. Of course Remi noticed.
“Hmm, how about you? Do you have anything in mind?” Remi replied. She saw the way Yana’s eyes lightened up when she asked for her ideas.
”What about a nature-ish landscape? Something that gives off calm vibes you know?” Yana suggested. Remi agreed immediately, of course she did.
Both of them are artists that have knowledge in art after all. They already started working on the painting. Their art styles compliment each other. Even though they’re in a classroom with other students, it felt… intimate. They're stuck in their own little world, one brush stroke after another. They were so close that they’d brush each other’s arms, none of them mind though. Remi glanced to Yana’s direction once, and she felt the air knocked out of her lungs. The afternoon sunlight from the window hit perfectly on Yana, highlighting her features. Her brows slightly knitted together in concentration, the way her hand moves coordinately while holding the paintbrush. Remi couldn’t help but admire the sight beholding in front of her.
Then, Yana turned. Their eyes locked and time seemed to stop moving. The world blurring as the only thing Remi could register was the woman in front of her. Looking at her with those gorgeous eyes. They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity. Until they heard Ms. Jenn saying 10 minutes remaining.
“Wait, before we submit this, I have something to add.” Remi blurted out.
“Oh yeah, sure.” Yana agreed, she really does trust Remi.
Remi turned the canvas so that Yana couldn't see. When she finished, she immediately submitted it without sparing a glance.
”What did you add?” Yana asked her.
”Nothing much.” Remi replied. Yana wanted to ask more questions, but she didn’t.
The next week, they got out of class at 5:00 PM instead of their usual 4:00. Fuck Wednesdays. The school gates closed as the class exited. When they were out, Yana’s face drained of all colors. Philyn asked her.
”Uh, you okay?”
“My phone is inside the classroom.. I forgot to get it. Fuuuuuuuuck.” Yana stated.
“Uh oh, the gates are already closed. How’re you supposed to get it back?” Jade added.
”I can help her get in.” Remi spoke out of nowhere.
”What…?” Yana asked.
”I know some ways to get in. If we don’t get your phone, it’ll probably get taken by someone else tomorrow.” Remi explained.
”And what if you get caught? Mrs. Anrev will kill us!” Philyn reasoned out. She doesn’t want any of them, to get into trouble.
“That’s why Yana and I will be going. You guys should head home, before someone sends a search party.” Remi joked at the end, but she was serious about going in. While Philyn raised an eyebrow. But she didn’t argue, she knows how stubborn Remi is.
”Alright. Just be careful, both of you. If anyhing happens, I’m not involved in this.” Philyn reluctantly agreed.
”Yep! Don’t worry!” Remi reassured. Jade raised an eyebrow and whispered to Philyn. Both of them were smiling mischeviously as Jade added one last time.
”Okay, we’ll be going now. Have fun.” Jade teased.
As Philyn and the others left, Remi guided Yana to another part of the campus. The second gate no one really paid attention to. Without any security, it was easy to open. So, Remi quietly opened that gate and let both of themselves in the campus.
It was dark, with only the outdoor lights guiding them. The air was cold, and it was just the two of them. They went to the specific classroom that Yana left her phone in. However, the door is locked.
”Fuck, the door’s locked. How are we supposed to get in?” Yana groaned as she fiddled with the lock, but it wouldn’t budge. When she didn’t hear a response, she turned around. Remi was a few feet away and came back with a big rock.
”Woah what the hell are you doing?!” Yana exlcaimed.
“I’m breaking the lock to get in.” Remi replied.
“Of course you are.” Yana deadpanned. “We’re going to be in so much trouble if Mrs. Anrev finds out!”
”She won’t.”
“And what makes you think so?”
“It’s just the two of us here. It’s not like you’re going to tell her, would you?” Remi asked teasingly. While Yana’s mouth opened to argue, but no sound came out. She ended up muttering “Of course I wouldn’t…” pathetically before letting Remi break the lock open.
The huge rock hit the lock with a loud thud. She did that repeatedly until the lock finally broke open. Wihout sparing a second, Remi dropped the rock and opened the door— motioning for Yana to get in first. Yana did so as she followed behind. Remi used her phone’s flashlight to search inside the classroom. Until finally— the phone was found. Yana sighed of relief as she took it.
”Oh my God. We actually found it.” Yana said in disbelief and relief.
”I’m glad we did. That would’ve been gone if we waited for tomorrow. You know how our schoolmates are.” Remi replied.
They stopped talking when they heard a voice from outside, along with a flashlight pointing at the window.
“Hello? Is anyone here?” Shit, the school guard. They forgot he exists. It’s his night shift and he’s walking around the campus to check on the classrooms. He probably heard the banging when Remi broke the lock and came to check.
”Huh.. the lock’s broken. Is anyone inside? Come out, now.” The guard said firmly as he is currently opening the door.
Remi immediately pulled Yana’s wrist and led them to the storage room that was inside the classroom. Shutting the door quietly as the school guard entered the classroom and started searching with his flashlight. The storage too, was cramped. A lot of boxes stacked up together and objects inside. It took a while until Remi realized she was pressed up against Yana— chest to chest. Neither cannot move without alerting the guard who is still currently searching. ’shitshitshit. This is so awkward. It’s so hot in here omg.’ Remi thought to herself. She could feel Yana’s breath mingling with hers. Admidst of the darkness, the faint light coming from the guard’s flashlight was enough for Remi to see the Yana. She has never seen her this close. Her eyelashes, her eyebrows, her bangs lining perfectly on her face. Remi held her breath, she doesn’t know why but she’s doing it.
After so long, the guard finally left the classroom— saying that Mrs. Anrev probably forgot to lock the door and replacing her old lock. They waited until the guard was at the other side of the campus before getting out— quietly escaping using the same gate they entered. It was quiet, until Yana started laughing. Then, Remi too. What happened was insane, yet memorable for them. Even though they almost got caught, none of them regretted it.
Their usual routine at school resumed. Though, they’ve gotten closer. Subtle glances in each other’s direction, casual conversations, little note giving, and all the other things that can be perceived as casual. But deep down? It was way more than that.
Their classroom for art class didn’t change. Except for a painting added to the wall. A landscape of a field, the sky cloudy and the sun casting the glow during golden hour. With two flowers at the left portion of the field— a hydrangea and a lily.