We were doing our notes when Mae came over to our side of the chairs—she was going to talk to our friend. I looked at her, and she looked right back at me and said,
"Can't stop looking 'cause you have a crush?"
I sighed and replied,
"I'm gonna tell you something… when we graduate."
She gave me a confused look.
"Did I do something wrong?" she asked.
I just smiled cheekily and said,
"Just wait for graduation."
Over the next few weeks, I kept reposting TikTok videos about having a crush. Some of my classmates asked me what it was about. I just said,
"It's nothing,"
—but they gave me suspicious looks.
Now it was the end of our fourth quarter. Every single one of us got high honors—no one was left behind. We were all called up to the stage to receive our medals. It was also the first time in our school's history that an entire section achieved all high honors. It was a great day. We cried, we said goodbye.
After the ceremony, my mom and I went to Greenwich to celebrate—and then I saw Mae. She saw me too. She walked over and said,
"So what is it you wanted to tell me?"
I said,
"I'll tell you on Sunday."
She gave me an annoyed look and replied,
"Tell me now—"
Then paused, remembering Sunday was our planned pool hangout with our friend circle.
That Sunday, we were all at the pool. We raced down slides, ate together, talked, sang songs. We took one last group photo of our circle of friends. Before we went home, she turned to me and asked,
"So? What is it you wanted to tell me?"
My heart raced. I was nervous.
"You're my friend, right? So… don't judge me," I said.
I took one final breath…
But I couldn't say it.
Instead, I said,
"Is the karate program you're joining toxic or not? So I know whether I should join it too."
She looked confused but answered,
"No, it's fun there."
We said goodbye. I got on the motorcycle and headed home.
I guess not all love is meant to be said… or heard.
I guess this is just a—
Non Existent Love.
The End.