The Pen That Changed My Life - Chapter 34 – The Last Day Before the Holidays

13Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOGBlIUFAZ

The final examinations ended at last.

As the last bell echoed through the school, cheers erupted from every classroom.

"We're free!"

"No more studying!"

Students hurried into the corridors, already talking about their holiday plans.

I packed my books as quietly as always.

"Finished already?" Narin asked.

I nodded.

"I think the exams went well."

"I wish I could say the same."

"You'll be fine."

"You always say that."

"Because you always are."

He smiled.

"I like how much faith you have in me."

Our homeroom teacher stood at the front of the class.

"Before you leave, I have one reminder."

The room slowly became quiet.

"Enjoy your holidays, but don't forget to study a little."

Everyone laughed.

"And when school starts again..."

He paused.

"...some of you may find yourselves in different classrooms."

A few students sighed.

Others looked at their friends.

I glanced at Narin.

He was already looking at me.

Neither of us said anything.

When school ended, students poured through the gates.

Some promised to meet during the holidays.

Others waved goodbye, not knowing if they'd be classmates again.

Narin caught up with me before I reached the road.

"Do you have any plans?"

"Not really."

"You?"

"I'll probably play football."

"I expected that."

"And annoy my brothers."

"I expected that too."

He laughed.

"What about you?"

"I'll stay home."

"Reading books?"

"And playing with my little sister."

"That sounds like you."

We continued walking until we reached the familiar crossroads.

For the first time...

Neither of us said goodbye immediately.

Instead, we simply stood there.

"I'll miss this," Narin said quietly.

"It's only a few weeks."

"I know."

"But I'm used to seeing you every day."

His words made me smile.

"I'll probably miss it too."

His eyes widened slightly.

"Really?"

I nodded.

"School won't feel the same."

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

The afternoon breeze rustled the leaves above us.

Finally, Narin reached into his school bag.

"I almost forgot."

He pulled out a small notebook.

It wasn't new.

The cover was dark blue, and the corners were slightly worn.

"I bought another one, so..."

"...I thought you could have this."

I looked at it in surprise.

"You've written in it."

"Only the first few pages."

"I can't take it."

"You can."

"Why?"

He smiled.

"So you won't forget me during the holidays."

I looked at the notebook in my hands.

"I don't think I'd forget you."

His smile grew warmer.

"I'm glad."

As we walked away in opposite directions, I turned around once.

Narin did the same.

We both laughed quietly before waving one last time.

Neither of us knew what the next school year would bring.

Different classrooms.

Different routines.

Perhaps even different lives.

But one thing had become clear.

Somewhere between a borrowed pen...

Shared lunches...

Rainy afternoons...

And countless walks home...

A simple friendship had become something far more important than either of us was ready to admit.13Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY3wYhp1TO

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