Chapter 10

Chapter 10 — A Step Closer to Our Dreams

A new day had begun.

After a month of studying, preparing, and worrying about the future, our exams were finally here. Today was our practical examination day, and we had to submit our assignments and present our projects.

I packed my schoolbag and lunchbox, checking everything twice before leaving my room. I felt nervous, but there was a strange excitement inside me too. Our school days were slowly coming to an end, and soon, everything we had known for years would become a memory.

I wondered what our lives would look like after graduation.

Would we still meet every day?

Would we still laugh over silly things?

And most importantly, would James and I still have the same place in each other's lives?

I shook my head, trying to stop myself from overthinking.

One thing at a time, Yuri.

When I reached school, I found James waiting for me near the classroom.

"Good morning, sleepyhead."

I frowned. "I'm not sleepy."

"Really? Then why do you look like someone who fought with her pillow all night?"

"James!"

He laughed, and just like that, my nervousness became a little easier to handle.

We still had a few things left to finish on our project, so we sat together at our usual table. Our chairs were close enough that our shoulders occasionally brushed whenever we leaned toward the same page.

I tried to concentrate on the assignment, but it was difficult when he kept looking at me.

"What?" I finally asked.

"Nothing."

"Then stop staring."

"Who's staring? I'm admiring the future genius of our class."

I rolled my eyes. "Please finish your part of the project."

He grinned and returned to his work.

For a while, we worked quietly. Outside the window, the morning sunlight fell across the classroom, and the familiar sounds of students arriving filled the corridor.

Then James put his pen down.

"It's been a month, Yuri."

I looked at him. "A month since what?"

"Since we started preparing seriously for our exams. And now, we're almost at the end. We'll graduate soon."

His smile softened.

"How are you feeling?"

I thought about it for a moment.

"Honestly? Nervous and excited. I'm scared of what comes next, but I also want to know what our new lives will be like."

He nodded, as if he understood exactly what I meant.

"Then we'll finally have enough time to be with each other."

I couldn't stop myself from smiling.

"You're already planning that far ahead?"

"Of course. Someone has to plan our future. You spend all your time worrying about it."

"Because it's important!"

"So am I," he replied casually.

I stared at him.

He smiled innocently, as though he hadn't just made my heart skip a beat.

How could someone say things like that and then behave as if nothing had happened?

I looked down at my notebook, hiding my smile.

We began talking about our future—our dreams, the places we wanted to visit, the things we wanted to achieve, and the kind of lives we hoped to build.

James wanted to travel, explore new places, and make memories that we would laugh about years later.

I wanted to study at a good university, become independent, and make my parents proud.

And somewhere between his dreams and mine, we kept finding little ways to include each other.

Before we could continue, Nia and Lily came over with their notebooks.

"Hey, James!" Nia said. "Can you help us with something? We have a few doubts, and Yuri is busy."

James immediately stood up.

"Sure. Show me."

I watched him walk over to their table.

That was one of the things I genuinely liked about him. Girls felt comfortable approaching him because he was friendly and patient. He never made anyone feel foolish for asking a question, and he never acted as though helping someone was a waste of his time.

Sometimes, I wondered how he managed to be so kind without even trying.

Lily looked toward me and winked.

"What are you smiling about?"

"Nothing!"

"Of course. Nothing."

I threw a small piece of paper at her, and she laughed.

Soon, it was time to submit our assignments and present our projects.

We stood in front of the class, explained our work, and answered the teacher's questions. My hands were slightly cold, but once I began speaking, the nervousness slowly disappeared.

Michael and I had worked particularly hard on our project, and when our teacher complimented our effort, I felt a wave of happiness wash over me.

"Excellent work," she said. "You've both explained the topic very clearly."

I smiled.

Michael gave me a small high-five.

"We survived."

I laughed. "Barely."

James, standing a little farther away, caught my eye and gave me a proud smile.

For some reason, that smile meant even more to me than the teacher's compliment.

When our practical work was finally over, everyone began discussing what to do after school.

"We should go somewhere!" Lia suggested. "Who knows when we'll all have time together again? The exams are going to keep us busy."

Everyone agreed.

After a little discussion, we decided to visit Kalsang Cafe, a popular restaurant in the downtown area of our city.

It felt like the perfect plan—a small celebration before we returned to our books and exam schedules.

And perhaps, a little time together before life began pulling us in different directions.

---

Kalsang Cafe was lively when we arrived.

The warm lights, the smell of freshly cooked food, and the sound of conversations made the place feel welcoming. Outside, the winter air had begun to settle over the city, and the evening was growing colder.

We found a table large enough for all of us.

Everyone started looking through the menu, arguing about what to order.

"Dumplings!" Lia announced.

"Fried noodles," Nick added.

"Sushi," Lily said, turning the menu toward me. "Yuri, you're sharing these with me."

"Why do I feel like I don't have a choice?"

"Because you don't."

I laughed.

We ordered dumplings, fried noodles, sushi, and several other dishes. Soon, the table was filled with food, and everyone began talking at once.

Michael had to leave early because he had somewhere else to be, so he said goodbye before the food arrived.

The rest of us stayed.

Nick was busy telling a story, Lia and Lily were taking pictures, and our conversation moved from school gossip to graduation plans.

I was listening to everyone when James suddenly stood up.

"Excuse us for a minute, guys."

He looked at me and held out his hand.

"Come with me."

I blinked. "Where?"

"Just come."

I glanced at Lia, who immediately developed the most suspicious smile I had ever seen.

"Ohhh," she said. "So that's why you chose this restaurant."

James winked at her.

I wanted the floor to open beneath me.

"James!" I whispered.

"What?" he asked innocently.

"You're impossible."

"And yet, here you are."

He took my hand and led me toward a quieter corner of the restaurant, where a small seating area offered a little more privacy for couples.

The lighting was soft and golden, and the corner felt peaceful compared with the lively tables behind us.

I sat down, trying to ignore the fact that my cheeks were burning.

God, I hate my cheeks. Why do they always betray me?

James pulled out the chair beside mine and sat close enough that our shoulders touched.

He looked at me.

"You're blushing again."

"Maybe it's hot in here."

He glanced toward the cold window.

"Really? In winter?"

"James, please."

He laughed softly.

Then he noticed me rubbing my hands together.

"Are you cold?"

"A little."

Without saying another word, he opened his jacket.

"Come here."

I looked at him, confused.

"James—"

"Yuri. Come here before you turn into an ice cube."

I moved closer, and he gently pulled me beneath his jacket. His arm settled around my shoulders, drawing me against his side.

His warmth surrounded me.

For a moment, I forgot about the restaurant, our friends, and the exams waiting for us.

All I could hear was the quiet sound of his breathing and the steady rhythm of my own heart.

He adjusted the jacket around me and rubbed my hands between his palms.

"Better?"

I looked up at him.

"Yes."

"Good."

He smiled and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.

My heart practically melted.

I lowered my face against his shoulder, hoping he wouldn't notice how happy that tiny gesture had made me.

But, of course, he noticed everything.

"Happy now, princess?"

I nodded, still blushing.

"Very."

He rested his cheek briefly against the top of my head.

And in that little corner, wrapped in his jacket, I felt as though the entire world had become quieter.

---

We sat together for a while, talking about the things we wanted to do after our exams.

"When we finish our exams," James began, "I'm taking you on a night drive."

I lifted my head.

"On your bike?"

"Obviously. We'll ride through the city, find somewhere peaceful, and get something to eat. No assignments, no teachers, no exams."

I smiled.

"That sounds nice."

"Nice? That's all I get?"

"What else do you want me to say?"

"That it's going to be the best night of your life."

I laughed. "You're too confident."

"And you're too difficult to impress."

"Maybe you should try harder."

He looked at me for a moment, pretending to consider it.

"Fine. I'll take you shopping too."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Shopping?"

"Yes. We'll choose things for each other. You can pick something for me, and I'll pick something for you."

"You'll probably choose something ridiculous."

"Then you'll have to wear it anyway."

"Absolutely not!"

He laughed so loudly that I had to cover his mouth with my hand.

"Shhh! People are looking!"

He gently took my hand away from his mouth.

"Let them look."

Then his expression softened.

"I just want to make memories with you, Yuri. Before everything changes."

His words made me quiet.

Because that was what I wanted too.

I wanted ordinary days with him. I wanted silly arguments over food, long conversations that lasted past midnight, and the comfort of knowing that no matter how difficult life became, we could still find our way back to each other.

I wanted to remember this time—not because everything was perfect, but because we were young, hopeful, and still learning how to love.

James looked at me.

"You're moving with me to the USA, right?"

My smile faded a little.

I had known he would bring it up eventually.

"I want to," I admitted. "But I haven't asked Dad properly yet. I don't know if he'll agree."

James became quiet.

For the first time that evening, I saw a little uncertainty in his eyes.

"What if he doesn't?"

I looked down at my hands.

"I don't know."

The thought had been bothering me for a while.

What if my parents didn't let me go?

What if I got into a different college?

What if our dreams took us to different places?

We had spoken about the future so many times, but dreaming about something and knowing it would happen were two completely different things.

"I want to study at my dream college," I whispered. "And I want to be with you. But what if I can't have both?"

James didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he wrapped his arms around me more tightly.

I rested my head against his chest.

"Hey," he murmured. "Look at me."

I lifted my face.

"We don't have to solve our entire future tonight."

"But—"

"No buts." He brushed a loose strand of hair away from my face. "We'll hope for the best, and we'll work hard for it. I'm sure your parents want you to have the future you've dreamed about."

I swallowed.

"And if things don't happen exactly the way we planned, we'll figure it out then. Okay?"

I looked into his eyes.

He wasn't promising that everything would be easy. He wasn't pretending that nothing could go wrong.

He was simply telling me that we didn't have to be afraid of every possibility before it even happened.

That somehow made me feel better.

"I'm scared," I admitted.

"I know."

"What if we end up far away from each other?"

His expression softened.

"Then we'll find ways to stay close. But right now, you're here, I'm here, and we have exams to pass."

I let out a small laugh.

"You're making it sound so easy."

"It's not easy." He kissed my forehead. "But you're not facing it alone."

Something inside me loosened.

I hugged him tightly, holding on for a few seconds longer than I normally would.

He hugged me back without asking any questions.

And for that moment, I allowed myself to believe that perhaps the future didn't have to be frightening.

Perhaps it could be something we discovered one step at a time.

James gently rubbed my back.

"Also, for the record, I still think you'll get into your dream college."

I pulled away enough to look at him.

"Why?"

"Because you're a genius."

I laughed through the last of my worries.

"You say that about me all the time."

"Because it's true."

He gave my forehead another little kiss.

"And when you get there, I'll be the first person to congratulate you."

My heart felt full.

"Promise?"

He held out his little finger.

"Promise."

I hooked mine around his.

It was such a childish gesture, but somehow, it meant more than a hundred grand promises.

---

Suddenly, James looked toward the table behind us.

"Wait a minute."

"What?"

He stared at me.

"We ordered food."

I blinked.

Then we both looked at each other.

"Oh my God!"

He laughed.

"We've abandoned our dinner!"

I covered my face.

"You distracted me!"

"Me? You're the one who started talking about the future."

"Because you asked me about America!"

"Okay, okay. My fault."

He kissed my forehead one last time before helping me out of his jacket.

"Come on. Let's eat before everything gets cold."

When we returned to the table, Lia immediately leaned toward me.

"Well?"

I stared at her. "Well, what?"

She grinned.

"How was your little romantic meeting?"

"Lia!"

Everyone burst out laughing.

James simply sat down beside me, looking far too pleased with himself.

"She's happy," he announced.

I nearly choked on my own breath.

"JAMES!"

He laughed and reached for a dumpling.

"What? Am I wrong?"

I kicked him lightly under the table.

He leaned closer and whispered, "Careful, princess. Violence isn't romantic."

I glared at him, but the smile on my face ruined the effect.

Dinner continued with jokes, stories, and occasional teasing. James kept putting food on my plate whenever he thought I wasn't eating enough, and every time I complained, he told me I needed energy for my exams.

At one point, he began telling everyone about a day when our teacher had asked him a question in class.

"She looked straight at me and said, 'James, I don't think you'll be able to answer this because you never pay attention during lessons.'"

Nick burst out laughing.

James continued dramatically, "And then I gave her the answer perfectly."

"You memorized it five minutes before class!" I protested.

"Details, Yuri. Details."

Everyone laughed so hard that I almost dropped my chopsticks.

I hadn't realized how much I needed an evening like this.

For the past month, everything had revolved around assignments, practicals, and exams. We had barely allowed ourselves time to breathe.

But here, surrounded by my friends, laughing with James beside me, I felt like myself again.

Not a worried student.

Not a girl afraid of what tomorrow might bring.

Just Yuri.

A girl who was falling in love and slowly learning that happiness could exist even when the future remained uncertain.

---

Eventually, it was time to leave.

We gathered our things, said goodbye to the staff, and stepped outside into the cold evening air.

The streets were glowing beneath the city lights. Cars passed by, and a chilly breeze moved through the trees.

I stood beside James for a moment while everyone discussed how to get home.

Then I looked at him.

"I'll miss you."

The words came out more quietly than I had intended.

He turned toward me.

"Yuri, it's only one month."

"I know."

"One month of focusing on exams. Then we'll have more time."

"But what if we get too busy?"

He smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Then we'll make time. We'll call when we can, message when we can, and study when we need to. You don't have to worry about losing me just because we're busy."

I looked at him, trying to memorize the expression on his face.

He gently squeezed my hand.

"And listen to me carefully. You're going to do well in your exams. Don't panic, don't compare yourself with everyone else, and don't spend all your time worrying about our future."

I smiled.

"You're the one who keeps bringing up our future."

"Because I have excellent taste in future plans."

I laughed.

He leaned closer.

"And because I know how much you want to achieve your dreams. I want you to work hard for them. I want you to be proud of yourself."

My smile softened.

"I'll try."

"No. You will."

He gave my hand one last squeeze.

"And remember, you still have to beat Michael."

I stared at him.

Then I burst out laughing.

"Ahhh, I knew it! You're jealous of him!"

James's expression changed instantly.

"Jealous? Of that dumbhead?"

"James! Don't call him that!"

He raised both hands.

"Fine, fine. Sorry."

I folded my arms.

"I know, you had a crush on someone once too."

He narrowed his eyes.

"I say Who?"

"Michael, obviously."

He stared at me in disbelief.

Then he groaned.

"Oh, God. I knew I shouldn't have mentioned him."

I laughed even harder.

He shook his head, but I could see the smile he was trying to hide.

"You're impossible."

"And yet, here you are."

He paused.

Then he smiled.

"Unfortunately for me, yes."

I laughed and leaned against his shoulder for a moment.

When it was finally time to say goodbye, he gently hugged me.

It wasn't a dramatic goodbye. There were no tears, no promises that we would never change, and no declarations that everything would be perfect.

There was only his warmth, his familiar scent, and the quiet reassurance of his arms around me.

"Call me when you get home," he whispered.

"I will."

"And don't stay up too late studying."

"I won't."

He pulled back and looked at me suspiciously.

"You're lying."

I laughed.

"Maybe a little."

He shook his head and kissed my forehead.

"Goodnight, Yuri."

"Goodnight, James."

I watched him walk away before joining my friends.

Michael dropped me home, and once I reached my room, I called my father to let him know I had arrived safely.

After changing into my comfortable clothes, I sat on my bed and looked at my phone.

A message from James was already waiting.

James: Home, princess?

I smiled and typed back.

Me: Yes. Just reached.

James: Good. Now drink some water and sleep early.

Me: You're not my father.

James: No, I'm worse. I actually know when you're not taking care of yourself.

I laughed quietly.

Me: Goodnight, James.

James: Goodnight, Yuri. Dream about your dream college. I'll be somewhere in the background, obviously.

I shook my head, smiling.

Me: You're so annoying.

James: And you like me anyway.

I stared at the message for a few seconds before replying.

Me: Maybe.

His answer arrived almost instantly.

James: I'll take that as a yes.

I placed my phone beside my pillow, still smiling.

That night, we talked for a little longer, our conversation wandering from exams to childhood memories and then to the ridiculous things we wanted to do after graduation. Eventually, our voices grew quieter, and sleep began to catch up with us.

Before ending the call, James said something I knew I would remember.

"Yuri?"

"Hmm?"

"Whatever happens after graduation, don't stop chasing your dreams."

I closed my eyes.

"I won't."

"And don't forget that I'm cheering for you."

My heart warmed.

"I won't forget."

We said goodnight one last time.

After the call ended, I lay beneath my blanket and stared at the ceiling.

A month ago, I had been afraid of what would happen between us. Now, I was still afraid sometimes—but I was also learning to trust the little things.

The way he remembered my favourite food.

The way he notice