23

It's been half an hour since I started making the test. I have found out that I am made of stupid molecules that cannot even do one simple equation. I have answered five questions so far, but I got stuck on number six. I'm not even sure if my answers of the first five are correct. Jerah will probably be back soon, and it'll be over.

I sigh in defeat and rest my head on the desk. I hate this. I am unsure of what method to use. Jerah says I think too much about it, that I should trust my instinct. Currently, my instinct is telling me to give up and tear apart the test.

"Are you okay?" Aki asks softly. I jolt up, accidently headbutting him. "Ah, sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!"

"Did I hurt you? I'm so sorry!" I apologize right back. "I was thinking about this problem. I don't know what to do..." I sigh again.

"Can I take a look?" Aki puts his head right next to mine again, staring at the paper. A bit too close for me. I get red in the face, and decide to focus my attention back on the paper. Succesfully, I fall back into the unknown.

"Ah, I know this. It's..." Aki starts explaining the problem as if it is the easiest thing in the world. And after he's done explaining, I see that it is. I feel stupid. I could've known this.

"But isn't this cheating?" I suddenly realize this might not be the fairest way of completing the fake exam. I haven't solved it myself. If it was real, I would've been lost forever.

"I told you it wasn't right that Jerah trusts me more than you, didn't I?" He laughs. "Let me help you with the rest, too. I think he'll be back in a few minutes."

Everything becomes as clear as day with his explanations. Quickly, I fill in the rest of the answers.

'Thank you, uh, Aki..? I owe you one." I smile, finally feeling like I am able to breathe again. I'm relieved. I should pass now.

"Well, Nuri, I heard you're in a band! That's awesome! How about you sing something for me?" he says. Nuri? I know he is easy to talk to, but to immediately hear him use my nickname like that is just... Hmm...

"I, uh... I guess I could? Do you have a song you like?" I suddenly get really shy. I've always felt insecure about my voice, even though I'm in a band. I want to make the world a better place for the people who hear my music. I don't want to fail just because my voice isn't good enough.

"Do you know 'I'm Yours' by Jason Mraz? It's a bit old, from 2008, but it's such a pure song.." Aki, too, gets shy, probably because of his choice.

"Whoa, you know that song? I once did a mix with Auburn's 'Perfect Two'!" I'm honestly surprised. Most people my age have either forgotten about 'I'm Yours' or don't know it at all. "I guess I can.. sing it, then."

A bit uncomfortable, I start singing. It is a bit weird, singing a love song to your... uh... tutor's big brother, who you met only once before... But I really want to thank him.

Just as I end the chorus, the door of Aki's room opens. I immediately shut my mouth and turn around. My face heats up, and I can slowly feel myself turn into a tomato. My heart beats so quick, I'm afraid it's trying to break out.

"Nuriel? What are you doing, singing a love song to my brother?"