A step closer to you

"There will be a change in class after the monthly test, dear. Try your best to get into class A."

After a clear voice of the teacher, the classroom monitor delivered the photos of the previous Independent day ceremony.

Lyan Oo Nway got two, one was with the classmates and one together with all the students in fifth grade. Maw Oo Yan, who got many prizes, stood proudly in the middle of the crowd. He got praised frequently for he got first place in every match.

There was Lyan Oo Nway, who was standing at the edge of the last row. Even in the picture, the distance between was so far that made Lyan Oo felt so small.

"Lyan, Let's try our best to get into Class A. So, you can see Maw Oo every day."

Lyan Oo scratched his head and said while smiling.

"I'm not that good"

Saung sighed for her friend who was always giving up and felt dejected.

"Don't cross the bridge until you get to it. There are only 120 in the three rooms, so if you are among the top 40, you can easily enter class A."

When Saung Hnin stated that, Lyan Oo Nway shook his hair until his shoulder-length hair bounced and smiled faintly. In every monthly exam for the entire fifth grade, she always tied for second place. However, he was different. He was not a person who was lazy to do his studies. Even if he got the highest marks, that wouldn't put him in class A.

"Let's do it together. I'll guide you. You must certainly get into class A. I'm doing this for Maw Oo Yan. I just wanted to sit with you."

Lyan Oo Nway look back to his friend and then he realized that she was the best gift given by God throughout his school life.

"Just say yes Lyan, you must accompany me to the class A"

Because of her, Lyan Oo Nway had to put in a lot of effort for the coming exam. He was tempted to get into the top class for Maw Oo Yan.

When the monthly exam was over, Lyan Oo Nway was nervous because it still required to be lucky although he gave it his best shot.

"There is someone who got Roll 2 and she was going to Class A. Now give an applause to Saung Hnin."

Everybody has known beforehand, so they were not quite surprised. He also gave her thumbs up.

"Umm.. those two cannot be separated, the next candidate who gets into Class A is Roll Number 36 Lyan Oo Nway. Let's give applause as well."

Since everyone is competitive in the previous exam, all the first students who got submitted into class A are definitely the ones who are considered the best. He was so surprised and his eyes widened, even he heard his name when Saung Hnin yelled his name in delight.

"Let's switch the room"

Following the teacher's announcement, Lyan Oo Nway picked up his bag and went along with Saung when other students were in a mess to switch rooms.

"Come in"

The teacher of Class A waved her hand and welcomed them. Saung Hnin led the way and entered the classroom. At the time, the atmosphere seemed a little chilly and so he just stood quietly at the back. When he lifted his head, he noticed Maw Oo Yan in the front row of the class.

When their eyes collided, Lyan Oo Nway was the one who first averted his gaze. There was a pretty girl with glasses sitting next to Maw Oo. Although Lyan Oo had already known about it, he still felt downcast.

Saung Hnin chose the empty seats and the two of them seated. It was three seats back from Maw Oo Yan. Now he could see the back of Maw Oo and felt his heart beat for the first time even just by seeing his back.

"Lyan Lyan, how do you feel? You are quite elated, right?"

Saung Hnin, who knew him inside and out, smiled and asked. He nodded and grinned a little. The date from that day was then recorded in his diary. Mao Oo Yan became his first love as soon as he began to experience romantic feelings.

He did find one thing complicated, though. Maw Oo Yan chatted friendly and chuckled in response to the girl sitting next to him. Every time he looked at them from behind, he felt helpless as they touched each other's arms.

Lyan Oo Nway was frequently teased by the teachers for having white skin, shoulder-length hair, and a constant need for warm clothing, which they claimed made him cute.

Every time Lyan Oo Nway was in a lecture, he used to fixate on Maw Oo Yan's back in front of him. He was frequently fondled and made fun of by the teachers because they occasionally thought he was looking away.

Maw Oo Yan, who was steady and composed, was the top student in the class. On top of that, he consistently performed the best whenever the teacher asked questions.

Lyan Oo Nway observed Maw Oo Yan supporting his chin with his hand when he was reflecting, so he replicated it, remembered Maw Oo Yan's stance, and continued to smile.

"Are you looking at Maw Oo Yan's back because you can see the lesson I'm describing on it, Lyan Lyan?"

Lyan Oo Nway was unable to respond when he was summoned unexpectedly. Isn't it unfortunate? Many people refer to him as "Lyan Lyan" as a nickname because of Saung Hnin.

Lyan Oo Nway stood up and hesitated to respond because of the teacher's voice.

"No..No. There's nothing on his back, teacher."

"Whenever I look closer, I can see you staring. Boy, if you keep doing that, you'll have to leave the A room."

"Yes, teacher."

The teacher will stop reprimanding Lyan Oo Nway because of his little face. The teacher doesn't want to penalty this youngster because he is one of the respectful and obedient pupils. The longer you gaze upon his face, the more sympathy you feel for him. Therefore, there's no one in the world who couldn't bear to not love him.

When the lesson was done, there was a boy who was so shy that he couldn't even lift his head. He was invited to go to the canteen by Saung Hnin, but he refrained from revealing his face to the class at the time. He would never even dare to imagine Mao Oo Yan. What if he has a negative opinion of him?

He wasn't the only student to receive a reprimand from the teachers, in fact. However, he felt bad since he was aware of his own action, which was staring at him.

He, confused, placed his hands on the desk and lay his head on his hands to take a nap. Suddenly, he felt something chilly by his side. It appeared as though someone was standing close by. He resisted the urge to look up. He discovered a chilly bottle of soy milk on his seat as the bell rang to begin class. However, there was only one person present at that moment.

After a brief search, he discovered Maw Oo Yan standing on the balcony in front of the class and gazing at the playground. A bottle of soy milk was being consumed by Lyan Oo Nway, who was grinning. This drink will undoubtedly be provided by Maw Oo Yan. The only person who provides him nourishing juice is none other than Maw Oo Yan, right? He wants to appreciate the gift that God has given him, the right to stare at that person's back.

He resolved to work harder after that day. He made an extra effort to be in the same classroom with Maw Oo Yan. He can attempt a thousand times if doubled effort is insufficient. He didn't intend to stand by Maw Oo's side, but he was only trying to get close enough to his back to be able to look at him. Love was still untainted at that time.