Are you done watching?

WAKE YOUR DREAMS

Are you done watching?

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Kiyoko was sitting in the right corner of the classroom. It was her own desk which she shared with Ruiki Nakamura, who sat next to her.

Amidst the high-pitched laughs of students, remotely loud claps, never-ending bickering, and thump of classroom discussions, Kiyoko was busy reading her book. It was a book on human anatomy.

Ruiki momentarily cast a disinterested glance at Kiyoko and scoffed. She lazily stood up and walked towards her friends.

The school festival was coming up towards the end of the week. It would be held before the starting of the long summer vacation. The students were delighted and ardently preparing for the festival.

"Good morning, students."

Mr. Suzuki, the homeroom teacher entered the classroom and strode towards the podium.

The students hurriedly moved towards their seats.

The class president stood up and announced," Stand up!"

All the students stood up and bowed in unison and expressed their morning greetings.

"Sit down. I have got something important to announce to you all."

"As you all know our school participate the writing competition every year. This year two students will join the competition. Hinata Yamamoto from the 12th standard is the first candidate. So, we want another candidate from 11th standard."

There was a soft chattering as the students talked among themselves.

"I will do it." A girl stood up and stated with confidence.

"Aimi will participate?!"

The class broke out in a soft commotion.

"I bet she is doing this because Hinata Yamamoto is participating."

Aimi's cheeks became crimsoned by each second as she heard her friends mercilessly exposed her. She bit her lower lips.

Mr. Suzuki laughed aloud and motioned Aimi to sit down.

"Sit down Aimi. We need serious students to join the competition. It is not a game."

He browsed the entire class. His eyes struck at the right corner of the classroom.

"I think our class topper will be the best participant. Mrs. Fu even recommended you."

Kiyoko slowly stood up from her seat.

She felt uneasy when everyone kept looking at her.

"Kiyoko, meet Mrs. Fu after the class ends."

"Today there will no lesson so that everyone can work hard for the upcoming school festival."

There was a huge roar of cheering as soon as Mr. Suzuki left the classroom.

Aimi glared at Kiyoko with anger.

It was not only Aimi. Kiyoko felt sharp looks from many around her.

Kiyoko sighed with despair as she sat down back on her seat.

It was only 9:00 am but she was already tired.

But she was confident to participate in the writing competition when she was given the chance.

The sun was shining softly on the school street, bringing with it a flurry of early-morning activity.

............................................................…..

Kiyoko stood outside the staff room.

Hinata Yamamoto stood beside Kiyoko.

'He seems taller than Zehan.' That was what Kiyoko thought when he stood beside her.

Hinata Yamamoto caught a glimpse of Kiyoko through the corner of his spectacles.

They just stood there without talking to each other.

Mrs. Fu called them to come inside the staff-room.

Hinata strolled inside as soon as Mrs. Fu called them over. Kiyoko followed Hinata inside the staff-room.

"Hinata and Kiyoko would together write an article. The topic will be announced by tomorrow and you two will discuss and prepare an appropriate article within two days."

"Understood…" Hinata replied. Kiyoko nodded her head.

"All the best…" Mrs. Fu said.

Hinata Yamamoto and Kiyoko were given the Language room to write the article.

Hinata sat on the seat opposite Kiyoko. The table in-front of them was stuffed with tones of books.

"Gosh. Shall we take a break?" Hinata wearily exclaimed.

"Okay."

Kiyoko listlessly replied and continued writing.

Hinata glanced at the girl in-front of him. Kiyoko was engrossed, writing down on her notebook.

............................................................….

Kiyoko smiled in delight when she finally finished her writing.

'Finally half of it is done.'

She looked out of the window. She could see the school basketball ground. Her eyes remained fixated on a person. It was Zehan.

Zehan was given the duty of making a large banner for the school festival. He was applying the last touch on the banner.

Kiyoko blankly stared at each and every movement of the Zehan. As if she was hypnotized.

Unknowingly, a smile appeared on her face. She could not help but feel kind of warm and giddy. It has been a week when they last travelled to school together. Zehan became busy as the school festival was coming.

"Zehan is so hard working." Hinata said casually with a smile.

Kiyoko was surprised and turned to look at the person in-front of her.

"Are you done watching?" Hinata asked. The smile still lingered on his face.

Kiyoko did not reply and tried to concentrate in her writings.

She felt nervous and tried her best to avoid the gaze casted upon her by Hinata.

While returning home, Kiyoko was stopped by Hinata.

Hinata could see the evident displeasure on Kiyoko's face.

"Can we discuss about the conclusion of the article as we walk home?"

"We can discuss about that tomorrow." Kiyoko replied.

Kiyoko started walking again. But she realized that Hinata was also walking alongside her. She was annoyed because Hinata saw her gaping at Zehan earlier. She was obviously uncomfortable.

As she walked down the school street she saw Zehan and his friends by the ice cream shop.

Zehan waved his hands towards Kiyoko and smiled.

Tamaka skipped towards Kiyoko and gave a light smack on her shoulder.

"Kiyoko, why did you leave so hastily that evening? We were worried about you. Zehan was so worried that he ran out."

"I am sorry. I was a bit unwell." Kiyoko replied.

"Okay. I forgive you. In future if you have any problem. Please tell us. There is nothing to be afraid."

Kiyoko nodded.

Kiyoko glanced at Zehan, who was talking with Haru and Sakura.

"Do you want to join us? We are going the painting club."

Before Kiyoko, could say anything.

Hinata said," Kiyoko and I have something to discuss about the writing competition."

Kiyoko quickly replied with a yes.

Zehan frowned and turned to look at Kiyoko. He swept a quick glance at Hinata who was standing behind Kiyoko.

"Oh! Then we will take you to have fun next time." Tamaka said.

"…Okay." Kiyoko answered.

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END OF CHAPTER 3