Chapter 10 - A Normal Day – The Bonds That Last

The morning sun filtered through the windows of our classroom, casting a warm glow over the rows of desks. It was just another ordinary day at school, with the usual hum of chatter and the occasional rustle of notebooks as everyone prepared for the day's lessons. There were no exams looming over us, no pressing deadlines—just the comfortable rhythm of a regular school day.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of our first class, I found myself settling into the familiar routine. The lessons came and went, each one blending into the next. There was something soothing about the predictability of it all—the way the teacher's voice droned on, the sound of pens scratching against paper, and the quiet murmur of students discussing assignments.

But the best part of the day, as always, was lunch. As soon as the bell rang, our group gathered our things and headed to the cafeteria. The atmosphere in the hallways was lively, with students chatting, laughing, and making their way to the different food stalls. The cafeteria was already buzzing with activity, the clatter of trays and the hum of conversation filling the air.

As we reached our usual table, Asher was the first to drop his bag and head straight for the food line. "I'm starving," he declared, eyeing the menu board with determination. "I think I'm going for the burger today. Anyone else?"

Heart, who was right behind him, shook her head with a smile. "You always go for the burger, Asher. I'm in the mood for something lighter—maybe a salad."

"Salad? In this cafeteria?" Aizen teased as he joined them in line. "Good luck with that."

I laughed as I grabbed a tray and followed them. Jillian was already deciding between the pasta and the sandwich options, her face thoughtful as she weighed her choices. It was a typical scene for us—each of us with our little quirks and preferences, but always together, no matter what.

Once we'd all gotten our food, we made our way back to our table by the window. The view outside was nothing special, just the school courtyard, but it was our spot, the place where we could unwind and be ourselves.

"So," Jillian said as she unwrapped her sandwich, "any plans for the weekend?"

"I'm thinking of catching up on some sleep," I replied, taking a bite of my food. "It's been a hectic week."

Asher nodded in agreement, his mouth full of burger. "Same here. Maybe a movie marathon too. What about you, Heart?"

Heart, who was munching on her salad, shrugged. "Not sure yet. I might go shopping with my mom, or maybe we could all hang out."

"Sounds good to me," Aizen said, sipping his drink. "I'm up for anything as long as it doesn't involve schoolwork."

We spent the rest of lunch chatting about random things—upcoming events, the latest trends, and the funny mishaps we'd seen around school. It was a light, carefree conversation, the kind that made you forget about any worries you might have.

After lunch, we still had some time before the next class, so someone suggested heading to the 7-Eleven just outside the school. It had become a bit of a tradition for us—a quick trip to grab snacks or drinks before heading back to class.

The walk to 7-Eleven was filled with the usual banter. Asher was joking about how he needed an energy drink to survive the afternoon classes, while Heart playfully argued that chocolate was the only thing that could get her through the day. Aizen, as always, was caught in the middle, laughing at their antics but also trying to keep the peace.

When we arrived at the store, we scattered in different directions, each of us heading to our favorite sections. Asher made a beeline for the energy drinks, while Jillian was already browsing the snack aisle. I found myself drawn to the candy section, eyeing the colorful rows of treats.

"Anything good?" Heart asked as she joined me, holding a small bag of chips.

"Just deciding," I replied, picking up a pack of gummy bears. "These look pretty tempting."

Heart grinned. "Go for it. We deserve a treat after surviving this week."

After a few minutes, we all reconvened at the counter, our hands full of snacks and drinks. As we paid and headed back to school, the conversation continued, light and easy, filled with the kind of laughter that comes from being completely at ease with the people you're with.

Back at school, the afternoon classes passed by in a comfortable haze. We all settled into our usual spots, the camaraderie from lunch and our 7-Eleven trip still lingering in the air. The teachers' voices seemed distant as I found myself lost in thought, reflecting on the day.

There was nothing particularly special about today—no big events, no dramatic moments. And yet, as I looked around at my friends, I felt a warmth spread through me. These were the people who had been with me through thick and thin, the ones who could turn even the most ordinary day into something memorable.

I realized, in that moment, that these were the friends who would stay with me throughout my entire school life. The ones who would be there for the highs and lows, the stress and the celebrations. The ones who knew me inside and out, who accepted me just as I was.

As the final bell rang and we all gathered our things, I couldn't help but smile. We walked out of the classroom together, the afternoon sun casting long shadows on the ground. We had our whole school life ahead of us, and I knew that as long as we had each other, we could face anything that came our way.

As we made our way out of the school gates, Asher turned to us with his usual grin. "Same time tomorrow?"

"Definitely," I replied, and the others nodded in agreement.

We parted ways, each heading home, but I knew that we'd be back together again the next day, and the day after that, and for many more days to come. Because that's what true friends do—they stay by your side, through the ordinary and the extraordinary, making every moment count.

And as I walked home, the weight of that realization settled comfortably on my shoulders. I wasn't just lucky to have these friends—I was blessed. They were the ones who would be with me every step of the way, making this journey through school something truly unforgettable.