Study Pressure (107)

Haruto sat at his desk, staring at the pile of textbooks and notes spread out before him. The soft glow of his desk lamp illuminated the pages, but the words blurred together, refusing to make sense. He ran a hand through his hair, frustration settling deep in his chest.

The university entrance exams were approaching, and the pressure was beginning to mount. It wasn't just his own expectations—his parents wanted him to secure a good future, his teachers reminded him of the importance of these tests daily, and even his classmates seemed to be caught up in the overwhelming stress.

"Just a few more months," he muttered to himself. "Then it'll be over."

But would it? The weight on his shoulders felt like it had been growing for years, and now, as the most crucial exam of his life loomed closer, it was suffocating him.

A gentle knock on his bedroom door snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Haruto?" Aiko's voice carried through the door, soft but concerned.

He glanced at the time—he hadn't realized how late it was. He sighed and stood up, stretching before opening the door.

Aiko smiled, but her eyes immediately flickered to the mess of books behind him. "Still studying?"

Haruto rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah. I have to."

She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "Haruto, you look exhausted."

"I am exhausted." He let out a tired laugh, leaning against his desk. "But if I don't study, I'll fall behind. I need to do well on this exam."

Aiko watched him for a moment before reaching out and taking his hand. "You're already working so hard. But you can't push yourself to the point of breaking."

"I don't have a choice, Aiko." His voice was tinged with frustration, though not directed at her. "If I fail, I won't get into a good university. If I don't get into a good university, I won't have the future I want. My parents have sacrificed so much for me… I have to succeed."

Aiko squeezed his hand. "I know you feel that way, but you can't forget to take care of yourself. Studying is important, but so is your health."

He sighed, looking down. "I don't know how to balance it. Every time I take a break, I feel guilty."

Aiko frowned. "That's not fair to yourself. You're more than just grades, Haruto."

He looked at her, really looked at her, and saw the worry in her eyes. He knew she was right, but it was hard to change his mindset when the pressure was so immense.

She tugged at his hand playfully. "Come on. Just for a little bit."

"What?"

"Let's take a break."

Haruto hesitated. "Aiko, I really can't afford to—"

"Fifteen minutes. That's all I'm asking," she insisted. "Step away from the books, clear your mind for a bit. Then you can come back and study with better focus."

He sighed again, but seeing the determination in her eyes, he finally relented. "Fine. Fifteen minutes."

Aiko grinned and led him out to the balcony. The night air was cool, a welcome contrast to the warmth of his room. The city lights twinkled in the distance, and for the first time in hours, Haruto felt like he could breathe.

Aiko leaned against the railing. "You know, when I get overwhelmed with painting, I take a step back. If I keep forcing it, I end up making mistakes. But when I return with a fresh perspective, I see things differently. Maybe studying is like that too."

Haruto stared at the night sky, her words settling in. "Maybe."

She nudged him playfully. "Besides, you're already the smartest person I know. You're going to do great."

He chuckled. "Flattery won't make me any smarter, Aiko."

She smiled. "Maybe not, but I mean it."

For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence. Haruto felt some of the tension leave his body, and when he finally spoke, his voice was softer. "Thank you, Aiko."

"For what?"

"For reminding me that I'm more than just an exam score."

Aiko's eyes shone with warmth. "Always."

As they stood under the night sky, Haruto realized that no matter what happened, he wasn't alone. And maybe, just maybe, that made all the difference.