Chapter 40: Future

The results of the mock exams—the ones right before the final Board Exams—came out, and it was a real turning point. Julie and Jiko both scored ridiculously high, way beyond anyone's expectations. It felt like a miracle, but anyone who knew them knew it was simply the result of hard work and sheer determination. Word spread fast. The rumors that had once painted them as rebellious troublemakers started to change. Now, people were looking at them with respect, admiring not just their grades but their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering focus.

Suddenly, the whispers had turned into murmurs of admiration. It wasn't long before even the teachers started to notice the shift. One evening, Ms. Sumi, their math teacher, called them over after class.

"I must say," Ms. Sumi says with a gentle smile, "your scores are outstanding. Both of you. It's evident that you two complement each other quite well."

Jiko exchanges a glance with Julie, a little surprised by the praise. "Thank you, Ma'am. We've been studying really hard."

"Yes, and it shows," Ms. Sumi continues. "It's rare to see students who work together so effectively. You've managed to transform what some once saw as a fleeting relationship into something meaningful."

Julie's cheeks flush slightly at the compliment, and Jiko feels a warm pride blooming in his chest.

But then the true icing on the cake comes during the school assembly a few days later. Rumors of the Daniel incident have made their way through the school, and Daniel himself finally admits to lying. Apparently, guilt had started eating away at him after Jiko's clear stand during the trip. In a rare moment of honesty during the school assembly, Daniel publicly confessed.

"I was wrong," Daniel says, standing awkwardly in front of the whole school. His voice wavers, and he looks nervously around the room. "The rumors I spread about Jiko and Julie... they weren't true. It was stupid of me. I just—look, I shouldn't have said those things."

There's a palpable silence before a low murmur spreads among the students. Julie's eyes narrow slightly, but she doesn't look surprised.

"I'm sorry," Daniel mumbles, shifting uncomfortably. "I thought... well, I thought I could mess with Jiko, but it didn't work out. I got carried away. It was wrong."

The entire school watches, stunned. Julie's face softens, and she nods in acknowledgment, though she doesn't offer forgiveness just yet. Jiko, on the other hand, crosses his arms, a smug grin forming on his face.

"You've got guts, I'll give you that," Jiko mutters under his breath. "But next time you think about running your mouth, think twice."

Daniel looks like he's about to protest but quickly retreats under Jiko's intimidating glare. For once, he has no snide remark to throw back.

The school assembly marks the beginning of a turning point. The negativity that once followed them starts to dissipate, replaced by admiration and respect. Students begin to see Julie and Jiko differently—not as scandal couple but as a talented and driven couple. They start rooting for them rather than gossiping behind their backs.

By the time the exams finally arrive, Julie and Jiko walk into the hall with a quiet confidence that wasn't there before. They've studied together, supported each other, and pushed each other every step of the way. And as they sit down to take their exams, a strange sense of peace washes over them both. It's like they've finally found their rhythm—not just in academics, but in life.

After the last exam, Julie nudges Jiko as they walk out of the hall. "We did it."

Jiko glances at her and smiles. "Yeah, we did."

Their eyes meet, and for a brief moment, there's nothing but pure, unadulterated joy between them. It feels like they've weathered the storm together and come out stronger. They're a team now—bound by something far deeper than grades or rumors.

As they step out into the school courtyard, surrounded by the familiar faces of their classmates, Julie turns to Jiko and grins.

"You know," she says playfully, "we make a pretty good team."

Jiko chuckles, leaning closer to her. "I'd say so. Best team in school, hands down."

Julie smirks. "Maybe we should make it official."

Jiko's eyes widen, and he pretends to think. "Hmm... I don't know. Official sounds... kind of permanent."

"Oh, come on!" Julie said, giving him a playful nudge. "We've got nothing to hide anymore. We'll tell our families and convince them to meet each other."

Jiko laughed, shaking his head with a smile, a warm feeling spreading through his chest. "Alright," he agreed. "Official. But don't expect anything too… romantic from me."

Julie giggles, slipping her hand into his. "Deal."

For the first time in a long while, life feels stable, happy, and filled with promise. With Tito's support, Julie's determination, and Jiko's own newfound drive, they've managed to turn everything around—rumors, doubts, and misgivings—into something that makes them stronger, together.

As they walk away from the school, laughing and joking, Jiko turns to Julie and says softly, "You know, I think we're pretty unstoppable."

Julie glances at him, eyes shining. "We're unstoppable because we've got each other."

And for the first time, Jiko truly believes it.

As the Board Exams approach, the weight of the future begins to press down on Jiko. Nights are filled with endless studying, but his mind can't help but drift to what comes after—college, careers, life choices. One evening, they sit together on a hill overlooking the city, the lights of the town below stretching out into the distance like a blanket of stars.

The wind rustles through Julie's hair, and she leans slightly into Jiko, breaking the silence between them. "What do you see for us in ten years?" she asks softly, her voice quiet and reflective.

Jiko turns to her, his eyes reflecting the glow of the city lights. He hadn't given it much thought, but now, as the question hangs in the air, he finds himself envisioning something more than just the here and now. A future that stretches beyond just school and exams.

"I see us happy," Julie says after a moment, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Maybe married. Maybe even with a dog."

Jiko chuckles, shaking his head. "A dog, huh? Not kids?"

Julie's cheeks flush slightly as she giggles. "Maybe kids too," she admits shyly.