The bell rang– students starts to fill the seats inside. Miss Lia went in- chin higher than ever. Stood in front of the class- eyeing us. 
“Since the competition will be in the next 3 months. And Jordan is undermining his genius potential.”
I heard a lot of gasps coming from the people in our class. Some are whispering discreetly with their seatmate— not wanting to be caught by Miss Lia’s gaze.
“Enough with the noises- now back to what I am discussing. Jordan admitted that he wasn’t interested in joining the competition anymore. Shinai will take his place.” 
My body stilled after hearing her. No-no I can’t let this happen. It feels like I stole something—from Jordan. I gave him a glance- his flashing a smirk on his face. I pulled my gaze away from him and looked at Miss Lia who’s currently smiling a delightful smile on her face. She looks like she had won something. 
“Now. My lovely, Nai. Start reviewing with Maycee and Vernes tomorrow.”
“But- Miss Lia.” I opened my mouth to decline a place on the competition. This is not my field.
“I know- I know that you’re also reviewing for the Science Expo Contest. But Nai- give this a try. Give Math a try. You’re doing great in this subject too. Now is your chance to explore it- your last chance. Take this okay? You’ll be graduating next year. Can you grant your teacher’s requests?”
There’s too much emphasis when she worded her speech. I hesitatingly nod my head in agreement. Even I felt something that hit my chest. I looked at Jordan who is now showing the smile that I am so used to seeing- from him.
90 days in deep study of the subject was done- accomplishing Miss Lia’s command. I was obligated to spend my everyday night hours in studying the papers she had given. Repressing my tiredness intentionally. I was burnt out. 300 mathematical problems put in a fort folio to be answered and passed. I was continuously doing it everyday. It made me screamed in frustration mentally- suppressing my outcry. Not letting the individuals inside our household to know my dilemma. Sleep was the only option for rest- and I still didn’t get enough amount of it. I was deprived. I can’t enjoy my weekends since I still have to work on the paperwork to be passed on Monday. 
Sunday evening came- I was looking at the scattered papers in front of the table. Fighting the urge of ripping it off. Stopping myself from tearing it apart into small pieces. 
“A drink for you.” Erinoi handed me a glass of hot cocoa. “You don’t like milk right? Here, drink this. Take a break from that.” His lips puckered. Eyeing the papers. 
“Thank you.” 
“Mom plead me to remind you that it’s time for you to go to bed, my baby. So, I’m here.” I frowned after seeing his bright smile. 
“Time to go to bed- you need to grow taller. Look at you- you don’t want to stay like a minion forever right?” I puffed my cheeks which he popped with his fingers. “Go to sleep now, princess. It’s late.” 
“I still have to finish this.” I combatted. 
“Sleep now. You can continue doing that tomorrow.” He smiled before getting the empty glass off my hand and went downstairs. 
The hardwork paid off. All three of us had the spot as winners. We won. Miss Lia’s face looked beamly happy when she shared what happened in class. I received a lot of compliments and words of congratulations from my schoolmates- and my own classmates. If I didn’t try this out- I will never know that I am capable of engaging to this. I was so used joining to any Scientific competition in school. Swooping my head to compete. To do the mathematical work wasn’t so bad after all. 
I went to my seat- Jordan is already there. 
“Congratulations, Indigo.” A gleam of happiness radiates on his face. 
“You only call me by my second name during rare occasions.” I said it with a hint of sulleness. 
“Don’t worry. I am giving you the permission to give me a reminder when you want to be called using your second name, Nai.” 
I scoffed at him and sat beside him. 
[ Flash Forward ] 
He smiled after I communicate the distant past. 
“I wasn’t disappointed. You really can do it. My plan worked.” I squinted my eyes at him. What is he saying? 
“I don’t get you.” My mouth hanged open upon realizing something. 
“You mean- you purposely procrastinate in doing the work back then? Acting disinterested and unmotivated as your way of removing yourself so the obligation will be passed down to me?” I saw him smile when I said “obligation”. 
“Nailed it. You’re good in Math just like me. But you never had the chance to showcase your intellect in that subject- their attention was only given to me-to them. They were so used in letting us compete for the whole 5 years. Never changing the participants. That’s when the plan comes in. Letting you take my place. I was wondering why they didn’t let you have it when you excelled at the top of our class.” He explained which made me think too. 
“You deserved to compete, Nai. I knew you’ll ace it.”
“You really held your hopes that high, Jordan?” I questionably looked at him. 
“Yes. I always have put up a strong amount of hope when it comes to you.” His statement came out so strongly- sounding like there’s a deeper meaning behind the words he expressed. 
As the sound of the pouring rain is still heard outside. I looked at him- he wasn’t breaking the eye contact. Signifying that he is wasn’t making a joking in the moment. I want to understand his reasons behind doing it. But my mouth won’t let me speak. Maybe someday, someday I will be able to know the truth about it…