MAMA MY HOME

Bittersweet

The Last Exam

Ayan stepped out of the exam hall, the weight of tension still pressing on her chest. The sky was bright now, but it felt like nothing outside could match the storm of relief and exhaustion inside her. A few moments later, Hanuel appeared, her face glowing with relief and a little disbelief, as if she couldn’t quite believe it was over.

They met just outside the hall, and for a brief second, neither of them spoke — they just looked at each other, sharing a quiet understanding of every late night, every stressed thought, every page memorized.

Hanuel (exhaling deeply): “The tension… it’s finally gone.”

Ayan (softly): “And now… the waiting begins.”

For a moment, they just stared, then simultaneously shouted with giddy excitement:

Both: “Congratulations to us, babe!”

Their laughter echoed in the empty hallways. Joy spilled across their faces, brightening every shadow around them.

Ayan (voice soft, almost trembling): “I love you so much, Hanuel. Thank you for being my friend through all of this.”

Hanuel (smiling warmly, eyes shining): “I love you more than you do, my favorite. Seriously, I always thank God for having a girl like you — my friend, my roommate, my coursemate. It’s a blessing… honestly, it’s such a flex.”

Tears welled up in Ayan’s eyes. Without thinking, she pulled Hanuel into a tight hug, holding on as if letting go would break the moment.

Ayan (whispering into her shoulder): “Thank you… my friend.”

For a few quiet seconds, they just cried together, letting the relief and exhaustion pour out.

Suddenly — HONK! HONK! — a car horn blared behind them. They jumped, pulling apart and turning sharply toward the noise.

Both (in unison, serious tone): “Who is this?!”

The car’s lights flickered on and off, momentarily blinding them. They frowned, annoyed, but a small smirk tugged at their lips. This was supposed to be their last exam day celebration — no one could ruin that.

Hanuel (rolling her eyes): “Looks like someone misses childhood fun.”

Ayan (snorting, shaking her head): “I think so. Can’t believe a grown-up could act this childish. Probably a spoiled kid with rich parents who gave them a car.”

Hanuel (teasing): “So that makes them… what? A goat?”

Ayan (laughing): “Babe! Stop. We don’t even know who it is yet.”

Hanuel shot her a sideways glance, smirking.

Ayan (mocking): “Miss Angry Bird, let’s just go home.”

But the car honked again. Loud. Persistent.

Both (shouting): “Can you please behave yourself?!”

The doors swung open, and to their surprise, out stepped Hanuel’s mom and Euntak. Their faces instantly lit up.

Ayan ran forward first, throwing herself into her hug.

Ayan (laughing through the hug): “See, I told you it might be someone we know!”

Hanuel (shouting joyfully): “It’s my mom and brother!”

They all laughed, wrapping each other tightly.

Mom (beaming): “Congratulations, girls!”

Ayan & Hanuel (together): “Thank you, Mummy!”

Euntak (smiling): “Congratulations, girls.”

Hanuel: “Thanks, my brother.”

Ayan (shyly): “Thanks, Euntak.”

The group laughed, happiness spilling into the air. Then, Ayan’s phone vibrated sharply against her back. She glanced down and saw her mom’s name flashing on the screen. Taking a small step back, frowning slightly, she answered the call.

Ayan (low tone): “Hello?”

Mom (through the phone): “Congratulations, Areum.”

Ayan’s voice caught slightly, tears threatening to spill.

Ayan: “Thank you.”

Mom: “You’re crying.”

Ayan (voice breaking): “Don’t ask me that. You know… you’re not in a position to ask me.”

Mom: “I’m sorry, Areum.”

Ayan (snapping): “And can you stop calling me that? Call me Ayan instead!” She hung up immediately, her hands trembling slightly.

Hanuel’s family noticed her wiping her tears.

Mom (softly, to Hanuel): “She’s crying…”

Hanuel (quietly): “Yes… that must be her mom.”

Mom: “Oh… can’t she just forgive and move on? I overcame mine…”

Hanuel (firm but gentle): “Mom… we all endure pain differently. You can’t compare her pain to ours. Me and Euntak don’t feel the same way she does.”

Euntak looked at Ayan and gave a small nod, as if reassuring her silently.

Euntak: “She’s coming.”

Hanuel stepped up and wrapped Ayan in a comforting hug.

Hanuel (whispering): “It’s okay, love.”

Ayan sniffled, letting herself lean in.

Ayan (quietly): “Did you tell her… I’m signing out today?”

Hanuel (softly): “Yes, she asked me.”

Ayan (sniffing, trying to smile): “Thank you.”

They rejoined Hanuel’s family. Together, they walked toward the car, snapping a few photos at the school gate before climbing in. Music filled the air, and for the first time that day, laughter and relief danced side by side, mingling with the lingering aches of stress and joy alike.