Episode 4:Almost There
900 Words
Her alarm rang at exactly 6:00 AM.
This time… she didn’t ignore it.
With a quiet groan, she reached out to turn it off, forcing herself to sit up. Her eyes were still heavy, but her mind was already racing.
Today wasn’t just another day.
It was important.
Very important.
She stood up and walked to her desk, where books, notes, and printed papers were carefully stacked. Highlighters, sticky notes, and reminders filled every space.
Final requirements.
Final exams.
Final stretch.
“…Just a little more,” she whispered to herself.
Because she wasn’t just working.
She was still studying.
And she was close—so close—to graduating.
—
“You’re up early.”
She turned.
He was already awake, watching her from his side of the room.
“…I have to,” she said, stretching slightly. “I’m graduating soon. Everything’s piling up.”
He nodded, sitting up straighter.
“School and two jobs?”
She gave a small smile.
“…I don’t really have a choice.”
A pause.
Then—
“That’s a lot.”
She shrugged, trying to make it sound lighter than it felt.
“I’m used to it.”
But he noticed.
The slight tiredness in her eyes.
The way her shoulders dropped for just a second.
—
Later that morning, she was rushing again—flipping through her notes while trying to fix her hair at the same time.
“I’m going to be late… again…”
She grabbed her bag, stuffing papers inside without checking.
“Wait.”
She stopped.
He walked over, holding a folder.
“You forgot these.”
Her eyes widened.
“My review notes—!”
“You left them on the table.”
She quickly took them, relief washing over her face.
“…Thank you. I would’ve cried if I lost those.”
“You won’t.”
She blinked.
“…Won’t what?”
“Graduate,” he said calmly. “You won’t lose it.”
Her heart skipped.
“…You sound so sure.”
“I am.”
A small silence followed.
Then she smiled.
“…You’re weirdly supportive for someone who barely talks.”
He didn’t respond.
But she caught it again—
That small, almost invisible smile.
—
That night, she came home later than usual.
Even more exhausted.
Her steps were slower, her movements heavier.
As soon as she stepped inside, she dropped her bag gently and sat on her bed.
“…I’m so tired…”
She didn’t even realize she had said it out loud.
A moment later—
A cup of water appeared in front of her.
She looked up.
He stood there, holding it out.
“…Drink first.”
She stared at it for a second, then slowly took it.
“…Thanks.”
She drank quietly, her hands slightly shaking from fatigue.
“You should rest,” he said.
“I can’t,” she replied, shaking her head. “I still have to study.”
“You’re too tired.”
“I don’t have a choice.”
A pause.
Then—
“I’ll help.”
She blinked.
“…You?”
He nodded.
“With what?”
“Quizzing you. Reviewing.”
She stared at him, surprised.
“You’d do that?”
“Yes.”
Another pause.
“…Why?”
He looked at her—calm, steady.
“Because you need it.”
Her chest tightened again.
That same feeling.
Soft.
Warm.
Confusing.
“…Okay,” she said quietly.
—
They sat on the floor, books spread between them.
He read questions.
She answered.
Sometimes she got them right.
Sometimes she didn’t.
“Wrong,” he said simply.
“Hey—at least pretend I’m doing well,” she complained.
“You said you want to pass.”
She sighed.
“…You’re strict.”
“You’re distracted.”
She blinked.
“…What?”
“You keep looking at me.”
Her face turned red instantly.
“I do not!”
“You just did.”
“I’m just thinking!”
“About me?”
“About my answers!”
He raised an eyebrow slightly.
She covered her face.
“This is so embarrassing…”
For a moment—
Silence.
Then—
A quiet chuckle.
She froze.
“…Did you just laugh?”
He looked away slightly.
“No.”
“You did!”
“I didn’t.”
She narrowed her eyes, smiling despite herself.
“You’re lying.”
“…Maybe.”
Her heart fluttered.
Again.
—
Hours passed without them noticing.
And for the first time in days—
Studying didn’t feel so heavy.
Because she wasn’t alone.
And for the first time in a long time—
He didn’t feel like keeping his distance.
Because being near her…
Felt natural.
—
As the night grew quiet, she leaned back slightly, stretching.
“…Hey.”
He looked at her.
“When I graduate…”
She hesitated.
“…I think I’ll cry.”
He watched her carefully.
“Then I’ll be there.”
Her breath caught.
“…You say things like that so easily.”
“I mean them.”
A soft silence filled the room.
And this time—
Neither of them looked away.
Because somewhere between shared notes…
Late-night studying…
And quiet promises—
They were no longer just strangers.
Not even just roommates.
They were becoming something else.
Something neither of them was ready to name.
Yet.
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