The Hidden Love

The Hidden Love Chapter 3

Months had passed, and Ken, Athena, and I had become incredibly close friends. As the end of the school year approached, Ken asked, "So, what courses are you two planning to take?"

Ash & Athena: "Engineering!!"

Ken: "Huh?? WHAT?! So I'm the only one who'll be separated?!!!!"

Ash: "I also didn't know that Athena wanted to be an engineer."

Athena: "You guys never asked, right? Actually, I mentioned it on the first day of school."

Ken: "Well, she has a point. I knew Ash wanted to be a civil engineer since elementary; it just shocks me that you'd also want to become a civil engineer."

Athena: "Hmm, looks like we're the same."

Ash: "Huh? So that means you also want to become a civil engineer?"

Athena: "That's right."

Ken: "So, you two are going to the same school?"

Ash: "Well, I'm going to MU."

Ken: "Ahh, MU - that's a great school choice. And you, Athena?"

Athena: "Well, I still haven't thought about it."

Ash: "Hmm? Why?"

Athena: "Don't know, just didn't have the time."

Ken: (Haha, i***t - of course, she's waiting for your school choice; get a clue, man)

Ash: "Well, okay, Athena - hope you find a good school."

Athena: "Yeah, you too, Ash - good luck to your new school."

Ken: (Ah, look at these two love birds hiding their feelings - one clueless, and the other just like old Ash, lacking the courage to express her true feelings)

At the end of graduation, Ash, Ken, and Athena went their separate ways... or maybe.

(2 MONTHS HAD PASSED)

(Alarm blares) Ash: "Ahh, morning already? Time to head to school."

As I searched for my classroom, I stumbled upon a list of rooms and students. Ash: "Ahh, not here... not here either... where's my name?"

Athena appeared beside me, "Here, look - that's your name, and that's mine."

Ash: "Oh, you're right! Wait, Athena? You're here too?"

Athena: "Why so surprised? MU's one of the few schools that offers top-notch engineering programs."

Ash: "True. Let's head to our classroom."

As we entered the room, Athena whispered, "I heard our professor is terrifying."

Ash: "Whoa, now I'm scared."

Athena reassured me, "Don't worry, I'm here to help. But I doubt you'll need it - you're always top of the class, despite being lazy and absent."

Ash: "Haha, luck, I guess. But I doubt I won't need your help - you've always been a lifesaver."

Athena blushed, "Huh? What are you saying?"

Ash: "Why, did I say something wrong?" (looking into Athena's eyes)

Athena's face turned bright red, "Ahh, damn those hazel eyes..." (quickly standing up)

Ash: "Oh, our prof's here!" (standing up)

Athena: "That was close..." ( whispering to herself )

Professor Oak entered, "Alright, everyone. I'm Mr. Oak. Those with low self-esteem, please leave. I don't need you in this field."

The class intimidated, Student 1 whispered, "So that's Terror Oak...".

Ash: "Hmmm?"

Student 1: "Oh, sorry, did I say that out loud?"

Athena teased, "Don't worry, everyone knows, except for this i***t (pointing at Ash)".

Ash: "Huh?"

Professor Oak wrote a complex problem on the board, "You, middle one - Ash, come here."

Ash: "What's up, prof?"

Professor Oak: "Solve this problem for me."

Ash quickly solved it, "There, done."

Professor Oak: "Very... very good!!" (class applauds)

Athena smiled, "Looks like he failed to embarrass a student and only embarrassed himself."

Ash walked back to his seat, "Hmm, have I ever told you my name?"

Student 1 introduced himself, "I'm Renz, nice to meet you, Athena and Ash."

Professor Oak called Renz to solve another problem, which he successfully did.

Next, Athena was called to solve a difficult problem. Ash whispered, "Good luck, Athena."

Athena smiled, "Well, how could I lose now? My inspiration just wished me luck."

Athena solved the problem with ease, leaving Professor Oak speechless.

As the class continued, Ash turned to Athena, "Good job, you're really smart."

Athena smiled, "Nothing new about that."