Only we Know

Chapter 2: You're Here

8 years Ago

Under the Acacia Tree near the playground

"So, Lennard do you remembered when we were Kinder garden when we first started to meet?" Samantha asked

"When you took my umbrella, thinking it was yours, the teacher was upset all day because we fought over it. But, I explained that it was mine."

" I thought I was the only one that has a unique umbrella but you are a copycat," as Samantha teased me

Now I'm starting to hate her again. Then she pinch my cheeks.

"Look at you, your grumpy face makes you cuter" as she continued to tease me

"We only became friends because you give me all of your snacks when recess especially the cookies and cream bar" as I gazed away annoyed by her presence.

"You know Lennard, I wish in the future we still have each other" Samantha smiled near at my face

"I hope I can keep up with your energetic and lively personality with that attitude."

Although we had been best friends since elementary school and had shared countless laughs and unforgettable memories, I felt annoyed by her words. I knew I had genuine feelings for her, but I was too afraid to confess them.

"Oops!.. my driver is here see you tomorrow Lennard" as she walked gracefully

She's out of my league. Judging by the state of her living, she comes from a wealthy family, whereas I am just an average guy. However, I am thinking of confessing my feelings to her. But what if this confession ends up being the reason for our separation?"

as I take a deep breath, I wonder if I'll be brave enough to tell her soon

As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, a voice broke through the silence, pulling me back to reality. It was Hannah, and she seemed genuinely concerned.

"Lennard, are you okay? Lennard?" she repeated, her voice laced with worry.

I turned to face her but found myself unable to meet her gaze. Her expression only heightened my discomfort. It was as if she could see right through me to the memories I had tried so hard to suppress.

After a brief pause, she spoke again, her tone gentle but insistent. "Dude, are you okay?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for some answer.

I had tried so hard to forget. Samantha and I were on the Acacia tree, our laughter filling the air as we shared stories and secrets. But then, something had gone wrong.

I shook my head, trying to clear it of the memories that threatened to overwhelm me.

"I'm fine, Hannah," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's nothing."

But Hannah wasn't convinced.

"It seems like you and Samantha have a history together. Do you want to talk about it?" she prodded gently, her worried expression only deepening.

I hesitated, unsure of what to say. There was so much that I wanted to share with her, but at the same time, I was afraid of what might happen if I did. "Can we go back to class?" I asked finally, my voice betraying my anxiety. "We might forget what you saw."

As we returned to the classroom, I felt my classmates' eyes on me as I returned to my seat. My grief was palpable, and I could sense their concern, though they didn't know how to express it.

"Hey Lennard, who is that beauty?" Haru asked excitedly and curiously, breaking the silence.

"Leave him alone, Haru. Just give him some space," Hannah said, sensing my need for privacy.

Haru, unable to read the room, continued to tease Hannah. "Oh, I see. You like Lennard, do you?"

Hannah, having had enough, punched Haru in the face for his childish behavior.

Just then, Samantha returned to the classroom, her eyes red from crying. It was clear that she had been upset, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her.

The room fell silent as Samantha walked towards our professor and stood beside him. All eyes in the classroom were fixated on us, and I could sense the curiosity and confusion brewing in them. Some of them had narrowed their eyes, while others had raised their eyebrows in surprise. The air was thick with anticipation, and I could hear the sound of my own breathing. I could feel the tension in my muscles, as my heart raced faster than ever. It was a moment that I would never forget, as I stood there with Samantha, waiting for the professor to speak.

Our professor cleared his throat as it broke the silence

"Since Lennard and Samantha know each other, why don't you both sit together?" suggested the professor.

"Sir, I don't think it's okay with Le--" Hannah started to say, but I cut her off.

"It's okay, sir. I don't mind sitting beside Samantha," I said, hoping that sitting together would help us both feel a little less alone.

As soon as the class ended, Samantha approached me

"Lennard, can I talk to you for a minute?" Samantha asked with a sad tone. She looked visibly upset and her eyes were red, as if she had been crying

"Sorry Samantha, I'm going home early see you tomorrow"

I wanted to remain professional and keep my distance from Samantha since she was now my classmate.

"okay see you Lennard" Samantha looked crestfallen as she looked down and barely held her hands.

As I walked down the corridor with my friends, I could feel their curious eyes on me. They were clearly wondering about the relationship between Samantha and me. Though I could have easily shared what happened between us, I decided not to. For me, it was more important to focus on the future, even if it meant facing it alone. I knew that dwelling on the past would only hold me back, and I didn't want anything to distract me from my goals. So, I simply smiled at my friends and continued walking, confident in my decision to keep the details of my personal life private.

Hannah was in a hurry to leave and said, "Hey guys, I have an appointment today, so I'll see you all tomorrow.

" Haru, with a teasing tone, exclaimed, "You're just going with the hot guy in the basketball club, aren't you?"

Hannah, already irritated with Haru's comment, replied with an angry tone,

"I'll kill you tomorrow, Haru!" said Hannah

Everyone else laughed at Haru's joke, but I didn't find it amusing. For me, as long as I stay focused on my goal of finishing my studies and finding a job, I'll be content.