He woke up to the sound of his alarm.
The room was dim. Early morning light slipped through the curtains. He blinked, adjusting to the quiet.
Today was important.
Sitting up, he stretched his arms. His body felt heavy, but there was no time to waste. He needed to get ready.
A quick shower. A simple breakfast. He grabbed his documents and checked them twice.
Then, he was out the door.
The university gates stood tall in front of him.
He adjusted his bag strap. Students walked past him, some in groups, some alone. The air buzzed with conversation.
He took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The administration office was busy. Applicants filled the seats, waiting for their turn.
He approached the counter.
"Good morning. How can I help you?" the staff asked.
"I'm here to inquire about the scholarship programs and submit my entrance exam application."
The staff handed him forms. "Fill these out and attach your academic records. The scholarship committee will review your application. The entrance exam is this weekend."
He nodded. "Thank you."
Finding a seat, he pulled out a pen. He filled out the forms carefully, glancing around at other applicants. Some looked nervous. Others seemed confident.
Once done, he submitted the documents. The staff checked them and gave him a confirmation slip.
"You're all set. Good luck on your exam."
He gave a small nod and left the office.
Outside, he walked around the campus. It was big. Clean. The buildings stood tall, filled with students coming and going.
This place felt different.
A few moments later, he left the campus and headed home.
-The day of the entrance exam-
He stood outside the exam hall. Other examinees gathered, some reviewing notes, others chatting.
His heartbeat quickened.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.
The hall was quiet. Rows of chairs lined up neatly. He found his seat and sat down.
A few minutes passed. Then,
A pen dropped to the floor.
He looked down.
It rolled near his foot.
He picked it up and turned to the owner.
A girl.
She had short, dark hair. Her expression was calm, unreadable.
He held out the pen. "Here."
She took it gently. "Thank you."
Her voice was soft. Almost distant.
He gave a small nod and turned back to his desk.
Then.
"You may begin."
The exam started.
His focus sharpened. He blocked out everything else. One question at a time. No distractions.
Minutes passed. Then hours.
Before he knew it, the exam was over.
He stepped outside.
The sky was a deep shade of blue. Evening had arrived.
Other students left in groups, chatting about the exam. He walked alone, his mind elsewhere.
His thoughts drifted back to the girl.
Not because of anything special.
Just curiosity.
Who was she?
He shook his head. It didn't matter.
There were more important things to think about.
The results would decide his future.
He adjusted his bag and headed back to his rented room.
He stopped by a convenience store.
Inside, he grabbed a bottle of water and a biscuit. The cashier scanned his items.
"Long day?" the cashier asked.
"Yeah. Entrance exam."
The cashier nodded. "Hope you did well. That school is tough."
He gave a small nod and paid before stepping out.
Outside, the air was cool. The streets were alive with cars and people.
He checked his phone. A missed call from his mother.
He sighed and called back.
"Hello?" His mother's voice was warm.
"Ma, I just finished the exam."
"Oh, anak! How was it?"
"It was okay. Not easy, but manageable."
"I'm proud of you," she said. "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet. I'll grab something soon."
She paused. "Just take care of yourself there, okay? We miss you."
"I know, Ma. I'll visit when I can."
A short silence.
"Alright. Rest well, anak."
"You too."
He ended the call and put his phone back in his pocket.
He walked toward the nearest bus stop.
Then.
He saw her again.
The girl from the exam.
She stood by the sidewalk, adjusting the strap of her bag. Her hair swayed lightly in the evening breeze.
He hesitated.
For a moment, he considered saying something.
But he didn't.
Instead, he turned away and boarded the bus.
Through the window, he saw her walking in the opposite direction.
A strange feeling lingered.
But he brushed it off.
There were more important things to focus on.
Tomorrow would be another day.