End Journeys
Semester Mid-Test

It has not been three months of Ruby's college. He is also very close to his friends in class, although not all. Ruby felt uncomfortable on her first day of taking the midterms. Thomas continued to stare at Ruby and made Ruby uncomfortable. But Thomas seemed to not care that Ruby was uncomfortable because he looked at her. The atmosphere in the classroom was quiet even though the supervisory lecturer had not yet entered the exam room. The classmates seem to know that something is going on between their "new partner. Some friends who didn't know anything whispered to each other asking what was wrong. Why is the classroom so quiet and tense.

The supervisor goes into the class. The exam began. Ava encouraged Ruby, and vice versa.

An hour and a half passed, Thomas had finished his exam. He collected the answer sheet to the front of the class and walked slowly in front of Ruby's desk. He looked towards Ruby.

"Excite," Thomas said with a wide smile.

Ruby smiled for a moment but then she remembered yesterday's incident that made her upset again. All children have completed the exam and students who first complete the exam are welcome to enter the class.

The seat next to Ruby was empty. Thomas sat down next to Ruby. He whispered.

"There's something I want to talk about later" Thomas whispered to Ruby.

Ruby just nodded. Thomas knows that Ruby's mood is not very good and of course it's all because of it.

***

The clock from campus arrives. Ruby waited until all her friends came home. Then Thomas came to see him in class. There were only the two of them in that place.

"You mad?" ask Thomas.

"No," Ruby replied while bowing her head.

"I'm really not interested in Evelyn anymore" Thomas began to say what he really wanted to say from yesterday.

"I panicked to see you like that yesterday" Thomas continued.

"Yesterday? What did I do yesterday that panicked you?" ask Ruby.

"When you're out of class. I know you're angry. Don't hide it" said Thomas.

"If you really like it, you already do" Evelyn said.

"No!" Thomas insists.

"You also said you liked me all of a sudden. I don't want just a moment's love" Ruby said.

"I mean, like a moment.." Ruby kept up her words.

"I told you I'm comfortable with you. You are different" Thomas said.

"alright. Already?"

"What?" Thomas did not understand the meaning of Ruby's question.

"the question. Is that all you want to ask? Then I want to go home so I can study for tomorrow" Ruby said.

"good. Let's go home" Thomas follows Ruby from behind and escorts her to the parking lot.

***

Nightfall. Ruby has completed all the tasks given by the lecturer. He planned to rest early but somehow the drowsiness he felt while working on the task was suddenly gone.

Ruby picks up her phone, opens her Instagram and sees the stories of the people she follows.

"What a romantic," he murmured.

He was looking at photos of food, chocolate and snacks installed in his friend's story. People captioned her "test spirit".

"It's lucky that those who get support like this," Ruby felt a little envious.

He then opened his pinterest and looking for a picture of chocolate then he put it on his instagram story while laughing.

Not 5 minutes the story was sent, already 30 followers who saw the story, including Thomas.

An incoming DM, written "reply from your story".

Turns out the DM was from Thomas, he gave a comment "wait tomorrow I will give."

Ruby was surprised but also happy. Actually Ruby did not intend to code but it turns out Thomas is a sensitive man. With a flowery heart, Ruby decided to go to sleep.

***

All the students came forward to collect the answer sheet. But there are also some children who take advantage of the opportunity to cheat answers on other friends. As always, Thomas always finishes earlier than Ruby. The cooperation of children on the back bench is always solid, unlike children who sit on the front bench. They compete for the best value with their own efforts. They are more individual, including Ruby.

After collecting the task, Ruby rushed to the toilet. Actually he and Thomas had promised to meet in the toilet because it was the only safe place.

Thomas was waiting for Ruby. He looks nervous.

"This is for you" Thomas offered a chocolate bar to Ruby.

Embarrassedly, Ruby took the chocolate.

"Thank you Thomas" said Ruby.

After that brief meeting, they returned to class.

"Where were you?" ask Ava.

"I went to the toilet" replied Ruby.

"Penelope was looking for you" Ava told Ruby.

"Did he leave a message?"

"No. He just asked where you were, "Ava replied.

"alright. I want to learn first" Ruby said.

Ruby took the book and tried to re-learn the material to be tested in the second hour later. There was only five minutes left to rest and he reread the material he had learned last night.

"Look at our smart kid" said someone sitting in the backseat. Ruby's focus is not compromised. He didn't even look at the person speaking.

When Ruby feels people are paying attention to her, she just feels that the smart child in question is herself.

But he did not speak that word.

Cretek..

The door sounds open. Children scatter to their respective seats because they think the supervisory lecturer has entered the class. But it turns out it was Thomas. The whole class cheered Thomas and he just laughed.

Thomas told Ruby to put the book because the lecturer was climbing the stairs and soon arrived at the classroom.

The supervisor goes into the class. Unlike usual, Ruby did not feel tense at all. He just feels very happy. The friends sitting next to Ruby noticed Ruby smiling to herself. But he soon realized and tried to control himself. Midterm second hour exams begin.

***

The more days Ruby and Thomas get closer even though they don't show it in front of friends.

"Ruby here" call Penelope.

Ruby approached Penelope, Ava and Lauren in the canteen. They talk a lot like they have been friends for a long time.

"Penelope likes someone" Ava said.

"What's? Who?" ask Ruby.

"There was. You'll know for yourself" Penelope replied with a giggle.

"Suspicious" Lauren tries to guess who Penelope likes.

"Campus boy here?" ask Ava.

Penelope just nodded while continuing to laugh.

"One faculty with us?" Lauren started to get information.

Penelope nodded back.

"IN OUR CLASS?" Ruby asked in a high tone.

Penelope was shocked but she nodded and laughed again.

"Penelope.. What may.."