High school love stories: Eighteen-Year-Old Sky
His name was Blue Sky, and we had been in the same class from middle school through high school. I was the class’s literary representative, while Blue Sky was the math class representative. He was tall, handsome, and always had a smile in his eyes, even though they weren’t particularly large. His academic performance was excellent, making him the prince charming in the hearts of many girls during the blossoming age of 18. I, too, was a favorite among many boys, as I was lively, energetic, and outgoing. We were both the teacher’s right-hand helpers, but we weren’t good partners. Both of us were proud and among the top students in the class, always competing fiercely. Just one point more or less on an exam was unbearable for either of us. He never paid attention to me, and I couldn’t care less about him. This dynamic remained unchanged until we were about to graduate in our third year of high school.
As the college entrance exams approached, we were all immersed in the final intense review sessions, staying late at school every day. Even though his house was just one building away from mine, we never walked home together. That night, two classes of evening self-study had already passed, but Blue Sky didn’t show up. I was secretly delighted because these two classes were important, covering test questions and tips compiled from previous college entrance exams. We had both applied to the same university, and I was determined to succeed. Perhaps these two classes would be the difference that would separate us, ensuring we wouldn’t continue to attend the same school. I was secretly pleased.
However, the next day and the day after, Blue Sky still didn’t attend class during the day. I vaguely heard other students say that he seemed to be ill. How could he get sick at such a critical time? I recalled that he hadn’t been in good spirits recently, often showing a cold face to the girls who used to hang around him.
Many class duties he was supposed to handle were left for me to do, and his grades had plummeted in the last two exams. I found it strange but didn’t ask because I wanted to focus entirely on my studies. Such trivial matters would only distract me from my precious time. What was wrong with him? Without a rival, I felt a bit bored. After all, we were both class leaders, and out of curiosity, I asked my mom to help me find out what was going on with him.
When my mom returned, she looked worried and told me that Blue Sky had been diagnosed with depression. How could that be? I found it hard to believe. He was such an excellent boy, surrounded by fans, always laughing and joking. I couldn’t believe it. My mom told me that Blue Sky’s mother said he often liked to daydream alone and rarely communicated with his parents.
Once, when he had a fever, he even called out my name. How was that possible? I laughed and told my mom that he never spoke to me at school, never acknowledged my presence. We were always rivals. How could he think of me when he was sick? Maybe he was afraid I would surpass him. My mom told me that Blue Sky’s mother had entrusted her with asking me to persuade Blue Sky to return to school. This illness wasn’t particularly difficult to treat, but it would require my cooperation. That night, I couldn’t sleep.
The next day, I asked the teacher for leave during evening self-study and went to visit Blue Sky. As I approached his building, my steps grew heavier. We rarely communicated, yet here I was, about to visit his home. What should I say? As I hesitated, Blue Sky’s mother happened to return from work. She burst into tears upon seeing me, grabbed my hand, and pulled me towards their home. “Good child, you’re finally here. I have no other choice. Please help me persuade Blue Sky to return to school. His father and I are at our wit’s end. The college entrance exams are coming, and Blue Sky is the hope of our family. I’ve noticed that he’s always been fond of you. Please help Auntie, will you?” I nodded, thinking that his mother had no idea we were rivals, not friends.
Blue Sky’s face was haggard, his usual handsome appearance replaced by a scruffy look. He was very surprised to see me, clearly distancing himself. I felt both angry and amused. “Shall we go out and talk?” I asked. “No, I have nothing to say.” His mother became anxious upon hearing this and kicked open the door to his room, loudly scolding him. “Tell me, what’s with all these portraits in your room?” I looked up and saw that the walls of his room were covered with various drawings of me—standing, sitting, lost in thought, laughing…
The portraits were very lifelike, and in the center was a drawing of the two of us, holding hands, watching the sea. I was stunned, and by then, he was already tightly holding my hand, his palm damp with sweat.
The next day, we returned to school together.
During the college entrance exams, I performed poorly under pressure and got into a technical college, while Blue Sky was admitted to a prestigious university of science and engineering.
Later, for various reasons, we lost touch, and the portraits I had taken home were burned to ashes.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
