by Athea Ly
She remembers the day they first knew each other on a deeper level. They weren’t falling in love at first sight, nor were they friends before their relationship began. It all started when they competed against each other for third place in their class. In short, they began as intelligent adversaries.
As a half-mature teenager, she never thought much about anything beyond academics, with her world revolving around grades and praise. It wasn’t until she began to learn about his study methods that she realised she was also learning about him. That’s when she knew she had feelings for him. From enemies to friends to lovers, their journey felt like a dramatic high school romance straight out of a rom-com TV show. Only if people knew the reality didn’t quite match what they watched. Despite this, they managed to study together, improving their weaknesses and strengths with each other’s help. That was the lovely part. Setting aside the cons—unacceptable immature behaviours.
Their relationship was often questioned. People said they weren’t a match. Some even joked that she was just captivated by his intellect. The truth is, she didn’t know when or how she fell for him. All she could say was that her heart was sincere.
As days and years passed, they grew so much. After finishing high school, they began working for their own needs, no longer seeking academic validation. There was little time left for each other. Both were busy with work and family. They would occasionally check in on each other, giving the impression that they were ‘healthy’ together. In reality, she was struggling with exhaustion and mental unpreparedness, hoping he would understand, but she couldn’t offer the same in return. She expected more from him, and so did he from her. They both wanted the best for each other but couldn’t meet each other’s expectations.
It was then she realised they were better suited as friends rather than lovers. When they were friends, they were unbothered by trivial issues and shared the same goals. It was their shared academic pursuits that had brought them together. Perhaps they could have made it work, but they were not enough for themselves, each caught up in other commitments. It wasn’t easy.
Was it the right person at the wrong time? No, she would say it was the right moment for him to enter her life, as her journey was also shaped by him, after her parents and friends. Her personal growth came from the lessons learned throughout their relationship. She is grateful for what was beyond theirs—the way they both arrived at the very place they had envisioned, even if their paths had led them to drift apart.
Reflection by author:
The short story poignantly captures the journey of two people transitioning from rivals to friends and then lovers, only to realise they are better as friends. It effectively reflects on the evolving nature of relationships and personal growth. Its melancholic tone underscores the complexity of love and the impact of shared experiences. The story’s strength lies in its honest portrayal of how people can influence each other’s lives profoundly, even if their paths eventually diverge. In short, it’s a thoughtful exploration of what it means to grow with someone and find value in relationships beyond romantic ideals.
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