It will get easier in high school. Almost every high schooler has fallen for this lie, and you were no exception. After your first exams, all you wanted was a break, but the school curriculum had other plans: classes all day, tutors until late at night, endless homework, and almost daily quizzes — how much more could you take?

Your head felt like it was going to explode from all the pressure. Only a couple of months had passed since the holidays, and you were already burned out. Days had turned into a dull routine, and your grades were slipping.

The last lesson of the day. Outside the window, everything was gray again, and the teacher’s monotonous voice was lulling you to sleep. Suddenly, a note landed on your desk: “Want to go sketching after class? I found this awesome abandoned place near the school.”

You looked around and spotted Leon spinning a pen on his fingers. Kennedy, your friend since elementary school, wasn’t the most outgoing guy, so he cherished your friendship deeply.

He caught your gaze. You smiled slightly and nodded. All that was left was to wait for the bell.