Math Olympiad day was getting close. Dan, Noemí and Jack were chosen once again to represent the school.
The principal gathered the three of them in his office to give them instructions. The kids were sitting in front of the principal's desk, and he was in his seat.
—As you know, next week are the Olympiads. The three of you will represent the school to show the academic level we have. That's why I've been thinking it would be a good idea for you to study together this week in your free time.
Noemí felt a bit nervous at the idea of studying with Dan and Jack.
—That's fine with me—said Jack.
—Yes, I don't have any problem studying together either—replied Dan.
—And you, Noemí? Do you agree that all three of you study together?
—N-no!... I don't have any problem—Her nervousness and shyness could be heard in her voice.
—Good, then it's decided. You can use the library.
All three nodded their heads and stood up from their chairs to go back to their classrooms. Dan returned to his classroom where his friends were already waiting for him.
—Wow, you sure took a long time. Did they scold you or something?—asked Josias as Dan walked over to the three of them.
—No, they didn't scold me—Dan sat down in his seat—They called me to tell me about the Olympiads, and I'll have to study with Noemí and Jack from time to time.
—Ohh—Jhonatan gave a mischievous smile—So that means you're going to study with Noemí...
Dan rolled his eyes.
—Yes, because they asked us to, but it works out for me because that way I can get to know her better and use that to win her over and win the bet.
—How cruel you are.
—Me, cruel? I remind you that you were the one who started this whole bet.
—Well, you're right about that, but it's just that...
—Is it that now you don't want her to get her hopes up and get hurt because of the bet?—said Brandon.
—Exactly.
Dan shrugged his shoulders.
—She's a good girl, she's shy but she's actually kind of fun, but I'm going to win this bet.
—And after that?—asked Josias.
—After that... I don't know, we'll see what the future holds.
Jhonatan clapped his hands softly three times.
—Well, changing the subject, the other boy who's going with you, who is he?
—Ah, his name is Jack and he got first place for the best grades last year. Back in middle school, I liked competing against him to see who had the better grades.
—And how many times did you beat him?—asked Brandon.
—None...—Dan answered with embarrassment.
—Ohh...
After classes ended, the students started leaving the school.
—Are you coming, Dan?—asked Brandon.
Jhonatan and Josias stood there waiting to hear Dan's answer.
—No, I'm staying to study with Noemí and Jack. Go on without me.
—Alright, see you tomorrow then—The three of them left the classroom.
Dan stood up from his seat and walked towards the school library. When he arrived, he saw Noemí sitting at a table, reading a book while waiting for them.
He sighed before walking up to her.
—Hello Noemí, have we been waiting long?—He sat down at the same table.
Noemí looked up when she heard his voice.
—N-no, I didn't arrive that long ago—She closed her book gently.
—I see. Do you want to start studying or should we wait for Jack?
—Let's wait for him so all three of us can start at the same time.
—That works for me. Then, would you like to talk while we wait for him?
—Yes, that's fine—She interlaced her fingers under the table—You... You've gone to the Olympiads before, right?
—Yes, last year. You have too, right? I remember seeing you there.
—Yes, actually, you lent me a pen once.
—Eh? Really?—He looked confused, he didn't remember that— I don't recall it.
—I had forgotten to bring one. You noticed and came over to lend me one—With her hands shaking a little, she opened her pink pencil case and took out a pen to hold it out to Dan—Here, it's the pen you lent me that time.
Dan was surprised. He took the pen gently. Even though a year had passed since then, the pen was just like when he lent it to her—new and undamaged.
—You didn't have to give it back—He turned it between his fingers as he looked at the pen.
—I don't like keeping things that were only lent to me. I didn't give it back to you before because I couldn't find it. I thought I had lost it, but it was just in my pencil case all along.
(Noemí was lying. She actually used it a few times, but every time she did, her cheeks would turn slightly red.)
—Well, thank you very much. I'll use it.
—Of course. I didn't use it after that day because I didn't want to return it to you when the ink was all gone.
Just then, a boy walked up to them.
—Sorry I'm late—He said in a serious voice. It was Jack, who sat down next to them at the table.
—Oh, Jack, good to see you again—said Dan.
—Yeah... Are you going to compete against me again?
—Maybe. Maybe this year I'll finally beat you.
—Good luck with that then.
—Umm, should we start studying?—asked Noemí shyly.
Both boys nodded and took out their books to begin studying.