The minutes passed, the three studied in silence, interrupted only occasionally by the sound of the wall clock.
Some other students walked past them but tried not to make noise so as not to distract them.
Noemí squinted her eyes upon seeing an equation she didn't understand; she didn't know the procedure to solve it.
Dan noticed this when he looked up.
—Noemi, do you need he-...
—Do you need help?—Jack asked first.
Noemí looked at him in surprise but then nodded shyly.
—Yes... Sorry, it's just that I don't understand this problem—She pointed to the problem with her index finger.
Jack moved closer to her and began to explain it calmly and clearly. Dan watched them for a few seconds and then returned his focus to his notebook.
Noemí understood how to solve the problem thanks to Jack's help, and she smiled at him gratefully.
—Thank you very much.
—It's nothing.
Dan put his pen down on his notebook and stretched his arms upwards with a sound of satisfaction.
—That feels good...—He lowered his arms again—How about we take a break?
—Sounds good to me—Said Jack, also putting his things on the table.
Noemí nodded her head.
—Me too.
Dan stood up from his seat.
—I'm going to buy a drink, do you guys want one?
Jack shook his head.
—No, I'm fine like this.
—I... An orange drink, please...
—Of course, Noemí, I'll be right back—He walked away from the table, leaving the library, leaving Noemí and Jack alone.
He turned his head to look at Noemí.
—Was the explanation clear?
—Ah, yes, I learned it very easily thanks to you.
—Good. Noemí... Can I ask you something?
She looked at him with confusion and curiosity.
—Of course, what do you want to ask me?
—How long have you known Dan?
She was surprised by the question but took it calmly.
—Dan? Well, actually not for very long.
—And what is your relationship? Are you friends?
—Yes, you could say we are friends, why do you ask?
Jack shrugged his shoulders.
—Just curiosity. It looks like you get along really well.
—He is a kind, funny and positive guy, it's good to have a friend like that—A small smile appeared on her lips.
—I see—He looked around the library—Shall we keep studying while we wait for Dan?
—But wasn't this our break?
—Yes, but it's better to keep learning and make the most of our limited time.
—I guess you're right, then yes, let's keep studying.
Jack moved a little closer to Noemí's side.
—Good, then I'll teach you this formula—He leaned in to be closer to her.
Noemí didn't notice because she was too focused on his explanation. After a few minutes, Dan returned with two drinks, one in each hand.
Looking ahead, he stopped short when he saw them so close together. His face showed no expression but... Something inside him, a feeling he had never felt before began to form in his chest, causing his hands to tighten a little harder around the drinks.
Dan walked quickly to the table.
—Hello again—He approached Noemí and placed her drink on the table—Here you go, your drink Noemí.
She turned to him with a smile.
—Thanks, Dan, you're so kind—Jack's explanation was forgotten for a few seconds.
—You're welcome—Dan's gaze lowered to Noemí's notebook—Oh, are you practicing this topic? I know a faster way to do it.
—Really?—Asked Noemí.
—Of course, do you want me to teach it to you?
—Sure, that would help me a lot.
—Then I'll teach you!—Dan pulled his chair next to Noemí's to start explaining.
Jack noticed how his explanation had been forgotten as soon as Dan appeared, but he said nothing and simply returned to his notebook to solve his own equations.
—Oh, now I understand, you're really good at this, Dan—Said Noemí in amazement.
—Yeah, this topic is one of my favorites.
The hours went by and the three studied together until finally the study day ended and they stood up to go home.
—See you later, Noemí—Said Dan as he waved his hand to say goodbye.
She nodded and left. On the way, Dan kept remembering that strange sensation that made his stomach ache.
Upon arriving home, he lay on his bed and relaxed after this strange day and strange feeling.
After that day, a week went by where the guys were able to study together three times.
The day arrived and the three of them were waiting for the school bus that would take them.
The driver opened the door, the tutor accompanying the boys got on, and they entered the bus.
Alright, these will be your seats—Said the tutor—Jack in seat F5, Noemí in F3 and Dan in F4.
Dan was surprised, as that meant he would spend the entire ride there and back next to Noemí.
She was also slightly surprised but then took it calmly.
—Alright then, let's go—Said the tutor.