Chapter 10 — Pride And Scholarship

On Tuesday afternoon, during class activities, the homeroom teacher announced the establishment of the school's academic club, preparing for the upcoming inter-school knowledge Olympiad. This is an important event, attracting the attention of the entire school, with the team list selected based on the best academic achievements.

“Based on the results of the recent survey exam,” the teacher said, “the two students with the highest scores in the grade will be given priority to join the school team — Nguyen Hoai An and Le Bao Tran.”

The whole class was excited by this information, many curious eyes turned towards the two people, predicting a fierce competition about to take place. Hoai An and Bao Tran looked at each other for a brief moment, both of their eyes clearly showing complexity - both opponents and forced to become teammates on the same team.

After class, when Diem Quynh and a group of friends gathered to discuss the fact that the "scholarship student" now dared to compete with Bao Tran on the academic team, a small war of words broke out right in the middle of the school yard.

"I don't think a person like him who has to work part-time and doesn't have time to focus on studying is worthy of representing our school," Diem Quynh said, deliberately speaking loudly so that Hoai An, standing nearby, could hear.

Minh Khoi, standing next to Hoai An, could not contain his anger at those disparaging words. "Sorry," he said, walking to face Diem Quynh, his voice loud enough for those around him to hear clearly, "I don't think working part-time makes a person less worthy. On the contrary, I see it as a testament to extraordinary efforts, worthy of much more respect than those who only rely on the family's available conditions."

The surrounding space suddenly became silent, all eyes focused on Minh Khoi. Unexpectedly, the normally calm student who rarely participated in arguments would suddenly speak up so harshly.

“Are you defending it so fiercely,” Diem Quynh said, her voice somewhat sarcastic, “or do you like it already?”

That question made the atmosphere even more tense. Minh Khoi paused for a second, his face turned red, but he quickly regained composure. “I'm just stating the truth,” he replied, “Hoai An deserves a position in the team with his own strength, there is no need to discuss further.”

Although he tried to keep his answer neutral, Minh Khoi's steadfast eyes and fierce protection for Hoai An were enough for everyone around him, including Bao Tran who was watching from afar, to clearly realize the special feelings he had for that scholarship girl.

Bao Tran stood still, feeling as if an invisible needle was piercing straight into her chest. She looked at the scene of Minh Khoi protecting Hoai An in front of the crowd, and a strong feeling of jealousy welled up, stronger than anything she had ever experienced before, causing her to admit to herself for the first time - she also had feelings for Minh Khoi, whom her mother had always secretly hoped would become an important part of the family's future.

"Let's go," Bao Tran said, her voice cold, pulling Diem Quynh's hand away from the crowd, trying to hide the hurt rolling inside with a familiar proud expression, even though in her heart she clearly understood the hidden war between her and Hoai An. Now there was a new layer of meaning, much more complicated and painful than she had ever imagined.

As for Hoai An, after Diem Quynh and her group of friends left, she stood silently, feeling both touched and worried by Minh Khoi's public defense. “You don't have to do that,” she said, her voice somewhat confused, “I can take care of myself.”

"I know you can take care of yourself," Minh Khoi replied, his eyes still a little annoyed, "but I can't stand by and watch people insult you so unreasonably. It's not something I can ignore."

Hoai An looked at him, clearly feeling the sincerity in every word, but also couldn't help but worry about the meaningful question that Diem Quynh had just asked. “Aren't you afraid people will misunderstand you?” she asked, her voice quiet.

Minh Khoi was silent for a moment, his face flashed with an unpredictable expression before responding, his voice slow but steady. “Maybe they won't misunderstand,” he said, his eyes looking straight at her with a rare sincerity, “I really care about you, Hoai An, more than just friendship.”

That unexpected confession made Hoai An stunned, her heart pounded in a completely different rhythm. She never thought she would receive a confession, especially under such stressful circumstances.

"I..." Hoai An stammered, not knowing how to react to this unexpected frankness, "I need time to think, Khoi. Right now, I have too many things to worry about, both study and family."

"I understand," Minh Khoi nodded, although there was still a hint of disappointment in his eyes, "I don't want to put any more pressure on you. I just want you to know my true feelings, so you can rest assured that, no matter what happens, I will always be here to support you."

Hoai An nodded, touched by Minh Khoi's understanding and patience. “Thank you,” she said, her voice softening, “for respecting my decision, and for being there to support me all this time.”

They both stood there for a moment longer in comfortable silence, not needing any more words to fill the space between them. Hoai An looked at Minh Khoi, a complicated emotion arose in her heart - she also felt a certain vibration at his sincerity and kindness, but the current situation made her dare not allow herself to fully open up to any emotional relationship, when the burden of study and family was still weighing heavily on her shoulders.

On the way home, Hoai An kept thinking about Minh Khoi's unexpected confession, along with Bao Tran's hurt eyes that she accidentally caught before she left. She understands that, even if not intentionally, this situation may make the already tense relationship between her and Bao Tran much more complicated, especially when they both now have to train together for the upcoming Olympic team.

“Things will get even more complicated,” she muttered to herself, sighed, walking in the golden sunset along the familiar road, carrying in her heart a complicated mixture of the small joy of being sincerely loved, and the worry about the new storms that were gradually forming ahead.

That night, when Hoai An told Thao Nhi the whole incident over the phone, her best friend's voice was filled with excitement. mixed with worry. "Oh my god, Minh Khoi has already confessed his love to you? So what are you going to do?"

"I don't know," Hoai An replied, her voice still shaky, "I think he's really good, but I'm afraid if I accept, things with Bao Tran will become even more tense. Besides, I'm not ready for a relationship right now, when there are so many things to worry about."

"I understand," Thao Nhi said, her voice becoming more serious, "but don't refuse sincere feelings because of fear or pressure from others. You deserve to be happy, Hoai An, no less than anyone else."

Those words made Hoai An thoughtful. She looked out the small window, the late moonlight shining down on the familiar alley, wondering if she was being too cautious, too afraid of possible risks, to the point of depriving herself of the opportunity to be loved and happy.

“I will think more,” she replied, her voice softer, “thank you for always listening and encouraging me, Thao Nhi.”

"Friends," Thao Nhi smiled, "are always ready to listen to your stories. I just hope you find true happiness, no matter which path it takes."

Hanging up the phone, Hoai An sat alone, opened the notebook, and wrote a new line of thoughts: "Sometimes, accepting to open your heart requires as much courage as being resilient in facing difficulties. Perhaps, I need to learn how to give myself the opportunity to be happy, instead of just worrying about risks that have not yet happened." She closed the notebook, turned off the light and went to bed, carrying in her heart many new thoughts about love, about the future, and about the complicated relationship that was gradually forming with Bao Tran on the upcoming Olympic team - a journey that she knew would force them both to learn to face each other at a closer distance than ever before, whether they wanted to or not.