Best friends, you said that we were. But now I don't want that title anymore. It's not your fault. It never was...

First encounter? Seat mates. We were ten then. You're some kind of childish/ gayish feel to me and I really hated such people. You told me some time later about what was your first impression of me when we were closer - a total serious b!tch, sassy, annoying and overbearing. I laughed at it. That was the mask I've put on daily to prevent anyone from thinking that I'm a pushover. 

Eleven, midterms. That was the first time I've ever failed any of my tests. It was math, my favourite subject. It was absolutely devastating. Being an Asian kid, we've been driven to be the top of everything. We were in the best class and the word 'fail' was never in our dictionaries-or at least in mine. Voices of classmates leaving, I've heard "I've gotten only 80%", "Heol, I've only gotten a B grade", and I'm there, still rooted to my seat staring at the red inked 45 on my paper. I was a strong girl, at least what I've wanted people to see. I couldn't even shed a tear for periods of lessons until the emptiness of the classroom engulfed me. From a top Ace student who scored above 90% for everything without much effort to a 45% failure, I felt like dying. The disgrace brought to my family... The empty classroom after everyone left, it's being clearly carved deep in my heart up till now. I was really thankful that I wasn't bawling like a newborn baby when you entered the classroom, to retrieve your file you've forgotten under your table. You heard me sniffle and sat at the seat before me. I was tearing up, buried my face in my own table, without even noticing you. I really didn't know how long we've been in that position for, it was already 4.15pm when I finally lift my head up, to come face-to-face with you giving me a reassuring  smile. "You've