a Love Story ⑺ "Is math homework hard today?" staring at Ruby's empty math paper, Marinne whispered in a quizzical tone, "I thought you'd finish at least half of it." "Er, sometimes, you know, I just don't have the right mood." "Oh, period?" "No, not really." Feeling embarrased, Ruby curtailed the conversation abruptly, "just do your work if you want to finish it today." Then, she stole a glance at the boy sitting across. Such a subtle movement, that almost no one would notice, yet Marinne did. When Ruby had long resumed her work, Marinne was still in meditation on her previous supposition. And then, to her dismay, the possibility of Ruby having a crush on the boy overweighed that she did not. No matter how hard she tried to discard the idea, it just kept hovering in her head. "What's in your mind? You have not written even a single word on your paper." Ruby asked, startled when she peeked at her side. "Nothing...never mind." Marinne mumbled, fighting back tears brimming in her eyes. "Why are you crying?" Ruby's tone sounded that she was taken aback. "It's nothing. It's just...the math questions are too hard that I'm despair at the sight of them." "You need my help?" "Yeah, can you lend me your paper to see?" "Sure. Next time just tell me." Ruby handed her paper. "Are you sure you're ok?" "Yeah, really. Don't worry about it." Marinne replied with her flawless, affected smile. "Alright." Seeming half convinced, Ruby went back to her work. Why did't you notice? Weren't you that perspicatious? Didn't you peek into my heart when I was reading your novel? Fine. Maybe it's time to give it up. So many insurmountable difficulties, and so many fantasies. Marinne thought, biting her lips. But how could she?