National Exams

It was finally August, the eve of the national exams. Kim was having a bad case of jitters. She had studied and studied and even revised but she can't help but feel anxious. Her life was dependent on the success of this exam. If the result is excellent, she can attend a good school with full scholarship, however, if it isn't high enough, she can only get admitted without the scholarship.

"Calm down, I'm sure you'll do well." Carl sighed. She has been walking to and fro, trying to revise, he knows she's worried but still.

"It's not guaranteed. What if I get things mixed up? What if my score is not high enough and I don't get the scholarship?" She questioned with a frown on her face.

"It doesn't matter if you don't get it, I can always pay the fees. If you're that worried, let me help you." He picked up a book containing past questions.

She smiled, at least, there was someone who wanted to help but quickly refuted. "It's not your responsibility besides I want to do it myself."

Carl couldn't help but roll his eyes. Yes, it's important to be independent but sometimes you can rely on someone too- "And you say you're my sister? If I don't take responsibility for you, who will?"

Without much thought, she replied "My husband of course!"

'And what if I'm your husband?' He questioned inwardly. "Let me quiz you, you can worry about the scholarship after you get the results tomorrow."

"Ok." She said, finally relaxing.

With that, he started flipping the book, asking her questions at random and correcting her when she erred.

The reason for her anxiety is that the national exams lasted for 3 hours and it was a Computer Based Test (CBT). She had to choose from multiple options, this could be confusing. She was much more comfortable with essay, you only needed to put down what you've read. Whereas, multiple choice questions are complex. The only good thing about the CBT was that you get your result instantly.

A few hours later, he put down the book. They were both exhausted, but Kim wanted to continue. "That's enough for today. It's late, go to bed."

She yawned- "But I..."

Before she could conclude, he interrupted her- "No more, sleep. Your brain needs to rest, I'm sure you're aware."

"Fine! Let's go to bed."

He looked at her thinking 'are you aware of what you're saying?'

As if reading his thoughts, "You're exhausted from work and you even helped me study, the chair isn't comfortable too.."

He kept staring at her with the same "are-you-okay" expression.

"What? Aren't we siblings, siblings can share a bed. What are you worried about?" She smirked. He wasn't sure why she had that look on her face, if she was trying to convince him to sleep on the same bed, she shouldn't be smirking. It was like she had an evil plan.

She rose to her feet, walking towards the bedroom. He was still in his place, lost in thought.

"Aren't you coming?"

He didn't respond. He was still trying to convince himself that she had an exam the next day, she couldn't possibly be planning something. Though, he wasn't adverse to it, he didn't want things to get awkward.

He was brought back to earth when she pulled him up, he almost stumbled. He rubbed his forehead. "Kim..."

"If I repeat myself, we'll continue sleeping together." She couldn't help but blush at her own statement even though she was joking.

'I don't think I mind..' he gave a mirthless laugh.

She wasn't sure why he laughed except she liked the sound of his laughter. It was music to her ears.

~~~

The next morning Carl woke up to the sound of the alarm. He quickly put it off not to rouse Kim who was in his arms, again.

'I could get used to this.' He smiled as he caressed her a little before going into the shower. He went into the kitchen area to prepare a little breakfast. Nothing heavy, just toasted bread and jam with a glass of juice for her.

When he returned to the room, she was in the shower. So he packed up his things. It was still early, he wanted to send her off to the exam venue.

After breakfast, they headed to the venue, her exams was scheduled for 8am. Unlike last night, she was brimming with energy and confidence.

"I see you're no longer worried." He said to her.

"I can always marry you if I fail." She replied, running off.

He wanted to wish her success, but she left him with words that made him elated and scared at the same time. With that, he turned around, leaving the venue.