The Epitome of Algedonic Love

25: UNDERDOG

'The term 'underdog' originated in sports, but it can be applied in various situations. Underdogs are usually seen as weaker, less powerful, and less skilled, and are expected to lose. However, they can still win by putting in extra effort and skills. '

Author's Note: As I am neither studying Engineering nor Mathematics, I am open to being corrected if any of my answers or deductions to the mathematical questions are incorrect.

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❆ CLÍODHNA EISDRACHEN POINT OF VIEW ❆

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7 A.M

I woke up at 5:12 AM earlier today but couldn't fall back to sleep after that.

A bed without Hera feels empty and uncomfortable, like a rock mattress that no matter how thick the blanket is, it's still cold. For the past 1 hour and 48 minutes since I've been awake, all I did was eat, tend to the farm animals, take a shower, stare into space, and count the minutes as they pass by. 

I don't feel excited at all, only anxious.

The start of the University Wizard is 8 A.M, in APU Arena. 

The University Wizard starts at 8 AM in the APU Arena. Hera told me that it's likely going to be packed with 7,000 local students, 2,000 foreign students, and 2,500 confirmed family spectators, not including the outsiders. Many business entities are also expected to attend the event, and it will be broadcasted across all APU branches because not all students can fit inside the arena.

"Autumn, I've been trying to talk to you for a while. Do you have a problem, baby?" Mommy suddenly asks me.

She's sitting on the passenger seat next to Daddy who's driving, while my siblings are sleeping in the back. They've been pulling all-nighters, while Hera and I talked on the phone until we fell asleep. The call lasted for 14 hours, and more than half of it was just us sleeping.

I watched her do a lot of paperwork, cracked a few jokes, and then watched her fall asleep. I didn't end the call because I wanted to see her face when I woke up. It's difficult when we don't live in the same house.

Maybe I should call Tita Ykaela and Tita Amalia. Should I build our own house and live separately? I could buy a house today if I wanted to, but I want to build a house that Hera and I design based on our needs, likes, and wants.

"I'm okay, Mom," I reassured her in a calm tone.

As we arrived at APU, Hera was already waiting for me in the parking lot. The area was conveniently covered, ensuring that she wouldn't be exposed to the harsh rays of the sun.

"Clio, I'm so sorry I didn't call you back after I finished showering. I had to rush over to the university to take care of some last-minute preparations for the mini events," Hera explained, her voice filled with sincerity as we made our way towards the bustling arena.

Countless students had their eyes fixed on us as we walked by. It was impossible to miss the fact that I was accompanying Hera, who held a prominent position and a formidable reputation within the school community. According to my mother, she was the reigning Miss APU, triumphing in the annual faculty pageant that captivated the entire university.

Hera and I never shied away from displaying our closeness. It was evident at first glance that there was something special between us. Her slender arm gracefully draped around mine, relying on me for support as we moved forward.