In the cafeteria
After buying lunch for both of them, Luwei and Jinjing were seated at a table for two. Luwei observed Jinjing carefully, who had eyes only for the lunch. She was even more beautiful now, concluded Luwei.
Breaking the silence Luwei asked "so you always planned to pursue your post grads abroad?"
Jinjing monotonously replied "hmmm"
Scratching his head for topics to continue the conversation, Luwei confessed "I missed you a lot these past years" a dumbstruck Jinjing, stopped eating for a bit. Putting her fork down she looked up at him. Inhaling deeply, she decided to address the elephant in the room.
"Luwei…" pausing to rephrase her words to reduce their impact, Jinjing continued "you are a good person, I can even consider you as a friend but… nothing more than that."
Having voiced her thoughts clearly, Jinjing noticed that, the expression on Luwei's did not change even the least bit. He still had a smile on his face.
"I am happy that you take me as a friend, that's progress."
Taking his time, Luwei put across his opinion.
"But to me, you are more than that. I don't want to pressure you into anything right now. But, you cannot stop me from liking you. I am going to work hard to promote myself in your life. You have all the right to reject me, likewise I have the right to keep trying."
Saying so, he left from the cafeteria, leaving a bewildered Jinjing behind. Listening to Luwei, Jinjing did not have the appetite for anything anymore. She put her tray back in place and left for the dorm.
----
Stubborn Luwei, did not give up even for a day for the entire course duration. Somedays he would get breakfast for her, other times gift her or simply get her a rose. But not a single day passed where he did not express his love for her.
Jinjing had long gotten used to his persistent ways. There was a time when, she even thought of giving Luwei a chance, yet she could not think of him romantically. But one thing she was sure of, was that, Luwei was a person with a golden heart and he had indeed promoted himself in her life. Now he was not just a friend but her best friend.
It was almost towards the end of their course, Jinjing and Luwei were as usual hanging out together. Yet again Luwei gifted her an expensive watch. Looking at the watch, Jinjing smiled and decided to explain her feelings to Luwei.
"Luwei, you are my best friend. My first guy best friend and I don't want to lose my bestie again."
She hugged him and pecked him on his cheek. A gesture of pure friendship and it was nothing new between them.
Sighing dejectedly, Luwei poured his heart out "actually Jinjing…. I accepted that long back, but I did not want things between us to change. I am happy to be your best friend for life. I promise to always be there for you. Whenever you face difficulties or want to share your feelings or even bitch about anyone…" Luwei chuckled earning a playful punch from Jinjing.
He did not leave it there "but you cannot reject my gifts okay? I'll be there for you…." He sang the theme song of FRIENDS and forced the watch into her hands. Hugging her shoulder, the two continued enjoying themselves.