MIKI
Pulling on my blazer that I've thrifted at a nearby store weeks ago, the beautiful satin material fitted perfectly and was comfortable on my skin, pairing along with a black formal pants. Those blazers that we saw at the shopping mall were too expensive, I managed to convince my mother to get something affordable since I'll hardly wear it anyways. We still had to pay for our housing, insurance and father's debt. There's just so little we can afford...I should be contented!
I smiled at the mirror, taking a deep breath before letting reality sink into me.
It's happening, Miki. Today is the day you shine.
My mother interrupted my thoughts as she entered the bedroom, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She eyed at me confidently from head to toe, adjusting my blazer properly.
"Oh, look at you all grown up...I'm sure you'll do well my lucky star!"
Her words created a lump in my throat, a tear threatening to fall. I touched my forehead gently with hers and closing our eyes, I breathed out a whisper. "Always, with you here."
-
While walking our way to the interview hall, Erika squeezed my hands tightly while giving me a gentle pat on my back as encouragement. She wore a navy blue blouse and black pants, a dark red lipstick fitting her confident aura. "You can do this, we'll conquer it!"
I smiled and squeezed her tightly in my arms. "We will!"
We parted at the corridor leading towards the different lecture rooms where the interviews will be taking place. Looking at Erika's straighten posture as she walked to her designated location, I can't help but feel envious of how easy it is for her - she always seem like she had it all in place.
Seated with a bunch of potential students from my interview group, it made me feel small. They were clearing their throats, trying to articulate themselves better. Some were even chatting idly, relaxing while waiting for the time to pass.
I clenched my fists together, feeling my body shaking from the nervousness. My throat was turning dry after rehearsing countless times in front of my mirror, a slight cough protruded. The throbbing around my ears wouldn't stop and I could feel my heart accelerating by the second.
The air-conditioner around the waiting area wasn't helping, I could hear my haphazard breathing more than the strong wind that was blowing in my direction.
My anxiety's acting up again...why am I always like this?
Clasping my hands together and burying my face into it, I tried to think of anything other than the interview. But I could feel my head spinning, I was going to be sick.
Suddenly, I could feel a rush of coldness on my left cheek. I opened my eyes abruptly at a figure who placed a bottle of mineral water on my skin, our faces so near to one another. "You look like you need something to drink...you okay?"
I held my breath when I saw his face. A man.
And then I screamed.
I acted before I could process the thoughts in my head, slapping him hard in the face.
The bottle of mineral water fell from his hands and landed on the ground, with a packet of lemonade candies that were sealed tightly. The sound was loud in the quiet atmosphere where everyone was preparing seriously before the interview, glances and disapproving looks were shot towards me.
I felt my shoulders tensed again. It reminded me of that day, just like-
He erupted into a laughter. "Is this how you greet a person when you meet them for the first time?"
I was surprised he didn't yelled at me and called me insane. Instead, he brushed off the dust from his leather shoes and walked towards me - getting up from the floor.
While he handed over the items on his hands, I could see his facial features more clearly. He had long delicate fingers like a pianist, his skin was as white as the shivering snow. His hair was a chestnut brown, reflecting beautifully with his hazel eyes that were sparkling under the light.
Was he also one of the students?
I grabbed hold of them numbly in my hands, not knowing what to say or do. But I can finally feel the tension in my body being released and the eyes of others are not concentrating on me but on themselves.
I shifted myself further away from him, I was still scared of a man's demeanor.
"Don't worry, I'll keep a distance. J-Just have some of those sweets, it'll help." He was afraid of spooking me again, speaking carefully and I felt bad that he was taking such a cautious act around me.
Opening up the packet of lemonade candies, I chewed them slowly in my mouth. The burst of sourness and sweetness were delightfully bringing some calmness for me, which I was grateful for.
"Take in deep breaths. Follow my pace, 1..2..3..." He instructed me to take simple steps to calm myself down before the interview that starts in 20 minutes. I closed my eyes and find the balance in my breathing and my body again.
I could hear that small whisper before I allowed light to enter my eyes again.
"Good luck."
And he disappeared from my sight.
Allowing the earlier events to slip through, I focused my mind on the interview on hand - reading through all the relevant materials while taking every minute as a precious time to get myself mentally ready for what's coming. At least I've tried all the best I can!
The doors to the rooms were opened and the lady was calling names one by one to enter, I stood up and paced my breathing just like how I remembered to. I brought my feet forward, steading myself while entering.
It's now or never!