A noisy fully packed cafeteria, cheerful chatter all around, this was the usual evening and seeming that it was a weekend, Ari and Mun often met after work to welcome the bright evening.
"Who would have thought...!?"
"What?" Mun asked, following Ari's gaze. "What are we looking at?"
"I can't believe it!" Ari exclaimed. "It's him!"
"Him who?"
"Remember a couple of years ago I told you I met some random guy in collage who seemed lost and was all cute and stuff?"
"Marshmallow head?"
"Yes! Wait... You remember that nickname?"
"We both stalked him for weeks before he threw that ugly white hat away. How could not remember him and how you made me your accomplice?"
"Right... Anyway, look over there by the fast food lane. Isn't that him?" Ari pointed out, Mun following his gaze. "The tall guy in the white shirt, if you can see him..."
"It's him alright. Don't tell me after eight years you're still hung up on an old crush."
"Of course not! I-I just saw someone I didn't think I'd meet again." Turning to look back at Mun, Ari added defiantly, "Besides, he deferred in his first year. And he wasn't gay either."
"Right..." Mun agreed but wasn't convinced by his friends response. He monitored Ari for a while, tempted to look at the familiar stranger and thought back to the old memories of how his friend had obsessed over that fresher. 'He hasn't changed much I'd say, but he sure grew muscles and taller. His physic may not be Ari's type but it's clear he still has some sentimental feelings lingering.'
Thankfully, Ari had his back facing where the guy was standing so he didn't notice him looking around for an empty seat. Just then Moon stood up and pulled an empty chair to their table, then began gesturing at the familiar stranger to approach their table. He seemed lost at first but after Mun's obvious attempts to grab his attention, he began walking towards where they sat.
"What the heck do you think you are doing Mun?" Ari asked almost gritting his teeth.
"I want to confirm something."
"What could you possibly want to do with someone we haven't seen in years?"
"Obviously to establish if you are still holding that century old crush." Mun teased then sat and gestured for the man to take the empty seat once he'd reached their table.
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" He asked politely, on his hands a tray of items he'd just ordered.
Ari looked up at him, revealing a rather flushed face then let out a nervous laugh before replying. "You look tall now that I see you up-close. Rey, is it not?"
"Have we met before?"
"I'm gay... I mean Rey... Ari... I meant Ari is my name..."
A long uncomfortable silence followed after between the three as Mun did his best to avoid bursting into laughter. After a few silent awkward seconds, the familiar stranger turned to leave without a word while Ari buried his face in is palms, cursing under his breath.
"What the hell was that dude?" Mun whispered in between his laughter. "That was humiliating!"
"Why would you call him to our table you dumbass?"
"I knew you'd embarrass yourself but not to this extent!"
Burying his face further, Ari wished for the world to split up and swallow him in an instant. "Darn it! Now he thinks I'm a total looser."
"You got that right!" Mun guffawed, unable to hold back any longer. "Luckily, you won't have to meet him ever again so thank your lucky stars."