Kiel POV
I could hardly understand what she was saying because I was too engrossed in her face. But this trance was broken when she suddenly excused herself and left. Bro, what happened to our bet? I thought you were going to court to Yana," Megy said.
Forget about the bet of pursuing her because I like her, not because it's a challenge from you.
l lay down on my bed and stared at the ceiling of my condo, but Yana's face was still the one I could see. I couldn't help but smile, as I wanted her to be my girlfriend. I searched for Butch on Facebook and added him as a friend.
I also remembered that she had another friend, a psychology student named Mitch. However, I don't know her facebook account because I'm not familiar with her last name.
I saw myself driving towards her condo, as I knew the address from Tristan, Butch's cousin.
Their condo was within walking distance from our university, making it easy to find. "Sir, the room you are looking for is on the 3rd floor, Room 15," said the security guard.
"If you are a visitor, kindly fill out a form and please leave your i.d behindl," he added.I fill out the visitors form and I left my ID with the security guard then went up to the unit to find Yana's location.I will gather courage first before knocking on the door."
I knocked on the door three times. After a while, a fair-skinned and Chinese-looking woman came out. This must be Mitch. I haven't seen her up close before, only from a distance on campus.
Hello, I'm actually Kiel, Yana's classmate in Arch7. Is she there? I asked the woman at the door.
I already know you, come in. I'll just call her. She's just in her room.
I looked around my surroundings. It was small but clean and colorful. No wonder women lived here.Yana finally came out after five minutes. "Hi Kiel, you came," she immediately asked. I was so stunned when I saw her . She was wearing a spaghetti strap top and shorts. The shorts weren't too short, but they accentuated her figure perfectly. In school, she usually wore pants and a T-shirt, so her body curves were somewhat hidden. But now, I was amazed'
.Hmm"I just wanted to add something to the expected outcomes in the research question you provided. I also have objectives and potential sample results.
I showed her the hard copy I was holding, and she agreed.
"Perfect, that's what I needed. Thank you for the idea," she replied with a laughing response.
"I would actually like to help you with the final output of the research, if it's okay with you. It's Saturday tomorrow and we don't have classes, so staying up late should be fine," I said with a smile
Is it okay with you? You paid me for this project, so if you will help me, maybe you'll deduct your payment to me. Yana asked in a joking manner.
I won't deduct it, I just don't have anything else to do, and I also want to get to know you.my Serious and sincere response to her. Yana's cheeks immediately turned red, and she looked down. "Okay, if that's what you want, it's up to you," she replied. "I'll prepare a cup of coffee for you." She stood up and walked towards the kitchen.
After several hours of exchanging ideas and conducting research, we finally completed our project research. "Well, we finally finished," she said with a smile.
Yes, it's time for us to talk about other things, I said while looking at her.
Well, I just wanted to ask if you have a boyfriend or someone pursuing you at the moment, I started my question to her.
I don't have one. I've been busy with school, and my mother is the only one supporting my education. There were some attempts before, but they eventually stopped. It seems like being with me didn't make them happy, so they got bored, she replied.How did you say that? You're such an intelligent person. You make me happy when I'm with you. Even just now, you made me happy. And most importantly, you're beautiful inside and out. I said it to her while looking straight into her eyes. She also locked her gaze with mine. I think you're being too cheesy. Anyway, I also want to know about you. The question you asked earlier, that's what I'm going to ask you now. She returned the question.I've had relationships before, both in London and here in US, but they didn't last. Maybe it was because I was young back then, or perhaps I hadn't met the woman who would truly capture my heart yet. I said that to her while still looking into her eyes.
Our conversation and laughter lasted for two hours. I realized that the serious Yana I see in school can actually be easily amused.
She has a playful side and can be quite talkative. I was extremely happy with this evening. I noticed her yawning and it was evident in her eyes that she was starting to feel tired.
In a few minutes, the roosters will start crowing, I said to her. "Yes, I think it's time for you and me to get some rest too," I said with a smile.I stood up and handed her a check worth 3000 dollars. "That's too much," she said, questioning. "Consider it as my tip because you made me happy tonight," I replied. Although hesitant at first, she eventually accepted it.
"Goodbye, Yana. See you soon," I said.
Yana POV
I gave Butch half of what Kiel gave me because he was also one of those who helped complete their research project. Butch hesitated at first, but I insisted and he eventually accepted it because I knew he needed it too."
While walking on campus, I bumped into Tristan. "Hi Yan, I heard you finished our research quickly. Thank you," he expressed his gratitude. "You're welcome, Tristan," I replied.
"Where are you headed?" he asked. "I'm going back to the dormitory. I finished my minor subject today," I answered. "Maybe you'd like to grab Starbucks first? I have finished my subject as well," he suggested. "No problem, let's go," I agreed.Tristan and I are okay, as far as I know. There are no hard feelings between us. Even though I didn't accept his romantic advances, he doesn't hold any grudges, so it's alright for me to join him as a friend.
While we were at the coffee shop, Tristan started sharing about his life. "I feel like I won't be able to graduate this school year, Yana," he said sadly.When Tristan opened up, sadness reflected in his eyes. "Sometimes, there are challenges that come into our lives that can hinder our plans. But don't lose hope. You can overcome this. If you need help or support, I'm here for you," I advised him.
No one else knows about this, not even Kiel and Butch. I only opened up to you. I hope we can keep it between us for now."Thank you for trusting me, and you can rely on me that I won't disclose this. Besides, it's still early in the year, and maybe we can still save that subject." I suggested to him
No, Yana. I failed three subjects last year. I was heartbroken back then, so I didn't attend my other minor subject that result to my back subject. He explained.
Tristan's story and Butch's story indicate that Tristan's parents are strict, so it's not surprising that he is genuinely worried.
Anyway , I would like to invite you and Butch to Megi's birthday tomorrow.Include your roommate as we, who is it again?Tristan mentioned
"Her name is Mitch.
I'm not sure, Tristan, as we never attend events like that together."Yeah, Butch mentioned it, but I'm just taking a chance. But let's give it a try, I promise there won't be any liquor. There will only be a few of us, and I assure you that you won't feel out of place.He assured you. Alright, I'll ask them and update you. Give me your number, and I'll text you if our plan pushes through.
Sure, but I'm really hoping that you'll come.
He's keeping his hopes up.
Hmm, I'll just update you.
After our conversation, we all went home to our respective dormitories.
Guys, Tristan invited us to a party on Saturday. I mentioned it to Mitch and Butch.
Yup, Tristan already told me about it. I'm okay with it. It's just a rare opportunity to relax my mind from the stress.. Butch responded.
What I love about this group is that we're not like that and the're not a bad influence. That's why I've become close to them because we share common values, like being homebodies and never been a party goer .
Yes, I feel like I really need to unwind too. This first month has been incredibly stressful. Perhaps it's not so bad to let loose once in a while. Besides, we're already in our third year and haven't had a party yet. Another thing is, Kiel will be there. He's the crush of one of you, mischievously said Mitch while glancing at me.
Sure, since you all want to, why not give it a try as well?
Yay! Party na 'to!" shouted Butch.
Kiel POV.
It has been a week since I had a chance to talk and have a conversation with Yana. Although we see each other at school, our interaction is limited to smiles and glances. We are currently at Megi's dorm, as it is his birthday. As usual, it's a joyful celebration with some drinking involved, and our other friends are also joining the festivities.
Even though I would like to invite her here, I don't think she's fond of these kinds of gatherings.
Guys, we have visitors coming. They're almost here!" shouted Tristan.
After a while, someone knocked on the door, and to my surprise, it was Yana along with her roommate entering.
I froze for a moment, and suddenly, my heartbeat accelerated. I stood up from my seat, and Megi quickly entertained the new arrivals. Marlon whispered to me, "Your stalker is here." I nudged Marlon, worried that someone might overhear him.
The night was filled with joy and teasing. "Hey Yana, Mitch, and Butch, have a drink even just one, it's my birthday after all," Megi said, playfully coaxing her three close friends.
At first, they hesitated, but eventually, they accepted the drinks. I noticed a sudden change in Yana's face as she struggled with the taste and tried to swallow the alcohol. I couldn't help but grin at what I witnessed.
I wanted to have a conversation with her, to talk and connect, but I couldn't find the opportunity. Her friends were always around her, and whenever they weren't, Tristan would strike up a conversation with her.
If I didn't know that Tristan already has a partner, I might have thought that he has still feelings for her.
He always seems to be looking at and sticking close to Yana.