"Sorry everyone, there was a traffic jam on the way, so I'm going to drink three glasses of wine as an apology," Lina announced, proceeding swiftly to the drink table, lifting a glass, and beginning to drink.
Everyone quickly gathered around her; some wanted to be close to her, some to talk about her last four years abroad, and other hoped to get her contact details.
Lina was surrounded by a multitude of people, which was slightly overwhelming, but she remained amiably smiling from beginning to end, greeting each classmate warmly.
Erwin, meanwhile, was sitting in another chair, drinking water, silently observing the scene. Daniel who stood next to him, grew anxious watching Andrew try to approach Lina, but Erwin still made no move, and that was more than Daniel could bear to just watch.
"Erwin, you should greet Lina too; after all, you had close relationship with her previously it's possible things could return to how they one were."
"That's no longer possible. My reason for coming today was to see how Lina was doing. Now I'm relieved, having seen this," replied Erwin with a slight smile, indicating his intention was only to see Lina after four years apart, especially since he was now engaged and thus couldn't pursue anything with Lina.
"Let's leave! We should head back." Erwin gestured to depart upon seeing Lina enjoying herself, but Daniel became even more anxious.
"No, you haven't even said a word to her; at least ask for her contact!" Daniel urged Erwin, believing that from his perspective, Lina was the ideal partner for Erwin.
Erwin didn't reply but stood, ready to leave, when at that moment, Lina took the initiative to approach.
Erwin, it's been so long," Lina said with a kind and gentle smile, her beauty still captivating.
"It's been a while. How has your life been these past four years abroad?" Erwin pondered momentarily before asking what he most wanted to know.
"Not bad, how about you? I've heard from friends that you've been driving a Ferrari and bought a Rolls Royce; seems like you're doing very well," Lina observed.
"It's been alright, I'm glad you're living happily. I'll be on my way, then." Erwin expressed his intent to leave, fearing the longer he stayed with Lina, the harder it would be to leave.
"Erwin," Lina suddenly reached out to him, inquired with slightly anticipation," are you still mad at me?"
Four years ago, Lina had chosen to study abroad without a proper farewell, and while Erwin was somewhat displeased, they weren't romantically involved then, so there was no lingering anger.
"You're overthinking it, I'm just a bit tired and want to rest." Erwin found an excuse to leave, but Lina continued to clutch at his sleeve.
"The first person I wanted to see upon my return was you. It happens that you're single again, so we should start anew."
Lina's words stunned the other into silence, her statement sounding like implicit confession of her feelings for Erwin.
Andrew face changed entirely seeing this; Lina was woman he admired, and those feelings had persisted for years. The other male friends looked on with a mix of envy and resentment towards Erwin.