The following day, Eva sat at her favorite corner table in the campus library, surrounded by textbooks and notes. The sun shone through the windows, illuminating a shiny light over her as she tried to focus on her Psychology assignment. But her mind kept drifting back to Dunsin and their unexpected kiss. Just then, her phone buzzed, shaking her from her thoughts.
It was a text from her best friend, Sade.
"Can we meet? I really need someone to talk to."
Eva quickly replied, agreeing to meet at their usual spot… a nearby hangout spot just off campus.
When she arrived, she found Sade sitting at a table with her head buried in her hands. Eva's heart sank at the sight. Sade was usually the life of the party, full of laughter and energy. Today, however, she looked defeated.
"Hey," Eva said softly as she sat on the chair across from her. "What's wrong?"
Sade looked up, her eyes filled with unshed tears.
"It's Theo. He dumped me last night." Her voice trembled. "He said it's not working out and that he needs space. I just… I don't understand what went wrong."
Eva reached across the table, taking Sade's hand.
"I'm so sorry, Sade. That really sucks, but you must understand that it's not your fault."
Sade shook her head in frustration.
"But I should have seen the signs. Maybe if I had been more attentive or less clingy…I don't know. I just feel like I messed everything up."
"You didn't mess anything up." Eva insisted, squeezing her friend's hand. "Relationships are complicated, and sometimes they just don't work out. You deserve someone who appreciates you for who you are, not someone who makes you feel like you're not enough."
"But what if I never find that person?"
She replied with her voice cracking, and she looked down at the table. Her confidence was shattered.
"You will!" Eva reassured her, trying to bring in some positivity into the moment. "You're amazing, and anyone would be lucky to have you. Just give it time. You'll heal, I promise."
Sade took a deep breath. She began softening up.
"Thanks, Eva. I really needed to hear that."
They spent the next hour talking, with Eva doing her best to lift her friend's spirits. They reminisced about their college adventures and made plans for a girls' night to take Sade's mind off things. As they left, Eva felt a sense of relief for her friend, but also a lingering worry about her own situation with Dunsin and her ex.
…
The following week, as Eva settled into her psychology class, she fell into her usual state of anxiety. She had been doing well academically, but the thought of running into her ex, Philian, made her stomach churn. He had been distant since their breakup, but she knew he was still around campus.
As the professor began the lecture, Eva focused on her notes, determined to push her worries aside. But just as she was getting comfortable, the door swung open, and Philian came in, wearing a cocky grin on his face.
"Sorry I'm late, Professor." he called out, drawing the attention of the entire room.
Eva's heart started beating fast as she tried to sink lower in her seat, hoping he wouldn't notice her. But of course, he did. His eyes caught hers, and the grin widened.
"Hey, Eva! Miss me?"
The professor, Dr. Tariq, frowned, as he was clearly annoyed by the interruption.
"Mr. Smith, this is a classroom, not a social gathering. Please take your seat and stop disrupting the lecture."
Philian shrugged, unyielding to his instruction.
"Just saying hi to an old friend. No harm in that, right?"
Eva felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She could feel the eyes of her classmates on her, and the tension in the room.
How did I ever date such an asshole?!
Dr. Tariq cleared his throat. He was running out of patience.
"If you continue to disrupt the class, I will have to ask you to leave."
Philian rolled his eyes but finally took a seat in the back. Eva tried to focus on the lecture, but she could still feel his gaze burning into her. Every time she glanced in his direction, he was smirking, as if he found amusement in her discomfort.
As the class progressed, Philian's presence became increasingly distracting. He whispered to his friends, occasionally throwing glances at Eva that made her skin crawl. She felt trapped, like a deer caught in headlights. Finally, unable to take it anymore, she raised her hand.
"Professor, can I speak?"
Dr. Tariq nodded, looking relieved for the distraction.
"Yes, Ms. Eva?"
"I think it would be best if Philian could leave the class if he's going to keep talking." She said, her voice was steady despite the fluttering in her stomach. "It's really hard to concentrate with all the noise."
Philian became annoyed.
"Wow, really? You're going to throw me under the bus like that?"
"Enough, Mr. Smith!" Dr. Tariq intervened. "If you cannot respect the learning environment, I'm afraid, but you leave me no choice but to ask you to leave."
Philian crossed his arms, a defiant look on his face.
"Fine. I'll go. But don't think this is over, Eva."
He stood up and stormed out of the classroom, leaving the class members stunned in silence. Eva felt both relief and apprehension. She had stood up for herself, but she knew Philian wouldn't let this slide so easily. He'll only keep coming back.
When the class came to an end, Eva gathered her things. She could hear whispers from her classmates, some of them expressing surprise at the encounter. As she stepped into the hallway, she spotted Dunsin leaning against the wall, wearing a look of concern and admiration.
"Hey," he said, pushing off the wall to approach her. "I heard about what happened in your class. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." She replied, although she could still feel her heart pounding. "Just dealing with some drama with my ex."
Dunsin's eyes darkened in anger.
"Is he bothering you?"
"Not exactly, but it's okay. I can handle it."
Eva insisted, appreciating his concern but not wishing to involve him in her life misfortunes. "I just need to focus on my studies and move on."
Dunsin nodded.
"I get that. I'm here for you if you need anything."
"Thanks, Dunsin. It means a lot." She smiled.
"Want to grab some ice cream later? We can talk more." He suggested.
"Sure, I'd like that." She replied. Her heart fluttered at the thought of spending more time with him…again!