As we wandered down the street, the faint growl of my stomach urged us forward.I couldn't help but wonder, Sora came in like a storm in my mind, my curiosity was sharper than usual. We were on our quest to satisfy our empty stomachs, but something in the back of my mind kept nagging at me. Why did he choose Psychology as his major?
It wasn't like me to care about these things about people. I'd never really thought much about people''s interests or the way their mind worked. But today, for reasons I couldn't quite explain, my curiosity was piqued.
What was it about the study of the human mind that drew him in? What kind of things did he see in people, in their behavior, that made him want to dive deeper? I found myself wondering about him more than I ever did for all the people I've met before.
I glanced over at Sora, who was busy scanning the nearby restaurants, completely oblivious to my inner turmoil.
Why was I even thinking about this? Since when did I care?
It didn't make sense. Yet, here I was, caught up in a strange swirl of curiosity about a human namely, him.
I hesitated for a moment, then fidgeted with my fingers, trying to find the right words.
"Hey, Sora. Mind if I ask you a question?"
He looked at me with a playful glint in his eye, his lips curling into a small smile. "Sure, if it's something I can answer, that is."
I couldn't help but think he really is a pure human. The kind of person who never seems to hide anything, not even behind his casual tone. It made me wonder, where did he study before he came here?
I shook the thought off and pressed on.
"Well, back in my hometown, out in the countryside, there weren't many people who studied Psychology. So, in a way, I just wanted to be one. But if I'm being honest, there's more to it than that. I find it pretty amusing, the human mind. How is it that people think the way they do, act the way they do? It's just something that caught my interest. How about you? Why Psychology? Why not a writer? You seem to read books a lot."
I grinned, teasing him a little. "Hey! I could ask you the same question, you know? Anyway, I chose it because my mom suggested it. Not that I actually hate it, though. Just like you, it piqued my interest. Or maybe, to understand myself better."
"That's interesting," He said, with an unexpected warmth. "I hope I get to know you better, too. We're friends now, after all."
Sora's smile seemed to widen. I blinked at his words. There was something strangely honest in his voice, something that felt almost comforting.
"F-f-friends, yes, we are now," I stammered, the word feeling unfamiliar on my tongue.
Sora raised an eyebrow, clearly noticing my awkwardness.
"Something weird about what I just said?"
I quickly shook my head, trying to smooth over the tension. "Nothing really. We're friends now."
The truth was, it caught me off guard. Aside from Mina, my childhood friend, I never had anyone I could truly call a "friend." Mina had been abroad for two years now, leaving me to navigate life on my own. So to hear Sora, someone I just met of all people, call me a friend, it was strange. New. I wasn't sure how to handle it.
I just hoped I didn't look too weird right now.
We continued walking for a few more minutes, our footsteps echoing softly on the sidewalk. As we neared the fast food joint just a few minutes away from the university, he reached the door first. He swung it open, and the sound of bells rang through the air, signaling our arrival.
Immediately, the crew behind the counter greeted us. It was a lively atmosphere, buzzing with energy. The hum of orders being placed, the clinking of trays and the chatter of customers already seated and enjoying their meals filled the space.
It was a far cry from the quiet serenity of the campus courtyard we'd left behind just moments ago. Here, the noise was comforting, almost chaotic in its own way. There was something lively about the place. It felt like stepping into a completely different world, a world that buzzed with life and laughter, where time seemed to move just a little faster.
We found a seat, tucked in a corner where the noise seemed to soften around us.
"Should I take our orders? I'll just go and get myself a cheeseburger. I'm craving for one! What about you?" Asked Sora.
"Well, we're on the same tune. I'll have that as well!"
As Sora made his way to the counter, I stayed behind, my gaze drifting out the window. My mind, however, seemed to wander even further, slipping into a daze as I stared at the bustling street outside.
What was I supposed to do today again? Two more lectures after lunch, that's right. And there's that bookstore nearby I've been meaning to check out. Maybe I should swing by there before heading home.
A thought crossed my mind, and I found myself hesitating. Should I ask Sora to come with me? After all, we were friends, right? It would be nice to have some company while I browsed.
But then doubt crept in. What if it was too much for him, especially after our first meeting? Would he even want to hang out more? I didn't want to make things awkward, especially not so soon. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea.
I chewed on my bottom lip, trying to shake off the uncomfortable feeling. I didn't want to overthink it, but it was hard not to. Would I seem weird if I asked? Would he think I was trying too hard?
The questions swirled around in my mind like a storm, but before I could answer them, I heard the sound of Sora's voice, calling out my name from the counter. I blinked, shaking myself free from the haze of thoughts.
"Do you want regular fries as well?" Sora called out, his voice loud and unashamed, drawing the curious glances of a few nearby customers. They made quiet chuckles, no doubt amused by his childlike enthusiasm.
A wave of secondhand embarrassment washed over me. Without thinking, I gave him a thumbs up, hoping it would send the message without drawing any more attention. Sora caught it right away, grinning widely as if he understood exactly what I meant.
I let out a small sigh, turning my gaze back out the window, the swirling thoughts from earlier returning. Nevermind, I thought. I'll just go alone later. I'll ask him some other time. There was no rush.