It had been around an hour since the morning events, and the time had crept past noon. The sun stood high in the sky, casting sharp shadows across the university campus. The day was warm, and the air hummed with the chatter of students moving about, all preparing for the upcoming event.
Amidst this bustling atmosphere, an uninvited guest made his appearance.
Alexander had been scrolling through his phone, still wary of what those two rascals, Anurag and Krarth, were planning when a familiar voice called out to them. Looking up, he saw someone he hadn't expected to see today.
"Hey, it's been a while," the newcomer said, grinning as he approached their table.
Alexander blinked, momentarily caught off guard before recognition dawned on him. It was Abhe. They had studied together until 10th grade before he had left, transferring to another school.
"Abhe?" Anurag exclaimed, standing up to clasp his hand in a friendly shake. "Man, it's been ages! What are you doing here?"
Abhe gave a small chuckle, taking a seat. "Yeah, I couldn't make it to Harvard, but I heard you guys were here, so I thought, why not visit?" He glanced around, taking in the familiar faces of his old friends. "You guys haven't changed a bit."
"Can't say the same about you," Krarth said, smirking. "You got taller."
"Or maybe you just stayed short," Abhe shot back, making everyone laugh.
With still an hour left before the event, they decided to head out to grab some food. The cafeteria was bustling, and after grabbing their meals, they settled at a table near the windows, overlooking the main grounds.
Krarth, of course, was still on the topic of Alexander and Selene.
"You know," he began, leaning forward with an all-too-mischievous grin, "it's honestly a mystery to me. Alex, my friend, you've been in love with her for ages, but somehow, it's always been me who talks to her the most. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?"
Alexander sighed, stabbing at his food with his fork. "I don't even know if you actually like her or if you just enjoy using me as an excuse to talk to her."
Anurag chuckled, nudging Krarth. "Yeah, tell us the truth, man. Is it her or the teasing that excites you more?"
Krarth feigned an offended look. "Excuse me? Are you doubting my noble intentions?"
"We've been doubting them for years," Alexander muttered.
Abhe, who had been listening quietly, raised a brow. "Wait, so you're still on about Selene? I remember back in 10th grade, you guys wouldn't shut up about her. Some things never change, huh?"
Krarth grinned. "Ah, but the stakes are higher now. Our dear Alex here is still hopelessly in love, and I'm just here to make sure he doesn't die of heartache."
"By bullying me?" Alexander shot back.
"By helping you build character," Krarth corrected.
Abhe laughed, shaking his head. "Man, I missed this."
Despite the teasing, Alexander couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Was Krarth just playing around, or did he actually have feelings for Selene? The doubt lingered in his mind, unanswered.
As the meal continued, Alexander found himself eating quickly, partly to avoid further interrogation and partly because he had somewhere to be.
"I need to go," he said, standing up. "I have a speech to give, and I really regret leaving you three alone."
Anurag gave him a mock salute. "Go, future leader. We'll make sure to spread good words about you."
Alexander sighed but didn't respond. He had more pressing matters to worry about.But little did he know leaving them alone was a mistake he shouldn't have done
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The time for the event had arrived.
It was the first day of the university's introduction week, and as part of a new government initiative to promote cultural and international exchange, students from multiple countries had been admitted this year. The opening ceremony was grand, with university officials, prominent speakers, and student representatives all lined up to address the gathering.
Alexander sat among the top-performing students, waiting for his turn to speak. He observed the crowd—students whispering among themselves, some excited, some nervous, and a few already looking bored. The hum of conversation faded whenever a speaker took the stage, only to resume moments later.
One by one, the guests spoke, and with each passing speech, his nerves grew. He had always been confident in academics, but public speaking was another thing entirely. He rehearsed his speech mentally, going over each sentence, ensuring that he wouldn't falter when his time came.
Finally, the anchor called his name.
"And now, we invite Alexander Ironhart, the top scorer, to share a few words."
Taking a deep breath, he stood up and walked towards the stage. The moment he stepped up to the podium, the murmuring crowd fell silent. The spotlight was on him.
He gripped the edges of the podium, steadying himself before beginning.
"Education is not merely about grades and achievements. It is about growth, about understanding the world beyond textbooks, and about learning from experiences—both inside and outside the classroom. We are gathered here today as individuals, each carrying our own ambitions and dreams. But in the coming years, we will not walk this journey alone. We will be surrounded by peers, by friends who will challenge us, support us, and perhaps even change our lives in ways we cannot yet imagine."
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd. Encouraged, he continued.
"This university is not just an institution; it is a community. A place where ideas collide, where perspectives shift, and where we, as students, prepare ourselves for the world that awaits us. It is here that we will make choices—choices that will shape not just our futures but the futures of those around us. So, I urge each of you, embrace every opportunity, challenge yourself, and never hesitate to seek knowledge beyond what is written in books."
As he concluded his speech, a wave of applause erupted. He had delivered what he considered his best speech.
But nothing good lasts forever.
Just as he had stepped out of the stage, Anurag came running at him to follow him, Alex knew better not to follow him as it mostly led to something with Selene, but still followed him behind seats near krarth and Abhe.