Chapter 14: What's your name?

After our ES lab class, Andy ever the sweetheart, invited me to tag along with them knowing that my next class was not until 3pm. He suggested we go to the Al fresco area, called the SOM mall, in the middle of SOM and Tianhao building where there were booths selling different snacks ran by students.

Walking out of the SEC B building, we passed through the university SEC walk. The SEC walk was the roofed walkway which connects some of the different buildings in our university. I wanted to smile feeling nostalgic seeing students milling about. Some were dressed to the nines, as if the sec walk were a ramp in a fashion show they were walking. Meanwhile, some students were seated on the side benches lining the sec walk.

I was walking with Andy while Lara and Steve were walking behind us. Suddenly, he stopped and brought his cellphone out.

I stopped walking and so did Lara and Steve as Andy read a message.

"Mich, if you don't mind, let's pass by Tianhao building first. Our friend is waiting there, he said his class had a free cut and he wants to meet up."

"Sure" I replied with a smile. This reminded me that free cuts were something students like me used to look forward to. It meant that the professor cannot come to class, and we can do whatever. As a professor before, I used to love to give them too. I get paid without doing anything. HAHA!

Steve who was standing with Lara frowned. Well, I don't know if it's me he has a problem with, or he's just angry with the world. I don't understand what's going on in his head.

"Which friend?" Steve asked.

"Your best friend." Andy teased, and Lara beamed.

Steve scowled more. "Your friend. Not mine. We're just acquaintances."

"don't be like that Steven. We've been friends with Tonton since forever and he is such a nice guy. I bet even Michelle would think so." Lara said.

Anyway, I did not get to relate about who they're talking about. Not surprising though, it's the first time we interacted for a longer period of time. In this timeline, the person who I spent most time with as of now was Andy and it's not like we already exchanged numbers, which of course, we soon will.

Moving forward, we walked to the Tianhao building which was on the way to the SOM mall. The Tianhao building served as a hangout and study place for students. It was a 2-storey building where the first floor was like a computer room with desktops free to use for students for their research, while there were also single tables to serve as their study area. Meanwhile on the second floor, there were long and wide tables for at least 12 students each and can be reserved by schedule with the purpose of group studies.

We stopped walking in front of the building and Andy used his cellphone to call their friend.

From the window, I saw that there were already many students inside. Almost all the desktops were occupied, while some of the study tables had students typing in their own laptop. One must note that silence must be observed in that area.

"Hey, we're already here outside. Come out now." Andy said.

I looked at the see-through glass doors which served as the main entrance of the building's 1st floor, curious to see their friend. Well, who won't be? Who can manage to be friends with these 3 who were scions from the elite of the most elite group in our society? I mean, we were kinda friends now but that's different. At most, I can only categorize myself as their acquaintance. While the one we were waiting for must be close with them as they have each's cp number and Lara even called him by a petname.

When the doors opened, everything turned into slow motion for me. The rays of the sun shone upon him, he was so handsome, and his smile was so dazzling that I felt like I was punched in the gut. His skin was almost luminescent, and I don't know how to describe him anymore. If I continue, I will just go on and on and write a full book of poems. I'll just cut the chase short and say that like usual, my breath was taken away.

"Hey Anthony! It's good you finally decided to appear before us. I almost thought that you have exchanged our 15 years of friendship over your newfound friends from your block." Andy greeted as they bumped their fists.

"don't get jealous now Andy, if you keep on doing so, people might start thinking that you bend that way." Anthony joked. Then seeing Steven and Lara, he shifted awkwardly. He first addressed Steve. "Hey Steven, how have you been?"

"I have been better." Steven replied, scowling. As if saying, 'better until you decided to appear.'

Anyway, Anthony ignored the way Steven answered and settled into looking at Lara. Giving her a charming little smile, he greeted her, "Hi Lara, it's been a while."

"Yes, it has been, Tonton. I'm happy to see you again." Lara replied as Steven shifted closer to her.

I was standing like an idiot at the sidelines, and I just observed their interaction. Was there something between Steve, Lara, and Anthony? Why do I feel like there's a love triangle happening or rather, based on their awkwardness, that happened?

Oh, the drama! I would have liked to keep on watching and eat popcorn if the main cast weren't my future husband, and my one who got away. Dang! I thought I was the main character as I'm the reincarnator here, but it seems like, the two have past relationships with Lara.

Finally, the only person who seemed to be concerned that I was being excluded came to my rescue and cleared his throat.

That was the time the other three turned to face me. Anthony looked at me and smiled. Ah, does he remember me? I thought I didn't make too much of an impression, but it seems like I did!

Then, after a few seconds that felt like eternity to me, Anthony finally addressed me, "Hi, it's nice to meet you. I'm Anthony Ren." he introduced himself then asked, "What's your name?"

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TBC