The Graduation

School, a location where students are taught and learn. It's a place where you can meet new people, find a lover, and learn from amazing professors. And then there's Hope University, where I'm a student. At our university, I experienced both happy and terrible times. Unfortunately, as a graduating student, I will be leaving this university for a few weeks. But, will I be able to graduate? 'Wake up Norah, you're gonna be late again' is a phrase that I usually hear every time from my dorm mate, who is also my best friend from elementary. I make a small while stretching my body as I get up to my bed. I've been so busy these days because I still have one project that I need to pass to my subject teacher, which I'm currently working on. That's why I am busy these days and my body is aching.  I quickly entered the bathroom and took a bath since there were still how many minutes before our class starts. 'I'm gonna go first! Hurry up and don't be late again! " I heard Sabrina shouting behind the bathroom doors. 'What? But it's still too early for classes! ' I yelled too, so she could hear what I was saying since the shower was too loud. 'Btch I am hungry' 'Alright! Buy me some donuts too. Thank you bye! ' She responded, 'Fine,' and the tone of her voice sounded like she was being forced to do something. I simply rolled my eyes and completed my task. After I dressed up, put some make-up on my face and sunscreen, put lotion on my body and sprayed perfume, I was good to go. Of course, I secured the doors to our dorm before leaving. I also take my phone from my pocket to check the time. It's good that I still had minutes before I arrived at our classroom. Walking here to the university takes me 3 minutes. That's why sometimes I'm late to our first class because I'm too lazy to walk.  'I hope today is a good day,' I thought to myself as I began walking, but it turned out to be... false. I heard a whole slew of noises, including a girl's chuckle and laugh. I had a feeling it was them. Unfortunately, they're walking behind my back,  'Why the hell are they behind me? 'It'll be much better if I'm the one behind them,' I reasoned as I walked. What a dreadful day. I attempted to maintain my composure. To them, it isn't a big deal, but to me, it is. And I believe they're nearing me since their noises are becoming increasingly louder, and I don't want to be near them. They're making me nervous, especially him. That's why I'm planning how the hell I'm going to get out of their way. I have the feeling that he is keeping an eye on me. I mean, I can feel his gaze piercing my back, which makes me feel uneasy. Furthermore, hearing that girl laugh and giggle makes me want to roll my eyes. What an unappealing voice she has. I was considering what I should do, but not in a visible way. Gladly, I saw my shoelaces slowly coming off, so that's what I reasoned to get out in front of them. I found a nearby bench and fixed my shoes there. I sat first because I was waiting for them to finally go up. I sigh deeply and look down at my pale hands. 'Why do I always think it's such a big deal when it comes to him?' If I keep acting like this, I'll never be able to forget him, and that's a scary situation,' I argued to myself. I need to move on, especially because I believe he has already done so.  After all of that, I arrived at our school safely. There are no obstacles. Sabrina approached me and questioned as to why I was running a little late while handling the donuts he had bought in the cafeteria. 'Well, I saw him with his friends,' I said as I chewed on my donuts. This is so wonderful and tasty that it makes you feel like you can wash all your woes away with just one bite. I'm hoping that my problems will fade away as well. 'Really? Did he notice you as well? I'm assuming the girl is also present.' She inquired. Sabrina rolled her eyes as I simply nodded at her. I couldn't help but laugh because I know how much she despises that girl. When Sir Will, our homeroom teacher, entered our class, we automatically quieted down. He said nothing but to remind other students who have not yet passed the project or are still incomplete. And I'm still incomplete though. 'Hey, you are still not finished with the project?' Sabrina spoke to me in hushed tones. 'Almost,' I told her, 'I just need some retouching later this evening before I pass it tomorrow,' and she merely nodded. 'Because you're graduating students and will be leaving this university...' Sir Will began to speak, but was cut off by my classmates. 'Why Sir? You gonna miss us for sure, right? ' I heard Belle yell, the loudest girl in our class. Sir nodded and let out a small chuckle. We also also nodded. 'Of course, of all the students I have handled, you are the nicest and funniest, so I will definitely miss you all,' Sir replied. We just laughed because he is definitely not like that and it is too cheesy for me. I bet he is cringing too. 'Sir, stop it, it is too cliché,' replied one of my classmates while laughing.  'Haha alright alright, I will stop now', Sir spoke and continued what he want to say earlier, but then got interrupted when the bell suddenly rang.  'Okay class, see you again tomorrow. And please remind those students who are still incomplete, please pass your activities now if you want to graduate. Alright? '  'Alright Sir, goodbye!' We automatically get up from our chairs and go to our next subject. As I already stated, nothing significant happened today because the teachers had already ended their discussions. So we exclusively speak with our subject instructors, reminiscing about when we first arrived at the university, sharing some amusing and embarrassing moments with them. I spent my time after lunch in the library working on my project, so I had time later in the evening. It's quieter than normal because there aren't many people here. The chill wrapped itself over my body. It's no surprise that some students come here merely to sleep because it's such a warm and welcoming environment. I stood up from my table to gather data by picking up few books from the shelves. You should be aware that some of the information on the internet is not necessarily accurate. That is why searching through a book is still preferable. I started walking around the book shelves to see what was available. I started looking through every book that was on display. I choose a book that could be useful. I scanned it as well, and i didn't found any data, so I returned it to the shelf. I continued walking down the aisle, scanning the books that were on display. 'Aha! 'There it is,' I thought to myself as I gazed up at the tops of the shelves. I glanced on each side for someone I could ask for assistance, but there was none. 'I think I need to jump in order to pick up the book.' But it's quite difficult,' I pondered. I began to jump, but I was unable to do so. I repeated it a few times before stopping because I overheard the librarian complaining about who was making a racket. I begin to reach it with my own hands, rather than jumping, in order to avoid being kick out by the librarian. But, before I could take the book, someone in front of me grabbed it, which was exactly what I needed. I would have complained if I hadn't froze when I turned my back on the person in front of me. Why is he standing in front of me once more? And he's very close to me! I hurriedly took a step back, but he drew closer to me. What's the deal with this w*****d-like thing going on right now? Like a high school girl being kabedon on the book shelves by her crush. 'Excuse me,' I replied as I pushed him aside slightly. I hurriedly moved away from that area, but just as I was about to walk away, he grabbed my wrist, and I felt like a magnet stuck in the ground, unable to move. 'Norah' When I heard him say my name, I felt a surge of electricity run through my body. In a long time, I haven't heard him shout my name. That is why it has such a strong impact on me. Before I faced him, I took a deep breath and calmed myself. 'Yes? 'Do you want anything?' I asked, my gaze falling on his hand, which was clutching my wrist. I motioned for him to let go of my hand, which he did. Before responding to me, he straightened his stance. 'Here. You need this, right? ' He inquired as he held the book he had taken from the shelf earlier. Our gazes locked, and I took a deep breath before responding. 'Uh yeah. But you can use it if you have important things to do, 'I replied while looking in the other direction. Dang, I'm the first one who found the book, but now, maybe some of the data on the internet is reliable too, right? I think I need to do research now.  I gave him a sidelong glance, but he remained silent. I guess he really needed that book? I made an awkward turn away from him and began walking back to my table. He's gotten a lot more attractive. He appears to be more mature now than he was previously. It's no surprise that he has a lot of female admirers. It's no surprise that several girls sought to steal him from me while we were still together. When I got to the table, I rapidly stuffed my things into my bag because I was about to leave. I believe he is around, and that's why I am unable to concentrate. Sab sent me a text message indicating she was alone in the cafeteria. That is why I went there to relax. My heart skips a beat just thinking about our brief encounter earlier. That's all there is to it, Norah! That is why I really can't move on. The cafeteria isn't as crowded as I imagined, which is a nice thing. I looked for Sab where she was seated and went there right away when I saw her. I quickly told Sab what had happened today, which made her giggle out loud. I merely gave her a scowl and rolled my eyes. I was convinced she didn't want him for me, but now she's overjoyed and smiling. We finished our remaining lectures before heading to our dorm after snacking. 'Where are you going? Why are you all dressed up? ' I asked her when I got out of the bathroom after taking a bath.  'I'm going somewhere,' she says as she applies lip gloss on her lips. I looked her with suspicion since I knew this girl. It's either a date or a night out at the pub. 'All right, all right, I've got a date today,' she said as she packed her purse. She was dressed casually and carrying a tiny pouch in her hand. She matched her clothing with black heels. 'Who? Lucas?' I asked while drying my hair with a towel.  'There's no way.' He's a scumbag.' She said that with a nasty expression on her face. I laugh because I know she has a lot of flings, one of which is Lucas, who has a really terrible attitude. I asked about her date once more to ensure that she was secure and that the man was kind. 'It's a closely guarded secret.' I'll let you know when he's for real.' She replied as she pushed open the door. 'Okay, just be careful and call me if anything happens,' I said, and she nodded before shutting the door behind her. Now I'm all by myself. Here, I can focus on my project without distractions or noise. Because I have a hard time concentrating while she's here since she's usually loud always sings. Now that I'm alone, I'm able to focus more. I started working on my project. I slid open my laptop and took out my papers and books. I yawned and looked at the time. It's already been two hours since I started working. I'm still not finished, and I need to go over it again before passing it tomorrow. And because of that goddamn book, I still have some unanswered questions. I tried looking up information on the internet, but the information provided is incorrect, and the only option I have is to look it up in the book, but the problem is that it is in his hands. Should I send him a message or not? But why would I do something like that? However, I am unable to submit my work with incomplete answers. This is essentially a pride battle. I took out my phone and contacted Sabrina, asking her to return before midnight. I also took a candid image of my table and laptop to show how messy it is. 'Tired' and 'Haven't eaten my dinner yet: ((' I captioned it on my i********: story. I wore a hoodie after putting it in my IG story since I decided to have some fast food here. I went out of our dorm and went down to buy food. The shops are close to us here, so I just walked. It's good that McDonald's is still open, so I decided to just buy it there because it's also my favorite fast food. It's bitterly cold outside. I'm glad I was wearing a hoodie. The smell of the chilly wind lingered in my nostrils, reminding me of how we used to walk late at night holding hands and talking. This sensation is so familiar to me that I wish I could return to those days. But before I could think about him again, I immediately erased all of my memories. I was walking down the street when I came upon a motorcycle parked in front of me. I was afraid, so I took a step back, especially because the driver was dressed in all black and wearing a helmet. Who is he? Is he a kidnapper? Is he after my money or something? I was about to run when I heard him call my name. I watched him carefully remove his helmet and comb his hair with his hand before it happened. I'm not sure why, but I just stared at his good looks. And I'm being honest here. 'Nathan? What are you doing here? ' I asked him out of curiosity. I mean, I know that he usually rides his motorcycle every night, but why the hell out of how many parking lots? He decided to stop here in front of me.  'Here is the book that you need, and here, eat this food. I ordered it in Mcdo, so you don't need to go there alone, 'he replied while handling me the two plastic bags. I'm confused about why he is doing this. I don't know what his motives are. 'Here is the book you need, and here, eat this food. 'I ordered it in Mcdo, so you don't have to go there alone.' he said as he handed me the two plastic bags. I'm not sure why he's acting this way. I don't know what his motives are. 'Wait, why are you doing this? What do you want? You don't need to do this ' I spoke to him confusedly.  'Nothing. Go back to your dorm right now. Goodnight,' he said, but before I could respond, he slipped on his helmet and drove away. I stood there staring at the road, gripping the two plastic bags he had handed me. What the hell is going on here? Even when I returned to our dorm, I couldn't stop staring at the plastic bags he handled for me and couldn't believe what was happening. What is there today that is happening like this today? I began to eat the meal he had brought me, and I was relieved to see that he had made an order for my favorite food. I'm not sure, but what is this feeling? I need to stop at some point.   Since I obtained the book, I've continued to answer and work on my projects after I ate. This was quite helpful to me. I'm delighted he handed it to me; else, I would have messaged him about borrowing it earlier. But, do I have the courage to do so? 'Finally! 'I'm finished!' I screamed as I stretched my back. After how many hours of using the laptop, my eyes are really hurting. I began by clearing up all of my trash and double-checking my project for any errors. I am a perfectionist, which is both beneficial and detrimental. After double-checking everything, I stuffed the papers into the folder so I wouldn't forget about them the next day. I put my laptop down and looked at my phone to see what time it was. I also texted Sabrina, telling her to come back now that it's well past midnight. I also cleaned my table, which was a disaster. I saw the paper falling from the book when I lifted it up to put it in my bag. Out of curiosity, I picked it up and read what was written there.  'Please, Norah, let's talk. If you want though,' is what is written in there. And I knew from the handwriting that it was from him, Nathan. I had no idea I was forming a little smile in my mouth. What the heck, this is crazy. I placed the book inside of my bag as well as the small paper, and I heard the door open and Sabrina was finally here.  'Hey!, It's already 1:30. Why did you just come home today? ' I nag him while locking the door. She was definitely drunk.  'Hmm really? I didn't notice the time. 'She said and chuckled before saying sorry. She was lying in her bed while still wearing her clothes.  'Sab, get up and wash there' 'No, tomorrow'  'No, get up now' I said and helped her take off her sandals.  'Please, just tomorrow. Drunk 'is what I heard her saying. She was babbling words. I just gave up and let her sleep since it was already late and she passed out. I sighed and put a blanket over her body..  I climbed into my bed after turning off the lights in our room. I was looking at my phone when a thought came to my mind. I realized I hadn't thanked him earlier. Should I send him a message? But what if he already changed numbers? Right? Perhaps not. I go to i********: and look at my stories. Because my account is secret, just a few people have seen it. But it was the name that drew my interest. So Nathan actually saw my story. That's why he went out and bought some food. No, I shouldn't be imagining. But isn't it obvious tho? Maybe. Because it's so late, I decided to quit scrolling through i********: then go to bed. But before I realized it, I had opened my message app and texted him, thanking him for what he had done earlier. Wow, now that I'm about to go to bed, I suddenly have the guts to text him. I quickly slid my phone beneath the table beside my bed. I don't want to believe that he actually changed his phone number. I really want to close my eyes, but there's a feeling that I should not, because what if he replies too?  I was getting impatient because 5 minutes had already passed since I sent him a message. Maybe he really changed his phone number or he's sleeping. Alright, I should give up now. As I was about to close my eyes, the screen of my phone suddenly lit up, meaning there was a notification. I quickly grabbed my phone and a smile appeared on my face as I read his reply, 'You're welcome :))'