In Between

Chapter 6

Vivian Pov.

"Hi, good morning!" he exclaimed near my ear, causing me to jump in shock and scream. The brat scared me to death, and he instantly appeared in front of me, heading towards my room.

"You brat! You scared me!" I said, complaining, hitting his arm and throwing glares at him, which made him burst out in laughter at the sight of my pale lips and still-scared expression.

"You were lost in thought, that's why you didn't notice me already near you, Vivian," he said.

"So, it's my fault now, Theo?"

"Well, maybe?" I rolled my eyes at him, and he laughed again, grabbing his things from the locker.

"I don't know why I let myself be your best friend!" I said, turning to fix my locker.

After a few months had passed, Theo and I had grown to be best friends. Yes, you heard it right! Even I wondered how this had happened – why I let myself become friends with him. Despite his personality being more annoying than being a good friend, it's true that you can never predict what life has in store for you. And this was mine – growing accustomed to his annoying actions, and turning into being his best friend. Well, not in the deep sense of the word "best friend," as we're still hanging to know each other, but I could say I knew him better than anyone else, except for his family, of course.

After his continuous presence, following and annoying me, here we were, friends. We were like dog and cat, or mouse and cat, often squabbling. But even though we fought, we were still friends. As time went by, I had the chance to get to know him better, and I must say that Theo has an amazing personality. He's smart, even if it's not immediately obvious, and he's fun to be around. He's also serious when it matters, and you can learn a lot and get motivated from being around him. As for his attitude, it still annoys me often, but overall, I'm glad to have him as my boy friend.

Sometimes I really wonder how we reached this point – being best friends, considering I didn't like him at first and was scared to have a friend again.

But I've realized that if you've known someone before, you should be open to getting to know them better, observing them, and giving it a try. If you do, you'll be surprised and glad to have them in your life. Spending time with Theo has made me happy, pissed and encouraged me to explore new things. Enjoy college life.

"Hey, Vian!" I snapped out of my thoughts at his sudden call, looking at him as I realized I'd spaced out for a moment. And, of course, he was making fun of me – that brat!

"Wait, were you dreaming about me topless, seeing my six-pack abs?" he added, placing a playful smirk on his lips, teasing me as I looked at him sternly.

See? his brat!

"Are you on drugs? Don't assume impossible things, Theo the brat," I replied, turning my back to him and walking away, knowing he'd follow me. "Hey, Vian, wait for me! And, by the way, not 'the brat'!" he said, following me, and soon walking beside me.

"Later on, let's have lunch together, Vian, okay?" he said, smiling at me.

Well, guys get used to it; he always wears smiles – other types of smiles, thin, wide, small, with teeth, with few teeth, and so many more, which make him look insane.

"Theo, can you not call me Vian?"

"Why? It's cute, or do you want another?" he said, making me look at him.

"Do you want Vivi? Viv? V? Ivi? Via? or still Via-"

"Vivian," I said sternly, interrupting his words.

"Kill joy!" he uttered as we continued heading our separate ways, going to our rooms.

**************

As she headed inside the classroom, taking her seat, she soon noticed her other classmates making a big commotion, filling the whole room with whispers. Looking at them with a confused face, she didn't know what was wrong. Suddenly, her gaze caught the bright sunlight streaming in through the big window, and she followed the light. As it poured in, it illuminated a man's figure, shedding light on him and making him glow, which flashed into her sight.

She couldn't help but stare at him, allowing herself to take in his features. He shone brighter than a star, and her eyes were fixed on him, drawn to the boy sitting in front of the window. His black raven curly hair, pointed nose, sparkling eyes with long lashes, and pinkish plump lips suddenly captivated her.

Yet, his overall demeanor remained deep in seriousness, leaving her wondering what was happening to her. Thoughts swirled in her head, Am I dreaming? Who are you? Just as she was lost in thought, the class was about to start as her professor walked in, standing in front and eyeing the whole class with a firm gaze, commanding silence.

"Good morning, class," the professor greeted them, and they stood up to greet him back before taking their seats again. He cleared his throat, getting their attention.

"So, class, as you may see, we have a new student here. He transferred from Daegu."

Vivian intentionally glanced in his direction as her professor introduced him, earning a hum from the other students as they also turned their gaze to see him.

"Would you mind introducing yourself more in front?" The professor asked, and Red nodded, standing up and taking a step forward.

"Good morning, I am Red. I'm from Daegu, 21 years old. Thank you," he said, bowing before returning to his seat. Vivian, on the other hand, stayed silent, captivated by his deep voice that engulfed the whole room.

Other students giggled at his introduction, and the way he presented himself in front of the class made them find him attractive at first sight, sparking whispered comments.

"So, class, now that we know him, it's also time to announce your task. As you may recall, I informed you about the thesis work you need to pass. Am I right?"

"Yes, Prof," they replied in unison, paying attention to him.

"As this was supposed to be held weeks ago, today I'm going to set you into groups," the professor added, informing them, and they again created a commotion.

"So, be ready everyone, let's start grouping now," the professor said, starting to call out names to form groups for the thesis task. Vivian's eyes widened in shock as she heard her name paired with Red's, the boy who had recently captured her thoughts. She found herself drowning in thoughts, realizing she was now part of a group with him.

Each group had four members, and hers consisted of Red, herself, Yna, and Sira.

"Class, now that you have your groups, start discussing the necessary details and brainstorming strategies to tackle the task. I think that's all for today, you may take your break class dismissed." The professor took his way out as the students erupted into a big commotion, discussing the task and some issues about the grouping, with other students wanting to be part of Red's group.

Meanwhile, Yna and Sira giggled, happy about their group because they had an ace, Vivian the genius, and Red the handsome guy, seeing them as a source of motivation.

"OMG, Yna and Sira are so lucky to be in his group!"

"I also want to be in Red's group."

"Vivian's lucky to have him in her group."

"Whatever, she's nerd. I'm sure Red would do all the works to lift his group."

Vivian sigh, as all eyes turned to her, knowing she was included in his group and likely to be the team leader.

**************

As she headed her way out, she heard someone calling her name, and two female figures flashed into view. Seeing Yna and Sira approaching her made her feel nervous and panicked, as it was the first time they had approached her. The fact that they weren't close or hadn't had many conversations, despite being classmates, added to her unease.

"Hi, Vivian. I just wanted to ask if we could create our group chat so we can brainstorm even when we're at home," Yna said, gifting her a kind smile that made Vivian feel slightly shy.

"Okay... just let me know when we can start working on it." Vivian replied hesitantly, turning her gaze away.

"And Vivian, can you also ask Red for his number so we can add him to the chat?"

"M-me?"

Sira and Yna nodded, looking confused by Vivian's reaction, who seemed tense and surprised.

"B-but I... I don't know how to approach him," Vivian said.

"Just try it, Vivian. I know you can do it. You're the best team leader in our class, so I'm sure you can handle him," Sira said, cheering her up, and Vivian paused for a moment, contemplating whether she could really talk to him.

***************

Lost in her thoughts, Vivian settled at the table near the window, her usual spot in the cafeteria, waiting for Theo as he had mentioned they'd have lunch together. After some time, Theo headed inside, approaching the table when he saw her.

"Hey, Vivian!" he exclaimed, greeting her, then sat opposite her, noticing that she was acting weird.

"Hello, brat!" she exclaimed, but in a lowered tone, which made him stare at her in wonder.

"Are you sick?" he asked.

Yeah, sick of complications! she thought to herself, wondering how she could talk to Red.

"No, I'm fine," she replied, spaced out, as Theo waved his hand in front of her.

"Then why are you acting weird? I literally waved my hand now, see?" he said, moving his hand and staring at her. Vivian snapped out of her thoughts and composed herself.

"Are you really fine?" Theo asked.

"Yes, brat. It's just the thesis," she replied.

Hearing her words, Theo cracked up in chuckles, getting her attention, and she glared at him.

"Well, I don't blame you for that; thesis can be a mess. I'm here to comfort you, Vian," he said, acting kind, while she rolled her eyes and turned her gaze to the window.

"You know what? Let's start eating. I'm sure you're just starving," Theo said, winking at her, then took her hand, heading to the counter to order some food for lunch.

"Come on now..." she whined, but she couldn't resist him, and they headed towards the counter together.

*************

To be continued.....