The weekend slipped away faster than I expected, and before we knew it, Monday had crept back in. As usual, I walked to class with Muizzah by my side, dragging my feet a little more than usual.
“I honestly hate Mondays,” I groaned, adjusting the strap of my bag.
Muizzah chuckled. “You say that every week, like it’ll make Monday disappear.”
“I wish it could,” I muttered.
As we strolled through the faculty walkway, she gave me a look. “So… what’s up with Amiri?”
A small smile tugged at my lips. “He said he’d officially ask me out this weekend.”
Muizzah raised a brow. “Hmm… are you sure he likes you, or is he just playing with your emotions?”
I paused for a second, then nodded confidently. “He does. I can feel it.”
“If you say so,” she said, her tone mixed with curiosity and caution.
We entered the lecture hall and found our usual spot. That morning’s class was Medical Biochemistry—two solid hours of information we couldn’t afford to miss, especially with exams looming.
We sat quietly, scribbling notes and listening closely, trying to pull out every point that might come up in the test.
As the lecture ended, Muizzah stretched and said, “I need to dash home to sort out a few things.”
“Alright,” I replied, slinging my bag over my shoulder. “Could you grab me some snacks on your way back?”
“Sure thing,” she said with a wink, heading off.
With the rest of the day free, I decided to return to my hostel. As I stepped out of the faculty building, someone called my name.
“Radiance.”
I turned to see Henry leaning casually against his sleek car, looking effortlessly handsome.
“Hi,” I greeted, crossing the street toward him since my hostel was in that direction.
“I don't recall mentioning that this is my faculty,” I said, curious. “How did you know?”
Instead of answering, he smiled and said, “You look stunning today.”
I felt my cheeks flush.
“Thanks,” I murmured, trying to compose myself.
“Are you busy right now?” he asked.
“Not really,” I replied.
“Great. Let's head to the nearest eatery. I want to treat a pretty damsel like you to a meal.”
I chuckled, “Wow, you're really good with words.”
He grinned, “Lie that you don't like it.”
I playfully rolled my eyes and opened the back door of his car.
“Hey! I'm not a cab driver. Sit in the front,” he exclaimed.
“Nope,” I teased.
"Alright, then I'll carry you to the front,” he said, moving towards me.
“You wouldn't dare!” I laughed.
He reached out, and I quickly relented, “Okay, okay! I'll go. Don't carry me”
He smirked and returned to the driver's seat, while I settled into the front passenger seat.
As he drove off, we chatted about various topics. I mentioned my love for drawing, and he shared some of his artwork from his phone. His sketches were impressive, showcasing a level of mastery I aspired to achieve.
“Be my apprentice; let me be your student, oh great master,” I joked.
He laughed, “Okay, henceforth, you are my student.”
We both burst into laughter, the car filled with a comfortable camaraderie.
They arrived at the eatery, placed their orders, and continued their conversation.
"It's funny," Radiance mused, "this is our first proper meeting, yet it feels like we've known each other for ages."
Henry nodded, "Some connections are just instant."
She noticed his confident demeanor, reminiscent of someone used to being in control, yet it was endearing.
"Are you seeing anyone?" he inquired.
"Not officially," she replied, "but there's someone—Amiri. He's smart, kind, and quite cute. Though, not as cute as you," she added with a wink.
Henry chuckled, "How could he be as cute as me?"
Internally, he made a mental note of this potential rival.
Suddenly, a flash of lightning illuminated the sky, followed by the rumble of thunder.
Rain began to pour, trapping them inside the eatery.
"Looks like we're stuck here for a while," Radiance said, watching the rain.
"Not the worst place to be," Henry replied, smiling.
They continued talking, sharing stories and laughter, the rain providing a cozy backdrop to their unexpected connection.