RENDEZVOUS

Beers and Sorrow (3)

*Yu Shuxin's POV

It's been four days now since the last time I went to Kong Xueer's dorm. I don't know what's gotten into me for saying that to Xiaotang. Me and my stupid mouth. Gosh. I can't even face her now. Hmp.

"Come on babe. Just talk to her and apologise." Kong Xueer said, she's been scolding me ever since the incident. She also explained how it bothered Xiaotang this past few days saying she's been distracted and bothered lately. Ugh!! This is my fault I should've stayed quiet!! Yu Shuxin your so stupid.

"Snow is right Esther. Better spill it or it'll smell." Keni stated making me sigh at the thought. Tho it doesn't even makes sense at all.

"I'm too shy to apologise. I really am trying but it looks like she's been avoiding me." I whined pouting sadly.

"More like you're avoiding her." Sun Rui corrected and I just snuck out my tongue at her.

"She lives right in front of ours. Go there tonight when she gets home and apologise." Liu Lingzi suddenly joined in the conversation as she walks out of the bathroom.

Hmp.

"Better move that ass and apologise to the poor girl. She's been bothered by your sudden outburst. Honestly tho she's not being herself lately." Kong Xueer said sadness and worry can be felt in her every word.

"Curiosity kills the cat you know." Ge Gia stated gaining nods from everyone. I might have overstepped there. I was carried away by my emotion. Tho even if it was Xueer I would laugh too I don't know why Zhao Xiaotang's laugh made me felt so jealous.

"Fine." Was all I could say.

She definitely deserves an apology she didn't do anything wrong it was my fault for acting too sensitive about it. We're grown ups why am I still even affected about this.

The question is should I tell her everything or Should I wait for her to remember or shoul I just apologise?

*Zeng Keni's POV

I left the four girls talking at the apartment since I'm not really in a mood for discussing about school stuffs. I've been too stressed with academics lately I already forgot how beer tastes like. And today is my so called vacation before we start the annihilation. Well that's how we call it back in our Freshmen years.

Maybe a couple of beers won't hurt.

I walk through the aisle for liquors and beers choosing the perfect drink to have for tonight. I really can't decide tho I've been walking back and forth trying to choose one.

"I reccomend this one. It's good no headaches no hangovers." A girl suddenly appeared beside me opening one of the fridge and grabbing a botted beer.

"Cans have a taste of metal. The bottled ones are good." She explained and I grabbed it from her hand.

"I live in front of your apartment." I said she puts some beers on her basket and shrug her shoulders.

"Can I drink with with you?" I asked. Well it's kinda weird so I face palmed myselffor asking that so sudden. She gave me this questioning look.

"So-sorry. I know it sounds w-"

"Just kidding. Sure. I was avoiding my roommates anyways I think I needed someone who is avoiding hers as well." She explained and I just let out a small chuckle.

"How'd you know I was avoiding my roommates?" I asked as I put some beers in my basket.

"I was following behind you when you walked out of the apartment. I can hear your roommates having fun and yet you're walking lazily like a zombie asking for beers." She explained in a very calm way. I can listen to her all day. Her voice is soothing to the ears. Like in ASMR videos.

"Oh was i mumbling too loud?" I asked realizing the last words of her sentence. She nodded with a chuckle making me cover my mouth. What an embarrassment.

She turn around and walked towards the cashier. I followed putting mine on the other counter. She pulled one bottle out and opening hers with her ring. Amazing. She started drinking letting out this loud satisfied ah and looking at me with a very cute smile.

I guess college is giving her a tough time.

We both walked back to the apartment and hurriedly went up to the rooftop. Laughter can be heard from different apartments as we walk pass the doors. Seems like everyone's having a good time.

I sat opposite from the girl and opened a bottle for myself.

"So. What's troubling you?" I asked grabbing her attention. She gave me this questioning look again maybe wondering why.

"I just noticed how distracted you are as we walk back." I explained.

"Oh was is too obvious?" She asked and I nodded.

"I'm contemplating at something." She answered and sat straight.

"What's this something that's bothering you? If you don't mind me asking."

"I don't know if I'll attend this thing called hell system from an Organisation. I feel like it has nothing to do with our studies." I chuckled as she remind me of myself. Bothered about some small stuffs.

"What's the name of the organization??" I asked curiously maybe I could help her decide.

"PSUH thing" I almost choked after hearing that, spilling the beer all over my shirt as it drips from my neck. Gosh this is embarrassing.

"Are you okay?" She asked while laughing. I grab the tissue she handed trying to hold her laughter. I just glare at her as I reciprocate.

"Why were you so surprise?" She asked with a chuckle.

"Nothing I was just surprised everyone wanted to be part of that organization. The standards are too high making it difficultfor a freshmento even survive a week." I explained. This is going to be a veru big challenge.

"I know. But I hate being ordered around and being bullied by those power abusers." I let out a chuckle she really do reminds me of myself.

"I think it'll be a good start. Everyone goes through the same, well all organisations are like that. We have to learn discipline to humble ourselves. You'll understand it soon." She furrow her eyebrow and stared at me like she wanted to ask me something.

"PSUH System is the rudiment of every student attenting Ninecho U. It's tough yes but it's worth it." I stated gaining a small nod of understanding from the girl.

"How old are you?" I was taken aback. I dramatically put my hand in my chest acting offended by her question.

"Do I look that old?" She nodded teasingly. I let out a scoff and pouted.

"Cute." I heard her whisper and took a sip from her bottle.

"23" I simply said and she just nodded in amusement.

"A Senior then. What department are you from Big Sister." She asked a grin was evident. I shivered to her last two words. I feel so old already.

"Wait. Let me guess." I look at her furrowing my eyebrows waiting for her answer.

She scanned me from head to toe with her arms cross and left hand in her chin thinking deeply.

"I give up." I laugh at her incompetence as she throws her hand in the air.

"You haven't even guessed yet." I said she just pouted waiting for me to give the answer. This little cutie do sure knows rumor. She's too adorable to be ignored.

"I major in Political Science." I said and her face lit up like she just heard the greatest news.

"You are my Senior!" She cheered. I guess she's taking Political Science as well. I reach for her head and messed her hair.

"Junior." I replied.

We continued our conversation until we decided to call it a night. We finished 3 beers each and I felt a little dizzy but all good. We walked back together bidding our goodbyes as we hold the knob or our own apartment door.

"Wait! What's your name again?" I called out and she just smiled at me.

"Yu Yan." She simply answered.

"Zeng Keni." I introduced myself.

"Nice to meet you. Senior Keni." She said and vanished from the door.

I guess I'll be seeing you more. Yu Yan.

*Kong Xueer's POV

"YOU LEFT ME HANGING FOR 5YEARS! OUT OF ALL THE PLACES YOU COULD CHOOSE WHY HERE!?" Yu Shuxin's voice echoed through the whole building coming from Apartment one.

I rushed out to go to my apartment hearing a lot of whimpering from Yu Shuxin. It breaks my heart hearing how depressing her cry is, my eyes watered as I open the door to my apartment.

I push the door open. I saw Xiaotang standing there confused in front of Esther who is sobbing in her chest punching her left and right.

I've never seen her this upset. The most burdened person really do bring the brightest smile.

"You left me waiting for you in that stupid tree for more than 5years." She said softly through sobs. Pain and sorrow can be felt in that room. No one dared to stop Yu Shuxin from taking it all out at Xiaotang. It was as if Yu Yan and Xu Jiaqi knew it would happened and by the look on their faces relief and worry is visible.

So she's the girl Yu Shuxin has been desperately trying to forget. The girl that first broke her heart. The girl she's been talking about when she's drunk. The girl who left her in the past. The girl who made her stopped moving forward.

"I hate you so much Tangtang" She whisper before fainting. Luckily Xiaotang was there to catch her.

She must've drink too much.

"Xueer." Xiaotang called out turning to me revealing only the side of her face, eyes glistening in tears that was ready to escape. I nodded knowing what that meant and she walked in to our room carrying the unconscious Esther.

I went to the dining table to clear the beer bottles that was laying empty.

"Let me help." Xu Jiaqi took the bottle from my hand as I clear the plastic wrappers that was scattered.

Yu Yan helped wiped the table worry and guilt plastered all over her face. Everyone seems affected by this. What role did Esther play in their lives to make them feel heartbroken along with their best friend?

The heaviness in the atmosphere is really killing me right now.

"If you have any questions you can ask us. We're okay you don't have to worry." I felt Kiki's hand squeezing mine as she notice me deep into thoughts. I look up at her and bowed to apologise.

"It's okay. We live in this apartment now. Our business is your business now, you deserve to know rather than feeling out of place." She explained pulling the chair and gesturing me to take a sit. I complied and waited for the both of them to sit.

"Okay. Where do I start."

*Zhao Xiaotang's POV

"I've missed you." I whispered as I wipe her face with a wet cloth.

I never thought you would've changed this much. I wonder why you looked so familiar when we met. It was you, the girl I've been looking for.

"I can finally sleep peacefully at night knowing I've found you."

"Tangtang. Come back." She cried eyes closed, she's dreaming. A tear escaped her left eye and I felt this guilt and anger for making the girl feel this way both in reality and in dreams. She must've been through so much.

"I'm here. I won't leave you. I promise to make up for all the years I've missed." I whisper making the moon a wistness to my vow as I kiss her forehead.

I pull the blanket to cover her body and smiled as I admire the girl sleeping so drunk in front of me. She's still so cute.

"How could you still wait for me that long? You should've lived forward and forget about me. I would understand if you did." I said tears betraying me.

"I tried looking for you but I was too stupid to forget about the tree. I am the stupid one not the tree." I finally gave in to my emotional as I wept.

"I'm so sorry."

After a minute or so I collected myself and tucked her in and decided to leave the girl in my bed. But as soon as I was about to stand up I felt her hand grab my wrist grabbing my attention her eyes half open as tears run down her face.

"I'm sorry Tangtang. I'm sorry for getting mad at you last time." She said I was about to sit back down but she pull me strong enough to make me fall next to her. Our face only an inch apart I swallowed a lump in my throat as I feel her hot breath hit my lips.

"Stay." Those last word meant too much upon hearing that I can feel how desperate she was.

I put my arms around her as she scoot closer to my chest.

"I will." I whispered again and kissed her temples pulling her close to me.

"I promise you that."

*Yu Shuxin's POV

I squint my eyes open feeling the warm ray of sunlight hitting my face, struggling to even move an inch I felt a heavy sigh beside me.

My eyes widened seeing the girl laying deep asleep arms wrapped around my waist.

Holy s**t. What happened!!!!! MY GHAD YU SHUXIN!!!

I remove her hand slowly trying to be stealthy but I was pulled closer to her face only an inch apart. I got mesmerized by her beauty as my vision focused on her bare face.

She looks pretty, like an angel. Her eyelashes that I envy so much, those plumped lips that is so kissable. So red and so sweet just like my favourite berries.

But sadness hit me as I stare at the girls face.

You've change and grew so much. I remember how chubby those cheeks of yours, how you take care of your dark circles saying you've made a lot of efforts to stay up all night just to prove me you're a hardworking person. How those lips smile in a very endearing way. I could've witnessed your changes if I only chose to stay. It was me who left not you. It was me who should be at blame for expecting too much. I'm sorry Tangtang. I'm so sorry for leaving you first.

"Take a picture. It last longer." She suddenly spoke startling me making me sat up wincing in pain as I felt my head throb due to hangover.

"Aw. Huhuhuhu" I whined trying to hold my head together. I feel like it's about to crack, this is why I hate hangover so much.

"Are you okay?" Worry written all over her face. I blinked a couple of times as she put her hands in my head caressing it.

"Wh-ahm-I ye-yes." This is so embarrassing why am I even stuttering. I avoided eye contact but as soon as I move again I felt like dying.

It really hurtsssss huhuhuhu

"Lay down. Rest more I'll get you aspirin and an iced cold water to lessen the headache." She said standing up helping me lay back down leaving the room in a hurry.

I lay there like a stupid drunkard I am. What happened last night?? Why are we sleepung in one bed.

I hurriedly check on my clothes, it's still the same. Wait.

~

"Why did you leave me?"

"What?"

"I was waiting for you. I waited for more than 5years."

"I don't understand."

"Tang Tang. You've forgotten about our promise in the oak tree."

"Xinxin? You're Xinxin?"

"YOU LEFT ME HANGING FOR 5YEARS! OUT OF ALL THE PLACES YOU COULD CHOOSE WHY HERE!?"

~

My widened remembering a conversation we had last night.

"s**t!" I punched my head making the headache worse.

"I deserves that. Argh!! Yu Shuxin what did you dooooo!??" I exclaimed as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling not knowing how to face Zhao Xiaotang when she comes back.

"That was so embarrassing!!"

But the more I think about it the more severe the pain I feel.

"I WILL NEVER DRINK AGAIN!" I whinned in frustration as my headache worsen I can feel my veins beating along with my heart that I feel like it's desperately wanting to jukp out of my chest.

"You've been saying that every single time Esther." I heard Kong Xueer's voice making me raise my hand giving her the finger.

"Tch. I've made you some soup but here you are being a bitch." She said putting the tray of food in front of me with a glare. I tried sitting slowly till I felt a hand helping me. I look from my peripheral to see who it was and just by a glimpse of the side of her face I already know.

"Slow down." She said in a small chuckle. Xueer gave me that teasing smile while she grab the bowl and spoon.

"Seems like someone had too much." Kiki's voice ringed through my ears making me wince in pain again. Xiaotang let out a shh from the girl making her speak quietly.

"Never take my beer again." Yu Yan's cold voice was very calming to be very honest but I smiled at her apologetically scratching the back of my neck as she raise her left eyebrow at me.

"Hehehehe. Sorry mommah" I said in a very cute way as I swallow the spoonful Xueer feed me.

"Lucky you you're cute." She said bopping my nose and sitting at the closest chair arms crossed. I smiled at her cheekily taking another spoonful of soup from Xueer.

"I wonder if you'll feed me too if I get a hangover." Kiki asked Xueer who just smiled at her.

"You have to drink Yu Yan's beer for that to happened." I said as I glare at the girl acting very protective towards my best friend.

"I'd rather die." She replied gaining a kick from Yu Yan.

"Okay. Now take this it helps." Xiaotang said softly handing me the aspirin and cold water. I took the aspirin first and she helped me drink the water.

"Thank you." I said after swallowing everything.

"Now rest. Kiki is going to take notes for you." She stated gaining a thumbs up from Xu Jiaqi.

I pouted as I feel small tears forming in my eyes.

"Hey what's wrong?" She asked as she sat beside me. Why is she like this. She's still the same sweet person I remembered.

"Thank you guyssss. I'mso touched huhuhuhu can I just lay here for the rest of my life?" I said crying like a little kid as they all let out a chuckle. I felt Xiaotang's hand ruffle my hair and bopping my nose.

"You lazy little pig." Kiki said as she shook her head in disappointment. I just pouted and gave my beautiful eyes but she mimicked making us all laugh.

"Rest now Shuxin. I'll take over our practice today." Xueer said patting my leg and standing up. I smiled at her and gave her a smile as she respond with a very cheeky smile.

"Are you going to be fine alone with that jerk?" Asked Yu Yan who were playfully slapped by Xiaotang. I nodded while giggling and made a hand gesture telling them to go.

"Aren't you going to get ready?" I asked the girl left with me in the room as I notice the smirk she's making.

"I'm free for today. You're stuck with me." She stated walking towards me. I avoided eye contact trying to escape the awkwardness I am feeling right now.

"So you're fine with a jerk like me huh?" She teased, I cleared my throat still avoiding eye contact.

"Is little Xinxin blushing?" She asked making me cover my cheek facing the other way, but I blush harder as she mentions her nickname for me. I push her gently still avoiding eye contact.

She let out a laugh which made me look at her confused.

"You're as red as a tomato." She pointed my face.

"Hmp!" I hid under the covers trying to calm my breathing. She's torturing me with this embarrassment. I will never take any drink from Yu Yan ever again. No. I Yu Shuxin will never drink again!

"I Zhao Xiaotang will take care of a drunken Yu Shuxin when she drinks again." I sat back up acting like I was offended.

"So now you can read my mind?" I asked in a huff.

"Stop thinking too loud dummy." She said ruffling my hair in a mess. Making me pout at her.

Silence took over us as we sat their in awkwardness hesitating to speak.

"Yu Shuxin." "Zhao Xiaotang." We called at the same time.

"You go first." She said clearing her throat and sitting up straight.

"About last night." I said choosing my words..

"I'm sorry." I said looking down to my hands as I play with the linen.

"I'm sorry too. For forgetting the about the oak tree." She apologised making me look at her. Sadness is plastered im her face making me regret everything I've said last night. I'm so stupid why did I even took Yu Yan's beer.

"You've been through a lot. Because of me." Her voice crack at the last sentence, so I pull her hand and gesture her to sit beside me.

"I was the one who left. I should've been more considerate. You've been through worse than me. Don't blame yourself Tangtang." I said softly tucking a strand of hair that was covering her face. Her beautiful face.

"Bu-" I hush her by putting my inder finger in her lips.

"Let's start over." I said with a smile making her ear blush as it turns red and move in surprise. I pinch her cheeks as I giggle.

"I'm XinXin. Why are you crying little human." I asked as I use her line when she first introduced herself.

"I'm Tangtang. I'm not little hmp." She imitates how I introduced myself to her making me huff as she smirked teasingly wiping a tear from her cheek.

"That is not how I acted towards you." I complained ceossing my arms with a pout. She mimicked with a pout too making me giggle at her dorkiness.

"You're still that same bully." I stated and she let out a chuckle.

"You're still that same little human I met." Ruffling my hair as she smile.

I swear the flare of the sunlight that's shinning at her back along with her bright smile makes my heart flutter the same way as the day that I met her. It feels good. As if that one moment took all the negative emotions I've been carrying all those time.

That one very moment made my heart start beating in hope again.

*Lu Keran's POV

I packed all my stuff and exited my hotel room. Camp has finally ended and we're finally going back to school. We're a week behind our class tho we're excused I worry about catching up.

"LINE UP!" I ordered getting everyone's attention. They all fall in line putting their bags on their side.

"Count." I said in a very strict and cold manner. They all counted until it ended in 14.

"Who's missing?" I asked making them all wonder and looking at each other.

"You. Asshole." Nai Wan exclaimed pointing at me with a glare. A little humor won't hurt.

"And I thought you've forgotten about me." I teased as I close the attendance book.

"Coach we're good to go." I called out and he sent a thumbs up from the window of the bus.

"Okay everyone. Let's go home." I said and everyone cheered hopping in the bus one by one.

I was the last to enter to make sure no one is left behind.

It's going to be a long ride so I took my ear pod and played Rather Be by Clean Bandit ft. Jesse Glynne

I stared at Lin Fan who is beside me chatting on some girl named Dinosaur. I smirked knowing who it was.

"Yow. Don't you know the word privacy?" She said hiding her phone away when she noticed me peeping from the side.

"Tch. Liu Li-" I was cut off when she put her hand in my mouth.

"Shhhhhh!!!!! No one knows who she is." She whispered looking around wondering if anyone heard.

"That Liu Lingzi is Dinosaur?" Dai Meng asked teasingly as she turn to face us from her seat. Lin Fan faced palm herself making everyone tease her as it was loud enough for everyone to hear.

I shook my head and added volume as I stare out the window.

After arriving at the airport we were greeted with some supporters and we had this small fan meeting there since we still had an hour before the flight. Tho we were all tired we managed to satisfy everyone after we boarded.

3hours and 15min have passed I was woken up by Lin Fan saying we've arrived. I stretched out my arms and legs as I yawn in satisfaction.

"Slept good?" Xie Keyin asked as she reach for her luggage. I stood up and took it for her.

"Dwarf." I teased gaining a slap from her.

After arriving at the university we went to the locker room to put in our training uniforms and jersey to the laundry basket and bid our goodbyes as we all walk out of the gym like zombies craving for rest.

I called in Keni to pick us up since we're too tired to drive and I was glad she was already at the parking lot waiting for us. I ran towards her and gave her the tightest hug I could give.

"You're my hero." I said and hopped in her car.

"I know. You owe me dinner tonight." She said as she close the door before me.

She walked around to sit at the drivers seat. The others went out to celebrate I don't know how they managed to gain such energy so I went alone with Keni in our Dorm.

"How was the trip?" She asked eyes focused on the road.

"It was good. I think we all made every minute worth it since it's going to be our last year together." I stated sighing at the thought. 18 years of playing, I think that's enough.

"You're the youngest to ever retire in basketball history." She said and I chuckle at the thought. Tho being a star player is my dream I also wanted to help my family in the company. They supported me from the beginning to the end. I think it's time to repay them.

"It's time to take on adulthoon and repay the old people." I said as Keni just nodded in approval.

"What abour you?" I asked knowing she's been in the PSUH System all her life making her the longest standing Leader of the organisation.

"After this I'm passing down my throne and focus on leading the journalism department as I study Law." She stated making me nod at her decision.

"It feels like it was just yesterday huh. We started off knowing nothing, dreaming and doubting our capabilities." I said reminiscing the good old days.

"Now look at us on our last year as power abusing people." She finished my sentence as we both laugh.

"Where did you get that power abusing people?" I asked in curiosity as I laugh at the thought that someone actually said that.

"One of your roommates named Yu Yan did. She was very straightforward. Curious but she's doubting the Organisation. I kinda like her personality, she's too....." She paused as she finds the right words to properly describe the girl.

"Feisty." She finished making me thing about a roommate that caught the interest of my bestfriend.

Yu Yan huh. Interesting.

15min have passed and we've finally arrived. Keni helped me carry my luggage but as soon as I held on the door knob I heard laughters from inside.

Seems like they're all home. Right timing.