THAT DAY, YOU WERE THERE

CHAPTER III: TOUCHING HER HEART

The next morning, Chi Nhuoc woke up without realizing anything unusual. When memories of what had happened between her and Te Mac the night before suddenly resurfaced, she screamed in embarrassment,

“Ahhhhh…!”

As soon as she arrived at school, she ran straight into Te Mac. Startled, she quickly dodged left and right, barely managing to escape his sight.

Normally, during individual art evaluations, Chi Nhuoc always ranked among the top students and was considered highly talented in fine arts. However, one day, for reasons she couldn’t understand, her latest sculpture failed to meet the usual standards. She felt deeply disappointed. While she was working, Tu Than came over to lend her a hand. To thank him, she invited him out for a meal.

That afternoon, as they were walking home together, Tu Than’s phone suddenly rang. The contact name was saved as “First Love.” Chi Nhuoc assumed he already had someone he loved, and a faint sense of disappointment quietly crept into her heart. While answering the call, Tu Than left her behind and ran toward the voice on the other end.

That evening, Chi Nhuoc received a message from Te Mac:

“If you don’t pay back the remaining money, then starting tomorrow, you’ll copy notes for me in class.”

Reading the message, Chi Nhuoc felt both angry and upset. From that day on, she went to class every day just to copy notes for him. When she later met Tu Than, she told him everything. He wanted to offer help, but before he could say anything, she suddenly stopped in front of a poster advertisement.

The poster promoted a punching-strength competition, with a brand-new tablet as the first prize. Without much hesitation, Chi Nhuoc signed up and pulled Tu Than along. When it was her turn, she rolled up her sleeves and punched with all her strength, scoring immediately. Everyone around was stunned. From a distance, Te Mac witnessed the scene.

Breathing heavily, sweat streaming down her face, Chi Nhuoc ran toward Te Mac and handed him the tablet.

“I’ve paid off my debt. From now on, we don’t need to meet anymore.”

What she didn’t know was that the debt had only been an excuse—Te Mac’s way of seeing her more often.

After settling everything, Chi Nhuoc finally felt relieved. From then on, whenever they crossed paths, they treated each other like strangers.

Later, she saw Tu Than pushing a girl in a wheelchair. She was the very “First Love” Chi Nhuoc had misunderstood. After a short conversation, Chi Nhuoc realized the girl was actually Tu Than’s younger sister, who had just returned from the United States.

Chi Nhuoc’s life remained difficult. Every day was a cycle of studying and working. She had to support herself while continuing her education. Her uncle secretly sent her money every month, hiding it from his wife and children. Not wanting to burden his family, Chi Nhuoc worked tirelessly to earn enough to pay her tuition.

As the whole school prepared for the next day’s forum, Te Mac accidentally collided with Chi Nhuoc in the crowd. They both fell onto the grass—she beneath him, while he supported himself above her. At that moment, a drone flew past and burst a balloon, scattering shiny pieces of paper around them. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, neither of them spoke. Embarrassed, they quickly stood up and looked away.

The next day, Chi Nhuoc visited a company that displayed famous sculpture works to gain more experience. While admiring the artworks, a young man approached and introduced himself as the artist behind them. His name was David. His appearance immediately caught her attention. Over time, they grew closer, sharing meals and walking through the city together.

As they walked, a peach blossom petal fell onto her hair. David gently picked it off, and Chi Nhuoc looked up at him with a soft expression.

Late at night, her friends invited her out to socialize—two roommates and Tu Than included. While chatting, two messages arrived at the same time, one from David and one from Te Mac. A friend teased her,

“Wow, what’s going on? Two handsome guys texting you at once—Te Mac and David?”

“N-No…” Chi Nhuoc replied quietly.

Tu Than, watching from the side, felt a slight ache in his heart.

At school, auditions were announced for a youth-themed film project. Wanting extra income, Chi Nhuoc signed up without hesitation. Seeing her name on the list for the female lead, Te Mac decided to audition for the male lead as well. On screen, they looked like a young couple just beginning to fall in love.

After finishing their scene, Te Mac followed Chi Nhuoc, wanting to say something important. Before he could speak, rain suddenly began to fall. He quickly took off his jacket and held it over both of them as they ran for shelter. Under the rain, time seemed to slow, and for a brief moment, neither of them wanted to move away.