the Destiny is always full of surprises

They say love is for the person who loves you and whom you love in return. The one who will cherish you will come naturally, and your heart will beat only for the person destined for you… and when they finally arrive, you’ll feel as though you’ve been waiting for them all along, ready to risk everything just to be with them. But how long will I have to wait? Can’t I just choose the one I want to love? There’s someone I like, but I don’t know if he’ll ever see me the same way. “Levent… I—I like you… I’ve liked you for a long time…” I stammered, my voice trembling, as I handed him the chocolate I had made with my own hands. My hands were shaking while I waited for him to take it. “Sorry… I can’t accept your love for me… I just think of you the same way I think of the other girls who confessed to me. But… your confidence, even though you’re nervous… thank you, I appreciate it.” When Levent said his final words, he turned around slowly and walked away. He didn’t take the chocolate. He left me standing there, speechless, as my chest grew heavier and heavier. Cafeteria ~ “Ahhh… How could I forget? Levent is popular. A lot of people confess to him, so he probably thought I was just one of them just another girl trying her luck. Haah… I should’ve planned it better… maybe in a more romantic place, not like this…” I slumped into my seat, lightly hitting my own head in frustration as tears fell down my cheeks. “Oh, Astrid Jarrett…” she said firmly, hands on her hips and one eyebrow raised. “How many times do I have to tell you? That Levent guy isn’t into you! Look at him handsome, popular, rich, an achiever. Tell me, how would he ever like you? Just admit it… THERE’S NO FOREVER!” “Shut up, Oristilla!” I snapped back, my eyes wet with tears and annoyance. “I’m already down… I’m in mourning, okay?” That’s Oristilla my friend who carries the presence of a male lead in a romance novel. Everything about her movements has dignity and confidence. Many girls fall for her, and even though she’s a woman, that never stops people from admiring her. She’s like a prince you’d never find in guys like Levent. But one thing I know she’s not easily swayed by this thing called LOVE. And I don’t know why. Sometimes, I wonder… what if the person meant for her finally comes? What would she do then? “Ohhh… the princess of the campus is here,” Oristilla teased, glancing to the right as if someone special was approaching. When I turned, “Ahhh… Rihanna?” I whispered, my voice tinged with surprise and joy. “Sorry, guys… I’m late.” She smiled, slightly tightening her grip on her bag strap. “Anyway… how was your confession?” I couldn’t answer right away. “Ahhh…~~~” was all I managed to say before tears started falling again. “Yup… she got rejected,” Oristilla blurted out bluntly. “Ahhh… stop crying, AJ. That’s enough.” Rihanna’s voice was gentle as she came closer and softly placed a hand on my shoulder. That’s Rihanna my friend, known across the campus as the princess. Not just because of her beauty, but because of her kindness that seemed unmatched. She’s admired by both girls and boys, and no matter how tough the situation is, she’s always there to support you. Sometimes, I envy her—she’s beautiful, kind, a member of the cheerleading team, and almost everyone admires her. But most of all, she has this way of calming hearts… even mine, drenched in tears at this very moment. “Why don’t you just find someone else? Forget Levent. You should go for someone like me…” Oristilla smirked. “I want Levent… I like him. No one else,” I said, sobbing even harder. “Alright, AJ… before you have a breakdown. What exactly do you like about him?” Rihanna asked. “Ahh?…” I paused, my tears slowing. “Because… he’s kind. I still remember the days when I was alone on the rooftop. You two were busy with school activities back then, so I ate alone. Then, suddenly, Levent appeared.” I said, still feeling as though it happened only yesterday. Flashback — Rooftop The sun was bright and warm, but the breeze on the rooftop was gentle. The place was quiet only the rustle of leaves and the faint chirping of birds could be heard. I was looking down, poking at my lunch, forcing myself to eat even though I had no appetite. Suddenly, the door opened. “Hey!” I looked up and saw him smiling, holding a bottle of water, and carrying with him this strange presence that seemed to make the air lighter. “Huh?” “Do you have someone to eat with here?” he asked as he walked closer. “No…” I replied shortly. He didn’t leave. He sat near the pots of flowers and stared at them for a moment. “Look at these flowers,” he said, gently touching one of the wilting petals. “They’re wilting because no one’s taking care of them. Tired from the sun, but… even when they’re weak, they’re still beautiful.” I just stared at him not at the flowers, but at the way he spoke. I could feel the weight in his voice, and that was when it all began. That day, beneath the sun’s warmth, the scent of earth, and a simple conversation… my heartbeat changed forever. PRESENT “Those flowers will really die… they’re planted on the rooftop. If they just put a tarp to give them shade, maybe they’d survive. But seriously just because of what he said, you fell for him? AHAHAHAHA!” Oristilla laughed, but there was teasing in her voice. I just looked at her. “??…” I couldn’t answer. “You don’t understand,” I muttered softly, trying to hide the blush on my cheeks. She laughed even louder. “Hahaha! It all started with flowers? They should just cut down all the flowers on the rooftop so there won’t be any more of this corny love-at-first-sight nonsense.” I looked at her with a mix of irritation and hurt in my eyes. “Hmmm… you don’t know how I feel. You don’t know anything. Because you’ve never had a love story… that’s why you’re like this. Right, Rihanna?” I turned to Rihanna. She looked surprised, but smiled. “Huh? I’m not sure about that… but love is love. Love is always open to everyone.” she said softly, as if giving me a little hope. Oristilla cut in, resting her chin on her hand. “Love is just imagination. You only think it’s love when you see someone attractive… but that’s not love, it’s just admiration.” Both Rihanna and I fell silent. We just stared at Oristilla, waiting for her to say more… but deep inside, I knew what I felt that day wasn’t just admiration. From the very first glance, I knew… there was something different. And just as I was about to speak again, someone suddenly spoke in front of us… "Love is like a precious thing you must take care of it, protect it… but if you neglect it, it will fade away, and someone else might take it." The woman’s voice was cold, yet every word felt like a dagger piercing my heart. “Trash?” Oristilla’s tone was a mix of shock and mockery. “Ahhh! Excuse me!?” The woman straightened up, her eyes sharp and fierce. “You called me what? For your information, my name is Trivia M. Almason. I’m not trash… maybe you’re the trash, because you look like garbage.” I could feel the tension slowly rising around us. “Sorry… for Oristilla, I mean?” Rihanna’s voice was soft, trembling, trying to calm the situation. But Trivia just smiled not out of joy, but because she felt victorious. “Ah, okay. But it’s not you I want to apologize… it’s her.” She slowly raised a finger and pointed at me. “Wait a minute… why her? You know I’m the one who said it!” Oristilla shouted, her eyes darkening with anger. “Hmm… I want you to realize and feel how it is when your friend suffers for your mistakes. I won’t hurt you because I know your status in school… so I won’t touch you. Just watch.” Her every word was a challenge as she sized up Oristilla from head to toe. yeah...Trivia M. Almason. Queen of the campus. Cheerleader at almost every sports event. Wealthy, beautiful, and influential. And me? Always on the sidelines, always the target of her eyes because of Levent. They’re the perfect pair in every contest. And yes, even if I don’t admit it, it makes me jealous. “Hey! Are you still awake?” The snap of her fingers brought me back to reality. “Ah? Yes?!” I looked at her. “Don’t do it just let her be!” Oristilla appeared beside me, ready to fight. “Huh?” I was confused. “Say sorry to me… for what your friend did.” Trivia smirked, as if knowing I had no choice. I took a deep breath. I’m used to this kind of scene. Slowly, I stood and bowed—a simple gesture heavy with meaning. “A-as-trid!” Oristilla shouted, trying to hold back her anger. “So-sorr—” But before I could finish, Rihanna quickly stood up. “Wait!!! Can we calm down first? Hehe…” She forced a smile, like thin ice about to break. “What?” Trivia raised one eyebrow, clearly worried but curious. “What about this treat it as an apology for what my friend did?” Rihanna’s voice was calm but carried a hint of pleading. Trivia stared at her for a moment. “Hmm… okay, fine. I’ll let this slide.” Then she turned and left, Rihanna following behind as if pulled by invisible strings. Oristilla and I were left in silence… the air suddenly feeling heavy. We stayed silent. I still felt the weight on my chest. I didn’t know if it was anger or embarrassment that overwhelmed me. “Heystt..., why did you have to apologize?” Oristilla hadn’t finished when someone passed before us. “Levent.” He walked casually, holding a bottle of water, but every step seemed to slow time. When he looked at us, his eyes locked onto me. I don’t know if it was my imagination, but that moment seemed to stretch for seconds. “Hey… you okay?” His voice was soft, like it was meant only for me despite Oristilla’s presence. I was stunned. No words came out only a nod. I don’t know if he heard the faint heartbeat that nearly burst out of my chest. He smiled briefly the kind of smile that’s hard to tell if it’s just concern or something deeper. “Good.” He whispered before walking away. I kept staring until he was out of sight. Then I realized I hadn’t breathed for a while. “Look at that…” Oristilla whispered, raising an eyebrow. “Just one smile and your mind’s already melted.” I smiled faintly, but inside, I knew I was falling even deeper. TRIVIA AND RIHANNA POV Rihanna silently followed Trivia as she picked her food in the café. “Hmmm… iced coffee, dark choco please,” Trivia said softly but confidently, then walked toward an empty table. Rihanna quickly approached the cashier to pay for Trivia’s order. Her movements were fast, as if she didn’t want to miss any moment with her companion. After paying, she hurried to catch up with Trivia, who was already seated by a window where the afternoon light streamed in. As Rihanna sat across from her, Trivia rested her elbow on the table, then placed her hand near her chin, staring straight at her. “You can show your true face…” Her voice was low but full of meaning, paired with a teasing smile. Rihanna blinked. “Huh?” Her surprised reply showed she didn’t know how to take those words. “Come on…” Trivia leaned slightly forward, as if whispering a secret. “Stop pretending you’re innocent. I’ve always had my eye on you… princess.” A shiver ran through Rihanna’s body when she heard the last word. Her palms grew cold but her cheeks flushed warm. “I don’t understand you… Trivia…?” Her question was cautious but clearly confused. “Ahh… that face…” Trivia smiled, teasingly. “Seriously? The way you look at your friend—let’s just say you have two faces, right?” Rihanna stiffened in her seat. She didn’t know how to answer. She held tightly onto the hem of her skirt beneath the table. Her heart pounded fast—as if refusing to stop. “Ha… ha… Trivia, you’re really something…” Rihanna forced a laugh before suddenly standing. “Wait, I’ll get your iced coffee.” Trivia was left sitting, leaning back, watching her every move like she was reading a book. “Wait, why did she say that? Does she know something? Did she see?” At the cashier’s mirror, Rihanna caught her own reflection. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, eyes restless. She bit her lip, wondering if Trivia saw the same, and if that was the reason why she always felt struck by her words.