After 7 Months Of No

BEGINNING

Hi, I’m Susan, and this is the story of how I unknowingly caught the attention of Trust, my long-hidden admirer.

It all started when my elder sister entered the university. God, I was so happy for her because, at that time, I had to “do it all together”—I mean, keep up with school and life at the same time. I was also a senior in high school, so I had my own responsibilities, but her admission felt like a blessing. That day was July 6—my sister’s birthday—and I planned to celebrate it with her. Not in a grand way, just something she would like and appreciate. I wanted her to feel loved and special, and honestly, God saw my sincerity because everything seemed to align perfectly.

We were on holiday when her birthday came, which meant I had the chance to visit her in school for three whole days. I got to her place a day before the birthday so that I could wish her early and celebrate in my own way. I know it sounds obsessive, but I’ve always been close to my sister, and honestly, I kind of idolize her.

The D-Day finally came. I woke up late, which immediately made me panic, but I still managed to wish her happy birthday. No offense, but I was really tired—between packing, traveling, and schoolwork, my energy had completely drained. I decided to make her breakfast myself. Bread toast, perfectly fried eggs, and a steaming cup of hot tea. I like to think I did a better job than most chefs, but hey, I’m not bragging. It just came naturally. The joy on her face when she tasted it made me feel like all my effort was worth it.

Later that day, my sister and I were outside, chilling with some of her hostel mates. That’s when I first heard the name *Trust*. My sister had told me about him before. She said he was free-spirited, attractive, and friendly with everyone—but not with her. Apparently, she had a “man,” or at least that’s what she told me. I literally rolled my eyes at that, because love is always blind, isn’t it?

I tried to catch a glimpse of him that day, but he was busy doing something in the IT department. I couldn’t meet him properly, and eventually, I just forgot about him. Life moved on, and he became just another name I had heard in passing.

Fast forward a few months: I graduated from high school and was preparing to enter the university. I was ecstatic because I was going to the same university as my sister. She was in her final year, just like Trust, while I was a fresh-faced freshman.

The first time I stepped into the hostel, I was warmly welcomed. Everyone seemed kind and friendly, which made me feel like I had a little place in this vast new world. I was still trying to get used to everything when suddenly a hand landed on my shoulder. I froze, my head snapping up. There he was—*Trust*. Handsome, tall, confident—but also kind of intimidating. My heart skipped a beat. I had already made a mental promise to myself not to fall for anyone so soon, but seeing him in person made that promise feel impossible to keep.

“Hi,” he said, his voice calm, casual, yet it carried a certain warmth that made my cheeks tingle.

“Hi,” I replied, trying to sound composed while my heart raced.

He gave me a small smile. “You must be Susan,” he said, with a tone that was both teasing and sincere.

“Yes, that’s me,” I said, trying to match his calmness. “And you are… Trust, right?”

He nodded. “That’s right. Welcome to the hostel,” he said, gesturing lightly as if to show me my new space.

I felt my palms get clammy, and I quickly looked away to avoid him noticing. Why was my heart beating so fast? Why did I suddenly feel shy in front of a guy I didn’t even really know? There was something about him—something subtle but magnetic—that pulled me in.

Over the next few days, I noticed him more. He had this effortless way of interacting with people: he laughed at jokes, helped carry books, and seemed to know exactly when someone needed a friendly smile. And yet, he never once crossed the line of politeness with me. Still, our glances met more often than chance would allow. There were little things—how he would catch my attention from across the room, or how he seemed aware of where I was even in a crowd.

I told myself repeatedly that I wasn’t going to fall for him. I wasn’t going to be distracted. But every time he smiled, or his hand brushed past mine in the hallway, it was like an electric shock that left me breathless.

By the end of my first week, I realized that Trust wasn’t just my sister’s friend anymore. He was slowly becoming mine—in subtle ways, in quiet moments, in the kind of gestures that didn’t need words. Even without a conversation, even without exchanged numbers, there was a connection forming.