7: Beneath the Surface

That evening, the reading room was quiet. Arda, Karina, and Jacob sat at a large square table, their heads buried in books. The table, designed with partitions for privacy, could accommodate six people, making it perfect for study groups.

The room’s walls were painted a soothing mix of green and burnt orange, with inspirational quotes scattered across them. But Arda’s mind was far from inspired. She stared at her open notebook, her thoughts clouded by memories and worries.

She had intended to start writing her thesis, but all she could think about were Luke’s recurring headaches. The episodes replayed vividly in her mind, unsettling her more than she cared to admit. Her thoughts then drifted to the restaurant encounter with the mysterious, handsome stranger. The pull she felt towards him was unlike anything she had experienced before, leaving her both intrigued and confused.

Shaking her head, Arda reminded herself she had a thesis to write, not time for distractions. With a deep breath, she picked up her pen and scribbled a title at the top of her notebook: Dedication.

I dedicate this thesis to my dear family—The Grays, she wrote. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

As she stared blankly at the wooden partition in front of her, Luke’s words echoed in her mind: Karina has a boyfriend, I tell you…Jacob…your flatmate, friend, pal, whatever.

Arda took a deep breath and decided she couldn’t ignore this any longer. She had to confront them now.

“Jacob, Karina,” she called out, breaking the silence. “Are you two seeing each other?”

The room seemed to grow even quieter. Both Karina and Jacob looked up, surprise etched on their faces.

“What?” they said in unison.

Arda stood up, so she could see both of them clearly. They looked puzzled, or maybe they were pretending to be, she thought.

“Are you dating?” she asked again, this time more firmly. “Why have you kept your relationship hidden from me?”

Jacob and Karina exchanged a look, then Karina frowned. “What makes you think that?”

“Yeah,” Jacob added. “Why would you think we’re a couple? Is this some kind of joke?”

Arda crossed her arms. “I just want to know why you’ve been hiding it from me. As friends, we shouldn’t have secrets like this.”

“That’s enough,” Karina snapped, standing up. “Who have you been listening to?”

Jacob followed suit, standing up as well. “What’s gotten into you, Arda? Who told you this?”

“It doesn’t matter who told me,” Arda replied, her voice tense. “The campus is full of mutual friends. People have seen you two kissing several times.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Karina exclaimed, looking genuinely shocked.

“It’s all lies,” Jacob insisted. “I have a girlfriend, remember?”

“You mean the long-distance relationship? Who even knows if that’s true?” Arda shot back, her tone skeptical.

“Arda, you’re not listening to us,” Jacob said, his voice more pleading now. “Tell me, who gave you this information?”

“That’s not the point,” she said sharply. “The point is, I’ve heard things, and I need to know if they’re true.”

Karina looked pained. “Whatever you heard, it’s false.”

Arda wanted to believe them. They had been friends for three years. Why would they lie to her? Then again, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more beneath the surface.

“Fine,” she finally said, forcing a smile. “I believe you. I’m sorry for listening to gossip.”

“It’s okay,” Karina said, her voice softer now.

“It’s fine,” Jacob agreed.

Arda stepped closer, trying to push away her lingering doubts. “Peace hug?” she suggested with a grin.

Jacob and Karina exchanged a look before smiling back at her. They all shared a group hug, breaking apart a moment later.

Arda stepped back, her expression brightening. “Alright, we need a distraction,” she announced.

“I have a thesis to write,” Karina groaned.

“What did you have in mind?” Jacob asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well,” Arda hesitated, then grinned mischievously. “I have a confession.”

Her friends folded their arms, giving her curious looks.

“I signed up for the birthmark competition.”

“What?” they exclaimed simultaneously, looking stunned.

“The show is in three days. I already registered.”

“We advised you against it,” Jacob said, frowning. “Why did you do it anyway?”

“You couldn’t give me a good enough reason not to,” Arda shrugged.

“We did,” Karina insisted. “A birthmark of the moon will draw attention.”

Arda rolled her eyes. “Attention from who? I’m tired of hearing that. It’s just a show. If there’s a competition for this, then maybe my mark isn’t so strange after all. Who knows what kinds of marks other people have?” She briefly remembered Tracy’s mark. “This could be fun. Besides, I could use the prize money.”

She turned on her heel and started walking out of the room.

“Arda, wait. Listen…” Karina called after her, but Arda didn’t stop until she was out of sight.

“Let her go,” Jacob sighed. “You know how she gets when she’s made up her mind.”

Karina nodded, looking worried. “I guess we all have a show to look forward to.”

“You think you might get into trouble for this?” Jacob’s voice was low, laced with concern.

Karina turned to him, their eyes locking. “I’m not sure,” she replied telepathically.

“Do you think he should know about this?” Jacob asked without speaking.

“Maybe it’s better if he doesn’t,” Karina responded in the same silent manner.

They shared a tense, knowing look, the air between them thick with unspoken fears.