Encounter

The countdown to the upcoming Modern Literature of Europe lecture crept by in agonizing slowness. Every passing second felt stretched into an eternity, though it amounted to just two days. Secretly, I found myself yearning to see him again, a desire I refused to admit aloud. His absence made the campus, not the largest expanse, but sizable enough to conceal him from my curious gaze.

My attire for the day cascaded with deliberate elegance: an off-white shirt of satin texture gliding over my form, accentuated by a sleek black sweater vest. Paired with brown slacks, I meticulously folded the sleeves of my shirt, adding a touch of casual sophistication. Opting for a low ponytail, I allowed tendrils of hair to lazily frame my face, lending a subtle allure. A mere hint of moisturizer and sunscreen graced my skin, and as I set the sunscreen aside, my fingers grazed over my modest collection of lipsticks. Feeling a streak of boldness, I chose a dark shade of brown, one that harmonized with the warmth of my brown skin. Gazing at my reflection, content with the sight, I grabbed my bag, slipped into my shoes, and gracefully departed my apartment.

As I met Zoe on campus, she greeted me with an invitation, “Care for a coffee before our class?”

“I think I've had my fair share of caffeine for the day,” I chuckled, tucking my phone into my bag.

“These morning lectures makes me want to die,” Zoe groaned. “Why can't they schedule them for like afternoon?”

“Well, we can't have everything we wish for, can we?” I replied, playfully raising an eyebrow, which earned a resigned sigh from her.

Excitement sparkled in Zoe's eyes as she linked her arm with mine. “I found this new café. How about checking it out after class?”

“Sounds good, but I need to return a book at the library first. I'll catch up with you afterward.”

With a mischievous glint, Zoe suggested, “Shall we invite Luca?”

“Sure, but do you think he’ll be free?” I inquired.

“Absolutely,” she assured me. “He seemed quite invested.”

“Invested? In what” I echoed, genuinely surprised.

“Come on, don’t tell me I'm the only one who noticed how he was eyeing you,” Zoe retorted, rolling her eyes.

The way he was eyeing me? I didn’t notice he was looking at me at all.

I began to respond, only to be interrupted by a familiar voice. “Excuse me, ladies," His voice broke the barriers of my thoughts, filling my head with a melody I subconsciously sought after.

“Hurry along, class starts in five,” Izan reminded us probably on his way to our class and I glanced back. I felt my heart pick up its pace just at the sight of him. His eyes were fixed upon my face or so I thought before he overtook us. Zoe and I were quick to pick up our pace and followed him into the class.

In the midst of my constant trance, lost in the allure of his voice, one could call me a madman. His speech flowed effortlessly, each word a serenade that echoed softly off the walls. With every gaze from those hazel eyes, my heart performed a ballet of fluttering beats. I yearned for a flicker of recognition in his gaze, seeking a connection in the depths of those enchanting orbs, yet found none. Just as swiftly as the minutes slipped away, the class ended. And I found myself walking out of the class with Zoe by my side.

“Luca said he would be joining us.” Zoe announced, thumbs tapping away at her phone as I dug into the depths of my bag.

“What's up? Looking for something?” Zoe's curiosity surfaced.

“I can't seem find the book I was supposed to return,” I sighed, giving up on my search and zipping up the bag. “I think I might have left it in the class. You go on, I'll catch up once I grab it!” My words hurried out as I darted back toward the classroom, not waiting for Zoe's response.

I was rushing toward the classroom when suddenly, someone appeared right in front of the door. Momentum carried me forward, and before I could halt, I collided headfirst into a solid chest, saved only by a quick grip on my arm that prevented an embarrassing fall.

“Are you okay?” Izan's concerned voice cut through the haze as he steadied me, a jolt of electricity coursing through my veins at his touch. Words stumbled and tangled in my throat, my heart racing, as the warmth of his contact engulfed me like a tidal surge breaking against the riverbank. The warmth of his touch disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared, and I instinctively took a step back, craving space between us.

“Yes. I-I'm sorry,” I stammered, instantly casting my gaze downward, unable to bear the intensity of his stare.

“May I ask why you were in such a hurry?” he asked in a gentle voice.

“I believe I left my book inside, Sir,” I replied, my voice somewhat steadier.

“Is this the one?” Izan held out the book I'd been looking for, relief flooding me as I accepted it.

“Yes! Thank you,” I expressed my gratitude, taking the book from him.

“It was on the table. Please be more careful next time,” he advised with a hint of concern.