The same melody that Arthur kept hearing for about two to three times a week started playing by the riverside. Their eyes met like they've been expecting each other. Arthur didn't know her name, but inside the realm where your mind is absolute, the girl knew who he was.
Arthur woke up sweating, even though the air conditioner was set to its lowest temperature. The sound of the melody that he heard in his dreams still lingers in his ears. He looked at his clock and that's when he realized that he's already late for school. He grabbed his towel and started to increase the pace of his preparation for school.
It had been two years since he started dreaming of the girl with unparalleled beauty. To this day, he still doesn't know who she is. Arthur brushed his hair back and wonders if he'll see her again tonight. It wasn't the first time that he's excited to see her, and definitely not the last. After the rushed preparation, Arthur left his dorm and immediately went to the auditorium.
It was August 10, 2026. First day of Arthur's college life. For starters, he needs to go to the auditorium for the freshmen orientation.
Alesandro Severino University was bigger than any school that he'd attended. Students around his age filled every hallways and grounds, waiting for the announcement to enter the auditorium. Arthur tightened his grip on his bag— not out of nervousness but to represent his confidence and excitement. He continued walking through the hallways carved with precision and elegance. Everything looks vintage yet polished.
Arthur turned left making him bump to another person.
"Hey, watch where you're goi— Arthur?" The guy around his age recognized him.
It took Arthur a second or two to recognize who he is. Realizing who the guy is, his expression became lighter.
"Andrew? I thought you'll be studying at U.K.? What are you doing here?" Arthur asked with curiosity.
"It's like your indirectly telling me to leave, man. But yeah, I was supposed to fly to U.K. a month ago. But I guess I can never really leave this country since my parents had an argument." Andrew replied with a sad tone because of the situation of his parents.
"Hey, hey, hey. I never told you to leave. As for your parents, hope they settle it as soon as possible." Arthur responded with empathy.
Andrew smiled faintly. "I hope so. Anyways, I expected to see you here. What I didn't expect is to see you before the freshmen orientation start. And A.S.U. huh? Guess their scholarship program finally found their perfect poster boy." He grinned and laughed with a teasing sound.
Arthur chuckled. "We haven't even properly started our college life, and you already started sucking up to me." Arthur responded with a sarcastic expression.
"Relax, man. Just stating facts and I'm not even surprised you made it here in A.S.U. But let me tell you this again: You could've just applied for—"
Arthur cuts his statement. "Harvard? Sure I do. But you know the reason why I decided to stay in this country."
Andrew sighed. "Dude, really? Yes, I am aware that you've been dreaming of the same girl consistently. But what if she's not in this country? Or what if she doesn't really exist?"
Arthur started walking and Andrew followed him and managed to walk beside him. "I understand what you mean, bro. It will greatly impact my future. But something inside me persuaded me to stay here."
They both walked toward the auditorium, passing through rows of carved marble pillars and students trying to keep themselves entertained.
When they reached the courtyard outside the auditorium, Andrew glanced at Arthur. "By the way, what course did you take?"
"Accountancy. Just preparing my way for law." Arthur replied.
"Really now? Every student back in the academy thought you'll major in music! Only a few knows about your achievement back in 2016. But it's still an international competition, Arthur!"
Arthur laughed softly. "That was years ago. Music is something that I love doing. Law seems more practical for me. And I took ABM as my Senior High School strand. It would be weird to take music as my field."
Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Practical? You? There was one time wh—"
Before Andrew could finish what he wanted to say, the speakers throughout the campus cam alive. "Attention to all freshmen. The orientation will begin in 10 minutes. Please enter the auditorium."
"Guess that's the cue." Andrew said.
They walked in with the rest of the crowd. The auditorium was massive. It has rows of cushioned seats, a very elegant and spacious walkway, and a wide stage with the university's seal at the background of the stage. Two large screens beside the stage flashed before everyone, with the words "Welcome to Alesandro Severino University" to greet all students. Arthur and Andrew found seats somewhere in the middle of the auditorium.
Arthur leaned back and looked at the stage.
Andrew nudged him. "You looked relaxed and deep in thought, Arthur."
Arthur turned to him and blinked. "I'm always like this. Looks like our three-year friendship is a waste." Arthur said sarcastically.
Before Andrew could reply and rage bait him, the lights went out and a voice echoed from the microphone. "Welcome to Alesandro Severino University."
Students clapped their hands as the Dean of Student Affairs greeted them warmly.
While the speech carried on, Arthur took a look around familiarizing himself with some faces and the place where they are currently holding the event. Everyone seemed to be thrilled to start their college life. He was too, but something inside him still longs for answer. The freshmen orientation passed by with introduction, speeches, and intermissions. But even after the closing remarks of the president of the university, Arthur couldn't shake the melody he hears from his dreams. He hummed it quietly as everyone exit the hall, unaware that inside the campus, someone was humming the same tune.