The girl blinked at him, wide-eyed; a slow blush crept across her cheeks, blooming pink as she dropped her gaze to her thighs.
"No…. I was just…" Her fingers twisted in her lap. "I was just looking outside."
Jay finally looked at her. "I thought you were looking at the ice cream," he said, pointing his hand towards the small ice cream embroidery on his shirt.
Her brows pinched in confusion; blush slowly vanished, taken over by fog of thoughts, she hesitantly lifted her head to see Jay already meeting her eyes, her gaze followed the direction of his hand. Was he asking me about this? God! What have I imagined?
"That's… a nice embroidery…" she finally spoke after a brief stare, hiding her embarrassment.
"Thank you," replied Jay, looking back towards the window.
Silences took its seat between them like an extra passenger —hard, heavy and awkward. Neither of them tried to chase it away.
The cab stopped as they reached destination. Both stepped out, the cool air filled with fog breaking the silence.
"Take care. Bye," said Jay, shifting into a light jog.
"Thank you…" she murmured, her voice barely cutting through the air.
He had only gone a short distance before a call broke from behind.
"Jay…!"
He stopped mid-stride and turned back over his shoulder—first just his head, then his whole body.
"Just so you know… my… name… is… Lily," she said, squeezing her eyes shut before she lost her courage.
When she opened them, her eyes met his and drifted away in a second. Before he could react, she spun around and disappeared through the dorm doors.
Lily! Oh! I forgot to ask her name… let's head back home for now, with a small smirk. He jogged back home.
Jay unlocked the door and took off his jogging shoes changing into his home slippers, He made his way upstairs towards his room, straight into the bathroom.
He stood still under the cold water, sliding his long thin fingers into his hair flipping it back as water dripped over his face—smooth and steady, he slipped on his bathrobe after 10 minutes.
He dressed in his uniform and walked downstairs, grabbed a slice of bread and made his way to the university.
He stood in front of the gate—hands tucked in his pocket, then an arm suddenly hooked around his neck from behind.
"Good morning, Jay…" he said.
Jay turned enough to see who it was.
"Morning Luka…" he replied.
"What did you do yesterday?"
'Nothing special, I played games all day' Jay answered with an unsatisfied look on his face what would I possibly do when I am all alone by myself at hom?
'Hey Luka! Hey Jay! What's up?'
Lucy strutted toward them, her smile brightened the moment her eyes landed on Jay.
'Nothing much Lucy,' Luka answered.
'Hey, look, it's Regina!'
Luka said, pointing to a girl. Heads turned as she passed. Dark, wide eyes took everything at once. Her long hair moved with her steady stride, and her lips thin and soft red never curved into a smile. She walked with true elegance resembling her name —like a queen.
Her gaze fell on Jay, their eyes meeting for a split second before Jay broke it.
"Who is she…?" asked Jay.
'Like you can see, She's is the most beautiful—'
Jay stopped Luka mid answer.
'Not that, which section and department she is from?'
Luka blinked, caught off guard by Jay's sudden interest, followed by a smirk.
"Why is that sudden interest?" Luka teased.
Jay looked away, his jaw tight 'forget it..'
Luka, not wanting to pour clod water on Jay's first interest,
'She is an archeologist—just like us, but from the honor section fourth semester'.
Lucy watched her as she walked longer than necessary "never spotted her with anyone" she said. "Always alone".
Just a few steps behind Regina, a boy not remarkably tall, his face easy to overlook. Careful followed her keeping his distance, caught in the quiet pull of her presence.
"Why is Felix tailing around her?" Luka muttered.
"Felix…!" called Lucy.
He turned, already slowing his steps "what?" he asked.
'Come here' asked Luka "let's talk".
'Coming…' Felix answered walking towards them, 'what do you want?' he asked.
'Why are you tailing around Regina lately' asked Lucy meeting his eyes.
'Nothing much" his eyes dropping on the ground "I… I just want her to be my side for the rest of my life' he answered.
Jay froze, an unfamiliar feeling in his chest.
Luka bursting out into laughter "Are you serious?".
"She's not going to fall for you. Just like that!" unexpected words from Jay.
Felix looked up. 'What makes you tell that?'
'Nothing much, just a hunch" he answered, his voice flat.
'But I won't give up without telling her how I feel…' Felix straightened.
Jay's jaw tightened, eyes narrow wanting to argue but instead he chooses calm.
'Do as you wish' he muttered, walking past him towards his class.
'I really don't understand him sometimes' pointed Luka.
'Let's all go' said Lucy pushing Luka to walk with her.
They slipped into the room just before the bell.
'Good morning everyone" said the teacher "we have a new student in our class today'.
Jay sat on the last bench of last row, staring out, half-listening
'Hello, Everyone. I am Regina' she introduced.
Jay's head snapped up, eyes wide open looking at the girl in the front of the room. An expression that was long gone from his history.