The following day, Nonglak made it a point to get to the rain tree a bit earlier than usual.
She settled down with her book, hoping to enjoy a peaceful morning before class started.
"Good morning!"
Nonglak froze in place.
Slowly, she lifted her gaze.
There stood Fame, beaming with a bright smile and holding two iced coffees.
"You're here early today," Fame remarked casually, as if it was totally normal for her to show up again.
Nonglak stared at her for a moment, a bit taken aback.
"…What brings you here?"
Fame handed her one of the drinks.
"For you!"
"I didn't ask for it," Nonglak replied.
"I know," Fame chirped cheerfully. "But I bought it anyway!"
Nonglak hesitated for a second before accepting the cup.
"Thanks," she murmured softly.
Fame took a seat across from her, just like yesterday.
"So," Fame said, leaning back on her hands. "What are you diving into today?"
Nonglak slightly turned her book so Fame could catch a glimpse of the cover.
Fame squinted at it.
"…That looks intense."
"It's just philosophy," Nonglak replied.
Fame scrunched her face. "Yeah, that definitely looks complicated. Who would read that for fun?"
"Because it's interesting," Nonglak replied, trying to keep the conversation going.
Fame rested her chin on her hand.
"You're definitely the first person I've met who thinks that way."
Nonglak chose to ignore the comment and continued reading.
For about thirty seconds, at least.
Then Fame chimed in again.
"What's your major?"
"Economics."
"And you're reading a philosophy book?"
Nonglak turned a page, trying to focus.
"What's yours?" she asked without looking up.
"Sports science."
Finally, Nonglak glanced at her.
"You're an athlete?"
"Archery," Fame responded, her excitement evident.
Recognition sparked in Nonglak's eyes.
"You're the one who won the regional championship last semester!"
Fame blinked, surprised.
"You know that?"
"You were in the news," Nonglak replied matter-of-factly.
Fame grinned.
"So, you've been paying attention to me!"
Nonglak quickly returned to her book.
"No."
Fame laughed again, clearly amused.
"Don't you have class?"
"I do."
"Then why are you here?"
Fame flashed her a grin.
"Because I want to chat with you."
Nonglak looked at her as if she couldn't quite grasp the concept.
"You talked to me yesterday."
"True," Fame said, "but that's not enough."
"Why not?"
Fame shrugged nonchalantly.
"Because I like you."
Nonglak blinked, taken aback.
"You hardly know me."
"Then I'll get to know you!"
"That's not how things usually go," Nonglak replied, trying to sound firm.
Fame leaned in a little closer.
"Then teach me how it works!"
Nonglak found herself at a loss for words.
After a brief pause, she sighed softly.
"You're really persistent."
"Thanks!" Fame replied, beaming.
"That wasn't meant as a compliment."
Fame smiled anyway, unfazed.
Across campus, Min spotted them again and groaned.
"She's at it again," Min muttered to a friend.
"At what?" the friend asked.
"Chasing that quiet girl."
"Already?"
"She started yesterday."
The friend chuckled. "How long do you think this will last?"
Min watched Fame animatedly chatting while Nonglak listened quietly.
Then she sighed.
"With Fame? Probably until she wins."
Back under the rain tree, Fame was still talking away.
"What do you usually do after class?"
"Study."
"That sounds boring."
"It's peaceful," Nonglak replied, a hint of pride in her tone.
Fame tilted her head, contemplating.
"Do you ever go out? Movies? Cafés?"
"Not really."
"Perfect!"
Nonglak frowned slightly. "Why is that perfect?"
Fame stood up suddenly.
"Because I know a fantastic café near campus!"
Nonglak's eyes widened.
"I didn't say I was going!"
Fame extended her hand toward her.
"Come with me!"
Nonglak stared at the offered hand, unsure.
"Why?"
Fame's smile softened a bit.
"Because I want to spend time with you."
For a long moment, Nonglak didn't budge.
Finally, she stood up slowly.
"I only have thirty minutes," she said, glancing at her watch.
Fame's grin widened.
"That's more than enough!"