I glanced at my wristwatch.
It is 15 minutes before four in the afternoon. I sighed and tapped my fingers on the table, trying to calm myself.
He usually shows up at exactly four. I'm feeling restless.
I checked my book bag and found my usual tutor guide with his details. I sighed again. He's almost done with the program.
His voice floated in the air. He was talking and laughing with someone but they were barely audible.
I looked around trying to locate him.
The café had a dozen other patrons.
Situated in the university belt, it was a wonder why students would skip making it a hang out. But it worked for me. I'm not a fan of crowded places.
I scanned the tables, still looking for him. I squinted as I tried to pick out his familiar features amongst the sea of faces.
Then I saw him across the room. He was looking at me. Watching me apparently.
I waited for him to approach me. But he stayed on his spot. Then another guy walked up to him and motioned my direction. He shrugged his shoulders and reached for his phone and after a few seconds mine beeped.
His name flashed on the screen and his message read "i don't want to study teacher kai"
I looked at him incredulously. He was watching me again.
My jitters were long gone. I am fuming.
He said he wanted to study at this café. I detest public places. But he insisted. And I gave in.
I clenched my knuckles and took a deep breath. I'm good at keeping my temper in check – too good maybe that sometimes I forget how it feels to get mad.
Or jealous
She linked arms with him. I saw him tore his gaze away from me and looked at her. His lips broke into a smile while she laughed. She flipped her hair and he reached to tuck it around her ears.
They look good together.
I hated watching it.
I hated that I can see clearly today.
I hated I found my glasses.
"Kaizer?"
It was a voice that was unsure at first and then turned excited, "Kai!"
I looked around and saw Milo walking briskly towards me.
"I can't believe it's you!" he said with a wide smile. His eyes twinkled. I tilted my head wondering what he was doing at the café.
"Hey." I greeted him as he sat on the chair across from me.
"I have the same schedule as you." He said. "I was hoping to bump into you at the library. I'm surprised to see you here instead. You hate people." he quipped and chuckled.
"I don't hate people." I said in defense.
"Well, maybe not hate. That's an overstatement." He conceded. I let out a laugh and as I turned to him caught him staring at me.
I raised my eyebrows. He smiled sheepishly.
"Teacher. Kai."
I felt him before I heard him.
Milo and I both looked up to him. He was standing on the small space that separated Milo from me.
"It's 4:30." He said. He grabbed my book bag and walked away.
I stared at his back. I glanced at Milo and he was looking at me waiting for me to say something.
"It's Lucas." I said and his face hardened for a fleeting moment.
"Your student." Milo acknowledged, "You should follow him. I'll see you another time. Let's hang."
"You won't." his voice rang. I looked past Milo and found Lucas watching me. "You won't." he repeated before turning around and walking out of the café.
I felt my anger dissipate.
My jitters are back.
I pushed my glasses up my nose.
I hate that I had to wear them today.
I can see clearly.
I see Milo's face darken as he watched me get up and walk towards the café's door.
I see her looking at me with questions in her eyes.
And I see him. Brows crossed. Lips pursed.
I see him.
Only him as the rest of the world faded into a blur.