College can be weird.
One day you're tripping over your own bag in front of a boy.
Next day, he's standing beside you in the canteen, acting like you're best friends.
It was lunch break. I had just grabbed my sandwich and was scanning the hall for a quiet corner when I heard—
Riyan:
"You eat real food? I thought you survived on sarcasm."
Anaya:
"Don't talk to me before I eat. I might throw this sandwich at your face."
Riyan (chuckling):
"Still violent. I like that."
I rolled my eyes and walked to an empty table. He followed me.
Why was he following me?
Anaya:
"Are you lost?"
Riyan:
"Is this seat taken?"
Anaya (sighing):
"Only by my patience. Which is very limited."
He sat anyway.
Riyan:
"You know, I had a choice to sit with the other toppers. People who read newspapers for fun. But here I am."
Anaya:
"Living dangerously. Sitting with the girl who once tripped on air."
Riyan:
"That's the spirit."
We ate in silence for a few seconds. Surprisingly, it wasn't awkward.
Until he asked—
Riyan:
"So… coffee after class?"
I blinked.
Anaya:
"Is this a date or are you trying to poison me?"
Riyan (laughing):
"Relax. It's just a peace offering."
Anaya:
"We were at war?"
Riyan:
"Weren't we?"
Anaya:
"I don't remember signing the treaty."
Riyan:
"Good. That means I still have time to convince you."
I stopped chewing for a second.
What was that supposed to mean?
Anaya (thinking):
Is he joking? Is this another one of his annoying flirty comments?
Or…
...is this real?
Anaya (trying to sound normal):
"Sorry. I have plans."
Riyan:
"Plans?"
Anaya :
"Yeah. I plan to go home. Change into pajamas. And binge-watch a show where people don't flirt with me at lunch."
He laughed again.
Riyan:
"Okay, okay. No coffee today. But one day, you'll say yes."
Anaya:
"Keep dreaming, Mr. Overconfident."
Riyan (grinning):
"Already do."
I didn't know what annoyed me more — his words or the fact that I almost smiled at them.
Almost...