New Friends
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I still couldn't believe what I'd just heard.
Who would have thought we'd see each other again after 14 years?
All this time, I thought I'd never see him again.
But why does it feel like this?
"I love playing basketball, playing guitar, and watching movies. That's all, thank you," he said as he finished introducing himself and went back to his seat.
Why does it feel like this?
Why does it seem like he doesn't recognize me?
Every time our eyes meet, it's as if it means nothing to him.
It was my turn to go to the front and introduce myself.
"Hello, good morning everyone. My name is Andrei Calister Rivera—"
While I was introducing myself, I kept looking at him, hoping he'd recognize me.
But it was as if it didn't matter to him at all.
I just froze, unsure of what else to say.
I didn't even finish my introduction—I quickly returned to my seat.
Why does it feel like this? What's going on? Why doesn't he recognize me?
Maybe… maybe he's forgotten everything.
He kept his promise to come back, but maybe he doesn't remember me anymore.
Maybe he's truly forgotten.
"And now, we need to select two pairs to compete in the upcoming event this week—the Mr. and Ms. Freshies 2025," our professor announced.
"Any volunteers? Come on, don't be shy!" he added.
I wasn't even surprised when Rayver raised his hand to join the pageant.
A girl sitting in front also raised her hand.
"Alright, Rayver and Camille for the first pair. How about the others?"
Without thinking, I immediately raised my hand.
"Okay, Andrei. And for the girl?" the professor asked.
A girl sitting behind me raised her hand.
"What's your name again?" the professor asked her.
"Kristine," she answered shortly.
"Alright, Andrei and Kristine for our second pair. Let's give them a round of applause—and don't forget to support our candidates!" the professor said as everyone clapped.
"That's all for today. See you, goodbye!"
I hoped that by joining, it might become a way for him to remember me again.
I was about to walk toward Rayver when I suddenly stopped—someone called my name.
"Drei!" Justin called from his seat, making me turn toward him.
Because of that, I didn't get the chance to go to Rayver.
All I could do was watch as he stood up and walked out of the room.
Why does he seem so different now?
He's not the same Rayver I knew before—the Rayver who had been with me since childhood.
"Hey! Spacing out again?" Justin greeted me, pinching my cheek.
"Huh!" I exclaimed, touching the spot where he pinched me.
"Who were you staring at earlier?" he asked.
"No one!" I replied shortly, grabbing my bag.
"Just tell me—it's Rayver, isn't it?" he teased.
"Hah, no!" I said and started walking out of the room.
"Hey, I was just kidding!" he called after me, hurrying to catch up.
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— At the Hernan Cafeteria —
I headed straight to the cafeteria to eat. I'd been feeling hungry for a while—I barely ate anything at home earlier, so I came here instead.
After getting my food, I went to a table and was about to eat when someone suddenly popped up.
"Hi!" Justin greeted playfully.
I just smiled at him and continued eating while he sat in front of me.
"Good luck, by the way!" he said.
"Ah," I smiled, "Thanks," I replied.
Then someone else arrived and sat beside me.
"Hi!" Kristine said, offering her hand for a handshake.
"Hello," Justin greeted her, shaking her hand on my behalf.
"Tsk!" Kristine said, quickly pulling her hand back.
I couldn't help but laugh at what just happened, while Justin stayed silent.
"Why so quiet all of a sudden, Justin?" I teased while still laughing.
He didn't answer and just continued eating.
"About the pageant, by the way—we have practice later," Kristine told me.
"Later?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes, they said it might take until late," she explained.
"Oh no!" I exclaimed loudly.
"Why? Why so shocked?" Kristine asked.
"Eh, because—"
"Don't you stay in a dorm?" Justin cut in.
"No—"
"Hah? Why not? Weren't you allowed to stay in one?" Justin asked while still eating.
"It's not that. In fact, my mom keeps insisting I stay in a dorm rather than commute," I explained.
"See! Why not just stay in one? It's less hassle than commuting every day!" Kristine told me.
"Exactly!"
"There's still a vacant room where I stay—it's very comfy," Kristine said, trying to convince me.
"I'll think about it," I replied.
"Come on!" she insisted, shaking my hand playfully.
"Can I take that room instead?" Justin joked to Kristine.
"No way!—Come on, Andrei, please, please!" she kept insisting.
"Alright, fine," I said. "Tomorrow, just take me to the dorm you're talking about."
Kristine smiled in delight, while Justin sat there sulking.
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.
.
.
"Funny how someone can keep a promise… and still forget the person they made it to."
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