During his stroll, Oredell could see some lamp posts and internal bulbs lighting along the way and more.
This created a stunning visage all over the University for those who took late evening walks or just wanted to be outside.
Of course, Oredell became aware of these famous evening walks of the University and took it upon himself to go outside whenever humanly possible.
He liked it when it was quiet and crowd-free, but the effect was still the same. A rare smile took his lips as his eyes scanned the place like a dramatic tourist, but remembering his objective, he could only sigh in defeat and hurry his pace.
However, just as he saw the cafeteria in sight, a sudden voice rang out to him, which slowed his steps.
Turning around cautiously, he saw that the unfamiliar voice belonged to a student who wore the Nigerian flag and seemed to be out of breath.
This student wore a bright green uniform with a a striped white tie. The Nigerian student slowly took some deep breaths and looked at Oredell with a smile.
"Hi, man. Are you that UK student who was in Yarisa's class? Oredell Cipher?" he asked warmly with a hurried tone.
Oredell raised his eyebrow and raced through his memory of a student of this appearance, an individual with sharp facial features, medium curly hair, and very light brown skin.
He was a collectively handsome individual, but Oredell did not seem to recognize him from memory.
Turning blankly and wearing an unsure expression, Oredell asked flatly, "Um, yes... And you are?"
The Nigerian student gestured to himself with a slight chuckle.
"This lad before you is named Tanisha Aku. Nice to meet you." Now measured and relaxed, Tanisha calmly continued and pointed to his flag, "You may not remember me individually, but I was one of the students in Nigeria's National High-School group and the guy who sat in the front third row."
Scathing his right cheek with his thumb, Oredell had a sudden recollection and remembered him to some extent.
'...Oh wait. I think I do remember him now.'
Remembering to some extent, Oredell crafted a slight smile and respectfully reached out his hand.
"Mhm. Nice to meet you too, Tanisha Aku." They exchanged hands awkwardly, but Oredell maintained his friendly gaze.
"...I believe I did see you several times during the seminar. Forgive me if I didn't remember you at first. So, do you need help with something?"
Oredell asked politely, but his mind raced with puzzles about this strange encounter.
'...At face value, I did see him on multiple occasions during the seminar, but he was such a crowd-blended character that he barely stood out in any notable classes. But if I remember correctly from his few interactions with his peers, I can judge that he is an open and sociable individual who intently wants to stand in the background and move the collective group...'
Oredell thought as he opened his pockets and questioned, "Did I take something of yours by mistake?"
Tanisha raised an eyebrow and laughed openly, "Pftt, what are you talking about? It's nothing like that. I just wanted to say hello or something since we are moving in the same direction."
He inspected Oredell's hands and nodded with a knowing expression. "You slept in and missed the double serving, didn't you?"
For the first time in this international seminar, Oredell wore a surprised expression as he unconsciously rubbed his stomach, "That's spot on... You can tell just by looking at me?"
Tanisha flashed a smile and gestured to himself. "I would know since my serving was the same... The curse of being a loner and a background NPC..."
Oredell blinked as he unconsciously evaluated himself before nodding in understanding. "That makes sense. So, do you want to buy a snack or something at the cafeteria?"
However, before Oredell could finish his question, Tanisha chuckled mischievously and whispered, "Don't worry, my friend, I have an insider who can help us get our rightful share..."
Oredell raised his chin questioningly.
"...An insider?"
"Just follow me and stick with me."
He playfully winked and moved forward.
Oredell speechlessly looked at his retreating back and sighed with a defeated expression as he followed closely.
Eventually, they entered the cafeteria, and their eyes flashed with aesthetic white lights that illuminated the entire place.
Moreover, the hall was packed with numerous students from their respective international schools, and most of the long tables were occupied.
Oredell scanned the hall mindlessly before he caught a glimpse of his uniform in the far corner.
This resulted in some exchanged looks from his peers, but they immediately ignored him shortly after. Now familiar with those looks, he continued indifferently and followed Tanisha to one of the counters.
Moments later, both of them stood before a middle-aged server who was silently reading a newspaper.
"Mr. Abba, how are you this fine evening?" Tanisha promptly greeted upon arrival.
Mr. Abba reluctantly looked up with annoyance.
"Do I need to repeat myself? I said no thirds—" He blinked and took a breath of exhaustion.
"Oh, it's you. Tanisha and... a new friend?"
Tanisha gestured at Oredell and introduced,
"This student is called Oredell Cipher, and he is from the England National High School. Also, we are not officially friends, but we were acquainted for a common goal since both of us are in the same difficult situation..."
Mr. Abba wore a confused expression then shook his head in understanding.
"Oh, you mean you two lazy bums missed the handouts, huh? Well, don't worry; as luck would have it, I have extra portions left in the microwave for inactive students like you two."
Tanisha coughed slightly and grinned sheepishly.
"...That would be much appreciated, Mr. Abba."
Mr. Abba scoffed and went to serve their plates.
Tanisha secretly elbowed Oredell on the shoulder and showed a thumbs up.
'At least he wasn't joking around...'
Oredell breathed out some fatigue but happily took his plate. Both of them were served two double burgers with crisp fries and an Oreo milkshake.
Seeing this masterpiece on his plate, Oredell couldn't help but lick his lips, and his stomach greedily ached with need.
'Unhealthy you say? I wouldn't mind having your share if you were here...'
Oredell declared to himself. Meanwhile, Tanisha was looking for free tables, but most in the inner hall were occupied.
Therefore, he looked back at Oredell and asked, "Since the tables in here are taken, why don't we eat at my secret spot together?"
Oredell became a little reluctant to follow once again because he would normally be in his dormitory room by himself, but since Tanisha was able to help him get his stolen portion, he felt obligated and thankful to at least eat and hang out a bit with him.
With neutral agreement, they navigated through the cafeteria and strolled out the backdoor to the outside section, where a large flat tent settled over a few students and wooden tables.
But with bad luck still on their backs, the situation was the same. Despite this, Tanisha appeared unshaken and continued his stroll.
However, when they reached near an old bench shadowed by a tree, a genuine surprised expression appeared on his face. Curious about the change in character, Oredell followed his gaze, and he was also stunned.
"Is that Aurelia Nora, the beauty from the Netherlands?" Tanisha asked a bit nervously. Oredell merely nodded and observed the mysterious Aurelia, who for some reason was eating by herself.
Tanisha rubbed his head with some frustration and mumbled quietly, "Who would have thought Aurelia would be sitting in my secret lunch spot? Honestly, I am a bit surprised someone like her would be sitting on such an isolated bench in the far corner of the cafeteria..."
Oredell tilted his head and questioned, "So, are you saying we are not going to eat at that bench? Then where?"
Tanisha gestured dramatically to the lone Aurelia and the surrounding students.
"We can't just walk up to her and sit on the same bench as if we were bunnies. Not only would we be bothering her, but the folks around us might misinterpret our intentions and..." He shook his head at the thought.
Oredell's eyes flickered back to Aurelia's silhouette, and he could honestly understand Tanisha's thoughts and concerns about engaging.
Moreover, Oredell could feel that her atmosphere was cold and enigmatic, like an angelic statue enjoying her delicious but lonely meal.
'To be honest, I just want to eat...'
Oredell looked down at his cooling meal in annoyance. He nonchalantly gestured for Tanisha to follow and strolled into no man's land.
Tanisha was a bit alarmed by Oredell's boldness and asked cautiously, "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Tanisha sighed audibly and prepared for the consequences but followed nonetheless.
Slowly approaching the bench, the two of them instantly received looks from nearby students, who smirked secretly and pointed with hushed voices. Tanisha felt his body tense but maintained a strictly friendly attitude as they neared the bench.
Finally, as they reached the bench, Aurelia immediately shot them a cold glare in their direction and slowly withdrew from her bite.
Oredell looked directly into her eyes and asked nicely, "Not to bother you, but could we sit on this bench with you?"