When class finally ended, Seraphine packed her things faster than anyone else in the room and walked out of the art studio.The moment she opened the door, the air outside felt much lighter than inside.The weight that had been pressing on her chest suddenly lifted, as if the burden of her entire life had been momentarily released.
She took a few steps toward the main exit before stopping when someone approached from the opposite direction.In his hand was a can of chocolate drink, Seraphine's favorite, the one she always had after a hard day.His bright, easy smile was enough to make her mood soften.
Adrian.
An aspiring architect with a promising future. Adrian was Seraphine's childhood friend, someone who had been by her side since kindergarten. Before moving to the city, Seraphine and Adrian had lived together in a small coastal town. They were inseparable, ever since that first day they met on the beach when Seraphine's parents had taken her there to introduce her to their new neighborhood.
Young Seraphine had seen a boy crouched near a shallow tide pool, completely absorbed in what he was doing. Curious, she had walked over and found him trying to catch small fish with a makeshift rod.Adrian had shown her the colorful fish that darted through the water, and from that moment, the two became friends.
"Chocolate for the weary Princess Aurelline," Adrian teased, handing her the drink. "How was painting class? I'm sure you created a masterpiece."
Seraphine took the can from him and opened it, her sharp gaze never leaving his face.
"Oh, it was a masterpiece, all right. Everyone was speechless," she replied with biting sarcasm.
Adrian studied her for a moment before speaking again."You still hate it that much, huh?"
Seraphine sighed."Was it that obvious? I tried really hard to hide it."
Silence settled between them.The wind blew softly, brushing strands of Seraphine's hair across her face.Adrian looked at her gently, his eyes warm and filled with quiet concern that always seemed to reach her heart.
They held each other's gaze for a moment until a growling sound from Seraphine's stomach broke the stillness.
"You haven't eaten, have you?" Adrian asked, trying not to laugh.
Seraphine averted her gaze."Obviously not," she muttered.
"Let's grab lunch first. I heard the cafeteria here serves your favorite dish. My treat."
Seraphine shook her head."I can't. I need to find a part-time job. No time for lunch."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, looking both surprised and puzzled."What? Don't you get an allowance from your father?"
Seraphine went quiet, then shook her head."I want to live without relying on him, Adrian. You know what I like and what I hate."
Adrian sighed softly and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle pat.That small gesture said more than words could.
"I understand. But you need to eat first. Lunch, then job hunting, okay?"
Every time Adrian gave her advice, it sounded like an older brother talking to his stubborn little sister. And, as always, Seraphine gave in.
"Fine…" she said at last.
A small grin tugged at Adrian's lips, clearly pleased with himself."After lunch, I'll help you look for job openings."
"Promise," Seraphine added.
Together, they headed toward the university cafeteria on the west side of the campus.The moment they entered, they were greeted by a crowd of students standing in line at several self-service kiosks.
Along both walls, rows of food stalls filled the air with the smell of fried, grilled, and baked dishes. Long benches and tables stretched across the dining area, packed with people chatting and eating.
The aroma of freshly cooked food made Seraphine's stomach growl again.She scanned the room and spotted a kiosk on the right with a shorter line.
Adrian went first, while Seraphine followed behind, her eyes glancing across the digital menu screens.There were all kinds of dishes, but her eyes immediately lit up when she saw one name: Creamy Mushroom Pasta, her favorite.
Her mood brightened instantly, and she walked cheerfully toward the line. But before she could take another step, a loud crash echoed through the cafeteria.
Something or someone had fallen right in front of her.
"I… I'm so sorry!" cried a girl, clutching her knee as she knelt on the floor.
Seraphine had barely managed to stay on her feet, but her shoulder had bumped into the girl's.Scattered across the floor were a camera and several small items.
Seraphine immediately knelt down and offered her hand.The commotion made everyone nearby stop eating to watch, typical of cafeteria curiosity.
"Are you okay?" Seraphine asked.
The girl grabbed her hand and stood, dusting off her long skirt.Seraphine noticed the camera lying near her foot and quickly picked it up.
The girl bowed several times in apology."I'm so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going!"
When she finally looked up, her eyes met Seraphine's, and without hesitation, she snatched her camera and snapped a picture of her.
"You…" Seraphine began, startled.
No one had ever taken her photo so suddenly, especially after bumping into her.
"Oh, I'm sorry! Reflex. You're just… stunning, like a living painting!" the girl said with a bright grin, tilting her head as if analyzing Seraphine like a work of art. "You look like the main character of a tragic film."
Seraphine blinked, bewildered."That's… a very specific description."
"But it fits you perfectly! I should thank you, you just became the inspiration for my next project!" the girl laughed softly.
Then she looked back at Seraphine."Oh, right! You were about to order lunch, weren't you? Let me treat you as an apology!"
Before Seraphine could respond, the girl grabbed her hand and led her toward the kiosk where Adrian was waiting in line.
"Are you hurt?" Adrian asked anxiously, scanning Seraphine from head to toe.
"I'm fine," she replied simply.
Beside her, the girl looked between the two of them and suddenly smiled knowingly.She extended her hand toward Seraphine.
"Sorry, I'm being rude. I'm Yvonne, a second-year photography student."
"Seraphine," she replied, shaking Yvonne's hand.
"And that's your boyfriend?" Yvonne asked teasingly, turning to Adrian.
"No. Childhood friend," Adrian said quickly, shaking her hand politely.
Yvonne peeked ahead at the line. There were still about four people before them.
A few minutes later, they reached the kiosk, placed their orders, and, true to her word, Yvonne paid for both her and Seraphine's meals.
The three of them sat together at an empty table, chatting while waiting for their food.They talked about the university, assignments, and even gossip, like Professor Elias who was rumored to stare at his students' paintings as if judging their sins.
"So, you're in the fine arts department?" Yvonne asked, resting her chin on her hand. "How was your first impression of Elias's class? You give off that aura, you know, the aura of a true artist."
"Do I?" Seraphine asked, amused.
Yvonne nodded enthusiastically.
When their order numbers flashed on the screen, Adrian stood up to collect their meals.While he was away, Seraphine asked Yvonne about part-time jobs.
Yvonne gasped softly."Oh, I know a place. There's this small café nearby, called Canvas & Co. They're looking for part-timers. It's quiet, cozy, and the owner loves hiring art students. The place itself feels like a work of art."
Seraphine paused, then nodded slowly."Thank you. I'll check it out."
"Perfect. If you get hired, I expect free coffee," Yvonne grinned.
Seraphine laughed softly, perhaps for the first time that day, it was a genuine laugh.
A few minutes later, Adrian returned with their food, and after finishing their meal, they parted ways.Yvonne waved at them with her camera in hand.
"See you around, Seraphine."
And just like that, Seraphine's brief but fateful encounter with Yvonne came to an end.