"Ah, no one is in the home! It's already late; we have to go to college!" Lucian quickly interjected, dragging Kai toward the car before he could investigate.
As soon as they left, Rowan, having heard the car drive away, rushed out.
When Kai and Lucian arrived at the university, the entire campus was already buzzing with activity. Rowan, still wearing his distinct football uniform, entered right behind them, drawing immediate attention.
"Haa, this year also, our Science Department will definitely get the Mister University title, definitely by Rowan!" a student exclaimed.
"Heyy, everyone, give them space!" Sima arrived, looking stressed. Kai addressed her immediately.
"Sima, we just came from academic projects, but the University festival is already here? Is that necessary?" Kai questioned.
"Don't ask me; I'm not the university owner! They planned this because all these programs must be done within one month, and afterwards, we have all the focus on exams. Especially us—we are seniors," Sima retorted. "Ah, this year, your department will definitely get the Mr. University title, but there's also a category for freshers! Anyone interested, give your name to your faculties before evening." Sima finished and strode away.
Rowan met Lucian's eyes from across the crowd, giving him a silent, affectionate bye, before heading toward the locker rooms to change.
"Did you hear that? There's a category for freshers for Mr. University!" Kai turned to Lucian, his eyes gleaming. "Let me give your name! You will definitely take that title!"
"Ah, no, Kai, I'm not a model at all. I don't even know if I'm looking good or not," Lucian deflected, feeling awkward.
"Heyy! Who said that? Just go ask a mirror! You are literally the most gorgeous person I have ever met in my life," Kai insisted, his gaze intense.
The sincerity in Kai's voice made Lucian pause, a faint, conflicted stirring in his heart.
"Of course, he's beautiful, and he's definitely going to register before this evening!" a girl's voice said, making both Lucian and Kai turn. It was Aerin.
"Aerin! What are you doing here?" Lucian asked.
"Ahhh, I'm here to take you both to my department," Aerin said, smiling.
"Ohh, why not? We both will come with you!" Kai said quickly.
Lucian looked at Kai, observing the change. There was no internal darkness, no frustration—Kai was ready to engage and pursue Aerin. Why am I thinking about his love life? As a friend, I should only care about him, Lucian thought, burying his lingering pain. They followed Aerin to the Economics Department.
The Economics Department had transformed into a bustling festival, with games, food, and overwhelming energy.
"Ah, what is this?" Lucian asked, disoriented.
"Yes, of course, this is how our department celebrates the festival. You're new here, but I guess Kai knows this," Aerin explained.
"Yes, of course, I know this," Kai confirmed.
"Heyy, come here, Lucian! Your favorite food!" Aerin dragged Lucian toward a stall.
"How should we buy that?" Lucian asked.
"Ah, you need tickets! You have to buy tickets that are as valuable as money. You can give tickets for how much they ask and enjoy everything," Aerin said.
"Ohh, but we didn't buy the tickets, right?" Lucian said, looking at Kai.
"Who said you don't have them? See here!" Aerin showed a bundle of tickets. "Ah, come, come," Aerin dragged Lucian forward, with Kai following them.
The three of them ordered noodles. As they ate, Aerin tried to feed Lucian. Then, without thinking, she approached Kai to feed him as well. She stopped, realizing. "Ohh, sorry! I was distracted a bit," Aerin said, retracting her hand.
Suddenly, Kai held Aerin's hand, pulling it forward, and ate the noodles right from her fingers. Lucian watched, stunned. What is happening here?
"Ahhh, there's some food on the side of your mouth," Aerin said softly.
"Ahhh, where?" Kai asked, leaning his head toward Aerin, silently asking her to wipe it. Aerin wiped the food away, and their eyes met in a long, intimate moment.
Lucian choked on his noodles. Aerin quickly broke eye contact to give Lucian water.
"If we have already finished, let's go somewhere," Lucian said, needing to escape the suffocating intimacy.
After leaving the food stalls, the three of them walked: Aerin on the left, Kai on the right, and Lucian in the middle. Lucian saw a small, private photo booth—a tiny room where photos could be taken without external support.
"Hey, can we take some photos?" Lucian asked, wanting a distraction.
"Yes, of course!" Aerin dragged Lucian and Kai inside. In the small space, they squeezed together, taking numerous silly photos.
"Wow, it's great!" Lucian said, looking at the strip.
Aerin suddenly pulled Lucian aside and whispered, "Heyy, Lucian, I need to take photos with just Kai."
"Why not take them?" Lucian asked, confused.
"No, only me and him," Aerin said, pleading.
Lucian's eyes widened, then he sighed, seeing her sincerity. "Ahhh, Kai and Aerin, you can both take photos. I'm waiting outside."
Kai, eager for the chance, looked at Lucian without concern. "Ohh, okay. Wait, we'll be back," he said. Lucian felt a wave of loneliness and hurt as he walked out.
Ahhh, what am I doing here? Why do I feel like I'm meddling with them? Lucian thought.
After a few minutes, Kai and Aerin returned, smiling.
"Are you guys done? I have to go home; you both can continue," Lucian said, trying to leave.
"Heyy, why hurry? You go and take photos!" Aerin insisted.
"Me alone?" Lucian asked.
"Yeah! Why not? Go and take! We're waiting here," Kai said, urging him.
Lucian went inside the photobooth.
As Lucian went inside, Aerin approached Kai. "Ahhh, before he comes outside, I need ice cream! Can we go there?" Aerin asked, wanting to spend time with her crush.
"Yeah, of course! Before he comes, let's go," Kai agreed, and they quickly walked away.
Inside the photo booth, Lucian was alone. What am I supposed to take photos of when I'm alone?
Suddenly, the door opened. Rowan stepped inside.
"Hey! Hey! Where did you come from? How did you come here? And how did you know I'm here?" Lucian asked, startled.
"I followed you from the Science Department and saw you here, so I thought I'd keep you company, lonely boy," Rowan said, grinning.
"What if Kai sees us?" Lucian whispered, looking around.
"They went that side. I don't know where they went," Rowan said, dismissing his worry.
"But—" Lucian tried to protest, but Rowan grabbed him, pulling him close. Rowan pressed a fierce kiss against his lips, and immediately, the photo flashes hit them. They took several quick, passionate photos together.
"I'm so happy now," Lucian sighed, leaning into Rowan's chest.
"Your happiness is my life," Rowan said, kissing his forehead, nose, and mouth.
"Luciaaa! Are you finished? It's already late!" Aerin and Kai's voices called from outside.
"Ohhh, they're here already! I'll go first, after we left then you come!" Lucian said, hurrying out.
"Ahhh, what a romantic time..they interrupted! Bad people!" Rowan murmured, hiding behind the curtain.
Lucian walked outside. "Ahhh, let me see your photos! I bet they're cute alone!" Aerin reached out to take the strip.
"Ahhh, no, these are mine! It's okay, you don't have to see them. Let's go!" Lucian tried to hide the photos.
"Give me those! I want to see!" Kai ordered, his voice dangerously sharp. Lucian hesitated, and Kai snatched the photo strip from his hand.