Reunion.
A day when a whole bunch of mutual people gather again. Whether as classmates in a school, or course mates in a college, or a group of former colleagues; a reunion is an epitome of so many emotions within—excitement or disappointment.
Last year, I skipped this very reunion. For a good reason.
I was heartbroken. From a relationship that wasn't even ended yet that time.
My relationship with Michelle was nothing but toxic. On the surface, we look like a happy couple. Behind the scenes... not so much. I can still remember the day we broke up, I asked her the reason why she chose to end a relationship with me. I was dying to know why. She told me, I was too good for her, but she couldn't see me as a provider. I was too broke for a high-maintenance girl like her.
I suffered a lot when I was still her boyfriend. I loved her so much, even though sometimes I did notice that she... well... not so much! I was trying my best to be a good boyfriend, but nothing was good enough for a girl like Michelle.
In the end, she left me for good. I was devastated, but I guess, not for long. I had had enough despair; I don't want to torture myself any longer.
That's why, after about a month, I'm looking for a new love again.
But, a smooth journey that I hope turns into a major catastrophe when Minghao suddenly appears.
That fumcking Minghao!
There he is. Speaking of the devil. Standing so handsomely at the door, showcasing his tall frame and his so-called cool boy attitude. Why does he rarely smile anyway? Pretending like some kind of idol... tsk! Go on and live in delulu!
"The one that we have waiting is here!"
Seriously, I hate this attention. As if I were gone for a war and came back as a hero. I flash a smile moderately before I realize something...
None of these people is wearing blue!
"Su Lin..." I drag her closer. "I thought, we should wear blue!"
"Who told you that? The theme is casual. See?" Su Lin generously shows me the invitation.
Dress code: Casual.
That fumcking Minghao is playing with me! Luckily, this shirt is the best shirt among the blue shirts that I have!
You better watch your back today, Ming to the fucking Hao!
"Eh, are you two pairing?"
My mouth gaps a bit. What does Eric mean by that? Who is pairing with me?
"Pairing what? Are you drunk?"
Eric generously points his index to someone behind me. When I turn around...
Wow... turn around now makes me wanna turn back!
"I know you like me, but please don't copy my style..."
This fumcking Ming Hao!
"Yah! You're the one who told me to wear blue!" I poke his chest but that Great Wall of China doesn't even move! He keeps a smirk on his face, as if he is innocent!
Ah, see! This is what I've been telling everyone before! He will play coy! The gaslight shit! Ah!
I had enough of this!
"This is my shirt. And I've wearing this many times. It's you who copy me!"
"This cheap shirt is selling out everywhere, anyhow. Don't blame me, blame the market..."
This pumpkin—!
"Hey guys! Wah... looking good, Yi Chen, Minghao! You two look like a couple—!"
"Huang..."
"No! Really! You two match each other so well! The shirt, those watch... even shoes!"
Really helping, Huang!
I push him aside, walking away before I spur more curses at Minghao. Since this is our middle school reunion after a long time, I don't think a bicker is a pleasant scene to watch.
Just you wait, Minghao! You forget that we're roommates. I might burn your closet soon!
We sit at the designated seat, with me totally ignore Minghao. He plays cool, as usual. Taking his repo to the next level. Sure, play well! I don't mind, as long as he stays away from me.
The party goes well. Calm and fun, to be honest. The warmth among my friends perhaps is something that I longed. Catching up is not that bad, actually! I do enjoy listening to old times, while listening to my former classmates singing their lungs out using the karaoke set.
"Oh hey man!" Eric suddenly rises from his seat. He walks pass me and Su Lin. My friend is definitely busy. As the organizer, he did his job well.
"Excuse me, everyone..."
Eh? Who is this man?
"Guys, meet my friend, Xuan Lei. Ah Xuan, these are my former classmates; Su Lin, Minghao and..."
"Yi Chen, right?"
Wait. How did he knows my name?
"Oho, you only remember him, Ah Xuan! You even forgot my name sometimes! Bias!"
"How can I forget someone so cute like him?"
Ehey? This man, he talks as if we ever met before! That audacity doesn't match his feature. He looks naive, but his words are not.
"Wang Xuan Lei. Nice to meet you—"
"Yeah. Nice to meet you too, bro."
Eh, this Minghao? How could he just butt in? Don't tell me he's gatekeeping me!
"Ah... yes. Hello..." I can see the awkwardness in Xuan Lei. It's funny, tho! When I glare at Minghao, his expression goes bitter.
"Here... here... have a seat..." Eric invites Xuan Lei to sit among us. I'm lucky that both Su Lin and Minghao sandwich me. Or else, I think, he might take a seat next to me. They way he lurks at Su Lin is an obvious indicator that he is dying to sit on her chair.
"I need a drink."
Better excuse myself before the air feels more weird. Besides, buffet looks empty. Everyone is done eating and no one cares to top up their drinks.
I need some time to space out from them.
"Eric told me you're BBA student..."
Jeez, this man...! I almost choke on soda!
"Ah? Ah... yeah. Second year now."
Although it's awkward, doesn't mean I have to be rude, right?
"Are you single?"
Hwwhat?
"I don't think you should ask me that..."
"Sorry," Xuan Lei puts up his hands, guilty as charged. "It's just my habit."
"A bad one?"
Please, if you're not offended by this, then I don't know what kind of person you are! Seriously!
"You can say that..."
Eh?? Are you laughing, mister? Are you sureee???
"But, I think, it's not wrong to be blunt. When you have eyes on people that draws your attention, sometimes, you have to step up your game."
Oh yeah... you step a bit far off the grid!
"Ah... I see," I am still wearing my coy smile. Never bothers to get impress by this blunt man. "I'm single, yes I am. But, I'm straight."
Ha.ha.ha.ha. Yeah, fake it till you break it, Yi Chen!
"Ah... too bad then! Someone like you can be a great partner. Soft spoken, happy-go-lucky—"
"I am always happy, but that soft spoken part is a total bullshit! I am no way near that. You can ask Minghao. He is familiar with my curses!"
Yeah, because he is always my victim!
"Minghao?"
"Yeah! That annoying man who shakes hands with you."
"Oh. Him. How long has he been your friends?"
I squint my eyes. "I'm not sure. Why?"
Xuan Lei lets out a helpless laugh. "At first glance, you two look like a couple—"
"If you meant by our attire... I swear to God, he planned all this so he can bashed me—"
"No," Xuan Lei shakes his head. "It's not about the couple style. I mean, the way he stared down at me when I uttered you name. As if he was chasing me away from you."
Oh? I didn't notice that. I was too busy being awkward that I didn't even look at Minghao's face. At all.
"Haha... you're funny! Me and Minghao, we hate each other's gut! He used to bully me a lot! Our parents will kill each other if they accidentally meet on the street. Believe me, your delulu is so not trululu!"
I see a smile forms on Xuan Lei's face. What does that mean???
"If you ask me, I don't think that's the case. People tend to tease the person they like for attention. That's why he bullied you."
"You're not the first one who ever said that. But, believe me... that's not the case—"
"So, you don't mind exchange your contact with me. Right?"
Now, that's a tricky question! If I refused, Xuan Lei might think that Minghao likes me. He probably blurbs out to Eric, and that mfking man surely will spread some silly rumors about it!
"Sure. As a friend, why not?"
Xuan Lei smiles and takes out his phone. We exchange our IGs. And I swear to God, I never see someone so happy just by one IG handler!
"You can DM me anytime. Who knows maybe you need a consultation from a real time businessman. I'm willing to help anytime."
Sure... like there's no businessman that I can refer to in my life at all! Even I am a businessman myself! Although the Sweet Por Bun shop is not mine yet, but still, I spend my semester break managing the business.
But let's have a good thoughts, eh?
"Let's giving a round of applause to Minghao! He's gonna sing to us tonight! Get ready some tissues, everyone! Last year, he sang while crying so bad!"
Our attention drift to the main stage. Eric is standing next to Minghao, teasing that man until he is crimson.
"So, the title of the song is...?"
"The Moon Represents My Heart."
"Such an old song!"
No, it's not old. It's a timeless song. A classic score by Theresa Teng. It's all about pouring all the emotions towards the one that we love. Such a poetic lyrics with a soft, melodious song. I am familiar with this song so much. Because it's my favorite song.
And now, Minghao will sing it.