After the call ended, Katrina lay down on her bed.
A soft smile rested on her lips.
She was excited.
Tomorrow… they would finally go for coffee.
With that thought, she slowly drifted off to sleep.
Next Morning – At the University
The morning felt fresh and beautiful.
Sunlight reflected softly on the wet roads from last night's rain.
Katrina stepped out of her car and immediately saw Ella and Arice waiting for her.
But something felt… off.
Both of them were smiling suspiciously.
"Good morning, Katrina," they said together.
Katrina raised an eyebrow.
"Good morning… what's with those faces? How are you guys?"
"We're good," Ella said, trying not to laugh. "But what about you?"
Arice leaned closer dramatically.
"How was your evening yesterday?" she asked with sparkling eyes.
"Did he propose?" she added excitedly.
Katrina's eyes widened.
"No! What are you even saying? We didn't even go for coffee."
Both of them froze.
"What?!" Arice exclaimed.
"What do you mean?" Ella asked. "You said you were going with Ethan."
Katrina nodded.
"Actually… someone got sick, so he had to go to the hospital."
Both of them softened instantly.
"Oh… that's sad," Ella said. "So he didn't come?"
Katrina shook her head slightly.
"He still came… later."
"What?" Arice blinked.
"He ran in the rain… and got completely wet," Katrina said softly. "But he still came to meet me."
For a moment, both of them just stared at her.
Then—
"Awww!" they said together.
"That's so sweet," Ella smiled.
Arice crossed her arms.
"And I thought he was rude."
Katrina smiled faintly.
"I used to think that too… but he's actually a really good person."
Ella looked at her carefully.
"I think… he really loves you."
Katrina immediately looked away, shy.
"Stop it…"
In the Classroom
They walked toward the class together.
As Katrina entered, her eyes instantly found Ethan.
He was already seated.
Ethan looked up—and smiled.
"Good morning."
Katrina sat down, her voice soft.
"Good morning."
Their eyes met for a brief second before the lecture began.
Break Time – A New Entry
After class, Katrina was on her way to the library.
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind.
"Hi."
Katrina turned around.
It was Eric.
She hesitated slightly.
"Hi…"
Eric smiled confidently.
"I'm Eric."
Katrina nodded politely.
"Oh… yes. I know."
There was a brief silence.
Katrina felt uncomfortable.
"Actually, I have to go," she said quickly.
Before Eric could say anything, she walked away.
Eric watched her leave, a small smirk forming on his lips.
"Interesting…" he murmured.
With Friends
Katrina quickly returned to Ella and Arice.
"Guys… remember that guy you were talking about?" she asked.
Arice rolled her eyes immediately.
"Oh, Eric? That guy is something else."
Katrina looked curious.
"What do you mean?"
Arice leaned closer.
"He used to like Ella back in middle school… but she rejected him."
Katrina looked surprised.
"Oh…"
"That's why he avoids her sometimes," Arice added.
Ella shrugged casually.
"He's popular… but not my type."
Arice smirked.
"He likes every beautiful girl and tries to date them. Total playboy."
Katrina nodded slowly.
"I see…"
For some reason… she felt uncomfortable remembering the way Eric looked at her.
Evening – At Ethan's House
After university ended, Katrina returned home.
She was excited again.
This evening… she would finally go for coffee with Ethan.
At the same time, Ethan reached home.
As he stepped inside, he noticed someone sitting in the living room.
His face lit up.
"Jessica! Hey, how are you?"
Jessica smiled.
"I'm good. Mom is at the hospital."
Ethan nodded.
"It's good to see you."
Jessica handed him a basket.
"Mom told me to give you this… as a thank you."
Ethan looked at it.
"You didn't have to do this."
From the side, his mother added with a forced smile,
"I told them the same thing… but they insisted."
Ethan sighed softly.
"Please make yourself comfortable. I'll just go change."
After a while, Ethan came back and sat with Jessica and his mother.
They talked for a bit.
As evening approached, Ethan suddenly stood up.
"Oh… I just remembered, I have some work to do."
Jessica also stood.
"I think I should leave too. Mom is alone."
Ethan immediately said,
"I'll drop you."
But before Jessica could respond—
his mother spoke.
"Why do you need to drop her? She can go by herself, right?" she said with a fake smile.
Jessica hesitated, then nodded.
"Yes… I'll go by bus."
Ethan didn't look happy about it.
Still, he walked her to the door.
"Bye, Jessica. Take care."
"Bye, Ethan."
From Across the Street
From her balcony…
Katrina saw everything.
She saw Ethan standing at the door.
And a girl leaving his house.
Katrina's expression slowly changed.
Her excitement faded.
A strange feeling crept into her heart.
Who… is she?