Just Competition or Connection

I raced with every ounce of energy I could muster, my heart pounding against my ribs. Thoughts of the elderly lady spun through my mind like a whirlpool, leaving me both mentally and physically drained. Despite the exhaustion, an inexplicable smile adorned my face as I twirled and danced along with the playful breeze, savoring the thrill of the moment.

The day's beginning had an air of intrigue, a secretive act that left me yearning for a meaningful encounter, perhaps even a purposeful ending, by assisting the elderly woman.

Before I could delve deeper into these contemplations, another incident disrupted my train of thought. Once again, an absent-minded person crashed into me, causing a slight collision of heads. In perfect synchronization, we both let out a comical "Ouch! Sorry."

Her eyes were like a seashell's revelation of a hidden pearl, mesmerizing and enchanting. The golden hues around her pupils, accompanied by the tender skin surrounding them, added to the allure of her gaze, leaving me captivated by her beauty.

However, her teasing demeanor was equally enchanting. As she gazed intently at me, she playfully uttered, "Sorry, but I have to go," before running off, leaving me both baffled and intrigued.

Lost in my thoughts, I muttered to myself, believing that no one was around to hear my musings. But to my surprise, a distant whistle echoed through the air.

Before I knew it, I found myself standing at the entrance of the college campus, overlooking the whistle players.

The playful whistle maestro, sidled up to me, draping an arm around my shoulder. "What's cookin', Endrick?"

I shot him a glance, sensing mischief in his eyes. "Just thoughts, Sid. Nothing more."

I brushed his arm aside as we wandered through the campus, saying, "It's not what you think, you rascal."

Amid our banter, he retorted with a wink, "Oh, but what if it is, Endie?"

"Don't call me that," I playfully protested, adding, "And don't overthink it."

Amidst our light-hearted exchange, he couldn't resist a chuckle. "Well, what do you want to forget this?" I asked him.

He took a moment to ponder. Well, I forgot to mention this guy earlier - he is the keeper of secrets for all of us, but his help comes at a cost. To maintain this arrangement, he asked for something in return, which might be revealed later.

As we strolled through the bustling campus, a vibrant tapestry of students donning a kaleidoscope of outfits unfolded before us. The air buzzed with youthful energy, echoing with snippets of conversations, laughter, and the occasional sound of pages turning in books. The atmosphere was distinct from our school days, a reminder of the new challenges and opportunities that awaited us, I asked, "Where are Akshish and Pam?"

Sid replied, "Akshish is in the library, and Pam is upset and not in a good mood."

"Oh, yeah, I should apologize to him," I mumbled.

Then Sid began to divulge some details about what had transpired earlier in college and the actual reason behind Pam's sadness.

"Today, there was a sudden selection for the class representative. You know how competitive Pam can be, but he lost to a girl despite giving an impressive speech. Now, he's sitting in the cafe feeling down," Sid narrated, giving me insight into the situation.

After hearing everything from Sid, it all sounded quite messy. Nonetheless, we reached our classes as they were about to begin. I sat on the bench just behind Sid and to the left of Akhish. I greeted Akhish, and Sid pointed out Pam, who was sitting far away in the first seat of the second row, his demeanor downcast. But I had an idea to uplift his spirits.

As the professor informed us about his role and class expectations, I leaned in slightly towards Sid's ear, taking a risk, and whispered, "Do you know which girl defeated Pam?"

He whispered back, "The first one in the fourth row, close to the window."

I then let my eyes scan the area that Sid had described. Her face was indeed quite distinctive, with a maroon streak in her hair and uniquely flared ears that gave her an otherworldly charm.

Merely observing wasn't enough for my eyes, or for my brain to process at that moment. I hadn't anticipated this turn of events, but it happened.

My legs seemed to move on their own, and my hand pointed toward her as the words escaped my lips, "Hey, you should have apologized there, Flarie?"

Oh dear, what should I do now? All eyes turned toward me, including the professor. He seemed eager to say a few words, which were, "Leave the class immediately."

With limited options, I had to comply. However, the drama didn't end there, as I was exiting the classroom.

The professor turned to Flarie and remarked, "Dear, please save your love quarrels for after college or when you're not in my class."

Annoyed by her response, which was thrown back at me, I couldn't hold back and burst out, "But, sir, I don't know that guy and have no connection with him."

"I don't believe you. You even bumped into that old lady and didn't apologize!" I exploded once again.

However, I quickly regained my senses and realized what I had to do. I stayed outside the class and enjoyed the refreshing day. The events had been unexpected, and I wondered how they would unfold. As I pondered all these thoughts, I heard the bell ring, indicating that it was time for the campus orientation.

I waited with a mix of anticipation and nervousness for my three friends, Akhish, Sid, and Pam, to join me. As they approached, I could see their different reactions to what had just transpired in the classroom.

Akhish, the level-headed and caring one in our group, seemed sincerely concerned. He put a reassuring hand on my shoulder and said, "You shouldn't have handled it that way, Endie. It was a bit impulsive."

Sid, always the joker, couldn't resist making light of the situation. With a mischievous grin, he exclaimed, "Way to go, brother! You've got guts, I'll give you that!"

Pam, on the other hand, had a different demeanor. His eyes sparkled with a hint of emotion, and a tear threatened to escape. I was puzzled by his reaction and asked, "What's the reason for the tears, Pam?"

He hesitated for a moment, collecting his thoughts before answering, "It's not just about the class representative position, Endie. We will take revenge for everything."

My heart sank at the revelation, and I nodded understandingly. It was evident that there was more to Pam's sadness than a lost election.

As the four of us stood in the busy corridor, surrounded by students going about their day, Flarie suddenly appeared with a loud voice, demanding, "Who the hell are you? Why did you shout at me? Even made scene out of so little."

Exasperated, “Look, I am sorry but that’s not little.” I explained to her why I did what I did and why she should apologize to the old lady. But her response once again angered me.

Flarie's eyes narrowed, and she spoke indirectly to her friend, who stood nearby, taller with bangs covering her forehead. "Hey, Ereva? Now I know why my brushstroke is bent."

Her friend, Ereva, laughed, clearly amused by the situation. I felt a surge of annoyance, and my patience was wearing thin. An idea struck me, and I retorted, "Is that what concerns you? Fine, let's settle this with an art competition."

Flarie raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by my proposition. "An art competition? What's the catch?" she asked with a smirk.

"No catch," I replied confidently. "We each create a piece of art, and the winner gets an apology from the other person. Fair enough?"

"Fair enough," she agreed, and for the first time, I saw a hint of willingness in her eyes.