The Greatest Illusion

Chapter 0

One can get excited about the weirdest thing ever.

For me, it’s about books. Any kind of book will do.

Whether it’s a novel, a graphic novel or a simple academic book. Reading made me dream of things that were completely fictional.

“Hey! Out of my way!”

My gaze moved away from my book and looked up only to see a man getting out of balance in front of me.

As if it were from a book, he fell on me. He ended up supporting his self, careful not to crash me with his huge body, as he pushed his both palms against the ground.

“Are you okay?” He was panting. He smelled of mint and orange. What a strange combination…

His eyes met mine and as black as the space, it surprisingly sparkled. I blinked twice, not believing the sudden thumping from my chest.

“I… I’m okay.” I managed to answer and finally able to get up from the ground as he stood and offered a hand to help me.

When I looked at him, his face was blushing. He must have felt embarrassed to suddenly pin down a woman on the ground.

"I’m sorry about that.” He nearly murmured those words.

I couldn’t help but to smile. He’s huge because of his body frame and yet I didn’t expect he’d be a softy kind of person.

With a smile, I answered, “It’s okay. Just no running on the hallways again.”

“Y… yeah.”

“Nathan! Are you coming or what?” He automatically glanced to whoever shouted.

I also glanced at where the voice came from and saw three men. Must be his friends. So his name is Nathan.

“I’m coming!” He shouted back then glanced back at me. “I’m really sorry. I need to go.”

I smiled. “Okay. See you around.”

He nodded and smiled before running to his friends. He smiled! He had a handsome smiling face.

After all that, I decided to continue what I was doing too: reading a book.

I continued walking to my next lecture room with a book in my hand.

“Yo!” I moved my gaze away from my book again to see who greeted me.

"Kris!” I beamed.

She laughed. “Another new book?” she glanced at my hand.

I nodded. “Yup. I just had it delivered to me the other day.”

“Another online shop, I see. How’s your bank account doing?” She teased.

I laughed and afterwards pouted. “Half-dead I guess.”

She laughed and continued teasing me. I really can’t read a book when I’m with this girl. Well, I can give her my time. She’s my best friend after all.

I closed my book and put it inside my bag as we both enter the lecture room and sat side by side.

We continue to converse about various things and ended up discussing a group assignment that was given to us a few days ago.

“Let’s just meet up at a café to work on it.” She suggested.

“Okay.  I’ll tell  Mark and Justine  about it.” I said referring to the other two members of our group, which also happens to be our guy friends.