In fall, I found you

Chapter 13: In fall, I found you

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The flight landed in this new city in the afternoon. Dad was already there to pick me up. It was the weekend, so he was able to drive here and helped me move. I didn't bring too much luggage, just a suitcase and a bag. The rest of my belongings were sent via parcel.

I was now in dad's car. Looking out of the window while listening to the local radio. This place was very different to where I used to live. Tall buildings, crowds of people, roads filled with cars. A vibrant and hectic big city full of lives.

"I can't believe you've already this big, entering college," dad said while driving. I giggled, "You sound like Gina and Rey."
"Well, I'm glad that you chose this college. It's closer to my workplace. I'll visit you often," dad smiled.
"It was still a five hour drive from your apartment right? I also stayed in the dorm." I remind him. "I'll visit you on the weekend. Just notify me whenever you are not outside the country," I said. 

"Well, we can cook together when you visit. Ah! Don't forget to introduce me when you find a hot guy," dad suddenly said, smirking.
I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Why are you so sure that it would be a he?"
He looked surprised. "Err... well..."

I chuckled. "Well, I'm open to anyone," I told him. "But, I think college would make me busy."
"Study hard but enjoy life, Ren," dad told me. "Hangout with friends, gain experiences, you're still young."
"I'd enjoyed my lives," I smiled.
Dad also smiled as he ruffled my hair, and continued driving. 

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A month has passed since I moved here. Attending classes, meeting new people, getting familiar with the city. Like what mom and dad told me.

I found the classes quite interesting. I already know most of the basic materials, but it's good to get updates for new things. Besides, even if I can gather all the knowledge myself, I came here to widen my connection. Making friends with people in the dorm, in my department, and other departments. Even some who simply lived in this same city.

I used to find it bothersome to meet new people. I befriended my classmate in highschool, but Bea and Lucas were the only ones I hung out with during off school hours.

My opinion had changed. There are many things that I want to do from now on with so little time. Doing it all myself would take too long. So, making many connections and discovering rare talents is a good investment. They can help me in the future.

"Ren, what will you do this weekend?" Audrey asked. She's a friend of a friend that I met here. "I'm going to meet a friend," I answered.
"Wait?! How about the assignment? It needs to be submitted on Monday right?" Jo asked. We shared some classes together. "I've finished it," I said. "Well, maybe I'll revisit later and adjust if necessary."
"What? How come? Professor Derryl only gave it yesterday!"
"He always stays overnight. I thought I'm a nightowl, but he slept even later than me. And also, woke up very early." Anthony, my roommate, said. "Wait! Do you even sleep?"
I chuckled. "I'm a normal human. Of course I need to sleep."
Anthony eyed me suspiciously but only shrugged and returned to read his book.

"Ren, have you finished with the survey questions," Sarah suddenly came. "Ah yeah, sorry. I forgot to message you. I've uploaded it to the cloud," I said. "Oh! I also haven't checked that. I'll review it later. Thanks!" she said and left.

"Wait, isn't that a senior?" Jo wondered upon the short arrival of someone. "Yeah? I just helped her research a bit," I said. "How?" Jo said
How what? "She posted a request in the general forum. I just picked it up. Besides, it's not like I do it voluntarily, she offers money," I explained.
"I mean, how can you even help her? She's from a different major right?" Jo once again asked. "Business and management," Audrey filled in. "She's quite famous in my department."

"It's just a simple data analysis, guys. Nothing complicated," I told them.
Jo and Audrey looked at me in disbelief.
"You need to revise your question and ask him what he can not do," Anthony suddenly interfered. "This guy once helped me on one of my assignments. I'm a law student."
Upon hearing that, Jo's eyes just widen like it's going to pop out from its socket.
"I just remember reading it from one of the history books, you know," I defended myself.
"I've read all the history books," Anthony said. "Nothing explains in as much detail as you. How can you know so much about the law that was used in the first war? It's like you make it yourself."
I just chuckled upon his random accusation, "That's impossible."

Suddenly the alarm from Anthony's phone rang. "I have a class. See you at the dorm!" he said and waved us goodbye, walking fastly towards his next class.

"So, Joseph, are you free this weekend?" Audrey already returned from the shock and asked her original question. "I have to finish my assignment. Why?" Jo said.
"Well, I need to attend an audition. It would be nice if someone could accompany me," she said. "Isn't a dance audition always a closed one?" he asked.
"Not this one. The organizers allow limited audiences," Audrey said.
A smile formed in Jo's face. "Count me in," he said. "I'm going to see beautiful ladies this weekend!"

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I stepped out of the dorm and took the train this Saturday.
Changing several lines, observing the crowds, enjoying every simple moment. After getting off at my final station, I stayed there for a moment to listen to a street musician playing her violin before climbing up the stairs and reached the ground.

The car noises greeted me as soon as I stepped out from underground. It had been a while since I lived here, but my college owned a wide private property area, making all the noises from this crowded city become distant. Like a city inside a city.

People fastly walked past me. They were not actually in a rush but the city's vibe always made people walk faster. I stepped aside to not block the traffic, then took out my phone. Opening the online map, entering the destination, then pressed the go button.
The application showed that it would take fifteen minutes from this exit to my destination. I was not in a hurry, so let's just walk slowly.

I took a lot of stops on my way. When I saw a bookstore, an antique shop, clothing department store, even a fast food restaurant. I didn't buy anything, just seeing what they offer. What should be fifteen minus becomes almost an hour.

After passing several blocks, I finally arrived in front of a coffee shop. 

It was quite crowded as it was located in the central area, also because it was the weekend. I pushed the door and started to get in line. Waiting in the queue, I looked at the menu and tried to decide what to order.

The line was long but the staff moved fast. Everyone also ordered quickly like they were a regular. Before I could decide what to order, it's already my turn.

"Welcome to Two Thirteen. How can I help you?" the staff greeted me with a smile. He has blond hair and slightly pale skin, from the lack of sun. He looked well built. I looked back to the menu.
"Hmm... This is my first time here. Do you have any recommendations?" I asked.

"The latte is our signature, if you like sweet," he said.
I nodded, "I can't handle bitter coffee. One ice latte then. Can you add hazelnut syrup?"
He smiled. "Of course, anything else?"
"How about the food?" I immediately look back to the menu.
"Tuna croissant is our best savory snack. It could compliment your sweet drink."
A perfect combination. "I'll have that also," I smiled.
He nodded, then started to input my order to the mini screen. 

"May I have your name?" he suddenly asked. "It's to call you once your order is ready."
I chuckled. He doesn't need to explain. "Of course. It's Ren, Rendy," I told him.

He smiled and then finished the order. He told me the total and I paid it with my card. He returned it while also handing the receipt. Our fingers slightly touched each other and he jolted a bit. Cute. I also slightly blushed. He told me I'll have to pick the order when my name is called.

"Thank you for ordering, Ren. Have a nice day."

I nodded, smiling back at him. "Thank you, Daniel."

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— Author Note (9/12)

This is the end. Thank you for reading it up until now. Keep calm, there's still a few extra chapters ahead. My author note actually already gave the hint.