Chasing the Storm

Or a sweet reward

Payu: Good morning

Beam lived for her morning and good night messages from Payu. They had been spending a lot of time together the past few weeks. They hung out and went on dates at least twice, usually three times a week. She would've seen him more if it wasn't for the massive amount of coursework she had to do.

Beam: Morning :)

Payu: Did you sleep well?

Beam: Too well. It was difficult to get up this morning.

Payu: Is that so? I wonder what you were dreaming about...

Payu: Perhaps a handsome architect/mechanic?

Beam giggled. Payu had been careful when he started teasing her again. He kept it light, not at all demeaning like before. She had gotten comfortable enough to join in. Only over text though. In person, she lost her ability to speak.

Beam: I don't think I know one of those

Payu: That's a shame. One was hoping to take you to dinner tonight.

Beam: I wouldn't be opposed to that.

Payu: I'll pick you up after class?

Beam: I have a meeting after class, I don't know how long it will take. I'll meet you there?

Beam had been doing her best to avoid Payu coming to the university to see her. One time he had surprised her and the next day it was the talk of the school.

Payu: Okay. Let me know when you've finished.

Beam: I will. See you later.

Payu: Have a good day x

Beam stared at the x at the end of Payu's last message for a while. She felt like they were getting close to becoming official - public. She was just waiting for him to ask.

However, she wasn't sure how she would cope with it. Would things get better or worse? She wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer.

Sky had done his best to help her, but there wasn't much he could do against gossip. Especially since it was mainly coming from the seniors.

After she had been left to clean up after the first welcome event, Sky had come in the next day and apologised. He had no idea she had been told to stay behind.

She heard whispers wherever she went. People pointed and stared. But the lunchroom was the worst. She was a sitting target, and their words echoed around her. She didn't understand how people could be so mean. They didn't even know her.

"Are you okay?"

Beam looked up at Sky who was sitting across from her.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

"It's getting worse."

"It'll die out eventually."

"Have you told P'Payu?"

Beam looked down at her plate, avoiding eye contact with Sky.

"Why would I do that?"

"So, he can get them to stop!"

"He's not a student here anymore, Sky. It's not his business."

"You're his business. And it's him they're talking about too, so it's double his business."

Seeing that Beam wasn't convinced, Sky sighed.

"Just think about it. Please."

"Fine, I will."