The Day We Met

Coffee Later?

I know you will hate me in the last part of the chapter. So I would apologize before that happens 😅🤣

Second update for today. 

***

"So, Kao tells me you and Ohm hit it off."

Beam and Fern were lying in the field, despite the fact that Beam had nearly broken his nose once more. Beam was seated, leaning back on his hands, and Fern was propped up on her elbow.

"Ohm wouldn't stop flirting with me," As he observed his fellow students making their way to class, Beam stated calmly.

"You ought to be more enthusiastic about that. He and I met yesterday. If only he wasn't gay ..."

Beam grinned as he turned to face her. "That didn't stop you in the past."

Fern tore off a few grass blades and hurled them at Beam. "You were using me as a beard back then, in middle school,"

"No, I gave in to your pressure,"

More grass was thrown at him by Fern, who grinned. "Heartbreaker.

Beam grinned. He removed the grass blades from his face. "You broke up with me!"

"Since you refused to kiss me."

"And you understand why now."

Fern raised herself to a sitting position and laughed softly. So, Ohm... I think I just caught you blushing.

"He comes on pretty strong and has a way with words."

"You enjoy him."

"I have an issue."

"Forth?" Fern smiled slyly as she said,

Beam adopted a neutral expression on his face. "Why did you know that?" "You too got flushed when you saw him."

"Were you watching me all night?"

"Just a moment." She laughed and rose up, wiping herself off in case any of the grass stuck to her. "Nice try to change the conversation. I need to leave now. Good luck, Beam, with your problem."

Beam waved her off and said, "Later."

That was fortunate. He would have received horrible advice from her anyhow.

**

Beam was able to stop taking his naproxen by Monday. That made English class seem less intimidating. But if he had to endure more of Forth's embarrassing attempts at wooing, even if it was almost adorable. Kind of. Kind of.

"Beam!"

Beam smiled in response. "Hey."

"Hey. So, still interested in helping me out-- or do you have plans?" At that last phrase, Forth's voice became a tiny bit dimmer.

"No plans," Beam said. He knew what Forth was really asking.

"Then how about we--"

They were swiftly moved aside while Mathurada deftly unlocked the door. The line of kids waiting to enter started to form. When Beam saw Forth, he shrugged and spoke. "Later."

The moment that made Beam wonder if he should still be in college turned out to be about ten minutes into the lesson when Forth slipped him a note. As Beam peered down at the torn-off piece of paper, he half anticipated "do you like me? Yes or no."

Instead, the following was written: Tomorrow 6pm. coffee first?

Coffee?

Beam turned to face Forth, but Forth's attention drifted down the row and away from him. Just as Beam turned around, Mathurada seized the note from his grasp.