Just Press Ctrl Z

Chapter 11.1

"Madilyn, listen to this!" Nadia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she bounced down the dorm stairs, her voice echoing through the hallway. "I've got an amazing idea for my birthday. Let's make it unforgettable. How about a splendid beach getaway? Picture this - a 3-day trip!"

Madilyn's lips curled into a half-smile as she leaned against the stairway railing. "Hold that thought. We'll need Zen's input too."

"Of course. And guess what? Braxy and I have the same birthdays! We're thinking of celebrating together. You don't mind, do you?"

"It's your birthday. Anything you want."

As they strolled towards the university, Nadia's gaze lingered on the sky, a hopeful smile playing on her lips. "I hope we catch Zen coming to class today." Just as she said this, a figure appeared in the distance, pedalling gracefully on a bicycle.

"Is that Zen?" Madilyn's eyebrows shot up as she noticed the two wheels gliding toward them.

Zen's approach confirmed it. With poised ease, Zen brought the bicycle to a gentle halt beside them. "Hey there," she greeted, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue.

"Wait, what? You never mentioned having a bike," Madilyn exclaimed, her eyes widening in genuine astonishment.

"I don't. This is borrowed. Aunt Elise offered it since her son isn't using it," Zen replied, her lips curving into a sheepish smile.

"Who's her son?" Nadia asked, curiosity getting the best of her.

"I don't know. She said he's a student here, just like us, but I forgot to ask her his name."

Nadia's reaction was priceless - her eyes practically bulged out of their sockets. "What? Seriously? Why are you so bird-brained?" With a playful circular motion, she pressed her index finger to Zen's forehead. Why didn't you ask? I'm dying to know! Who is he? Is he good-looking? A junior or senior? What's his major? This suspense is killing me!"

"Shut up, Nadia. This isn't K-drama," Madilyn scoffed, rolling her eyes. "And Zen, I'm surprised you just went along with it. You're usually super careful about borrowing things. The Zen I know wouldn't have agreed so easily," she said, her finger pointing at the borrowed bicycle.

"I protested, honestly," Zen said, her gaze falling regretfully. "But Aunt Elise wouldn't take no for an answer. She felt bad about me walking to campus every day. Guess I couldn't refuse her."

Nadia's eyes suddenly lit up with a triumphant gleam at those words. "That's evidence enough! Aunt Elise is so your mom."

Zen's eyebrows knitted together as her lips parted in a soft protest. "No, stop saying that."

"So, this guy. If he's not at home, where's he staying now?" Nadia asked.

"The dorm, obviously," Madilyn replied.

Zen shook her head and fell in line with her friends, pulling the bicycle alongside her. As they resumed their walk, Madilyn leaned towards her. "Zen, we were just tossing around ideas for Nadia's birthday celebration that's in two weeks. She's thinking of hitting the beach. What's your take on that?"

Zen opened her mouth to respond, but it was quickly shadowed by Nadia's excitement. "Pause the birthday talk. I need the scoop on this guy. Aunt Elise's son, remember? Zen, your situation, it's like a movie plot! What's the term?" Nadia thought hard. "Cohabitation! That's it. Zen, you've got to uncover his identity. Destiny's knocking on your door. It's fate, trust me. You were meant to cross paths."