Crimson Threads

Chapter 1

The campus buzzed with a chaotic yet joyous energy. This was how I would describe the scene before me. The labyrinth of booths created a disarray of colors and sounds, a testament to the lively celebration of our university's golden founding anniversary. It wasn't just our fellow students reveling in the festivities; students from neighboring schools had joined in the jubilation. It was the first time a carnival had graced the university grounds, and everyone was making the most of the opportunity.

Like everyone else, I wanted to make this golden anniversary memorable. There was someone I eagerly anticipated being with, but uncertainty surrounded his arrival time. I had been waiting for almost an hour, flooding him with messages on Messenger, yet not a single reply. My patience was waning, but I chose to remain composed, finding amusement in my own predicament. It wasn't like I wasn't used to his habitual tardiness.

Opting to distract myself, I decided to savor the spaghetti I had ordered, lest I grew more irritated waiting for him. However, as I finished my meal, there was still no sign of him. I checked my Messenger, and the lack of response deepened my exasperation. Just as I was about to compose another complaint, someone took a seat in front of me.

"Hanna, mind if I share the table?" Gracia asked with a mischievous grin. I nodded, silently acknowledging her presence. She observed my face before breaking into a teasing smile.

"Oh, it's Fafa Steven again, isn't it?" she quipped, raising her right eyebrow. I rolled my eyes and took a sip of my coke.

"I told you already, Gracia, he's just running late. Besides, I haven't been waiting that long," I replied, defending him. Among all my friends, Gracia was the only one privy to my grievances about Steven.

"Really? I don't believe you. You texted me at 9 am that you two were meeting. It's 10:45 am now! Where on earth is your supposedly amazing boyfriend?" Gracia prodded. I sighed and decided not to engage. I focused on my phone, typing another message to Steven.

"Maybe he got stuck in traffic," I offered weakly. "Or maybe he's still dealing with a client."

"A client or a mistress?" Gracia asked bluntly. I shot her a disapproving look. "Don't look at me like that, Hanna. You know I'm just concerned. Remember your second anniversary? He made you wait for three hours at the restaurant, even though you went through the trouble of making a reservation? Now, he's pulling the same stunt on your university's grounds."

"I don't want to think about it," I cut her off abruptly. I didn't want to hear any more that might intensify my swirling thoughts. I impulsively tugged at my hair, frustrated with my own paranoia. Gracia, however, intervened and hugged me, a characteristic mix of frankness and caring.

"Sorry for what I said. I just worry about you," she apologized as she released me from the embrace. I heard my phone ping, signaling a new message. Steven had replied.

"Sorry, love, if I'm late. My client asked for a brunch meeting. But, I'm on my way, so wait for me. Love you," the message read. Relief washed over me, replacing the anxiety. My tearful outburst was thwarted, replaced by excitement. I quickly replied, "Okay, love. Take care. I love you."

"Can't wait to see you, love," he responded promptly. Gracia, now seated beside me, scrutinized the messages, her brow furrowed as she glanced at me.

"You know, you're quite blurry!" she teased, playfully pulling at my hair. I laughed off her comment, grateful for her straightforwardness.

"Don't hug me! I'm allergic to mushy people like you," she pretended to cringe, but she didn't let go of our impromptu embrace. I decided to pull away myself.

Steven arrived shortly after, walking towards the canteen's entrance. As he passed, I noticed heads turning in his direction. He wasn't exceptionally handsome, but his charisma always managed to captivate attention, making him a true head-turner wherever he went.

"The storm has arrived," Gracia muttered beside me. I chose to ignore her comment, my focus entirely on my boyfriend.

He looked really fresh with his newly shaved face, getting rid of that beard that usually annoyed me. Wearing a sky-blue long-sleeved shirt, stylishly rolled up to the elbows, he looked quite handsome. Two unbuttoned buttons revealed a bit of his well-built chest. Why did I have such a scandalous thought?

"Your drool's about to fall," Gracia whispered, breaking my attention. I instinctively touched my chin, half-believing my saliva was indeed escaping. She just chuckled sarcastically.

As I returned my gaze to Steven, he was already in front of me, offering a smile before planting a kiss on my forehead, a gesture he consistently favored. Forehead kisses, he often said, are the sweetest. Well, if he insisted. I found myself blushing at the endearing act. We locked eyes for a moment, only for Gracia to interrupt our silent connection.

"Geez! Steven, sit next to Hanna. It'd be embarrassing for you—coming here from your office to your client. Then from your client to here," she said, trying to be subtle but failing miserably. It was evident in her sarcastic tone, though I wasn't sure if Steven caught on.

As Gracia moved next to me, I couldn't help but notice Steven taking a seat beside me. His arm rested on the backrest of my chair, making him too close for comfort. I could smell his favorite cologne, the green-colored Johnson's baby cologne. I used to make fun of him for it, but later on, I found myself using the same scent.

"Sorry for letting you wait for me. Were you here long?" he asked, sweeping his unruly hair behind his ear.

"Nah, not really. Just about 30 minutes or so," I replied with a soft laugh. I didn't want to tell him the truth; I didn't want him to feel guilty. Despite wanting to bring up several issues with him, my conscience always beat me to it.

"Really? You told me at 9 pm that you'll be here in the canteen, waiting for me. It's already 10:45 am, oh my! Where were you coming from? Your office to your client, then here," Gracia said, her sarcasm oozing. I halted her by kicking her shin under the table. She winced but just shot me a glare.

I directed my attention back to Steven. "So, what are we doing today?" I asked, holding his hand. He squeezed it before responding.

"Since it's still early, let's go to the mall first. We can buy whatever you want. We can come back here around 5 pm," he said with a smile, playing with my hair.

"Let's skip the mall. Let's stay here. Let's go to our old meeting place for some fresh air. We can talk about random things," I suggested, looking at him with pleading eyes.

"No, love. I insist on going to the mall. Besides, it's on me. Buy whatever you want," he said, squeezing my hand again. I was about to respond when he added, "By the way, Gracia, why don't you tell Hanna the title of the book you want? I'll pay for it as a thank you for being a good friend to my love."

Gracia looked at both of us, sipping her juice and shifting her gaze between us. "Oh, you won't get me with that, Mr. Barbacena. My blood pressure is still high because of you!" she said, clearly irritated.

Steven sighed at Gracia's words. It seemed there was no hope of calming Gracia down.