It's cold. The snow falling from the sky created a somewhat romantic atmosphere though Christmas was over. New years were just around the corner.
December 29th, 2023. 8:47PM.
A young man standing at the bus stop as he waited for the last bus of the night. His face was red due to the cold, he was shivering in his boots. Shouldn't have trusted the weather forecast.
The night felt quiet. The only sounds that filled the air was from cars passing by, or from pedestrians talking as they walk back and forth.
"Still short I see." A soothing voice appeared next to the young man, breaking the silence.
He turned his head to the source of the voice and his eyes widen when he saw who it was. A man with coal black hair that briefly touch his shoulders, gentle pair of brown eyes and a playful smirk on his lips..
"How have you been, Sen?" The man said, now with a smile.
"I've been just well, Cole."
Sen chuckled.
————
Being the top student was never out of the question for Sen.
Though his parents never really pressured him into a mold of perfection, he just felt the need to be perfect. He felt like if he's not, no one would want to be around him, yet that appears to be the total opposite.
The more "high ranked" you are, the more people distance themselves from you. They think you're too unapproachable, too far from their reach, that makes Sen irritated. He wished, at least, his classmates would say "hi" to him without making it awkward.
October 17th, 2016.
The young boy was looking at the name list that was hung up on the school board outside. He never felt so nervous before looking at this list, he was always sure that he'll be on top no matter what. But ever since he stepped foot into high school, that position he thought was rightfully his has been shaken greatly by whom the girls called "Prince Charming".
"Hoping for disappointment again, sweetheart?" A tall individual walked towards Sen and stood next to him, laughing.
Sen didn't say a word to him, he kept his eyes focus on the list. His eyes gazing across all the names, then they landed on his.
Sen Nguyễn, 2nd place.
His eyebrows frowned. He was beaten by that "Prince Charming" again.
"Won't you look at that, Cole West, 1st place." Cole smirked, he was amused at Sen's disappointed look. "Don't give me that look, darling. I've beaten you fair and square."
"Please shut up." Sen replied, clearly annoyed. His fist clenched as he looked at Cole. How could that cocky, arrogant, entitled buffoon beat him in his own game?
————
"I heard from Diane you're working at a model agency now, how's that going for you?"
"Well couldn't say I enjoy working with an unpredictable schedule, but it pays my bills, who am I to complain?" Cole said as he leaned onto the light pole, snow falling ever so gently on top of his head.
Sen took a moment to look at his old rival, the person who drove him insane everytime he "won" in a subject.
He looked from his hair to his eyes then down to his lips. Something changed about this jerk, but he can't really place a finger on it, which was quite annoying..
"I suppose you're right, can't really complain when it's the job you choose." Sen sighed. He looked towards the sign at the bus stop, it said there's 5 more minutes till the bus come, why does 5 minutes feel like an hour.
"And you? What are you working as now?"
"Oh, I'm a teacher at the local elementary school." Sen turned to Cole as he asked him the question. "Having a splendid time there."
He answered sarcastically.
"Splendid?" Cole laughed.
"I'm sure those kids gave you anything but a splendid time."
Sen rolled his eyes as a small smile spread across his lips. "Sarcasm, ever heard of it?"
Cole was about to reply again but the bus came in front of them. They both looked at each other for a second before Sen walked on the bus. He looked back to Cole and waved goodbye.
"I hope to see you again." He said quickly before making his way to an empty seat.
"Same goes for you."
Cole smiled as he watch the bus leaving with Sen, his eyes stuck to the silhouette of the young man.
