Love Unsaid

Chapter 3: Unexpected Encounter

-III-
Unexpected Encounter

My eyes were captivated by the blustery air swaying the various kinds of leafy greens spread out on the campus field, adding to the vibrancy of the scene. There was always something about plants that made them look mesmerizing.

"Quit zoning out, Zee!"

A girl seated across the table waved her hands in front of my face, snapping me back to reality.

"Sorry about that," I said apologetically.

"It's fine," Roshelle said with a tender smile. Sunlight kissed her tanned skin, making it radiant.

"What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?"

I shook my head. "I was admiring the plants."

"Since when did you develop an interest in plants?"

"Since I laid my eyes on them." I rolled my eyes at her playfully.

I wasn't lying. The plants, sprawling across the campus, were truly captivating. Yet, a disquiet stirred within me, and I knew she felt it.

"Oh really?" she asked, her gaze unwavering. "I'm pretty sure it's something else."

"Maybe you should put on a show—'Roshelle, the Amazing Mind Reader!'"

A soft chuckle rumbled through her chest, the sound warm and familiar.

"I am your best friend," she started, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Which means..."—a sly smile played on her lips before she finished— "someone or something, is definitely bothering you."

Roshelle Kyler was indeed my number one bestie. She was one of the most amicable and enthusiastic people I had ever known. We became best friends as soon as her family moved into our neighborhood when I was still thirteen. Although I met Krystal first, I had a deeper connection with Roshelle. Nevertheless, I was grateful for both of them in my life.

"Well...you aren't exactly wrong," I said, picking up my pen that lay helplessly on the table.

"Is it about the party from last Friday?"

I could only manage a simple 'yeah' in reply while I shoved my pen into one of my bag's pockets. I was done writing.

"Honestly, Zee, it was just an accident."

"I don't know, Shelly, but I locked eyes with him, and he looked furious!"

"Ugh, I'd be so mad if something of mine broke too," she said with a sympathetic shrug. "But you know, dwelling on it won't help."

"I feel horrible," I mumbled, my head drooping. How could I hide the frown that seemed permanently etched on my face?

Roshelle lifted my chin with her hand. "Hey, chin up!" she chirped, gesturing towards a group of boys shooting hoops. "Look over there!"

They were meters apart, each a beacon of good looks as far as I could tell. I only recognized two of them, though.

"Those guys playing basketball? Talk about hot!" she exclaimed with a dreamy sigh.

"Oh yeah, real lookers," I said dryly, keeping my eyes firmly planted on the field. Basketball was a familiar sight, yet weirdly intriguing today. Though playing it myself never crossed my mind.