Couple Love is not the Only Love

Lop's POV

Everything was going well for me. I was topping my classes and doing really well. After my breakup two years ago, I refused to fall in love with anyone because I wanted to focus on studies and didn’t want to get hurt again. Until a young boy came into my life like a tornado. I was walking towards the football field to watch my friends practice. This short guy came running and before I could jump out of the way, he collided with me. We both ended on the floor. I got up, brushed myself off and helped the other guy to his feet. He was really cute and handsome. I quickly composed myself remembering my resolve to not fall in love again. At least not until I was out of college. We then made our way to the football field. I immediately recognized him as the team manager, I’d seen him often. He didn’t know me but I knew him. He seemed like a good person, and I realised I was falling in love with him. I wanted to be sure of my feelings because I didn't want to get hurt like the last time. Even though I had resolved to not date till after my graduation, I was willing to make an exception for him. I found out he was in the prom preparations committee as well. It was cute to see him help me out whenever I needed any help, and he brought me snacks and drinks too. I looked fondly at him when he was busy working. I liked the way his nose scrunched when he was concentrating. I liked to steal glances at him. It wasn’t long before I realised I was starting to develop feelings for him. I decided that it was high time I got to know him better, and resolved to talk to him during the preparations. Although, the next day, we met again at the canteen. I was having my lunch alone when he came with a handsome boy, who was around the same height as me. We introduced ourselves and exchanged phone numbers. We started talking to each other during the preparations, at the practice every week, and even after we went to our dorm. By this time, I was sure of my feelings. I wanted to confess to him but wasn’t sure if he liked me back or not. Two days before the annual prom, I decided to ask him to be my prom date and confess my feelings to him. Since all the preparations were over, and the practice was postponed for a few days, I texted Ruj to know where he was, and he said he was studying at the library. I brought a bouquet of red roses and went to the library. “Ruj, these are for you.” I said, offering him the bouquet. He accepted them with a confused look on his face. I took a deep breath knowing there was no going back now. “Ruj, will you go to prom with me?” I asked him in a rush and looked down at my feet, preparing myself for rejection. He held my hands and said, “I-I can’t give you an answer right now. I need some time to think. You will get the answer on prom night.”. “Ruj, what’s wrong? Why can’t you tell me now?” I asked worried that I rushed into it faster than I should have. I mean knowing each other for a couple weeks, and then asking him out for prom seemed really early. I worried that he might not even be interested in men, and would reject me. I never got a chance to ask him if he was seeing someone, or if he dated anyone in the past. I saw him with his guy friends, and never with girls, thinking that maybe his girlfriend  or crush lived in his hometown or something. He picked up the bouquet and led me out of the library, to an empty classroom to talk. “P’Lop, I am confused about my feelings. I am not sure if I like you or not. I will give you my answer on prom night. I will be able to make up my mind until then. I am sorry if I hurt you. I-I need to go now.” I stared at his retreating back. He still took the bouquet with him before he left. “He didn’t reject you. He said he’ll give his answer on prom night. He must be interested in guys seeing that he didn’t reject me at the moment, and kept the bouquet. Hopefully he will choose me.” I comforted myself and went to my dorm thinking of ways to keep myself busy and not to worry too much about the rejection until D-day came.