Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

3. Someone Who Makes You Anxious

"By the way, who's this Ryan?" Krystal asked, her suspicion evident as she rubbed her nose and gave me a piercing look. "I've never heard his name from you before."

I shifted uncomfortably under her intense gaze and replied, "He's just another guy. Nothing special."

Krystal wasn't buying it. "He doesn't sound like just anyone. You've never mentioned him before. We know all your classmates, but he's a new name. And now you're avoiding him? It's clear he's not just another guy."

"I think you're either overthinking or exaggerating," I said, trying to steer the conversation away, but my attempt fell flat.

Shruti, curious, asked, "Was he your crush or something?"

I took a deep breath and explained, "I mentioned someone who was a strong competitor back in school. He was the only real rival I had back then."

Krystal nodded, piecing it together. "So, he and you were academic rivals. But why are you so keen on avoiding him?"

I raised my voice, frustrated, "You might enjoy discussing your rivals, but I don't."

Krystal raised an eyebrow and asked, "So, what's Ryan up to these days?"

I replied, "Why the sudden curiosity about him?"

She continued, "Is he good-looking?"

I shot back, "Are you thinking of making a move on him or something?"

With a sigh, she said, "Just tell me what he's doing now."

I answered, "He passed NEET, so he's probably finished his medical studies. That's all I know."

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The next morning, I was at the café, immersed in my routine. Mornings were always bustling with the staff from AHP Hospital stopping by for their coffee fix. After the initial rush, I'd head over to the hospital to deliver coffee to the senior doctors. It was a well-worn pattern that kept me occupied and added a touch of variety to my workday.

I secured the coffee package on my scooter and headed to the hospital. As usual, I bypassed the formalities of greeting anyone -- being an introvert and all -- and set the package on the counter. After collecting the bill, I was heading towards the exit when I accidentally bumped into someone.

Dropping to the floor, I scrambled to pick up the scattered notes, mumbling, "Sorry."

A familiar voice said with a hint of amusement, "Nice to see you again, Miss Sarah."

Looking up, I found myself face-to-face with Ryan. My heart skipped a beat. "Is this where you work?" I wondered aloud, trying to mask my surprise.

I asked, trying to avoid his gaze as I hurriedly gathered the scattered notes, "You work here?"

Ryan, standing up, nodded. "Yep, I got appointed here."

As I fumbled with the notes, he added, "So, are you still hung up on the past?"

I looked up, puzzled. "Hung up on what?"

He smirked slightly. "12th grade. Don't you remember?"

Feigning confidence, I responded, "12th grade? What's there to remember? Is there something specific I should recall?"

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "You seem a bit nervous around me. Do I make you uncomfortable?"

I gave a forced smile. "It's not about being nervous. I've been leading my life and suddenly, running into everyone from school all at once -- well, it's bound to be a bit awkward. People change, and so do the dynamics."

He pressed, "So you're not feeling anxious about me being here?"

I shrugged, "Should I be? What's this really about? If I'm missing something that should be significant, I'm sorry, but I honestly don't recall. I've got to go now."

I left the hospital, my mind a whirl of mixed emotions. Standing at the front of the building, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I wanted to appear calm and collected, but the encounter with Ryan had rattled me more than I cared to admit.

I stared at the busy street, letting the crisp air wash over me, hoping it would soothe the flutter of nerves in my stomach. My heart was still racing, and I tried to act nonchalant, but inside, I was a bundle of nerves.

I shook off the lingering unease and made my way back to the café. The familiar hum of the bustling café brought a sense of normalcy, but I couldn't quite shake off the earlier encounter with Ryan.