Yours Truly, Second Heartbeat

5

Rylen:

I was checking on everything and everyone with Jenna, it's hectic for the second day.

"I'll go check up on Alvi. I'll see you and Theo later, Jenna." I say to Jenna as she waves while walking away.

I made my way to the booth where Alvin was when I left him. But as I get there, Alvin is not there, only Collin.

"Where's Alvi, man?" I ask Collin. He swallows his food before turning his head. I turn, follow his gaze.

"Alvi was furious, man. He hates this job, we better go back after this." He chuckles. I smile awkwardly, thankfully it's almost the end of the day for today.

"Yeah, I know him very well. I've prepared my bulletproof armour before I go over there." I responded, a bit worried about Alvin's anger issues. "Anyway...thanks man for doing this. I know it was a last minute request. We appreciate it, Collin." I pat him on the shoulder, grateful for his willingness to fill for our sick member, the one who was supposed to watch the booth. Luckily, Collin is willing to help.

Collin nods, stuff a few fries in his mouth, "No worries, mate. I'm free any way." He says before pointing at Alvin's direction. "Well, you probably want to take care of him." He laughs and I join his laughter.

I turn over my shoulder and immediately freeze when I see Alvin is smiling. What the? Alvi smile? Seems impossible, he is always serious. Who is this someone makes him smile genuinely, I never see him smile for so long.

I have been approaching them since I cannot see who he's talking to. As I step closer, my brows arch. I think it's her. My brain starts to work, flash the day when I first saw her at the Study Cafe. Beside her is another woman, she seems familiar. Wait. I know her.

I stare at Alvin. Is it because of her? My lips curl up, know what this means. He likes her. We met her a week ago at the faculty hallway when some senior students tried to hit on her. Alvin was there to save her then. Given his attitude, Alvin is not someone who likes to get into people's business easily. But still Alvin intervened. Today, I saw him casually talking and laughing in front of this same woman. Well, it's about time he moves on.

Before long, my gaze returns to Nicole. I don't know what they are talking about but I'm too focused on studying her face, expressions and moves. I can't help but smile when I see her laughing.

As I take in a deep breath, I greet them, "Hey-hey...what's so funny, Alvi? Care to share it with me?"

Their laughter ends and the three of them turn to me. Well, this is awkward.

"Hey-it's you again." I shake my head and try to keep it from being more awkward, I mentioned the woman that Alvin helped. "We've met before, aren't we? I'm Rylen by the way, the one and only friend that Alvi has. Well...only me can stand and tolerate him." I say it as a joke and glance at Alvin, he frowns.

Alexi nods and replies sweetly, "Yes we've met. I'm Alexi...this is my friend, Nicole, Nick. Nice to meet you Rylen."

Nicole. Nick.

"The one and only friend too. She is very hard to please, that's why only me can stand her." Nicole interrupts Alexi, I know she's joking.

I laugh at her remark but I see from the corner of my eyes Alvin is glaring at me and I instinctly covers my mouth. It's not a good time to tease Alvin. However he's not making any scenes because he is too occupied with Alexi. I know, I get it mate.

I clear my throat, "Anyway...are you coming to the party tomorrow night? Freshmen are mostly welcome, you both should come. We'll be there too, right Alvi?" I smile as I invite Nicole and Alexi for the party tomorrow. Alvin looks a little taken back by my words while Alexi is still waiting for Alvin to answer.