Ghostly Affairs

Chapter 7: The Unexpected Reunion

The university campus buzzed with life, the familiar sounds of students moving between classes filling the air. Lin and May walked side by side, scanning the notice boards and flyers plastered along the walls, hoping to find something that could jog May's memory.

"Anything look familiar yet?" Lin asked, her tone neutral but probing.

May squinted at an old poster for a student event. "Kind of... but it's all so blurry. Like, I know I've been here before, but nothing really sticks." She shook her head, frustration creeping in. "It's like trying to remember a dream after you've woken up."

Lin nodded, her eyes moving over the rows of announcements. "We'll figure it out. Maybe a specific location will trigger something. The campus is big—there's bound to be something that sparks a memory."

May sighed, though she flashed a faint smile to keep things light. "I hope so. It's frustrating, you know? Being here, knowing I've walked these halls but not being able to place anything."

They continued their walk, moving through the bustling courtyard. May's gaze flitted across the groups of students, her expression turning thoughtful. "Do you think I was one of them?" she asked suddenly, gesturing to a group of girls chatting on the grass. "You know, just a regular college student?"

Lin glanced at the group, then back at May. "Maybe. You said it felt familiar, so it's possible you were just like them. Or... maybe you stood out. Who knows?"

May chuckled softly, though the sound was laced with a hint of melancholy. "I kind of hope I wasn't boring."

"You? Boring?" Lin quirked an eyebrow. "Highly unlikely."

Their conversation flowed easily, but before May could respond, a voice called out, cutting through the noise around them. "Lin? Is that really you?"

Lin turned toward the voice, her eyes widening slightly in recognition. Walking toward her was Riri, her former college junior, looking polished and professional. Riri's tailored suit and the confident stride in her step made her stand out from the crowd.

"Riri?" Lin said, surprised.

Without hesitation, Riri rushed over and pulled Lin into a tight hug. "I can't believe this! What are the odds? It's my lucky day!"

Lin stiffened for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden embrace, before relaxing and offering a polite smile. "It's been a while. What brings you here?"

"I'm here for a seminar," Riri explained, stepping back but keeping her hand resting lightly on Lin's arm. "Just got back from abroad yesterday and thought I'd swing by the campus. Didn't expect to run into you, though!"

May, standing a few steps away, watched the interaction, her smile slipping for just a second before she quickly regained her composure. Seeing Riri casually hug Lin left her feeling unsettled in a way she hadn't expected. It's not like I could even be part of her world... so why does it bother me?

Riri, completely unaware of May's presence, continued. "We should totally catch up over lunch. It's been too long!"

Lin glanced briefly at May, her hesitation evident. May caught the look and waved her off with a playful grin. "I'll leave you two to catch up," she said, her voice light but with an underlying tension. "I'll catch up with you later."

Lin didn't respond, but her expression softened into a quiet apology. May saw it in the subtle way Lin's brow furrowed—words weren't needed. Understanding the gesture, May gave her a small wave and turned to leave.

Riri pulled Lin's attention back to her. "So, lunch? Let's go, I've got so much to tell you!"

Lin nodded, though her smile was more restrained now. She watched as May disappeared into the crowd, a strange feeling settling in her chest. Something was left unspoken between them, but she pushed it aside for now. "Alright, let's grab lunch," she said softly.