JUST ONE MORE CHANCE

chapter 14

FREEN'S POV

"Sarocha? Is there something on Rebecca's face?" Professor Liam said, startling me.

"Y-yes... I mean no professor." I said, still a little shocked. I was so lost, looking at her beauty that I forgot we are in the classroom.

"Then stop looking at her and focus on your class." Professor warned me and I just nodded apologetically. Then he continued explaining some theories of Optics.

But I'm shameless so I turned to look at Becky again and smiled like an idiot. She nudged my arm playfully. "Stop looking at me like that Freen."

"I can't help it. You are so beautiful." I said making her smile shyly.

Students in the class are studying, some are chatting and laughing. But for me, everything seemed to move in slow motion. Today isn't just any other day. It is the first day of our relationship.

I'm sitting beside her but the reality of it is still sinking in. After days of stolen glances, racing heart, the nervousness around her, it has finally happened. Last night she said yes. Yes to being with me, yes to keep up with me, and a yes to see where this connection between us will go. And I can't help feeling grateful about this.

She nudged me again, "Why are you so quiet? What are you thinking? Regretting it already?" She teased me.

I shook my head immediately. "Regret it??? No way in hell I'm gonna regret this. I'm just still processing that this is real."

Her smile softened. And for a moment there was something vulnerable in her eyes. As if she is feeling the same thing.

"Yeah." She said quietly, her hand brushing against mine. "Me too."

I hold her hand, trying to make her understand that it's okay to feel this way. She looked up at me, curled her fingers around mine, trying to tell me that she is okay, we are okay. And the world outside seems to fade away. A simple gesture like this is enough to make my heart race.

At this moment I don't care what the teacher is saying. I just want to keep looking at her.

_________

It's lunch break and we are at the cafeteria, sitting in our usual spot. Conversations are flowing as always. But there are more side glances, subtle smirks and raised eyebrows. It is as if everyone is suspecting something.

I glanced at Becky who is sitting beside me. And I can sense that she is also thinking the same. I don't want to tell them about this just yet. It is all new for us and a part of me like having something that is only ours.

"So..." Nam started, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms, "I've noticed you two are acting differently today."

I nearly choked on my drink but quickly tried to play it cool, "What do you mean by acting differently?

Nam grinned as she shifted her gaze between me and Becky, "Yeah. Something is different. Like, you two are extra clingy today. It's kind of weird."

Others also chimed in with exaggerated nods. "Yeah. I've noticed that too. You guys are always looking at each other and smiling." Said Irin with a teasing smile.

I exchanged a quick glance with her. She raised her eyebrows at me, as if she is telling me to handle the situation.

"Well..." I started trying to sound normal, "we've always been close. Maybe you guys are just reading into things."

But the smirks around the table told me they aren't buying this.

"Come on, we are not blind." Heng said, his voice full of playful curiousity. "Something is definitely up."

I started to feel a little panicked. It's getting harder to hide, especially with the way they are looking at me. The more I try to hide it, the more suspicious they become.

Suddenly Becky cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention towards her. "Look guys, there is nothing going on. We just like each others company. That's it."

The others exchanged glances, not entirely convinced. But seems like they are willing to let it side. Atleast for now. The conversation shifted to other topics.

I let out a sigh of relief. But somehow I'm feeling a little heavy. I know I shouldn't hide our relationship but I feel like once the secret is out, everything will be changed. Our quite, intimate moments will be public. There will be questions, teasing and a shift in how people see the two of us. But at the same time hiding it, is wrong. She is not someone to hide. She is my girlfriend. And I'm proud of it.

To be continued.....