Colliding Hearts

Four

Irene

As I walked into the lecture hall for my Financial Management class, the familiar buzz of conversation surrounded me. Students were huddled together, discussing the latest assignments and exam preparations. I made my way to my usual seat near the front, where I could easily absorb the lectures and engage with the professor.

Settling down, I noticed a vibrant bouquet of flowers sitting on my desk-another delightful arrangement of daisies and tulips. Each week, without fail, someone had been leaving these bright tokens of affection for me, and the mystery was slowly becoming my favorite distraction.

"Hey, flower girl!" Maggie called out, sliding into the seat next to me. Her curly hair bounced with each step, and her smile was infectious. "You're still getting those gorgeous arrangements?"

"Every day!" I replied, trying to suppress a grin. "It's like I have my own personal cheerleader."

"Someone is clearly smitten," Natalia chimed in as she joined us, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Have you thought about who it might be? You know, there are plenty of guys in this department."

"Trust me, I've been thinking about it nonstop!" I said, glancing around the lecture hall, half-expecting to spot my secret admirer. "But I can't narrow it down. Whoever it is clearly knows my schedule, so they must be around here somewhere."

Liv popped in just as the professor entered the room, carrying a stack of handouts. "You should totally investigate! I mean, it's a classic romantic setup. I can see it now–an accidental bump in the library leading to flowers and heartfelt confessions."

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "It sounds so dramatic! What if it's just someone trying to be nice? I mean, not everyone has to be a romantic, right?"

"True," Maggie replied, her voice playful. "But wouldn't it be nice if it were? Who doesn't love a little mystery?"

The professor began the lecture, diving into financial theories and investment strategies, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the flowers. Who could it be? Each arrangement was more beautiful than the last, and they never failed to brighten my day.

After class, as I was gathering my things, I noticed Anthony approaching me. He was a quiet guy from my Financial Management class, often sitting a few rows behind me. He had always been friendly but never seemed quite comfortable striking up a conversation.

"Irene," he said, his voice steady but soft, "I was wondering if you'd like to study together this weekend. I could really use some help with the upcoming exam."

I was taken aback. "Sure! I'd love to help. What day were you thinking?"

"How about Saturday afternoon?" he suggested, his eyes lighting up.

"Sounds good!" I replied, my heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nerves. As he walked away, I couldn't help but wonder if he had anything to do with the flowers. After all, he seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me.

"Looks like you have a study buddy!" Maggie teased as we left the lecture hall together.

"Or just someone needing help with their studies," I countered, but a part of me was curious. Maybe Anthony was more than just a study partner; perhaps he could be the person behind the mystery blooms.

"Whatever it is, it sounds like a date to me!" Natalia exclaimed, nudging me playfully. "You should totally ask him if he's the flower sender."

"Now that would be awkward!" I laughed, my cheeks heating up at the thought. "I don't want to put him on the spot."