Always, I Care

Chapter 3

The energy was alive in the air as the trio of friends—Amalia, Erin, and Alia—sat on their beds, applying light makeup before heading to class. Their mornings were often filled with chatter and laughter, each friend bringing their own personality to the mix. Erin, as usual, broke the silence with an invitation that would change their plans for the weekend.

"Please make sure you're free this Saturday," Erin began, her voice filled with excitement.

"What are you planning now? What event did you sign us up for this time?" Alia sighed, already able to read Erin's intentions. Erin was known for signing them all up for random activities. Her friends had become accustomed to these spontaneous plans, even if it sometimes meant getting involved in things they had no initial interest in.

Erin grinned. "It's just a fun run event!"

"Run? Not a chance!" Alia shook her head. "I'm definitely not showing up for that."

"I'm in. When and where?" Amalia replied, finishing a light blush across her cheeks.

"Saturday night, and it's a neon run around our campus," Erin explained, her eyes lighting up. "We'll start at Gunner Hall. There's a warm-up session, a quick briefing, and they'll mark the track. They're providing—"

"A night run?" Alia interrupted, her voice filled with disbelief. "What if I end up running into a tree or, worse, a ditch?"

Amalia burst out laughing. "Alia, you do realize they'll probably have lights, right?"

"Yes, Amalia's right. It's a neon run—they're decorating with lights, glowing props, and a few photo spots just for Instagram shots," Erin continued, clearly thrilled. Erin's social media presence was known around campus, and she was always looking for ways to spice up her feed. "It's all for fun, Alia. You can just take pictures and walk if you don't want to run."

Alia hesitated, looking down, her expression thoughtful. "Or... maybe I'll just go out with Haikal that night," she said, a small smile creeping onto her face.

"Wait a second," Amalia said, catching Alia's gaze. "Did you forget? Haikal's one of the organizers for the run. He'll be there anyway."

Alia's eyes widened, and then she sighed, defeated. "Fine, I'll come."

The conversation moved on as they walked to class, the three of them swapping stories and chatting about the latest makeup trends. By the time they reached the lecture hall, the previous class was wrapping up. The moment the students started filing out, Amalia saw Ridwan, catching her off guard once again. This time, he was coming out through the main entrance, blocking their way.

"Hey, that's the entrance!" Alia called out. "Shouldn't you use the door behind the lecturer's desk?"

Harry squirmed, his face twisting in a funny expression as he hurried toward the entrance door where the nearest restroom was located. "Emergency exit, guys!" he joked, unable to hold it any longer. Ridwan trailed behind him, playing the good friend, but his eyes kept darting back to Amalia, catching her gaze each time.

The three girls giggled at Harry's antics, but Amalia's focus was pulled back to Ridwan, who seemed to be watching her with a quiet curiosity—almost as if he wanted to know her better. Her stomach fluttered, caught between excitement and nerves, unsure of what his lingering looks might mean.

....

The night of the neon run came quickly, and the three friends met up at the registration desk. After signing in, they each received a complementary bag that contained a neon bracelet, neon paint, event wristbands, a white t-shirt, a water bottle, and some snacks. Excitedly, they changed into their white shirts that ready to be painted and started to decorate themselves with the glowing face paint.