under the university lights

chapter 2

The next day began with the usual pre-dawn routine.  4:00 AM.  The alarm blared, its shrill sound a jarring contrast to the quiet stillness of my room.  I groaned, hitting snooze before finally dragging myself out of bed.  School loomed, a mountain of assignments and upcoming exams.  But the memory of him, the stranger from the convenience store, lingered like a persistent melody, a pleasant distraction from the academic pressures.  His voice, deep and apologetic, echoed in my mind.  His scent, clean and subtly masculine, still clung to my senses.  Gago yon ah pero okay in fairness ang pogi!!!  My internal monologue, usually dominated by academic anxieties, was now a chaotic mix of study plans and romantic daydreams.  ( Hay naku, ang landi mo Liv! I mentally scolded myself.)

The day unfolded in a blur of lectures and note-taking.  My mind, however, kept drifting back to the convenience store, replaying the moment of our collision, the brief eye contact, the lingering scent.  I found myself subtly glancing around the classroom, half-expecting to see him there.  (Asa ka naman Liv, nasa ibang university yun!  My inner voice chimed in again, more realistic this time.)

During lunch break, I recounted the encounter to Chloe, my ever-reliable best friend.  "Girl, you won't believe who I bumped into last night!" I exclaimed, my voice brimming with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.  I described the stranger in detail, emphasizing his height, his good looks, and that incredibly captivating scent.  ( Ang bango talaga! I added, a dreamy expression on my face.)

Chloe, ever the pragmatist, listened patiently, her expression a mix of amusement and mild exasperation.  "Liv," she said, rolling her eyes playfully, "you're such a hopeless romantic.  It was probably just some random guy.  Focus on your studies, tanga!"  ( Oo nga naman, I thought, even as a small part of me still clung to the hope of a chance encounter.)

The rest of the day passed in a similar fashion – a blend of academic responsibilities and secret daydreams.  The image of the stranger, a fleeting yet unforgettable encounter, became a source of both amusement and quiet excitement.  I couldn't shake the feeling that our paths might cross again, a thrilling possibility that added a touch of unexpected romance to my otherwise predictable routine.  ( Sana nga, I whispered to myself, a hopeful smile playing on my lips.)  The upcoming exam loomed, but for the first time in a long time, the pressure felt a little lighter, a little less daunting.  Maybe, just maybe, there was more to life than just books and exams.  Maybe, there was something more… exciting.