My Last And My Only

Chapter 88: Mine

The university had a way of making every morning feel alive.

Students hurried across walkways with backpacks slung over one shoulder. Professors greeted familiar faces. Organizations had already begun setting up booths near the Plaza Mayor, hoping to recruit new members before classes started.

Khae had arrived earlier than usual.

She preferred mornings like this.

Quiet.

Unhurried.

She had just finished printing a paper from the Communication laboratory when she decided to cut through the open courtyard toward the College of Arts and Sciences.

"Khae?"

She stopped.

That voice...

Turning around, she found a familiar face walking toward her.

Reign.

Her hair was shorter than before, but the confident smile remained exactly the same.

"Knew it," Reign laughed. "I almost thought I was mistaken."

Khae smiled politely.

"Hi."

"It's been months."

"It has."

"I heard you were busy after the University Fair."

"We all were."

Reign slipped her hands into her pockets.

"You look... happier."

The observation caught Khae off guard.

"...Do I?"

"A lot happier."

Khae laughed softly.

"I guess things have been good."

"I'm glad."

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.

It wasn't awkward.

Just...

Two acquaintances catching up after a long time.

"So..." Reign finally said.

"I was wondering if you'd like to—"

"Khae!"

The familiar voice made Khae turn instinctively.

Aiah.

She was walking toward them with Gwen, Christine, Nica, Francheska, Lindtsey, and Yves.

The entire group.

The moment Reign's eyes landed on Aiah...

Recognition flashed across her face.

"...Oh."

She remembered.

Months ago.

The beautiful Multimedia Arts student whose eyes never seemed to leave Khae whenever they crossed paths.

The girl everyone quietly knew Khae was in love with.

The same girl who had once looked at Reign with unmistakable jealousy.

Reign looked back at Khae.

Then...

She noticed the smile.