A Love Like This

part 2

Ryanne was still low key blushing as she walked along campus with her friends. It was apparent right through her. "Girl, admit it. You know he's cute." Layla retorted.
"Ok...yes, he's cute! But he gives off a jerk type of vibe. I've seen him around since freshman year and he's just noticing me now?" Ryanne was a bit shocked, but still flustered... In a good way.

"I dont know how you girls do it...he is cute; but sorry I need a chocolate man in my life. I want me some chocolate babies!" Jade said as she starting getting riled up. "Uh oh. Here we go again." Ryanne thought out loud. "You should give yourself more options...if a non-black guy is really feeling you, Are you telling me that you're not even gonna give him a chance, just because he isn't chocolate?"

"Yeah girl...there are some fine men out there of all different shades and colors. You'd be surprised" Layla said.

Jade thought over this for a second. "Its not that I dont find other races attractive...I am just mostly attracted to dark skin black men. Do you see Morris Chestnut?"

"Duh! Of course that man is hot! But I'm not going to ex out all the other races because there is beauty in all of them." Ryanne said. 
"Ayyee, you feel me?!" she said to Casey as they bonded over the sentiment with their special handshake.

Rolling her eyes, Jade responded. "Whatever. When I find a fine Asian man who swipes me off my feet, I'll let y'all know."

"You know one of his friends was checking you out, but you were too busy checking your phone, right?" Jade told Casey, seriously but jokingly as well.

Jade just gave her a "Yea, puh-lease. Sure they did." sarcastic look. It was time for them to part ways, either for work, class, or whatever else college seniors had to do with their life.

"Ok loves, I'll see you guys later. We'll catch up tonight," Ryanne spoke. They said bye to each other & went their separate ways.

Checking her phone schedule, Ryanne thought to herself, "Oh crap. I have Graphic Design. How amazing. And just a couple mins till it starts!" as she ran towards class.

*******************
"I'm Mr.Kemba..." the teacher went through his daily semantics & routine that all teachers go through at the beginning of a new school year. Ryanne had a full night of sleep but could barely keep her eyes open, due to his monotone voice.

"...You guys will all be assigned lab partners. It makes it easier for me...and for you, hopefully." If you guys have issues with each other, make sure you work it out so that you can both get good grades." Ryanne's eyes fully popped open at the sound of Mr. Kemba's statement. Working with people wasn't her forte. Especially if she didn't know them. Not that she was antisocial, but group projects were just a pain in the ass. She didn't even bother looking around to see if she knew anyone in the class. She just hoped and prayed that she would be paired up with someone nice...someone she could vibe with. After zoning out a bit, Ryanne decided to listen to the teacher. "Ashley Bloh with Tom Boone. And Minyoung Ahn, you will be paired up Ryanne True."

Her heart started to beat a little faster. "What? I mean, how? Why? I means its not a bad thing, just random, too good to be true? Well I don't know that as of yet. But I hope it will be good."
She started to feel more relaxed after she processed her thoughts. She knew who Minyoung was...the guy who made her blush. After 4 years of not caring about him, she was curious in finding out why he *randomly* seemed to start caring about her. She turned around & saw him look at her, and do a respectful nod and smile. This was sure to be interesting.

"Ok, get into your groups now because we will be doing an activity today."

Oh gosh, Mr. Kemba was so quick. We couldnt just chill the first day?

"I want you guys to get to know your partner. This is important. Do your best. I have questions that you can ask. Good luck." At that, chairs started scuffling, and people started locating their partners. The teacher gave everyone numbers to find others easier, if they didn't already know each other. Ryanne saw some people embrace their friends & exchange how happy they were to be paired together, while others awkwardly scuttled over to their unknown partners with a stifled & stale smile on their face.

Ryanne walked over to Minyoung. "Hey......so, we're lab partners." She said to him, awkwardly. He looked up at her and said "Yea we are...my name is Minyoung. And you're Ryanne, right?"

"Yeah...how did you know?"

"You use to work at the front desk of the boys dorm, so I remember your name tag."

"Oh wow...that was like Sophomore year. You have good memory."

Minyoung did somewhat of a cocky grin. "Yeah, I guess I do."

Then Mr. Kemba decided to butt in: "So, this isn't just your partner for the first day...this is your partner for the rest of the semester." There will be projects you have to do outside of the classroom, so some of you may have to spend long nights together! If you are a boy-girl pairing...just try not to have babies! I know college projects can be intense & people can bond over these things...but just leave the babies out for now please."

Minyoung & Ryanne looked at each other, smiled & rolled their eyes simultaneously. "I heard that this teacher would be a trip." Ryanne said. "Yeah, same here. He was the only one open for this course" replied Minyoung. They both laughed at his statement. There was an awkward silence between them for a couple seconds until Minyoung broke it and said, "Im sure you hear this all the time...but I really like your hair. I think it's beautiful." Ryanne blushed like no other. "Wow...thank you so much. That was really sweet of you."

Mr Kemba had another announcement to make. He basically told the class what their project would be: creating a graphic image of things that embody one's life. "Its won't be easy! This will take you all semester. &You guys have to infuse your interests with your partners. Good luck with that!" Then he dismissed the class.

Hmm...I wonder what else I can learn about him, Ryanne wondered. I can get close, but not too close, Minyoung thought. They said bye to one another & parted ways with these thoughts in their head.

To be continued....