The Unexpected Romantic

Chapter 8: Self-Inflicted

Buzz buzz.

That's my phone. Who could be calling me this early? The first class for today has just finished.

I grab my phone from my pocket as I wave good bye to my classmates while mouthing the words 'see you later' to them. I answer the call once I exit the room.

"Hello!?"

"P'!" the caller greets me. He's calling me P', so this is definitely a freshman. I recognize the voice anyway. It's my charmingly annoying successor Ming.

"What's up?" I greet him back.

"Are you free for lunch?" he asks me.

Now now, this is confusing me. Is he asking me out? I'm going to punch this bastard in the face if he gives me the wrong answer.

"What? Why?" Careful with your response Ming.

"I'm so sorry, P'. This is urgent." Now this is scaring me.

"Can you come over right after practice and take Yo out to lunch?" he explains.

My jaw drops. Wait. Let me pick it up first. Did I hear it right? He wants me to take Yo out to lunch? Today? I mean I do not have any problem with that. This is actually quite exciting. I'm just shocked because we only talked about it last night. Good job, Ming! But... There's always a but.

"What do you mean? Is everything okay?" "Is Yo alright?"

That's three consecutive questions. I feel like someone's running after me.

"He's okay. Don't worry, P'." he answers two of my questions only.

"I just think this is a good chance for you to spend some time with him."

There's the answer to my first question. Now, I know he agreed to help me, but I really did not expect it to be this soon. This sounds great. I think I will treat my Nong Ming again to a drink.

This is still all so confusing, but I will never say no to a chance like this. Gear up for the second step.

"Alright, I'll be there right before lunch. I'll see you."

"Thanks a lot, P!" he ends the conversation.

After I hang up, the smile on my face can't be wiped off anymore. I walk to the benches where my friends are waiting. I sit and chat with them, but all along inside my head, there's too many things going on. I am also a little bit worried. What should I tell him? How should I act? Where should we go?

Aaaaaaarrrrrggghhhh!
I shout.
Imaginarily.
In my head.
I don't know if my friends can describe my face right now, or if they even care.

It's like I'm here, but I'm not here. I'm not making any sense. Breathe, Forth.

"Let's go!" somebody shouts.

My thoughts suddenly stopped from running aimlessly when one of my friends yelled saying that it's time for the next class.

This is how ecstatic I get when it comes to Yo. I am really, really interested in that kid.

Morning practice is over. I arrived right on time. All the other candidates are wandering to go find a place to have lunch. I can see Ming whispering something to Yo while I approach them. They're in front of the hall. Ming looks kind of vexed with those lips pouting and brows furrowed, and Yo looks confused. I wonder why. Ming, what game are you playing here? Nevertheless, I still have to keep my cool, as always, and act natural. I wonder if he has told Yo about our deal.