Courage

Courage to laugh out loud

(Her thoughts)

The whole room erupted into a fit of laughter. Some, were even slapping their tables. While others were stomping their feet.

I was in the far corner of the room. He was at least three feet away from me and he seemed to have the same idea as I did, he looked around, and we made eye contact.

It wasn't awkward, no. We were in the midst of laughing, we stopped, but the smiles stayed, he held my gaze. I can't pull myself to look away. I couldn't decipher what his eyes were saying perhaps a little bit of interest or maybe it was curiosity, it was adorable how he tilted his head to the right as if I'm some mathematical equation he can't figure out.

Someone called for my attention and the spell is broken. I looked at the intruder, my eyes narrowing.

"What?" Daphne asked raising both hands up in a defensive manner.

I rolled my eyes, "Nothing." I shook my head then proceeded in asking, "What was it, you wanted to tell me?"

"Do you have any food with you?" her lips in a pout and eyebrows raised. I gave her a weird look.

"I didn't have breakfast and now I'm hungry." she continued to whine.

Rummaging through my bag, I picked up a packet of chocolate biscuits, "How fortunate of you." handing it to her.

She gave me a wide grin and started opening it. I looked away hoping to catch his gaze once more. But alas, I only got a glimpse of him.

The chimes started, interrupting whatever the professor was saying. Everyone started packing up.

"As I was saying, do your readings, and we'll have a short exam about it on the next meeting." the professor announces once more.

People are already filing out of the room. I got up, let out sigh and walked to the door.

I had my hand on the door, just about to pass the threshold. I froze, then blinked twice. You were standing there as if waiting for someone.

"You alright?" Daphne from behind me, asked. I got back to my senses and busy myself, I pull out my cap and put in on as I pass him trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.

"Hey," I stopped in my tracks, I didn't want to turn around.

"Dude!" another voice answers. I breathed out loudly, for a second, I assumed it was me. I shake my head to erase the thought. I briskly walk towards the staircase and waited for Daphne there.

"Where do you want to have lunch?" Daphne immediately asks as she sees me.

I shrugged. "Anywhere."

She gives an exasperated sigh. "O-kay. Let's go to McDonald's."

I nodded and started walking down the stairs. Daphne held out her arm in front of me to stop me, I look at her and she's narrowing her eyes at me. "But you don't like McDonald's."

"I said anywhere is fine." I explained myself.

"Uh huh. And you're not." Daphne places her arm around mine and drags me. "You better tell me what's going on," she lightly slaps my hand, "but first, food."

I shake my head, and laugh it off.