Moksha's Love Story

CHAPTER 3

I've been at Oxford for a couple of months already and it was almost winter break. I just had to get through these next two weeks of stress and tests and then I will be heading back to Long Island where I can relax and see my friends. Danny, Peyton, and I stayed a pretty tight-knit group and I met a couple more people who lived on my floor. I seemed to really enjoy the alone time too. Since everyday life at Oxford was so busy, getting those quiet moments with myself to just walk or listen to music is the best. 

"I cannot handle any more formulas and laws anymore," Danny said as she slammed her physics textbook closed. We were all studying at a quiet cafe we found our second week here. It was a bit out of the way but that's what made it a hidden gem. 

"Yeah, I'm done composing for the day. The creative juices don't seem to be flowing today. Let's take a break." Peyton said. He was always taking a break yet he somehow always created masterpieces in the end with his work. He truly was a natural when it came to all things music.

"Guys I still have a ton of chapters to cover, don't think I have time for a break," I said, and it was true. I had already put off a week of studying and I was paying for it now. "Why don't you guys go walking back to your dorms. Be a cute couple and all. I can stay here." 

"No no, we're going to stay and distract you so we make sure you're having at least a tiny bit of fun. Danny and I will be like a boyfriend, best friend, annoying little brother hybrids. Fart jokes sold separately." I laughed at Peyton's ridiculous statement.

"That's it! You need a boyfriend! This will be so much fun. Does anyone pique your interest?" Danny asked.

"Wait hold on what? I defiantly do not need boyfriends or your breaks. What I need is to just ace these exams." I replied focusing back on my textbook. Two seconds later, my textbook slammed shut with Danny's hand on the cover. 

"Moksha pleaseeeeee can we set you up? I promise it will be so much fun. We can even go on a double date if you like. Or we will just be in the vicinity in case you want out mid date. Please!" 

It was hard to refuse Danny on this. I told her about Akili and I hadn't dated anyone since him. I guess I was kind of missing the attention of a boy. Being around Danny and Peyton all the time can also get a little lonely. I thought about it a little more before replying.

"Ok fine but only after my exams. How about next Friday? The one before the break. And please let him be attractive."

Danny's face immediately lit up. She immediately started planning with Peyton, who was on his phone this whole time, and choosing the guy. What did I just agree to?

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Danny, Peyton, and I decided we wanted to spend the last weekend before break in London which made me think I had gotten out of having to go on a blind date. Danny, it turns out, is more resourceful than I thought and had already secured for someone for me to meet and walk around with. I wasn't quite in the mood to meet someone new, especially because of how energy drained I was after exams. 

"Who is this guy? Is it just a stranger you found on the street?" I asked as we were checking into our hotel. The plan was to get to the hotel, rest, get ready, and then go on my mystery date, and then we would all have fun together tomorrow. 

"Moksha relax. This guy's not a stranger. I've known him since we were boys.I think you'll actually like him." Peyton replied.

After a much-needed nap I started to get ready. It was around 5:30 and I was meeting the mystery man at 6 in Picadilly Square. I applied a little make up and changed into a pants ensemble since it was pretty cold outside. After I was ready, I went to Danny and Peyton's room. The deal was that they would come drop me off and introduce us to each other and then they would leave to go on their own date night while they were also on call for mine. 

The walk was not long but it turned out to be way colder than any of us anticipated. We stood at the corner waiting for my date and honestly, I felt like a child being accompanied by her parents. 

"Hey, Peyton! How are you? How have you been?" a man said. We all turned around.

He was incredibly attractive. He was about six-foot or so and had short brown curls. He was wearing a knit sweater with pants and some clarks all under a Burberry coat. The weirdest thing was that he looked familiar, but I had no idea from where. 

"Harry! It's been a while mate! I've been so good. Started at Oxford this year. You've obviously had a massive year with your new album coming out and stuff. Oh! Let me introduce you to Moksha Akil. And you remember Danny of course."

"Hi Harry, it's nice to see you again." Danny said from Peyton's arm. 

Peyton continued, "Alright then, we'll leave you two to it. It's freezing and Danny and I made a reservation at her favorite restaurant. See you guys later. Harry, it was so good to see you." They headed off leaving Harry and I together alone. 

"Hi, sorry, I'm Moksha. Um, this is going to sound weird but have we met before somewhere? You just look really familiar."

Harry looked down and laughed to himself before saying, "Ahhh an American. No, I don't think we've met before. I think I would've defiantly remembered a name like Moksha. Maybe I just have a common face?" 

By now we had started walking to a restaurant Danny had found for us. We kept on talking and after getting over the initial 'get to know you' questions, it turned out that Harry and I had a similar sense of humor. He was very attractive and I was immediately interested in his personality and charm. Everytime he smiled at me or joked with me I started getting this tingly feeling in my stomach. 

"Hey Moksha" He said. "This thing I'm holding is kind of heavy do you mind holding it for me?" 

I stuck my hand out, waiting for the item but he just placed his hand into mine. Finally clicking, I looked up at him.

"Sorry too cheesy?" he asked. 

"It's a good thing I like pick up lines," I replied. "So what are you doing now, are you in uni?" 

"Uh no, I'm kind of trying out this music thing."

"Oh yeah I'm stupid I heard you mentioning an album to Peyton. Have you sang anything I've heard?" I asked. 

I must've said or did something wrong because as soon as I asked the question he looked at me questioningly and smiled and let out a chuckle. "I don't know, I can show you some of my songs later though. I know we just met but it's been really nice getting to talk to you. You're like a breath of fresh air." 

At that statement I could feel more butterflies in my stomach. I was about to reply but we were just at the entrance of the restaurant and the new environment just completely consumed us.

End of Chapter 3:

Recap: The three go to London where Moksha has a date with Peyton's old pal Harry.

Next Chapter: IDK bro probs more Harry (oh this is harry styles btw if you couldn't get the gist) maybe moksha goes back or idk just be patient.