New York

Chapter III

Another unfamiliar term made its way to my notes, how long has it been? I do not even know anymore. I am too focus on my infectious disease book to even comprehend what time it was. I massaged my temples and closed my eyes. Midterm is approaching fast and I could not afford to play around and be drunk at college parties. I must bring my A game; I must stay at the top. Sometimes it is infuriating how I badly want to achieve a Latin award as if it is a validation of my worth, but doesn't it? My parents are against my sexuality, going as far as sending me here in New York City to study because they do not want to see me in gaying it up in Thailand. They had been cold to me ever since they found out that I am gay. I do not even hear from them now. Maybe if I become Summa Cum Laude, my parents will look at me with respect, maybe they will come to my graduation day feeling proud of what I had accomplished in the past four years. Maybe they will appreciate me for once in a long time.

"Hi! Is this seat taken?" I was caught off guard, I open my eyes, standing five feet and five inches tall, purple-ish hair, wearing white hooded jacket with black shirt inside, smiling at me across the table, her bag hanging loosely on her shoulder, she looks lovely. I cannot even utter a word,

She sat down at the seat across me when she did not hear any response from me.

"I'm Park Chaeyoung." She said cheerfully, Okay, she seems nice too. Pretty and Nice.

"Lisa Manoban" I replied. I do not believe in love at first sight but, was it? Probably not.

She smiled as she extends a hand towards me. Oh my gosh, my hands could be embarrassingly sweaty, so I subtly wipe my right hand to my pants and shook her hand.

"I am an accounting major, how about you?" She said.

"Biology." I replied, she nodded.

The conversation ended as she starts to focus on her book. I discreetly read the cover of her book, Advanced Accounting. It seems intimidating. She might be reviewing for midterms too.

It became a routine, after I finished my class for the day or if I have a vacant hour or day, I will spend it here, Chaeyoung seems to do the same too; the seat became our permanent spot. We barely talk, just a mutual understanding that this spot is our little space.

Each day that I spend with her, each secret glance that I steal from her, makes my heartbeat rapidly.

It has been a month since we started sharing this dark oak table, inside New York University's Bobst Library, we still seat across each other, no words more than 'Hi/Hello' and 'Goodbye' is uttered, but I am yearning. I know I must make a move. I am certain that I like her, and I want something to develop between us.

Maybe I should strike a conversation? I looked at her, she's too focused on her books. I pursed my lips and inhaled slowly.

"Um, Chaeyoung?" I called carefully. She acknowledges me by raising her eyebrows, her eyes still focused on her reviewer. Why does this make me nervous?

"Do you want to eat?" I asked, hopefully.

She puts down her book and look at me. Damn pretty. With her eyes on me, I am getting a more and more anxious.

"Sure." She said smiling, I pursed my lips to suppress myself from screaming. I fist bump myself under the table and did a little celebration dance inside my head.

"Dinner? I assume you will spend your whole day studying here?" I asked uncertain.

"How about lunch?" Chaeyoung replied. "And why do you assume I will spend my whole day studying here when you're the one who does it?" She said playfully. She's right though.