Finding Life Again

CHAPTER 5

The university Aula was huge, with the seats on different levels. In the far centre was a small stage with a dark wooden desk. Many students were still walking around looking for a place to sit, filling in the empty seats quickly. The lecture should start anytime soon now. Kai was checking his watch nervously as he wished to focus on the speech and nothing else. They were sitting on the right side, not far from the entrance, but still close enough to have the comfort to see the stage. Kai sat in between Noah by his left side and Leo on his right.

While Noah was chatting with Maya and Jake, Leo focused on texting with someone on the phone. Judging by his expression, that must have been someone close. Family member? Maybe a friend? It would be easier if Kai knew anything about him, but he was too nervous to ask.

"Apologies, that was my sister. Some boyfriend issues. I don't know why she is texting me for advice." He told Kai, putting his phone in the pocket. "I hope she has friends?" He frowned.

"That means she trusts you. You must have a good relationship with her." Kai sent him a small smile. "I think they will be starting anytime now." Kai pressed his chick against his palm, focusing on The professor who started greeting the crowd. Leo stared at him a bit longer, finally turning away to don't make Kai feel uncomfortable.

Kai found the lecture very interesting, and he enjoyed every minute of it. It was a sense of nostalgia, peace and belonging. At the same time, it was fresh. He also felt watched every then and now, but he wouldn't dare to stare back. At times he was lost in the professor's words forgetting about the world around him. 

It reminded him of the times when he was a student. He would sit with Nolan at the back of the room to sneak out in the middle of the class if they were bored. They would go back to the art room to paint or make out whatever suited them better at the time.

Jake and Noah started to get bored in the end, but who could blame them. It wasn't the topic of their interest. Both were still students taking their PhD the same as the rest of the guys. Maya also worked freelance apart from getting her degree. He was the only not studying and not working person between all of them. As professors said their goodbyes, Kai turned to the side and caught Leo's stare. Kai felt agitated for a moment as he forgot about a young man sitting beside him.

"I think we should head out." He smiled and got up. Kai followed him closely in the crowd.

Few people pushed through him, rushing to the exit. The crowd forced them forward, and Kai was feeling anxious. Subconsciously started looking for Noah, but he was nowhere in his sight. Faces of strangers, chaos and people pushing him from one side to another. Uncomfortable touches on his body, heavy and low in oxygen hot air, made him feel panicked. His breath laboured, blood-drenched from the head, and his heart was about to stop.

Suddenly Leo appeared by his side. Noah put a hand on his shoulder from behind, giving him a supportive squeeze. The pressure and fear slowly started melting under the presence of familiar faces. Focusing on them, he got his breath under control and was able to leave without passing out.

"Are you okay? You look so pale." Maya asked when they got through the door and out to the small corridor leading to the auditorium. The entrance was unquestionably too small to manage so many people leaving at once.

"Yeah, I'm fine now. I'm not doing well in the crowds." Kai smiled shyly, embarrassed that he started panicking. Noah's friends were not ready for a little show he could give them.

"Yeah, that was a proper flow of people. If Jake weren't there with me, I would end up as a new floor layer." Maya joked.

"That would only favour you. Every time I see you, your boobs are even bigger." Matilda, the girl who joined them just before the lecture, appeared by Maya's side. Maya covered her chest and gave her a hateful glare.