Unexpected Encounter

One week later – Pacific Crest University, California

The library was quiet. Too quiet.

Nora walked in, hugging her books to her chest, scanning for an empty seat.

“Finally… peace,” she muttered under her breath.

She turned a corner

and collided straight into someone.

Books scattered across the floor.

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” Nora dropped to her knees immediately. “I didn’t see you—”

She reached for a book.

Paused.

Her eyes lifted.

Her heart skipped.

“…You?”

The coffee guy.

He looked down at her, expression unreadable.

“You?” she repeated, standing up quickly. “You school here?”

He didn’t answer.

Instead, he studied her for a second, then said flatly,

“Why are you always seeking attention?”

Nora blinked. “…Attention?”

Then she laughed, short and sharp.

“Excuse me? You bumped into me.”

He sighed like she was exhausting.

Bent down, picked up his books one by one, calm and unbothered.

No rush. No emotion.

Then he walked past her.

Just like that.

Nora turned. “Wait—are you leaving?”

No response.

“At least tell me your name!” she called after him.

Her voice echoed.

Too loud.

Heads turned.

Everywhere.

Nora froze.

“Oh—my bad! I’m so sorry,” she said quickly, lowering her voice. “I’ll keep it down. Sorry…”

A few students shook their heads and went back to reading.

Nora swallowed hard.

“…Nice,” she muttered to herself. “Very nice.”

She picked up her books and hurried out of the library.

Outside, she exhaled sharply.

“Gosh… why am I always embarrassing myself in front of this guy?” she groaned.

Then she stopped walking.

“Attention?” she scoffed.

She flipped her hair back slightly.

“Boy, I am the attention. I don’t look for it.”

Still… her chest felt tight.

Annoyed.

Embarrassed.

And somehow… curious.

Cafeteria

Mary was already seated, scrolling through her phone.

Nora dropped her bag dramatically on the table.

“Guess who I just saw.”

Mary didn’t look up. “Max.”

“No.”

“Kennedy. Your ex.”

Nora made a face. “Gosh—Kennedy? Of all people?”

Mary finally looked up, smirking.

“I still remember when you were crying over him like your life ended.”

“That was character development,” Nora said quickly. “We’ve grown.”

“We?” Mary raised a brow.

“I have grown.”

“Hmm.”

Nora leaned closer, lowering her voice.

“I saw him.”

Mary frowned. “Who?”

“The coffee guy.”

Mary’s eyes widened slightly. “Again?”

“Yes! In the library!”

“And?”

“I think he’s a student. And Mary…” Nora grabbed her arm. “He’s so handsome. Like—unfairly handsome.”

Mary stared at her.

“…You’re gone.”

“I’m not gone!”

“You’re gone,” Mary repeated. “Continue.”

Nora sighed, her excitement dropping instantly.

“…I embarrassed myself again.”

Mary blinked. “Again?”

“Yes!”

“Nora…”

“He asked me why I’m seeking attention!”

Mary burst out laughing.

“No way!”

“I’m serious!”

“And what did you do?”

“I told him he bumped into me!”

“Good.”

“Then he just… walked away.”

Mary stopped laughing. “…That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“And you called after him?”

Nora hesitated.

Mary narrowed her eyes. “Nora…”

“…Maybe.”

“You shouted in the library, didn’t you?”

Nora looked away. “…Maybe.”

Mary covered her face.

“Girl… you are falling my hand.”

“I said sorry!”

“You always say sorry after causing chaos.”

Nora slumped in her seat.

“I don’t understand him. One minute he’s calm, next minute he’s acting like I’m a disturbance.”

“Because you are a disturbance,” Mary said bluntly.

“Maaary!”

“I’m being honest. That guy? He’s not your usual type.”

Nora frowned. “What do you mean?”

“He’s not chasing you. He’s not impressed by you. That alone should tell you something.”

Nora tapped the table, thinking.

“…That’s exactly why he’s interesting.”

Mary groaned. “Of course. You like problems.”

“I don’t like problems.”

“You attract them.”

Nora ignored her.

“He called me attention-seeking.”

“Maybe you should take the hint.”

“Or maybe he should relax,” Nora shot back. “It’s not that deep.”

Mary leaned forward.

“My advice? Stay away from him.”

Nora raised a brow. “Why?”

“Because you’re already too interested. And he clearly doesn’t care.”

Nora went quiet.

“…He does care,” she said softly.

Mary blinked. “Oh?”

“He wouldn’t notice me if he didn’t.”

Mary stared at her for a second.

Then shook her head slowly.

“You’re finished.”

“I’m not finished!”

“You’re finished,” Mary repeated. “Just be careful. Guys like that? They don’t play soft.”

Nora leaned back, folding her arms.

“…We’ll see about that.”

Mary sighed.

“I’m serious, Nora. Don’t go chasing him.”

Nora smirked slightly.

“I’m not chasing anyone.”

Mary gave her a look.

“You already are.”