Chapter 5: 1 Minute Left? Run!!!

The taxi ride back to the school campus was filled with laughter and chatter as Ariadne and her friends piled into the backseat.

The karaoke bar had been a blast, and the joy of the night lingered in the air. Ariadne, in particular, was feeling the effects of the drinks she had consumed, and she was putting on a show of being "drunk."

"Hic! You guys, I think I might be a little tipsy," she slurred, leaning against Vanessa with an exaggerated expression.

Katniss giggled, playfully poking Ariadne's cheek. "Oh, come on, Ariadne! You had, like, one drink!"

"Exactly! And I'm a lightweight!" Ariadne proclaimed dramatically, earning laughs from her friends.

Connie, who was sitting on her other side, shook his head with amusement. "You're too funny, Ari. But don't worry; we'll get you safely back to the dorm."

Ariadne waved her hand dismissively. "Nah, I'm good! I can walk straight... watch me!"

She proceeded to walk in a comically exaggerated straight line within the confined space of the taxi, making her friends burst into laughter.

“You were amazing, Katniss! That ballad you sang brought tears to my eyes. Never knew you had it in you," Vanessa gushed, swaying slightly in her seat.

Katniss blushed, her cheeks flushed with happiness. "Oh, thanks! That was nothing , really. I'm so glad you liked it. It’s been a while since I sang, was scared my voice might have cracked and ended up freaking y’all."

The taxi driver glanced at the rearview mirror, trying to stifle a grin at Ariadne's antics.

"Looks like you all had a great time tonight!"

We sure did!" Katniss chimed in, still beaming from the birthday celebration. "It was the best birthday ever, thanks to these amazing friends."

"Aww, you deserve it, Katniss," Vanessa said, patting her on the back. "We're so glad we could celebrate with you!"

The taxi pulled up to the entrance of the school campus, and the driver brought the car to a halt. The driver turned around with a smile.

"Here we are, folks. That'll be the fare."

Ariadne fumbled with her purse, trying to find her wallet. "Oh, I got it! No worries," Katniss brushed her aside, reaching for the money and handing it to the driver.

"Thanks. And happy birthday" the driver replied smiling, giving them a thumbs up before driving away.

Ariadne suddenly feigned a wobbly stumble, holding onto Katniss for support.

"Careful there, Ari! We don't want you falling flat on your face." Katniss giggled, helping her friend steady herself.

"Thanks, Kat. I think I might need some more practice walking in a straight line," Ariadne grumbled tilting her head to throw Katniss a wink.

Stepping out of the taxi, the cool night air hit them, and Ariadne's pretend drunkenness seemed to intensify. She leaned on Katniss, giggling uncontrollably.

"Whoa, whoa! Easy there, Ari," Vanessa teased, clearly taunting Ariadne for her unsteady steps, not bothered to lend a hand in trying to keep her steady.

Ariadne feigned innocence, batting her eyelashes. "Who, me? Nah! I’m just a little wobbly."

"Well, I think I might need a piggyback ride!" She finally admitted, stumping her feet in a coquettish manner while tugging at the hem of Katniss’s dress.

Katniss laughed and obliged, hoisting Ariadne onto her back. "Alright, here we go! Piggyback ride for the tipsy queen!"

The friends laughed and teased Ariadne as they made their way toward the dorm building.

“And that’s how our birthday girl Kat went from being the special person for today to becoming Ari’s personal servant, uhh, bodyguard I guess”, Vanessa continued to taunt her, laughing uncontrollably till she nearly choked on her laughter.

The sight of Ariadne on Katniss’s back drew amused glances from other students they passed along the way.

Finally, they got close to the interjection leading to the dorm, and Katniss gently put Ariadne back on her feet and stretched herself, rubbing the soreness of her hips. Ari pretended to sway dramatically before giggling again.

"I had the best time ever tonight, guys," Ariadne mouthed, her voice filled with sincerity despite the act.

"We did too," Katniss replied, hugging her friend tightly. "Thank you all for making it so special."

“Oh…. and thanks for the piggyback, but I wasn’t actually drunk”, she confessed, sticking out her tongue to tease Katniss.

“What??? You…..”

Peeping at her phone, she announced “it’s one minute left until the dorm door closes. Run!!!!”

————————————————

“Okay, that was daring, Ari. My back hurts” Katniss trailed off the moments after they entered their room.

“I’ll be sure to return this favor though, " she went on, her voice laced with playful sarcasm.

Suddenly catching a glimpse of Ari’s sullen state, she quickly paused and stared at her. Standing transfixed for a moment before going close to her, sat beside her and crossed one of her hands on Ari's shoulder.

“What’s with the mood swing though? Did the lady floral come knocking earlier than expected?” She quizzed.

When she failed to elicit a response from her, she became increasingly flustered and worried about Ari’s state. Just then, she unconsciously trailed Ari’s gaze and it landed on Ari’s mobile phone lying beside her on the phone.

For the first time, her attention was drawn to the image on the Lock Screen photo, it was incredibly familiar. On further glance, it hit her.

‘This is the handsome guy we met in the shopping mall earlier’

Picking up the phone, she waved it up before Ariadne, “does your current mood have anything to do with this guy in this photo? He’s the guy we met in the mall earlier right? What’s he to you? I noticed you weren't in a great mood at the birthday party either. Something like you were tryna drown yourself in alcohol or stuff. Mind sharing what this is all about?”

Ariadne remained mute and continued to stare at her phone, a heavy cloud seemed to hang over her as she sat gloomily in her corner. One look at her and anyone can read those expecting looks in her eyes.

“Come on, you ain’t brushing me aside right now. We need to get to the root of this, right? Vanessa? Connie?” She quickly alerted them, clamoring for their affirmation.

Ariadne let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "It's just... Well, there's someone I like, and I don't think he feels the same way about me."

“The guy at the mall earlier right? I noticed the looks you gave him”, Vanessa chimed in, raising her brows.

“And the lady beside him. You were literally shooting her with your stare like you can’t wait to slit her throats for getting her filthy hands on him”, she continued, scrunching up her face like in a scowl.

Ariadne's cheeks flushed, but she still chose to divulge it to her friends. ‘I’ve kept it a secret for so long anyways’

“His name is Denver, and he’s currently working at BrentWes Group. I've had a crush on him for a while now, even before I came to this university."

Katniss leaned forward, her eyes widening. "Wait, you mean you purposely came here to be closer to him?"

Ariadne nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and shyness for finally sharing her secret. "Well, I met him six years ago. He was my elder brother’s college friend and I liked him the first time he visited our home. Initially, I just wanted him to be like a brother to me because he’s more handsome than my brother. But seeing him today with someone else sparked another feeling inside me, jealousy.”

“Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but I thought being in the same place as him might give us a chance to get to know each other better."

Katniss placed a comforting hand on Ariadne's shoulder. "It doesn't sound crazy at all. We've all done some pretty wild things for love."

Vanessa grinned mischievously, "Yeah, like the time I pretended to be interested in photography just to get close to that cute photography major."

“So, have you talked to him? Maybe he's just shy or hasn't realized how awesome you are."

Ariadne shook her head, her eyes downcast. "No, we've talked a few times, but it's always been in group settings. I don't think he sees me that way." She rubbed her sweaty palms, biting down softly on her lower lip till she could feel a metallic taste.

Katniss nudged her playfully, "Well, you never know until you try. Maybe it's time to make a move, show him the amazing person you are."

Connie nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're smart, talented, and beautiful. Any guy would be lucky to have you."

“Really? Do you think so?” She spoke, blinking her eyes repeatedly. Her heart beat increased and beat rather rapidly as she do so, she was really anxious of what would happen if he doesn’t feel same way.

“Thank you, girls. You're the best.”

‘I'll gather up the courage and talk to him. Who knows? Maybe his relationship with Molly isn’t what I think it is. What if I misjudged it? I have to sound him out then to ascertain that.’

She comforted herself, feeling a lot better. She drew a long breath and her face slowly lit up.

Vanessa clapped her hands excitedly, "That's the spirit! And if it doesn't work out, remember, there are plenty of other fish in the sea. For example, that cute guy from the art class, Alex. He's always hanging around you, isn't he?" She winked.

Ariadne blushed, "Well, he's just a friend."

Katniss teased, "And I’m guessing Arthur is the very interesting friend, I'd say!"

“I noticed you both were together most of the time. Seems like you’re catching on quite well?”

At the reminder at that situation from earlier, Ariadne suddenly flared up, “oh I have a good score to settle with you. How dare you play Cupid on me without even as much giving me a heads up?” She grabbed the nearest thing to her and fringed it at her.

Katniss dodged it right in time and began running around the room and Ariadne followed in hot pursuit, while the others sat around giggling. Soon, hilarious laughter filled the room.

The continuous beeping of a phone jolted them out of their playful mood. The sound was coming from Ariadne’s bed, which means it’s Ariadne’s phone.

Scampering to the bed, she quickly scanned her bed and fished out the phone. She glanced at it to behold numerous message notifications. She swiped the phone open, read the text and her jaw dropped.

‘Denver: Hey Aria, I was very happy seeing you in Leyland. It’s been a long while we saw each other. Now that you’re in my turf, how about we a meal together some other time? I can be your free tour guide around here if you want. Not to worry, there are lots of amazing places here if you want to look around too. Let me know whenever you need anything and I’ll be glad to assist.’