CHAPTER 1: The Best Friends

Sean Xiao stood outside his best friend’s house, waiting patiently beside his bicycle as the morning sun gently warmed the quiet neighborhood. The air was fresh and crisp, a reminder that it was the beginning of a new school year. The university was not far from their place, just a short bike ride away, and Sean had made it a tradition to pick Lareina up whenever they had class.

Sean stood tall, his physique lean yet athletic from years of casual sports. His sun-kissed skin gave him a healthy glow that contrasted with the softness of his features. His expressive eyes, clear and deep, often reflected the sincerity of his heart, and his warm, captivating smile had a reputation of its own. Many said it was enough to brighten a gloomy day. Talented, approachable, and effortlessly charming, Sean was well-loved by most people he met.

He had known Lareina since childhood, ever since his family had moved from Chongqing to Beijing. Their families became fast friends, and Sean had spent most of his growing years with her by his side. Their bond was as natural as breathing. It was playful, loyal, and sometimes complicated. Sean often joked to himself that if fate were kind, perhaps their closeness might one day turn into something more — something romantic. It was a thought he kept hidden in the quiet corners of his heart, though. No matter how much he wished for it, the fear of ruining their friendship held his confession hostage.

As he stood there, lost in his thoughts about what could be, a sudden tap on his shoulder snapped him back to reality.

“Hey!” Lareina called playfully from behind him.

Startled, Sean nearly lost his balance, stumbling slightly before catching himself. He turned around, only to find Lareina grinning cheekily at him.

“Earth to Sean! What were you thinking about? You didn’t even notice me sneaking up on you!” she teased.

Sean swallowed the truth that sat on the tip of his tongue, ‘I was thinking about how I’m falling in love with you.’

But he chuckled instead, masking his feelings as he scolded, “What are you doing sneaking up on me like that? What if you tripped and hurt yourself?”

Lareina rolled her eyes and poked his lips with her finger. “You’re being dramatic again. It’s my first day as a college freshman. As if I’d let myself get hurt so easily! By the way, why didn’t you just come inside instead of waiting out here?”

Sean looked away, trying to hide his awkwardness. He wanted to kiss her pouty lips, but he pinched her cheek instead. The closest he could get to her without crossing a line.

“I just wanted to enjoy the morning air,” he joked, forcing a grin. “Gotta appreciate nature sometimes.”

Lareina gave him a skeptical side glance but smiled anyway. “Yeah, sure. Whatever you said.”

“Alright, let’s get going, dear senior,” She added with a grin. “I don’t want to be late on my first day! I still can’t believe I’m finally a university student. I’m excited but nervous, too! Later, you’ll give me a campus tour. That’s your duty as my closest friend.”

Sean smiled at her words, though a familiar ache tugged at his chest. Closest friend. He wondered if that label would ever change, or if he was forever stuck in that safe but painful place.

“Hey! You’re spacing out again,” Lareina said, waving a hand in front of his face. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine,” Sean replied with a smile, though his heart felt heavier than before. “Just... thinking about something.”

“Something? Or someone?” Lareina teased, narrowing her eyes. She then pointed at his face. “You’re blushing! Spill it, Sean. Who is she?”

“I am not blushing,” he denied, but his reddening ears gave him away. “Stop with the questions, we’ll be late!”

He quickly mounted his bike, turning away so she wouldn’t see his flustered expression. Lareina giggled behind him, clearly enjoying his discomfort.

“It’s definitely a girl... I knew it!” she whispered to herself with a grin, then climbed onto the back of his bike.

As Sean pedaled, Lareina kept poking his side with her finger. “Come on, tell me! Who is she? Do I know her? Is she pretty? Is she from our neighborhood? What year level is she?”

“Reina, stop poking me!” Sean groaned, pulling the bike to a stop. “And stop with the questions, please. I need to focus on the road. One wrong move and we’ll both fall.”

“Fine, fine,” Lareina pouted, folding her arms. “But we’re not done with this conversation.”

Sean shook his head with a chuckle, pedaling once more until they reached the university gates. He steered toward his usual parking space but frowned when he saw a sleek red motorbike parked exactly where he always left his bike.

“Huh? Whose motorbike is this? This is my usual spot,” he muttered, hopping off.

“You always park here?” Lareina asked curiously as she got off the back.

“Yeah, since my freshman days. It’s an unspoken rule — everyone knows this is my spot,” Sean said indignantly.

“Is that so? Because that’s my bike,” an unfamiliar voice chimed in.

Both Sean and Lareina turned around to see a guy a little shorter than Sean, his face serious and unreadable.

“Who are you?” Sean asked with a frown.

“Yvo. I’m a freshman. That’s my bike,” the guy answered, nodding toward the red motorbike. “And last I checked, parking here was first come, first served. I didn’t see your name written on the ground.”

There was a hint of sarcasm in his voice that made Sean scowl.

“Oh, you’re a freshman too! Same as me!” Lareina said brightly. “I’m Lareina, and that’s Sean.”

Sean gave a short nod, his interest in Yvo already waning.

“Fine. Since you’re a junior, I’ll let it slide. Welcome to the university,” Sean muttered, forcing a smile. He then handed his bag to Lareina. “Hold this, I’ll find another spot.”

Lareina took the bag and watched Sean pedal off.

Yvo stared at her for a moment before asking bluntly, “Are you two a couple?”

Lareina laughed. “Nope. Best friends since forever. That’s all.”

A few minutes later, Sean jogged back, bag secured on his back. Seeing Yvo still standing with Lareina made Sean’s mood dip again.

“You’re still here?” he asked, eyeing Yvo suspiciously. Was he trying to flirt with her?

“There’s something I need to ask,” Yvo said simply. “Where is the Performing Arts building? I forgot my registration card, but I know my section. I just don’t know where it is.”

“Performing Arts?” Lareina gasped. “I’m in Performing Arts too! We’re heading there now. Want to come with us?”

Yvo scratched the back of his neck. “Sure. Thank you,” he said, bowing slightly.

“There’s no need to bow, silly. Let’s go!” Lareina chuckled and tossed Sean’s bag back to him. “Here’s your baby.”

“Careful with that, you know how much I love this bag,” Sean scoffed playfully, hugging it like a prized possession. “Alright, juniors. Kindly follow your senior, and welcome to University life.”

With that, Sean led the way, Lareina walking beside him, while Yvo followed behind them quietly. Neither of the three knew it then, but this simple encounter would be the beginning of something that would change their lives forever.