My hand shook violently as I clutched my phone, knuckles white, heart hammering like a drum in a silent room. I didn't dare look straight away. Not yet. Not until I'd gathered every ounce of courage.
I barely dared breathe, peeking between my trembling fingers like a child hiding from a shadow. Then, my eyes landed on the words that would change everything: *"Congratulations! You have been admitted to Crestville University."* Bold, proud, impossible. My heart didn't just leap—it seemed to explode in a symphony of joy and disbelief. Crestville University! One of the top three most prestigious universities in town! My dreams, once distant and fragile, now felt like they were burning alive in my hands.
I could hardly contain myself when my phone buzzed again. This time it was Frederick. His voice on the line carried a mix of excitement and disbelief—he had also been admitted to Crestville! He wanted to meet, to celebrate, and I couldn't resist. I agreed immediately, my mind spinning with anticipation.
Later, as the sun dipped low and the streets began to hum with evening life, Frederick and I walked through the neighborhood. A cool breeze kissed my cheeks, teasing my hair and carrying whispers of possibility, freedom I had been craving without even knowing. For a fleeting moment,
I tried to silence the relentless chatter in my mind—the thoughts of what tomorrow would bring, what I would eat, what clothes I would wear.
I wanted, desperately, just to *be free*. Free from the weight of expectations, free from the shadow of struggle.
So many people tried everything, gave their all, and yet life remained stubbornly difficult. I had always feared I might end up like that, trapped in the same exhausting routine.
But not tonight. Tonight, I let myself forget all of that. I let the breeze carry away my worries, felt it sweep past my skin like a soft, invisible caress, and allowed my chest to expand with the simple, profound joy of *being alive in this moment*.
For the first time, I truly noticed the neighborhood—not just as a place to run errands or complete tasks, but as a living, breathing space. The lamplights flickered warmly, casting gentle halos on the pavement. Trees whispered in the wind, their leaves dancing like silent companions to our steps. It was peaceful, almost magical, and I felt the rare, quiet thrill of seeing the world as if for the very first time.
After walking for a while, we settled on a worn wooden bench, its surface smooth and familiar under my fingers.
Frederick excused himself to buy popcorn from a nearby store, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I closed my eyes and let my mind wander, drifting into playful daydreams. In my imagination, I was meeting my favorite K-pop group, and somehow, one of them noticed me—noticed me in a way that made my heart skip a beat. Suddenly, the headlines were all about us: him publicly declaring I was his girlfriend, reporters swarming, cameras flashing. In my daydream, he scooped me up effortlessly, bridal-style, whispering gently, *"She needs to rest… she's tired."* My chest fluttered as I imagined the world shrinking to just that moment, just the two of us.
Then reality nudged in. Frederick's voice cut softly through the breeze. "You seem happy, enjoying the breeze… what are you thinking about?"
I scowled inwardly. Did he really have to ruin such a perfect daydream? I murmured, almost reluctantly, "Nothing much… just enjoying the breeze."
"Then enjoy," he said simply.
He settled quietly beside me, handing over a small pack of popcorn he had bought. We sat together, side by side, in companionable silence. It wasn't awkward, nor forced. It was comforting. Peaceful. The world around us—the gossip, the factory drama, the jealous stares of Bryan and Clara—faded to nothing.
For the first time, it felt like just me and myself, wrapped in the gentle rhythm of the evening, breathing in the quiet, letting it wash over me.
"How about we make this our favorite hangout spot?" Frederick asked, a relaxed smile playing on his lips.
I returned his smile, letting the warmth of the moment wash over me. "I'd love that," I replied softly.
"I think we should go… it's getting late," he added, a hint of hesitation in his voice.
Without turning to face him, I murmured, "I should be saying that to you. I live in this neighborhood, anyway."
He chuckled, the sound light and teasing. "Then I'll see you tomorrow," he said, rising to his feet.
"Tomorrow, then," I answered, still seated, savoring the moment just a little longer.
"Aren't you going to walk me to the bus or something?" he teased, pretending to act hurt.
"Why would I do that? You came here on your own, I'm sure you'll find your way back. You're the smarty pants, Frederick, after all," I said, letting a shy smile curve my lips.
"You sure have a way with words," he murmured, his voice softer now, a touch vulnerable.
I glanced at his expression and felt a playful urge rising. "Why are you blushing?" I asked, pretending innocence.
He looked at me, caught off guard. "Who doesn't blush when complimented?" he replied quickly, almost defensively.
"I don't," I said, leaning slightly back, my tone teasing, provocative.
His smile fade, a flicker of disbelief and surprise crossing his features. The evening breeze rustled softly through the leaves, carrying a calm that contrasted with the fluttering tension of our exchange.
It was one of those moments that linger, when words fail, and yet everything is said in glances, smiles, and the subtle brush of connection that hangs in the air.
This might just be the only time I get to enjoy a peaceful moment to myself, tomorrow I'll have to face life's drama.