Before the college era, there I was in high school, striving to be a straight-A student while embarking on countless adventures. My goal was to reach that elusive balance of achieving dreams while enjoying the journey. However, being an A student in this environment wasn't as prestigious as one might think. For me, it wasn't about recognition; it was about connecting with the girls I liked.

From the years gone by, I would have a crush on one or two girls each academic year who I utilize to be my motivation and inspiration. Could probably say that 50% of the reason for my achievements is because of the girl I like. Giving my all to who might be my “the one” to be. Through emotional support, academic requirements, and even flirting. Generally, courting the ones whom my eyes set to be. Unfortunately, I had a 0% success rate. On the other hand, I gained a good number of genuine friends: David, Dennis, Jasmin, and Bea. They were my sanity and my logic throughout high school, college, and in my professional career.

In the senior year of high school, I applied to three different universities. Listed were my dream university, the university where most of my friends will go, and a university where my father was an alumnus of. Where did I pass? Only the 3rd option. I failed the others, I disappointed my family, my friends, and even myself. As I sank into depression and regret, little did I know that this would soon reveal itself to be a blessing in disguise.

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The first day of classes, I wandered through the halls seeing all these freshies around me. In my head I said to myself “this ain’t my vibe. None of these are my people. I ain’t gonna get nothin”. A student councilor briefed us that we will be having a tour of the campus. As they were explaining some few pointers, my eyes caught this pretty girl, named Charlize, a girl with a winsome smile, an innocent demeanor, and a sun-dress charm. I felt an urge to strike up a conversation but hesitated, not wanting to make a wrong impression on the first day. Beside was her friend, named Jackie, exuding a studious, slightly sassy vibe. From the outset, it was clear they'll become best of friends.

During the group count-off, I ended up just one number away from Charlize, leaving me grouped with Jackie instead. This marked the beginning of my friendship with Jackie. Throughout the tour, stationed at the back and struggling to hear the guide, we collaborated closely to capture the important notes.

Reflecting quietly, I mused, "Perhaps Jackie is destined to be my friend, a bridge to Charlize. She could be the key to bringing us closer together."

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Block sections rolled out, and I found myself fortunate to be in the same class as Charlize. Walking into the classroom, I spotted her sitting in the first row, but my nerves kept me from taking the seat beside her. Instead, I settled in the second row furthest from her, I wanted to socialize but I felt the weight of recent disappointments and struggles weighing on me. The day passed without a single conversation or a new friend.

The second day arrived with a determination to change my approach. I told myself, "I need to make a confident move to shake things up." Arriving early, I found Charlize already seated in her spot—first row, fourth seat from the left—with Jackie beside her on the second seat. Summoning courage, I took the fifth seat from the left and jokingly said, "My eyes are blurry today, can't see from the rightmost side," a feeble excuse for my deliberate choice. Mind you, my vision was perfect; I had never worn glasses or had any eye issues.

As classes were about to begin, There was this guy who entered late in the room. It lit up a memory of mine where I recalled that this was the guy I was beside with when I took the psychology test in this university. His name was Dane. He sat on the fifth seat from the right. The classroom had a total of 10 seats per column with an aisle in between the 5th and 6th column. From this, the aisle was the only distance I had with Dane. As the bell rings for lunch, Dane approached me and said “were you the guy who was beside me when I took the psychology test?” and I responded “Yeah! I knew it was you, I just didn’t have the guts to say something”. Dane then ranted “Man it’s so unfair that we don’t know any of them, I feel like we’re isolated and all of them are already in groups, guess we’re the outcast in this bunch”. We laughed about the current situation. But I knew, he was my first mate from then on.

Returning to class, emboldened by my interaction with Dane, I struck up a conversation with Charlize. I started with a playful tease, "Hi! I think Dane mentioned something about you, what did you say about Dane?" Dane played along, pretending innocence and adding to the banter. Charlize shared that she had attended high school at this university, and our conversation flowed effortlessly as we discovered common interests and routines. By day's end, I gave myself a mental thumbs-up, as it had been a successful day, a significant stride in navigating college life.

The following day, as I entered the classroom, Charlize hadn't arrived yet, but Jackie was already seated. As I sat on my spot, a few minutes passed by, Jackie transferred from the second to fourth seat, which is beside me, taking Charlize’s seat. She said “I can’t see from the second seat, it’s too far from the board”. I was pent up deep inside filled with emotions exclaiming in my mind “Hey don’t sit there. I already got something going on with this. Why you gonna screw it up?”. But I didn’t, I just normally replied “Ah okay, that’s cool”. I wanted to flip the seat but I just let it be. As classes started, it was quieter than usual since there were changes in the dynamics. Back from scratch I guess.

Surprisingly, Jackie and I quickly developed a friendship, as she, too, passed the vibe check with her easy going personality. Reflecting on the situation, I realized, "Maybe I'm getting too attached to Charlize," considering Jackie's sudden move to sit beside me. Yet, I acknowledged the uncontrollable nature of these unfolding friendships. Things were happening as they were meant to.