I found myself sprinting through the night, on the deserted street, gasping for air, all for the chance to catch a glimpse of her, savor the sound of her laughter, feel the warmth of her hand just once more... Just one last time. It was a frantic chase, propelled by an insatiable need to be close to her, to relive the beautiful moments now lost to time. But that night, fate had other, cruel intentions. Out of nowhere, I stumbled and collapsed, In that instant, it felt as if my entire universe had crumbled.My vision blurred, my thoughts consumed by a single individual. It was inconceivable... No, I refused to accept the news. She's gone?? Tears brimmed in my eyes. With quivering lips, I pleaded, 'Please don't fade away into mere memories,' and crumpled into darkness.

When I awoke, I found myself in a medical facility where I had been brought by locals. As soon as I regained consciousness, a surge of panic overcame me, urging me to flee to her abode. However, the vigilant nurses intervened, administering anesthesia to calm my tormented mind and nerves. Although I attempted to break free from their grasp, I soon succumbed to dizziness, drowning in memories of her presence. How did our paths intersect on that fateful day? Did she initiate our conversation or was it I? What attire adorned her figure then? Ah, yes... every intricate detail floods back to me as I drift into slumber.

I’ll always cherish the day Aria, my classmate, introduced me to her roommate. It was one of those delightful days when classes were canceled, leaving us free to roam outside the college, soaking up the sunshine. That’s when Aria turned to me with a grin and said, “Hey, meet Kaira!”

Kaira bounced into the moment with a big smile, saying, “We’re in the same department but different sections, and honestly, I’m regretting it now. Want to join me for a tea date?” I was totally caught off guard by her charm! She looked absolutely adorable in a white dress, her hair styled just right, giving off all the warm and friendly vibes.

After a moment of processing all that joy, I shot back with a cheeky grin, “Yeah, why not! But you’re covering the bill!” We both erupted into laughter, and just like that, a fun and unforgettable friendship sparked to life. Friendship? Oh, that was just the start of our adventure! Who could have guessed that I’d end up head over heels for this adorable, lively, and surprisingly chill girl? It all kicked off when she jokingly asked me out on our very first meeting—my very first date, no less!

But we never went on that date. I regret it now. I remember after that short interaction. We all went to our place. I should have talked to her more, spent some more time with her. when was my second time when I met her and where?

I recall the second encounter with her at a mutual friend's birthday gathering. Upon arriving at the party, I found her already present in the company of other friends. She graciously welcomed me at the door, adorned in a charming pink sweater matched with elegant white earrings. Initially reserved, she engaged in conversations with familiar faces before drawing the attention of everyone with her charismatic presence. Amidst the joy of the celebration, she captured moments of our dance on camera.

As I sat discreetly on the sofa, stealing glances at her, we eventually found ourselves swaying to the music together. Following the traditional cake cutting, we joined the group in photographing the birthday boy as he enjoyed his treats. As the room erupted with cheers, encouraging us to join in the fun, I hesitated, unsure of her reaction to the playful banter. Without missing a beat, she gracefully fed the birthday boy his piece of cake, unfazed by the teasing calls to include me at the moment.

The young man celebrating his birthday took a daring leap and shared a piece of cake with me that she had already taken a bite of. Without missing a beat, I accepted the sweet treat amidst the loud cheers around us. Neither of us reacted to the situation until the end of the party.

As we all went our separate ways, she approached me and nervously asked, 'Have you mentioned anything about us to your friends?' I stumbled over my words and assured her, 'No, they were just joking. I haven't breathed a word to anyone, but I'll make sure they don't do it again.' She chuckled and reassured me, 'It's okay, they were just teasing, like we used to do back in school.' We shared a smile, and after mustering up the courage, I requested her contact information. We exchanged numbers and Instagram IDs before she and her friend hailed a cab to their hostel, parting ways with me. 'Goodbye, see you at college tomorrow,' she said with a smile, to which I replied, 'Absolutely.' And just like that, our paths crossed for the second time.

After that moment, our conversations blossomed within the walls of our college. Our rendezvous in the cafeteria during breaks became a cherished routine, filled with laughter and camaraderie. Those days were brimming with joy. I couldn't help but notice her ever-changing collection of earrings, prompting me to ask, 'How many pairs do you own? Your selection is always so unique.' To my surprise, she confessed, 'I have quite a few. I simply adore earrings and can't resist picking up a new pair whenever I'm out shopping.' Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she posed the question, 'But do they suit me?' Her expression hinted at a hint of uncertainty. In a soft tone, I reassured her, 'They look absolutely stunning on you.' A radiant smile graced her face before she departed for class.

Looking back, I wonder if my response truly made her happy. Was she hoping for more? Perhaps I should have said something more profound. It was then that I began to feel a pull towards her. Her contagious positivity and infectious laughter lit up every room she entered.

As the months passed, our friendship blossomed, leading us to spend even more time together both within and outside of campus grounds. Interestingly, we discovered that we hailed from adjacent hometowns, a coincidence that further strengthened our bond and prompted plans for future travels during academic breaks.

On the day of our highly anticipated freshman party, scheduled at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria due to the university's stringent security protocols, a sense of excitement permeated the air as we gathered. However, one crucial absence lingered - Kaira, an individual eagerly awaited by all. When pressed for an explanation, Aria divulged that Kaira would be arriving with a classmate from her academic section. This revelation piqued my interest, prompting a cascade of questions regarding the nature of their relationship. Could this newfound companion hold a significant place in Kaira's life, potentially altering the dynamics of our growing friendship?

To distract myself, I pondered on how she would present herself that day. Eventually, my gaze landed on her, accompanied by a young man. Surprisingly, we were clad in matching colors - maroon and black - a subtle coincidence we never deliberated upon. While I donned a maroon outfit with black accents, she exuded grace in a maroon dress paired with black earrings and heels, looking impeccable.

Our encounter was nothing short of pleasantries exchanged, prompting us to venture into a field where festivities thrived. The bustling ambiance necessitated a protective stance, with the gentlemen in our group encircling the ladies to shield them from discomfort. The camaraderie and chivalry displayed amongst us enhanced the overall experience, fostering a sense of unity and security.

During the event, as the slow melody filled the room, creating a romantic atmosphere, I found MYself in a peculiar situation. While I was preparing to invite her to share a slow dance with me, the boy she had arrived with extended his hand to her. Observing her questioning glance towards me before accepting his offer, I ended up partnering with Aria for the dance.

Later on, she approached me and proposed resuming our dance together, revealing that the other boy was merely a friend. As we both swayed to the music, i couldn't help but inquire about their relationship status. Her response indicated that there was no romantic involvement.

As the night progressed, and I kindly offered to drive them home, I caught a glimpse of sorrow in her eyes. I felt a strong urge to delve deeper into her emotions, but the presence of Aria inhibited me from exploring further. This bittersweet encounter must have left me with lingering questions and emotions to ponder over.

After dropping off both of them and returning to my apartment, I reached out to Aria via a text message expressing my concern about Kaira's well-being. Aria assured me that everything was okay and that Kaira was simply out on the balcony. However, her response sparked a sense of unease within me as I couldn't shake off the image of Kaira's teary red eyes and her soft plea for help. Despite not perceiving any immediate conflict between us, I still felt a deep-seated regret for not extending a comforting hand towards her that night.

The memory of her shivering form lingered in my thoughts, begging the question of whether it was caused by the chilling weather or if there lurked a more profound issue beneath the surface. As I reflected back on that moment, I pondered the significance of reaching out to those in need, even when the signs may not be glaringly obvious. This contemplation left me grappling with the realization that sometimes, true understanding comes with the passage of time and deeper reflection.