Episode 3: Past

"We haven't properly introduced ourselves yet. My name is Larset and what's yours?" I introduced myself to him as I walked alongside him. Am I just too short or he's just tall? I look so small beside him.

"Right, My name is Maximillian. You heard what they called me but don't call me what everyone calls me." He suggested. Come to think of it every couple in campus call each other with a pet name. Does he want me to call him using a pet name?

"Ah, yes." I nodded. "Then I will call you Teddy." I added. He looked at me with eyes asking for why I choose that name.

"You want to know what I choose that name? Umm.. let's see. Because you're cute?" I smile and he looks more confused than he was before.

"Ahem.. fine."

We went to library as I wanted. Instead of study we planned for our date for tomorrow. I felt like it was yesterday that I asked him out, but it was already 5 days. I never imagined I would be dating someone after with everything that going around me. I wonder why he accepted my confession. I mean it's not like I asked him out because I like him. I'm sure he accepted out of a whip.

"Are you listening?" He tapped on the table with his index finger as he was looking at me with question.

"Huh? Oh, yes, I'm listening." I said with a wry smile.

"You're not listening but okay. I will pick any place I want to go so just go along with it." He said as he took out his phone in his pocket.

"Give me your phone number." He asked. I gave him my number and my phone ringing.

"That's my number. Save it." He tossed his phone back into his pocket and stand up from his seat. "It's almost time for your class. Let's go. I will walk you to your class." He added.

"No, it's okay. I will go by myself." I said and he looked at me with a face of asking 'again?'

"Are you trying to avoid being seen with me just like back then?"

"Yes." I replied.

"Fine." He left out a sigh and walked away.

---------------------------------------------

I went back to class and before I knew it the class has come to an end. I don't understand what the class discussion was about.

"Let's go get lunch. I am craving for some BBQ bunger!" Ellie exclaimed.

"Yes, let's go get some foods. Larset, are you going with us?" Olivia asked.

"Of course." I replied. We gather our supplies and walk out of the class to the restaurant nearby. As we enter restaurant, we bumped into a familiar people. I look at them and nodded my head as a way of greeting them and they did the same.

"Are you coming to eat?" Ellie asked.

"Ellie, you see them here so of course they are here to eat." I quickly said before the guys could answer.

"Right." Ellie said. "Then do you guys want to join us?" She added. I rolled my eyes at her. There goes with her nosy nature.

"Ellie, why would you asked someone to join you when you don't even know them?" Olivia asked. Yes! There is another person who understands me. I turn my head the other way to find a table for us to sit when Ellie pulled me back.

"I might not know them, but Larset know them." I look at Ellie with a questionable look and pointed to myself asking if she is talking about me.

"Yes, since you and him are now dating. Beside I want to know what kind of person you're dating" She pointed at the person in front of me. I look at him with arm crossed forming an X so he could understand I said no. He formed a smile as he looked at me. 'Why did he smile? Please say no.' I shake my head, but he turned back at Ellie.

"Why not join them? We want to know about your girlfriend too." One of the guys said.

"Yes, what do you say, Max?" Another said.

"Sure, we will join you." He spoke 'I knew that smile was suspicious.'. I left out a sigh of defeat and walk to an empty table close to the window that has only has 4 chairs. I took a seat hoping the girls would sit with me but instead Max did. He took a seat across me, and the others took an empty table beside mine and take a seat. Since the table they took has six chairs it's enough for the five of them.

We ordered our foods and as we waited for our food to arrive the girls and the boys were talking as if they weren't stranger. I looked at them feeling envious as they were talking and laughing. They made friends so easy while I'm here didn't know what to make friends or what to say.

"Did you guys already introduce yourselves?" I asked as I looked at them. They all turned their head to me.

"Yes, we did. I'm Kai and he's Jay. And as for him I'm sure you already know his name." Kai pointed at the person who sat beside him.

"Um, I'm sorry but I don't know." I spoke.

"You really don't know his name?" Max asked.

"Am I supposed to?" I eye him with question.

"He's Jayden, the most popular in campus." Jay said. He gestured his palm up and down on Jayden to show me how he looks.

"Ah I see what you mean. The first time I saw him and all of you was when I went to asked Max out." I said.

"Babe, you don't have to say that, or his feeling might be hurt." Max said. 'Babe? Did he just call me babe?'

"So, are you deciding on what to call me now?" I asked and he nodded.

"You guys already in nickname basic. Since when?" Ellie pouted. Ellie is the jealous type. She doesn't like when Olivia and I talking and befriending someone else other than her. It's not like I would befriend with someone else. Who would talk to someone like me anyway.

"Since this morning." I replied.

"Whether it's fake or real you better treat her good." Ellie glared at him.

"Ellie!" I yelled and she looked at me and mouth 'what?'. I shook my head without saying anything.

They turned back to talking while Max and I sat there quietly until our foods arrived. We didn't say anything through the whole meal. We bid goodbye and went our separate ways. Ellie, Olivia, and I went back to our third class before the class started. I did a little homework and soon after the class started and ended.

-------------------------------------

Evening During Work Time

-------------------------------------

"Larset, I have somewhere to go. Can you please watch over the store? I don't think I can make it back before closing time so can you lock the door before you go?" This man is the store owner. His name is Chase. He's kind and understanding. I've been working here since I moved to this area. Since I worked here, I've never met any of his family. I wondered if he doesn't have any family, but I can't ask him, can I?

"Yes, I will do that.  have a good evening, sir."

"Alright."

Chase is a kind and young man. There are times when a customer or should I say someone I knew came and argued with me on my shift, and he almost got punched in the face because he was trying to protect me.

Ting!

I looked at the front to see someone entered the store and as soon as I saw him my hands start to sweat as if I've done something I shouldn't have. He's Another customer entered the store behind him, so I composed myself as to not show any expression.

"Welcome to The Daily Store." I greeted with a smile on my face. Even though I would like to cuss so bad, I need to compose myself. The other person nodded their head and go on their business and he on the other hand walk his way towards me.

"Long time no see, Lar." He greeted.

"We are not close for you to call me by my nickname anymore, do we, William." I calmly said.

"Lar, I'm not here to argue with you. I'm here to apologize. I know what I did was wrong, and I regretted it. I wasn't in my right mind. I don't know what I did what I did. I don't wish for you to forgive me, but I just hope you don't hate me too much." I've never once seen how desperate he looked. I know everything happened wasn't his fault, but I can't help but hate him as he didn't try to understand me.

"I've heard the same things for the past 4 years. Just like what I said to you every time you came to see me, I don't hate you. I was just disappointed in you." I said as my hands are slightly trembling. I know it's not wholly his fault but at that time I wished he would make a different decision.

Even if he made a different decision, he and I can't be together, but we can be still friends supporting each other. Or maybe we could be close and understanding than ever.

"I'm sorry for making things harder for you." He quietly said. His face sulk as he turned away and leave the store.

I left out a long sigh feeling relieve when I watched him walked away. I wished things were different. It's not good to keep dwelling on the past. I need to get over it soon even though I know it wouldn't be easy. At least that's what I think.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***