Chapter 1

October 31, 2023

Dear Cait,

It's cold today.. I'm here again, waiting for him for almost an hour. This is the third time he's late, I know he's busy.. I respect that.. but, he could at least.. let me know if he's coming or not! So I wouldn't look like a fool here, waiting for hours..

...----------------...

Suddenly, the glass doors burst open as the bell rang, signalling a newcomer inside the restaurant. It was him—Nigel.. The guy I've been waiting for.

His hair was tussled in a mess, his scarf hung loose on his broad shoulders and his chest heaving deep breaths as if he ran a mile. His deep oceanic orbs roamed the restaurant, looking for something or someone—and that was me.

As his orbs roamed the restaurant, he then spotted me when he looked at the far left side of the isle, he smiled and waved at me. Of course, I waved back, and gave a very sweet smile.

'Why? Why do I always do this?'

He quickly walked to my direction and sat in front of me, parted by the rectangular table. He took out a small box and pushed it towards me. I have him a look, a look he knew very well—I wasn't in a good mood.

"Sorry, I know this is the third time I've been late. I'm busy, but that's not an excuse for me to make you look like a fool. I'm sorry, Cait"

He always knew what to say.. to make me feel better. He's really nice and sweet. I just nodded and smiled as I opened the small box, not really caring if the cover was destroyed. Inside, was a small keychain, a cute small cat keychain.

"It's adorable, I love it! Thank you, Nigel.. "

"Are you hungry? My classes are done now, anyway.. We can spend so much time together.. "

I gave him a sad look, and he quickly understood as he looked over at the clock—it was 12:48 in the afternoon.. there were only twelve minutes before my afternoon classes start. He breathed a heavy sigh as he scratched his nape.

"Sorry, Cait.. Guess I only have twelve minutes with you.."

I gave a weak smile as Nigel ordered us a quick lunch. He had a medium-sized steak and handed me a small one. We quickly ate lunch, and left the restaurant. We walked hand in hand towards the university a five-minute walk from the campus.

I leaned my head against his shoulders, breathing in the cold October wind as it brushes past us. Me—Cait Falchion has been in love with Nigel Mabalos.

...----------------...

I still remember clearly, as if it was yesterday when I saw him. Gracefully, walking towards the flag pole of our campus. I was only a junior that time—a third year junior... while, he was a fourth year.

I remember it well.. The very first time our eyes met. How his deep oceanic orbs stared right through my dark brown ones.. As if he was reading me—like a newly published book.

Then, he smiled at me. His smile melted my heart right away, I felt a deep blush cover my cheeks as he walked up towards the flagpole and untied the rope for the start of the flag ceremony.

I couldn't stop staring at him. I didn't want to stop, but, by the looks of it.. He didn't care that time. It was as if he wanted me to stare—I knew he felt that. As his lips curled up in a smirk as his eyes moved to the corner—looking at me.

That was the moment.. That was the very moment.. I felt everything stop, time stopped.. As if everything was in slow motion and we both—we're the only ones there.. As if it was just me and Nigel.

My heartbeat so hard, as if it was trying to break out of my chest. Like a caged animal, waiting to be free. The flag ceremony ended quickly—but, to me.. It felt like hours. I walked with my classmates, hand in hand with Anita.. When, he brushed past us, walking gracefully away from me.

Suddenly, I caught his eyes, staring at me.. With that heart melting smile plastered on his face. I was caught at the moment—I couldn't stop, didn't want to stop staring at him. Then, he winked at me and walked off, too quickly.

My cheeks became flushed once again, my ears red from replaying the moment again and again in my head—I'm looking like a fool right now. I'm just thankful, Anita was oblivious to everything that happened, since she was so focused on her boyfriend—Shane Haidian, by her side.

...----------------...

"Well, see you later.. Cait"

Nigel broke me from my random memory lane as he grabbed my cheeks and kissed my forehead. It was a quick kiss, but it doesn't matter. To me—it meant so much, too much.

"Okay.. See you later, Nigel"

He walked away and headed for the stairs towards his classroom, it was just above mine. I walked inside my classroom and spotted Anita, waiting for me.

"Cait! Quick, there's still time.. Let's share this citrus!"

I giggled at her random cuteness, no wonder Shane fell for her—too hard. I sat beside Anita on the white stool and swiftly peeled off the citrus skin. Suddenly, Anita broke the happy moment, asking about Nigel.

"So... How's it going with Nigel? Don't tell me you waited an hour for him again at the restaurant.. "

I couldn't look at her straight in the eyes, the only thing I could do was lower my head as I split the citrus into half and handed it to her.

"Seriously?! Cait, you waited an hour again?!"

"C'mon, he was really busy.. And we already had a talk about that.."

"Really?? Just busy?? That's the third time.. Cait"

"I know.."

Anita looked at me, a sad look on her face. She gave a sigh and patted my back as she hugged me.

"I'm sorry.. I'm just really worried about you, I'm your best friend after all, Cait. I don't want to see you get hurt.."

I smiled at Anita as I hugged her back, tight.

'Seriously.. When did this start? When did things started going downhill?..'

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