Chapter 7
Alina's POV
I nodded and sat next to him, starting to unwrap the food. Even though I hadn't felt hungry before, somehow Mark's presence and concern made me feel a little better, enough to try to eat a little.
That night, Mark and I sat together, ate junk food, and talked about everything while watching a movie together. I felt lighter and even though those two incidents still haunted my mind, I knew that with a friend like Mark, I didn't have to face it all alone. I just remembered about my diet but what crazy person wants to stick to a diet when stressed? Even when there is delicious food in front of him.
After we finished watching the film and with Mark reluctant to eat a lot of fast food, our meeting was finally over. It was getting late and if Mark lingered at my house for a long time even though he was just a friend it felt a bit odd.
“I say goodbye, good night! See you on campus tomorrow." He said, waving his hand, he walked towards his car.
I waved my hand too with a smile still etched on my lips. When Mark's car drove away, I immediately closed the door and locked it. I started arranging the skincare that Mark gave me and then went back to eating this fast food, and suddenly I forgot about my diet.
When the alarm managed to wake me up and morning came into my room, I got up from my bed and immediately took a shower and then prepared myself. I already know Ryan will try to approach me again but I already have a plan to avoid him. I went to campus with my head lowered and my steps quickened, but I didn't run. I didn't want to attract the attention of other students who might make fun of me. The campus streets were starting to get busy, and I hoped I could get to class without running into Ryan.
Of course, my wish didn't come true. In front of the faculty building, I saw Ryan standing, as if waiting for me. My heart was pounding, and I quickened my pace even more.
“Alina!” Ryan called my name as he stepped closer.
I tried not to panic and kept walking, but Ryan was too close.
“Alina, wait a moment. I just want to talk." Ryan held my hand to leave.
I frowned, trying to calm myself. “Ryan, I have to go to class immediately. Maybe next time."
Ryan looked a little disappointed, but didn't give up. “Just a moment, I promise. I need to talk about something important.”
Before I could respond, I heard another voice from behind. “Hey Ryan! Let Alina go. Didn't you see he was in a hurry?”
I turned and saw Mark, my friend since first semester, walking over. He walked closer between me and Ryan with a surprised expression on his face.
"I just want to talk for a moment, this is between the two of us." Ryan replied to Mark
"I know, but Alina needs to go to class anyway why are you holding her back like that?" Mark asked, bravely releasing Ryan's grip from me.
Ryan raised his hands as if in surrender. “Okay, okay. I just want to talk for a moment.”
“Ryan, we are all busy this morning. Later, okay?" said Mark in a firmer tone.
Ryan nodded, looking a little annoyed, but eventually backed away. "Okay, see you later, Alina."
I breathed a sigh of relief as Ryan pulled away. “Thank you, Mark,” I said sincerely. “I really didn't want to deal with him this morning.”
Mark smiled gently. “No problem, Alina. I know he's not threatening you, but he can be too pushy sometimes. You are okay?"
I nodded. "Yes im fine. Thank you for helping me.”
“Anytime,” Mark answered. "Come on, let's go to class before it's too late."
We walked together to class, and I felt a little calmer with Mark by my side. It's really nice to have friends who are always ready to protect and support me. Today might not be as bad as I imagined. We both entered the classroom and immediately sat in our respective places. I chose a spot near the window, while Mark sat in the middle row, closer to the whiteboard. The lecturer immediately started the lesson, discussing quite a difficult topic. I tried to focus, but my mind kept wandering.
Several times I caught Mark stealing glances at me when he thought I wasn't paying attention. His smile always appeared as soon as our eyes met. This made me feel a little calmer amidst the noise of thoughts and worries about Ryan.
After class finished, I immediately packed up. I only have one class today, so I plan to go straight home. However, in the hallway, I met my friend, Jessica.
“Alina!” he called cheerfully, waving his hand.
“Hey, Jess!” I smiled and approached him.
“Are you in a hurry to go home?” he asked.
“Yeah, I only have one class today,” I answered. "You yourself?"
“Me too, but I have an appointment with the lecturer soon. I just want to make sure everything is okay with you. I heard Ryan approached you again?”
I nod, sigh. "Yes, this morning. Luckily Mark was there, so I was able to get away.”
Jessica nodded understandingly. “Mark is always reliable. You are lucky to have him as a friend.”
"So true. I don't know what I would do without him," I said with a smile.
"Okay, I have to go to the lecturer's room now. If anything happens, let me know, okay?”
“Sure, Jess. Thank You."
We parted ways in the hallway, and I continued my journey home feeling a little more relieved. After parting ways with Jessica, I just remembered that I wanted to go to the bookstore to buy the romance novel I had been looking for for a long time. I decided to change direction and walk towards the nearest bookstore.
Arriving at the bookstore, I went straight to the novel section. My gaze swept over the rows of books neatly arranged on high shelves. After a few minutes of searching, I found the book I was looking for, but it was too high for me to reach. I tried to stand on tiptoe, but still couldn't reach it.
Just as I was about to give up, a hand appeared from beside me and easily took the book from the shelf. I turned and saw an Asian man standing next to me, smiling kindly.
"This is the book," he said, handing me the novel.
“Thank you very much,” I replied, feeling a little embarrassed that I couldn't reach it myself.
"No problem," he said, his voice soft. "Do you come here often?"
I nodded. "Yes, I like reading novels. You yourself?"
"Same, I also like reading," he answered with a smile. "What's your name, if I may ask?"
Before I could answer, there was a voice calling from the other side of the shop. “Hey, we have to go now!”
The man looked away for a moment, then looked back at me. "Sorry, I have to go. Hopefully we can meet again." He said before leaving. I watched him leave, wondering who he really was.