Chapter 8

Early in the morning, before the sun rose, the student executive board members had gathered in the meeting room for a briefing. They discussed the event that would take place shortly, which was the welcoming event for new students. They checked again all the preparations, from decoration, invitation, entertainment, to consumption. They hoped that this event could run smoothly and successfully.

At 10.00 am, the event began. On the stage, they presented some interesting and entertaining entertainment, such as dance, singing, drama, and stand up comedy. They also announced the outstanding students on campus, both in terms of academic, non-academic, and social. They gave appreciation and recognition to those who had contributed to the progress of the campus.

Jane, Denies, and Maria who had just arrived in the auditorium, immediately looked for an empty seat. They were very afraid of not getting a comfortable and strategic seat, even though there were still many empty and unoccupied seats. They ran small while carrying their heavy bags. They then sat in the seat chosen by Maria, which was in the second row from the front. They began to focus their gaze on the stage in front of them.

"Isn't he the one who danced yesterday?" Maria said, seeing Erick dancing on the stage with his friends. Erick was one of the outstanding students in the field of dance. He often participated in dance competitions both at the local and national levels. He was also known as a very humble guy.

Jane and Denies nodded, looking at the stage with focus. They also occasionally shook their legs and arms following the rhythm of the music while watching Erick dance on the stage.

Meanwhile, behind the stage, Bara was sitting while staring at the contents of Emi's farewell letter yesterday that he had just read. Bara's mind was also unsettled at this time, he thought Emi must have thought that he had a relationship with Nicole because of yesterday's incident. Even though Bara was just a regular friend with Nicole. But Emi didn't want to hear Bara's explanation and chose to leave. Bara thought maybe Emi was very disappointed with Bara.

"Come on, you don't have to think about it anymore. Let's move on! There are many beautiful women waiting for you out there." Tony said, looking at the juniors who had just arrived. Tony was just trying to cheer up Bara but his way was always like that.

Bara didn't want to respond to what Tony said. He also preferred to leave Tony. He wanted to be alone for a moment to calm his mind. He felt no one understood his feelings.

Meanwhile, the girls of the rainbow gang who had just arrived looked in a hurry to enter the auditorium. They immediately looked for an empty seat. The rainbow gang was a gang that was always solid and supportive of each other. They also had diverse talents and achievements.

Nicole pulled her friends to sit in an empty seat near Jane. Nicole was the smartest and most talented student on campus. She also always got the highest grades in her classroom. She had also been promoted to become a teaching assistant several times.

When sitting, Jane was surprised because Nicole who had just arrived suddenly sat next to her. Nicole smiled at Jane and Jane also returned Nicole's smile awkwardly. Jane felt nervous and groggy. She never thought the beautiful girl she saw yesterday in the campus yard was now sitting next to her.

"You must be a new kid, right?" Nicole asked, still smiling at Jane. Nicole liked to be friends with anyone. She didn't discriminate people based on status or background.

Denies and Maria turned to Jane who was nodding her head at Nicole. They also felt surprised and happy. They thought Nicole might be interested in Jane. They hoped Nicole could be their good friend.

"I hope the weird people on campus don't have a bad influence on you. I also hope that you and your friends can be outstanding students like them this year." Nicole chuckled, extending her hand to Jane. "My name is Nicole." Nicole continued to introduce herself.

"I-I'm J-Jane …" Jane replied, looking very nervous. Jane felt her heart almost fall out when her hand touched Nicole's hand. Nicole's hand felt very soft and warm. Jane felt something throbbing in her chest.

Suddenly Denies pulled Nicole's hand that was still shaking hands with Jane. Denies felt jealous seeing Jane and Nicole look so close. From the beginning Denies saw Nicole, he was very interested and liked Nicole. He thought Nicole was very beautiful with her simplicity.

"My name is Denies." Denies said, smiling at Nicole. Denies tried to be friendly and polite. He didn't want Nicole to think he was a new kid who was arrogant.

"And I'm Maria." Maria added. She also liked Nicole, but she was more wise and mature. She didn't want to look too enthusiastic and make Nicole uncomfortable. And she tried to keep her attitude in front of Nicole.

"Ok, Denies, Maria, and Jane." Nicole said, trying to memorize and responded with enthusiastic nods by Jane, Denies and Maria. Nicole was happy to meet them. She felt they were good and fun people.

"Alright, nice to meet you." Nicole continued, smiling cutely as if happy to get new friends. Nicole was easy to get along with anyone. She didn't like to hold grudges or hate anyone.

Nicole looked back at the stage when she heard the sound of applause. On the stage, the campus rector was giving a speech about the students who had the highest grades on campus. The campus rector also mentioned the names of Bara and Nicole who always competed in every semester. They were rivals in everything on campus.

Everyone immediately glanced at Nicole, because the rainbow gang immediately gave a lively applause for their friend Nicole. They were proud and happy with Nicole's achievements. They also gave encouragement and support for Nicole.

Jane, Denies and Maria became even more impressed with Nicole after knowing it. Because not only beautiful and popular but she was also an outstanding student. They hoped to learn a lot from Nicole. They also hoped to become close friends with Nicole.

Jane didn't stop paying attention to Nicole's movements that looked very friendly. She never thought Nicole would greet her this morning. She felt something changed in her. She felt something growing in her heart. She was amazed by Nicole's figure.

***