Chapter 18: Why you left?

Luke glanced at his phone and saw that he had received messages from two beautiful women back in his home country, Seraphina Shangguan and Yuki Jiang. He opened the chat window and began conversing with them.

Luke felt rather surprised when he read Seraphina's message.

Seraphina: Luke, why did you leave so suddenly? I saw pictures from your friend's gathering on social media just last night!

Luke: Oh? I left? (Thinking: Oh no, I've forgotten the start date for the semester again.) I'm sorry, I realised it was time to start the term, so I rushed to the airport.

Seraphina: What? You didn't even know the start date? (Laughs) You're quite the funny chap!

Luke: (Forced smile) Yeah, I can be a bit absent-minded. But it's alright, I'm in Australia now, ready to start the new term.

Seraphina: Wow, you're so lucky! Australia is such a beautiful country. Enjoy your time there and don't worry too much.

Luke: I will, thank you for your concern.

Seraphina: No need for thanks, just do your best! Let's keep in touch!

Luke: Of course, you too, take care! Let's catch up properly next time we meet.

Seraphina: Definitely, best of luck!

Luke: Cheers! Bye for now.

Luke's feelings were somewhat complicated as he read Yuki's message. There was a subtle, undefined relationship between them, their emotions for each other lingering in ambiguity.

Yuki: Luke, why did you leave so suddenly? Don't tell me I scared you off? (Playfully grinning)

Luke: (Laughs) Of course not, how could a little imp like you scare me?

Yuki: So why did you leave?

Luke: I'm truly sorry, I forgot the start date for the semester, so I hurried to the airport.

Yuki: Really? That absent-minded? (Smiling) But I know you'll adapt quickly to your new surroundings, making lots of new friends.

Luke: (Thinking: Is she hinting at something?) Yes, I'll do my best, thank you for your encouragement.

Yuki: No worries, we'll have another chance to meet.

As Luke read the messages from Seraphina and Yuki, he secretly thought: These two girls must have some feelings for me.

Luke wasn't one to develop feelings easily, but there was something different about the lovely Seraphina and Yuki.

He too harboured feelings for them but dared not reveal them, afraid his intentions might be misunderstood. He recalled his childhood experiences, where his directness led to numerous misunderstandings, and he didn't want to make the same mistake again.

Seraphina had dreamy, captivating eyes, slender arms, and silky long hair. Yuki, on the other hand, was a quintessential sweet girl, with beautiful golden short hair, clear big eyes, and a charming face. From the moment Luke met them, he was drawn to their beauty and personalities.

And so, he prayed silently, hoping that one day he could be their boyfriend, or that they might suddenly develop feelings for him and express them.

Admittedly, juggling multiple relationships wasn't ideal, but what if they didn't mind?

Presently, Luke was unsure if his hopes would materialise. All he could do was quietly watch them, cherish them, and bless them from afar.

Luke closed his phone and leaned back in his chair, his heart filled with joy, thinking: "These two girls are so adorable, their messages always bring warmth to my heart."

As he thought of his two friends, Luke couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with affection: Seraphina and Yuki were truly angelic, their presence always lifting his spirits. Though their relationship remained platonic, his feelings for them were genuine.

Especially Seraphina – her tender demeanour and innocent smile seemed to warm the world around her. This indescribable feeling that swelled within him might have been what people called a "secret crush."

Yuki, on the other hand, was a delightful and endearing girl, always bringing endless joy and surprises. Her wit and intelligence earned his admiration and respect. How he wished they could join him in Melbourne to share the beauty and experiences of this city.

Leaning back in his chair, Luke took a deep breath, feeling an inner tranquillity and peace. He believed that, no matter what the future held, he would face it with courage, for he had the support of these two wonderful friends. They provided him with the strength and motivation to endure the seemingly daunting academic challenges of university life, particularly at Melbourne University, notorious for its stringent grading.

Luke sighed as he envisioned his cherished friends. Seraphina and Yuki were truly enchanting, their very presence enough to fill him with joy. Although they were merely friends, his affection for them was unmistakable.