Back to School

As Alex settled into the car, the warmth of the morning sun contrasted with the cool breeze of the beach night still lingering in his thoughts. The stars, the waves, and the feeling of Ryan holding him in his arms were etched in his mind like a vivid painting.

Mrs. Chen, sensing her son's contemplative mood, smiled knowingly. "Alex, you've got that dreamy look again. Thinking about Ryan?"

Alex chuckled, caught off guard. "Guilty as charged, Mom."

She winked, her playful demeanor shining through. "I know a starry-eyed look when I see one. Last night was something special, wasn't it?"

Alex blushed, surprised at his mom's insight. "Yeah, it was. How did you—"

Mrs. Chen laughed. "Moms have a sixth sense for these things, my dear. Plus, a little birdie named Daniel may have spilled the beans."

Alex rolled his eyes with a grin. "Daniel, of course. I should've known."

His mom teased, "Oh, and by the way, I've been meaning to tell you, I know about the key. Daniel mentioned it."

Alex feigned innocence. "Key? What key?"

Mrs. Chen laughed heartily. "Nice try, Alex. Daniel told me he gave a spare key to Ryan so he could sneak in and see you when we're not around."

Caught in the act, Alex couldn't help but laugh along with his mom. "Well, I guess the secret's out. Daniel and his grand plans."

Mrs. Chen playfully nudged him. "You have good friends, Alex. And Ryan seems like a keeper."

As Mrs. Chen navigated through the streets, she maintained her gentle smile, a beacon of warmth in the car.

"Alex, sweetheart," she began, "I can see the happiness in your eyes when you talk about Ryan. It warms my heart, truly. But don't forget about your studies, okay? I know love is a beautiful thing, but education is crucial, too."

Alex met his mom's gaze, appreciating the genuine concern. "I know, Mom. I won't let anything jeopardize my studies. Ryan and I understand that."

His mom nodded, a mix of understanding and wisdom in her eyes. "Balance is the key, my love. You have a bright future ahead, and I want to see you succeed in everything you do."

Feeling the weight of his mother's caring words, Alex smiled. "I promise, Mom. I'll make you proud."

The car pulled up to the university, and Mrs. Chen leaned over to give Alex a quick peck on the cheek. "Off you go now. Remember, I'm just a phone call away if you need anything."

As the class began, Alex took his seat next to Lily and Daniel, the usual buzz of students filling the room. His mind, however, was buzzing with thoughts of Ryan.

Lily, with a playful grin, nudged Alex. "Okay, spill, Alex. You've been floating on cloud nine all morning. What's the scoop?"

Alex blushed, a sheepish smile playing on his lips. "Is it that obvious?"

Daniel chuckled. "Dude, you practically floated into class. What's the deal?"

Leaning in conspiratorially, Alex shared, "You remember that weekend trip with Ryan? Well, it turned out to be pretty epic."

Lily's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Epic how?"

Alex grinned. "We kissed, like, properly. And since then, he's been coming over every night. Last night, he took me to this incredible spot near the beach. It was like something out of a movie."

Lily nudged him again. "Details, Alex! We need all the romantic deets."

Alex laughed. "Okay, okay. We sat by the shore, waves crashing in the background. Ryan said the sweetest things, and then he kissed me. It was like a scene from a romance flick, I swear."

Daniel winked. "Sounds like you're living in a rom-com, man."

Alex chuckled, appreciating the playful atmosphere his friends always managed to create. "Yeah, seriously, thanks, Daniel. Your master plan with the key and all worked wonders. Ryan's been a game-changer."

Daniel grinned, giving a mock bow. "Glad my genius is finally getting the recognition it deserves. You owe me, though. I expect free meals from the famous couple."

Lily added, "And we better be your best men at the wedding."

Alex laughed, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. But seriously, thanks, guys. Ryan's been... amazing. Last night, he brought flowers and food. I mean, who does that?"

Daniel teased, "A guy who's head over heels for you, that's who."

Lily added, "You're living the dream, Alex. It's like you're in one of those romance novels."

Alex rolled his eyes. "Please, spare me the clichés. But yeah, it feels like that sometimes."

As the banter continued, Alex couldn't help but feel grateful for his friends. Their unwavering support and genuine happiness for his budding romance with Ryan made the whole experience even more special.

Just before the professor delved into the lecture, Alex leaned toward Daniel, lowering his voice, "By the way, my mom found out about your sneaky plan, Mr. Matchmaker."

Daniel's eyes widened in mock horror. "Uh-oh. Am I in trouble?"

Alex nodded. "Big trouble. She thinks you're a genius but also a little too mischievous for your own good."

Daniel chuckled. "Well, if I get banned from your house, I'll just have to find a new hangout spot. Does this mean I can't have free Chinese food anymore?!!!"

Alex chuckled, playing along with the banter. "Well, I can try to do the traffic of Chinese food. I still work in my family restaurant. But you have to wait until I fully recover."

Daniel dramatically gasped, placing a hand over his heart. "Oh, no! How can I survive these days?"

He then burst into laughter, shouting across the classroom, "Maybe I'll ask Mr. Rich Ryan for some gourmet meals!"

Daniel's loud proclamation drew the attention of the professor, who looked less than amused. "Daniel, if you're aiming for the teacher's spot, here's your stage. Get up here."

The entire class burst into laughter as Daniel, still chuckling, made his way to the front of the room, ready to face whatever consequences his playful banter had earned him. The professor couldn't help but shake their head, a faint smile betraying their attempt to maintain a stern demeanor.

As Alex, Daniel, and Lily stepped out of the school, the weight of the day's studies seemed to rest heavily on Daniel's shoulders. He let out a dramatic sigh, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Ugh, can someone please tell UBC that I didn't sign up for a lifetime supply of homework? I swear, I'm drowning in assignments. Ryan, if you're here, bring me some free food to ease the pain."

Lily rolled her eyes playfully. "You know, Daniel, complaining won't make the workload any lighter."

"Just let me vent, Lily," Daniel replied with a grin. "I need to release the academic pressure somehow."

Their banter continued until Lily suddenly halted, her gaze fixated on a familiar figure. "Hey, isn't that Ryan?" she said, nodding toward a sleek car parked near the school entrance.

Daniel followed her gaze and couldn't help but join in the observation. "Oh, Mr. Rich Ryan himself. What's he doing here? Maybe he heard my plea for free food."

As they approached, Alex, who was walking alongside Daniel and Lily, greeted Ryan with a wave. Ryan noticed them and waved back, a friendly smile on his face. The sight of his luxurious car garnered attention from passersby, and Daniel couldn't resist a sarcastic comment.

"Alright, everyone, make way for the billionaire."

Lily nudged Daniel. "Be nice, Daniel. He's just here to pick up Alex."

As they approached, Alex, Daniel, and Lily noticed Ryan waiting near his sleek car. Alex sent a warm message to Ryan, "Hi, baby," and Ryan responded by greeting Alex with a hug and a sweet kiss on the cheek. Daniel and Lily observed the affectionate exchange with amused expressions.

"Wow, someone's living the dream," Daniel teased, earning a playful nudge from Lily.

Ryan, still holding Alex close, grinned. "I planned to take this one for dinner. Thought it'd be a nice surprise." He turned to address Daniel and Lily, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Since my two favorite wingmen are here, I figured why not bring the trio together?"

Daniel laughed. "I like the way you think, Ryan. As long as there's good food involved, I'm in."

Lily added, "Count me in too. But you better keep the romantic stuff to a minimum, Ryan. We're just here for the free food."

Ryan chuckled, offering a good-natured salute. "Duly noted." The group, now in high spirits, headed towards Ryan's car, ready for an unexpected evening of camaraderie and, of course, good free food.

As Ryan skillfully navigated the car through the scenic routes of UBC, the atmosphere inside the vehicle was light-hearted and filled with laughter. Alex occupied the front seat, Daniel and Lily squeezed into the back.

"Thanks, Daniel. I owe you big time for the key. " Ryan expressed his gratitude.

Daniel, slightly taken aback by the sincerity, responded with a nonchalant grin, "Well, free food is always a good deal, right?"

Lily playfully smacked Daniel on the arm. "Don't mind him, Ryan. We're just happy for an unexpected dinner outing."

"Exactly," Daniel added, rubbing his arm. "But, seriously, thanks, man. This is above and beyond."

Ryan smiles, acknowledging their banter. "No worries. I'm glad you guys could join us. It's been too long."

Lily chimed in, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you, Ryan. You really didn't have to, but we appreciate it. Sorry, Alex, if we're unintentionally crashing your date."

Alex, with a mischievous glint in his eye, responded, "Oh, not at all. Let's just consider it payback for that unexpected swim Ryan treated me to."

Ryan glanced at Alex with a mix of sadness and affection. Alex reached out, offering his hand to Ryan, who gladly intertwined their fingers, finding comfort in the connection.

The car cruised through the beautiful surroundings of UBC, transitioning from the lush greenery of the campus to the stunning cityscape of Vancouver. The lights of Burrard Bridge twinkled in the distance, adding a touch of magic to the night. The ambulance of friends and newfound love journeyed together, creating a picturesque scene that perfectly captured the essence of their unique bond.