Chapter 24: A matter of timing

(Michelle POV)

After I left our ES class, my mood has been dampened for the whole day. I went to English class and saw Anthony. During that time, my mind has been distracted enough, so I didn't feel bad. As usual, I blushed and stuttered like a teenage girl in his presence.

However, when I got back home, I'm all sad and mopey again. This mood continued over the weekend.

I know that during this time, Steve should be with Lara. Even though he told me that they have only been together during their second year, it doesn't mean that they couldn't be in the process of falling in love now.

Besides, even if I try to get between them, there's no guarantee that Steve will fall for me. Just like the saying goes, 'Love is also a matter of timing. If it's meant to happen, it will, at the right time, at the right place, for the right reasons.'

I sighed. That doesn't mean that it doesn't hurt though. I shook my head. Well, if it's not the right timing for us now, then should I just wallow in some sort of self pity? Hmpft! If he gets to have a girlfriend before me, why shouldn't I get a boyfriend before him too? I still have my other life missions, like get to know Andy and Anthony! Pity though that they were his friends. But it's not like I don't know Lara during this timeline already.

Again, if we're meant to be, it will happen. For now, I can just go and continue my quest of getting myself a campus boyfriend.

With renewed vigor, I unlocked my phone, then started typing. How should I go about this without seeming too eager? Ugh. Whatever, just type. It's not like he will analyze each word that I typed. I mean, he did flirt with me, but it's not like he's THAT interested. Whatever.

Then, I pressed send.

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(Third POV)

Andy gave them an eye roll. Whatever. "Okay, Anthony's right, it's just that I never realized it until I met Michelle again."

"So, what changed?" Lara encouraged him to continue.

"Okay, so in class, I saw her smile for the first time. I mean, when she smiled, her eyes were twinkling, and I just think that she's really really pretty."

"you're not making sense. You just said she's pretty the first time you met."

"I mean, the kind of pretty that, makes me want to take her home and introduce her to my parents. I just feel that she's kind and if you haven't been prejudiced against her from the start, Lara, you will see what I mean. Like when we had lunch in the canteen and it was just the two of us, she's so unlike all the girls in our circle. She's more. And I think I just really like her. So, guys, I want you all to give her a chance."

"What chance?" Lara asked.

"I want you to befriend her too. I mean, let her join our group. I want to get to know her better, and since I consider you three as my siblings, then I guess, you all can treat her as your sister-in-law. Hehe."

Lara shook her head, "What if she doesn't like you that way and fall for, let's say another guy?"

"that's okay. I mean, although I like her, I know I can't force her to like me back. But I do want to get close to her. It will hurt if I get rejected, but I don't mind. If she turns out to like someone else, even it's let's say, Anthony, I won't take it against her." Andy said.

"Hey, why do I get to become the example?" Anthony reacted.

"It's not like I can say Steven. Maybe someone here will tear my hair out. So, what do you say?" Andy chuckled.

Lara glared at Andy, but said, "I still don't like her, but I will try. If she hurts you, it's friendship over for us."

Andy chuckled, "Fair enough."

"I don't see anything wrong with that, even if you didn't tell me to, Michelle is really nice. So, if I pursue her, you won't hit me or something?" Anthony joked.

"Well, I think I'm the better man between us, so you can just try." Andy said laughing. He knew that Anthony was just joking and trying to make light between his and Steven's situation.

Then, the three looked at Steven who hasn't spoken much.

Steven recalled Michelle's smiling face and until now, he can't take it off his mind. Maybe if he gets to see her more, he will become immune to it. Anyway, he nodded his head.

"Great!" Andy exclaimed.

"But she hasn't even texted you yet, you keep deciding when it doesn't seem like she's even interested." Lara teased.

Suddenly, Andy's phone vibrated. Quickly, he opened the message and read.

'Hi Andy, Michelle here. I already talked to my parents, and they agreed. Thank you for inviting me. See you tomorrow.'

Andy's smile reached his ears and proudly, he showed his phone with the message to Lara.

"In your face Lara!" he exclaimed laughing.

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TBC