The Nicest Love

As soon as he arrived at the door, David met his father. The older man silently retreated, not uttering a single word, his gaze obscuring a sea of despair upon witnessing the melancholy etched across the face of his most cherished son. He concealed his sad eyes towards the distant void, unwilling to reveal his vulnerability. David stepped inside a living room splattered with fragments of a once intact atmosphere. The large flower vase lay shattered, likely the victim of his mother's explosive anger - a scene all too familiar, signaling the remnants of a vehement argument that had just ensued.

Years had passed, and his parents' marriage had lingered on, unpalatably like bland rice and soup unsweetened. Their encounters always sparked fierce disputes; indeed, they had yet to find a common ground despite the years spent under the same roof.

Gazing upon the wreckage before him, a profound sadness welled within David. He pedaled his bicycle toward the sea, every set of strength in his body funneling into his legs, seeking to distance himself from the chaos as swiftly as possible. The road ahead seemed to stretch into infinity, the summer sky blissfully unaware, expansive, and bright, contrasting starkly with the turmoil within his heart.

Silently, David moved towards the ocean, waves boisterously greeting the shore as if they sought to engulf him. Yet, he continued to walk, each successive wave taller than the last, while David appeared merely a tiny entity bobbing upon the boundless sea. He wished to sink into the abyss with the waves, unable to imagine anything but vanishing from existence.

"Hey, you can't do this, no matter what's happening, stay calm, don't lose yourself," a girl's voice whispered from behind.

Startled, David spun around; darkness enveloped the surroundings, objects barely discernible. He swung his arm with force, yet the girl clung tightly.

"Who are you? Why are you stopping me?"

An overly aggressive jerk of his arm sent the girl sprawling into the water, where she sputtered and flailed. Realizing she couldn't swim, David hastily pulled her ashore.

...

Bella woke up early today, neatly dressed, her lengthy hair braided down her back. Her tiny hands gently shielded her forehead, guarding against the playful, mischievous rays of sunshine aimed directly at her face. Her dimpled cheeks seemed to smile sweetly at the gentle autumn.

This was the first morning that Bella absorbed the city's scene since moving there. The journey from the countryside to the province had proven more challenging than Bella had anticipated. Alone and busy with renting a house and purchasing essential items, her little pocket of time had been entirely consumed.

Unlike her peers, Bella opted not to stay in the dormitory. She was determined that, once enrolled and settled, she would find part-time work to help alleviate her parents ' financial burden. Living in a dormitory would make commuting particularly challenging, especially for night shifts.

Bus number 18 halted its journey as if honoring a prearranged rendezvous. Bella gingerly stepped aboard, quietly and deliberately carving through the city streets.

Aboard, her heart danced to an orchestration of joyous melodies. The sun peeked cautiously overhead, shrouded by a slender veil of clouds, as the picturesque and poetic view of the school appeared crisply before her.

This week, Bella was obliged to partake in a freshman civics course at Lecture Hall A4, a mandatory session for all new students. Her wandering thoughts, yet to settle in a clear direction, were interrupted by an unintentional collision with another. A phone plummeted to the ground, though not her's. She stooped to retrieve it, but a young man quickly scooped it up before her fingers grazed its frame.

Disconcerted, she wondered if she had somehow erred. The boy remained silent, his gaze lingering on her face momentarily before silently departing. Their eyes locked in a slow-motion cinematic exchange that Bella would only recognize much later. She chased after him, timidly inquiring with a soft voice, "Do you know where Lecture Hall A4 is? It's my first day at school."

The gentle morning sunlight unintentionally drew a visual barrier between them, or perhaps his indifferent demeanor made the conversation awkward. "It's my first day here, too." He spoke, then departed-cold and lofty as their initial encounter-his sturdy, tall frame weaving through the crowd swiftly, leaving no trace behind. A gentle breeze swept through, carrying a masculine scent that lingered familiarly and affectionately in the air.

The trees in front of the schoolyard whispered straightforward, cheerful tunes akin to a buoyant symphony of youthful beings basking in the glow of their prime. Anyone in a university lecture hall would feel bewildered, anxious, and anticipatory for the first time.

Today's class was bustling, filling the auditorium with over two hundred students. The sound of conversations and playful laughter buzzed about. Bella, arriving just as class was about to begin, needed help finding an empty seat. Just as she stowed her backpack into the desk compartment, a lovely girl with sweet chocolate-colored curly hair from the desk above turned around with a friendly smile to introduce herself. "Hey, what's your name? Let's get to know each other. I'm Sara."

Bella hesitated, wondering if she was indeed seeking acquaintance with her. She glanced around to see if there was someone else when suddenly, an agreeable, steady voice from the boy beside her intervened. "I'm David. Don't worry about it."

Having spoken, David quickly buried his nose into his screen within moments, seemingly forgetting the girl he'd just met. Bella realized it was the boy she'd encountered earlier, and his attitude took her on a journey from one surprise to the next. The girl, awkward and embarrassed, spent the remainder of the session without daring to turn around again.

Upon the platform, the teacher engrossed himself in his lecture, passionately unfurling the tendrils of knowledge. A sidelong glance revealed David, his spirit seemingly trapped in a legendary martial arts battle on his phone. At the same time, Bella occasionally cast covert, cautionary glances as if to chide gently.

As David delved deeper into his virtual battle, his keen eyes detected the subtle disapproval from his neighbor. His fingers danced gracefully upon the touch screen, unyielding in rhythm, yet still sparing a moment to cast a "warning" glance beside him. "Staring too much at boys might ruin your eyesight," he whispered audaciously.

The faint whispers did not elude the teacher's ears. He paused, descended from his stage, and approached David, instructing him to stand. His expression was stern, eyes piercing, seemingly peering into the young man's soul. "Why are you using a phone during class?" he questioned.

An eerily silent classroom beheld the spectacle. A plethora of eyes converged in one direction-some curious, some innocently unaware, some slightly smug, and some mocking. However, none could overshadow the calm, composed gaze of the boy now facing the teacher. "Respectfully, sir, I don't have a phone," David responded, serenity coating his words.

The teacher leaned in slightly, a faint smile upon his face, eyes shimmering with the wisdom of years and skepticism for the unfolding drama before him. He thought of his years, of the numerous generations of students he had mentored, and wondered how a single impish youth believed he could deceive him. "Let's check your bag then," he pressed.

David, without hesitation, pulled his bag from beneath the desk and displayed its contents. The subtle shift in the teacher's expression caught Bella off guard. She, who knew the situation better than anyone, was left bewildered - where had the phone gone?

As the bell signaling the end of school rang and the room plunged into chaos, a mild irritation lingered in the teacher's heart. But, with no other option, he warned David before departing, "Don't let me catch you again."

The moment the teacher exited, David's backpack, slung over his shoulder, slipped from the classroom. His feet swiftly whisked him away, blending seamlessly into the crowded corridor. Bella, after organizing her textbooks and notebooks, also made her exit. The sun grew increasingly harsh as midday approached, prompting students to retreat to nearby dormitories hastily. Bella quickened her pace, unwilling to miss the upcoming bus.

Upon reaching the stop, she found David already present. A brief flicker of surprise painted her features, assuming coincidence, but it seemed David harbored something to discuss. He approached, claiming the recently vacated seat beside her, isolating them amongst the masses. "Can I have my phone back?" he whispered.

Bella thought she must have misheard. The blaring horn of a passing vehicle might have hampered her auditory perception, but at this proximity, it seemed unlikely. David gestured towards Bella's fabric backpack, motioning for her to open it. "It's in your bag," he hinted subtly.

As Bella opened her bag, revealing a black phone identical to the one dropped during their earlier collision, David snatched it from her grasp. Without uttering a word, his lips gently shaped a smile-simultaneously grateful and teasingly mischievous.

Only after David's departure did Bella piece together the day's mysterious unfoldings. Alone at the bus stop, amidst a whirlwind of thoughts, she almost missed her ride. This first day of school had indeed etched memorable moments into her mind, catalyzing a string of unforgettable days to follow.

The air, increasingly impregnated with the essence of autumn, witnessed leaves delicately altering their hues, tinging a corner of the schoolyard with soft yellows. At the same time, gentle gusts of wind whispered through the rustling foliage. The gradual chill permeated through layers of thick clothing, sinking subtly into the skin, causing soft lips to dry and burn, a seasonal affliction most disliked by the girls.

After a week of Citizen Education for new students, they were sorted into classes corresponding to their registered majors. Bella opted for General Literature, while David chose Electrical Engineering, thus needing more opportunities to meet. Studying under the same institutional roof and sharing the same breath of academic air was a serendipitous crossing of paths.

Each time Bella passed by Lecture Hall A4, a vague yet somehow poignant memory of someone lingered, like a friend yet not entirely, for have they ever indeed conversed? A relationship, obscure and undefined, yet immovable from the recesses of her thoughts. Amongst people, sometimes these inexplicably indescribable relationships.

The initial two weeks of the academic year drifted by, marking the first year the university implemented a credit-based education system, allowing students of various majors to register for general subjects together. Bella now also had Linda Stewart - a close classmate to converse and confide with. Jovial, vibrant, and playful, Linda often babbled about this and that, lengthy yet seldom to the point. Thus, their conversations often drew out into unending strands of words.

The course on General Law, technically commencing the previous week, had been postponed due to Professor Brown's commitments; thus, the first session was held this week. Professor Brown, though having stepped into her forties, still emanated a youthful vibe. She greeted the class with a warm, maternal smile before striding to her desk. As she set her bag down, she turned to face the students, "Now that you're in university, do you feel any different from high school?"

A handsome male student, his face reflecting a born comedian's mischief, intentionally raised his voice for the whole class to hear. "University is study at will, ma'am." His stories always managed to induce wholehearted laughter from everyone. Linda was undoubtedly one of his "die-hard fans."

Another student from the back of the class wanted to voice his opinion. "The best part about university is living away from home and having the liberty to hang out freely. There is no need to ask parents for money daily. Receiving a lump sum allowance monthly and budgeting – gain or loss, is all on me."

The entire class erupted once more into a heartier about of laughter. The debate in the room surged, turning the academic space into a jubilant mirth. A charming young lady, her lips make-up with a lively coral pink, stood gracefully to question the teacher.

"Professor Brown, does this mean we won't be subjected to daily homework checks anymore?"

A male student beside her gently nudged her arm, whispering cheekily, "Exactly. We've secured our independence, our freedom at last."

The room was awash with laughter, whispers, and spirited discussions. Ever watchful of the unfolding debate, Professor Brown gently admonished the first-year students, "You might study at will, but ensure you live wisely, too."

The class gradually settled down, adhering to the teacher's commanding presence. She then engaged in every instructor's ritual upon welcoming a new style.

"Let's start with roll call," she announced, opening the list and commencing the naming of each student from top to bottom.

"Jony Edison."

A tall young man, possessing a complexion as fair as any maiden's, firmly declared his presence. The entire class turned, eyes veiled with curiosity toward the handsome scholar. Whispers and appreciative sighs flowed among the female students.

"Tina Alice."

A bespectacled girl arose, a beaming smile playing across her lips. Each name called evoked playful chaos as students sought to identify their named classmate, reminiscent of childhood hide-and-seek games.

"Linda Stewart."

The gentle girl, a friend of Bella, sprang to her feet promptly. Unlike other girls, Linda boasted a smooth, honey-toned skin and a pair of pure, innocent eyes seldom encountered. Each smile made her eyes twinkle, captivating numerous young hearts.

"David Smith ."

A young man from the back of the room, dressed in jeans and a shirt, coolly set his book aside and stood up, permitting the class a moment of acquaintance. Bella turned to glimpse his icy stare, handsome face, and somewhat disinterested demeanor focused on her, unfazed by the surrounding gazes. He remained as beautiful and aloof as their first encounter, but the blue uniform endowed him with an extra dash of charm.

This was the boy from the previous Civic Education course at the start of the term. It appeared, however, that he bore no recognition of Bella's presence in this class.

After the roll call, Professor Brown perused the list again, halting at one particular name.

"Bella Andrea, you will be the class president from today onwards. For every lesson, it will be your responsibility to take attendance. Anyone absent for a session loses a point for participation, with a maximum allowance of three absences. At the last session, hand the list back to me."

Bella was taken aback, while Linda was thrilled – her best friend was now class president, which promised some conveniences.

As Bella accepted the class list, the room again bubbled into a tumult as students eagerly exchanged phone numbers and made acquaintances with their new president.

As for Bella, now and then, her gaze would gently wander toward the desk at the back of the room. With its unyielding fleet, time whisked away moments ever so swiftly; the instants where he disappeared from her view were inexorably nearing. A faint melancholy traversed through her heart momentarily. Nonetheless, this class had granted Bella another rendezvous with David for at least four months. ...

Per usual, Bella awoke early, partook in breakfast at home, and caught the bus to school. The sky was a vivid and profound blue, akin to the eyes of a naïve girl tentatively stepping into the world, much like a heart untouched by romance. The scenery so astutely harmonized with one's inner self.

As the bus halted, Bella descended, passing through the welcoming, wide-open school gates. She treads across the vast yard, directing her steps toward the lecture hall. Barely reaching corridor A3, Bella encountered David. He, striding ahead, unexpectedly ceased, leading to an unsuspecting Bella colliding into his back.

David turned, adopting a feigned stern reproach, his icy eyes seemingly harboring a miniature, concealed joy. The bustling corridor with its teeming passersby went unnoticed by David as he awaited a valid justification from the girl before him.

"You don't pay attention at all when walking. Do you enjoy bumping into me that much?"

Bella, irate yet undeniably charming with her creamy, smooth skin lighting up her vibrant face, effortlessly winning over sympathies, retorted, "I didn't do it on purpose. It's because you stopped so abruptly."

David attentively gazed into Bella's countenance, a blend of irritation and embarrassment, feeling a concealed delight inside but maintaining a calm exterior. "The person walking behind should maintain a safe distance from the one in front, shouldn't they?" "Huh???" Despite Bella's resistance, David's smile persisted, teasingly so. "Out of respect for you being the class president, I'll let you off the hook by handing over your phone number here."

David snatched the phone from Bella's hand, swiftly dialing his number. Though Bella tried to reclaim it, it was too late – he stepped away, a smug smile curling on his lips, indifferent to the bubbling anger in her eyes. She was adorable when infuriated, akin to a tiny kitten whose plush fur was deliberately dampened by someone thrusting it out into the rain, causing it to sulk to harbor a petty grudge.

Two lesson periods finally elapsed, leaving Linda languishing and stretching his shoulders. With only a ten-minute break, She invited Bella to the canteen for a drink. Having never visited it since their enrollment, they were both intrigued; Bella enthusiastically agreed, her curiosity matching his.

As she exited the classroom, Bella halted abruptly, struck by an unexpected object. "Oh dear." A crumpled paper ball had been tossed at her head. Though she turned to identify the culprit, they were nowhere to be found. But in a distant corner, David gazed at Bella with a smile that barely concealed its mischief. Telling her friend to go ahead, that she'd forgotten something and would meet her at the canteen, Bella stayed behind.

David approached, exuding an amiable demeanor, albeit primarily to tease. "Where are you off to? Escaping your debts?" Bella retorted, her voice a blend of theatricality and a girl's gentle coyness. "What debt? Who owes you?"

"Ordinarily, when people encounter each other in this life, it's because they owed each other something in the past. It's the same with us." David said.

The explanation bore a semblance of irrationality, yet never had Ddavid indulged anyone with such winding words. To him, girls always spelled trouble. Thus, the less interaction, the better - unless necessity dictated otherwise. "But didn't you take my number already?"

"You bumped into me twice."

"Three times, and it could be deemed fate." A memory from that day at the beach subtly intruded David's thoughts. He paused a mysterious, gentle smile perched upon his lips, pondering momentarily before slowly continuing.

"Could you do me a favor?" Laughter burst forth from Bella as she reeled from the unexpected news. It was scarcely believable that someone as prideful and aloof as David could lower his voice to ask for assistance. "You need my help too?" David's smile grew even more visible on his handsome face.

His eyes, closely observing every nuance of Bella's movements, deposited many hopes into this exchange. Though the girl standing before him was not an intimate acquaintance, she was the first person he desired to converse with. "On the days I'm absent, could you mark "YES" for me ?"

"This is a tough ask," Bella said.

Bella responded nonchalantly, her indecision visible in her slightly closed eyelids. Throughout the lesson periods, Bella found it impossible to concentrate. The Professor's words merely traveled from one ear to the other, dissipating into nothingness, while David's words, gaze, and gestures vividly lingered, deep and clear in her mind.

After class, Bella hastily stepped to the station to catch the bus under the overbearing noontime sun, crammed with people, stifling and noisy. Every stop to pick up a new passenger constrains the available space further. Upon returning home, with her hair in a mess and her cute hairpin no longer in its perfect place, a simple lunch of rice, braised fish, and boiled vegetables awaited. Yet, it was enough to warm a girl's heart far from home. Each person who journeys afar carries within them a dream and the determination to mold that dream into reality.

Today was not the maiden voyage of Bella to the classroom; the scene within those four walls was already etched into familiarity, yet a peculiar flutter twined its way around her heart, whispering of some looming surprise. There's a saying that women's intuition is of paramount significance, allowing them a peek into moments that elude the attention, intentional or otherwise, of others.

As her hand reached into the desk compartment to stow away her bag, it brushed against something spherical, a petite object reminiscent of a piece of chalk. But no, it was a... milk candy. Alongside, a minuscule note, its surface adorned with tiny characters, read: "Have a cheerful morning. Help me out, will you?"

Bella's gaze swiftly darted towards the distant desk at the room's end, catching the eyes of David. His eyes, all of a sudden, seemed more cordial than ever, the charming contours of his mouth gently curving into a smile as if they'd been close since time immemorial. He left her teetering on the brink of belief and skepticism, starkly contrasting the person she first met.

With a coy turn, while David's eyes lingered and his smile remained, Bella was distracted by Linda's voice, intercepting her train of thought.

"What's that you have there?"

Startled, Bella swiftly pocketed the candy and pointed toward the door as the teacher entered the room.

"Nothing at all. Let's get ready. The lesson's about to begin."

Linda sensed something amiss but refrained from prying further since Bella wasn't willing to divulge. However, she couldn't shake off the notion that, recently, something had altered within Bella, leaving Linda shaking her head in bewildered amusement.

Linda often quipped that the subject of General Law was an extraordinary remedy exclusively for those plagued by chronic insomnia. Otherwise, it served as a tranquilizer, lulling the soul into a realm of dreamy oblivion. Despite the boredom, Bella remained diligent, reminding herself that someone at the back awaited her response.

Bella was entwined in a mental puzzle, wavering between affirmations and rejections, feeling awkward yet daring not to confide in anyone. Another lesson ebbed away, leaving no trace except for David's smile in Bella's mind.

David's presence was like a pebble tossed into a tranquil pond, ripples gently undulating across the surface, akin to Bella's emotional turmoil, wanting to accept yet fearing to, wishing to reject yet not having the heart to.

The subsequent General Law lessons imbued Bella with an amalgamation of anxiety, excitement, and anticipation, and she gradually adopted the habit of casting her gaze toward the back of the room as soon as she entered.

Today, like every other, Bella reached into her desk to store her bag. Once again, her fingers encountered something round, akin to... the candy from the day before. Hurriedly, she looked towards David again, that same smile disrupting her serenity, joy burgeoning in the young girl's heart.

Then came the third, fourth, ... and nth candy, similarly reaching the previous. Linda found it strange and couldn't help but ask in a whisper.

"You like milk candies, don't you? Why do you always carry them when you go to school?" Bella endeavored to force a smile, masking whatever thoughts threatened to surface. She didn't want Linda to know, fearful that questions would come pouring in-her friend was quite the chatterbox on an average day.

"No," Bella said.

Inherently curious, Linda had a knack for digging into the minutiae whenever a conversation began. She glanced at a boy at the back of the classroom and then at her close friend, eagerly probing.

"Hey, why does that boy keep looking and smiling at you, and why do you reciprocate? Do you like him or something?" Caught off guard by Linda's inquiry, Bella shook her head awkwardly and bowed slightly, hoping to conceal her discomfort.

"No." Linda, befuddled, posed a mighty question in her mind but failed to find an answer. "It's puzzling. Something seems strange."

Bella remained silent. Every day, seeing a candy in her desk drawer, she knew someone was watching and smiling at her. Everyone dreaded Mondays, the start of the week, which seemed to stretch forever before the weekend could return.

But for Bella, Monday was particular. It added another day to her week and another candy to her collection. As autumn matured, intensifying its chill and cloaking the sky in a golden hue akin to ripe paddy fields, imbued with dementia meant like the heart of a young girl embracing subtle, modest happiness. Day by day, Bella's fondness for school grew.

She attended diligently, an invisible allure governing the thoughts of a tangible being, her love for school covered within a more significant yet unspoken love. But as she stepped into the classroom, the bubbling joy and excitement within Bella were promptly extinguished. The smile that played on her lips retreated, leaving her face awash with melancholy.

She glanced to the back of the room, but today, David was absent, his small desk seeming to bear a massive void. The desk drawer, too, was empty, the candy missing. Looking at the attendance sheet, Bella suddenly remembered something David had once said. She hesitated for a long while, whispering about the necessity of fairness and honesty, but would David get mad about it? Her hesitation lingered, but eventually, the roll call ended when the teacher entered. Each lesson always seemed to be of equal length, but today felt unusually longer. If there were a deity symbolizing disappointment, its visage would resemble Bella's at this moment.

When Bella arrived, Linda noticed something was amiss: her introspective gaze, a cloud of preoccupation shadowing her usual enthusiasm. Linda gently nudged her, whispering, "What's with you today? Did you lose your debt book or something?" Bella sighed in response, an unspoken weariness seeping through her, draining all vitality.

Seeing this, Linda chose not to pry further, obediently focusing on their studies until the session's end.

Professor Brown barely began speaking when Bella abruptly stood, clumsily grappling with a thick textbook before her. Her fingers hurriedly fluttered through the pages toward chapter three, yet it eluded her grasp. "Class president," Professor Brown prompted, her voice gentle yet firm, "please stand and read the opening of chapter three aloud for all to hear."

The room erupted in soft laughter as the boy behind Bella leaned forward, deliberately turning pages in a playful sabotage. "How will you find it if you hold the book upside down, Bella?"

Bella's cheeks blossomed into a vivid rose, her nimble fingers suddenly clumsy and entwined, unable to master the simple choreography of turning pages. Professor Brown teased Bella with a playful spirit, aiming to uplift her mood and instill a light-heartedness into the class atmosphere. "What's the matter today, dear president? You seem quite unfocused. Has someone bewitched your heart, perhaps?"

Another student joined the jovial ribbing of their gentle and charming class president, leaving Bella increasingly at a loss for words. "Professor Brown, is this how a girl acts when a boy steals her soul? I want to try it once." A girl seated below cheerfully poked fun at Bella, transforming the tenseness of the lesson into a lively buzz. "We should have the president confirm that, shouldn't we?"

Professor Brown continued the good-natured teasing, giving the class hearty laughter. She cast a caring gaze towards Bella, offering silent encouragement.

"Falling in love demands focus; if you're distracted, love might flutter away, dear president."

Thus, Bella endured, forcing herself through to the end of the session. Instead, she dared not lift her gaze, immersing herself in a cacophony of disjointed thoughts, self-dubbing as the fool amidst them. As the bell signaled the end of the lesson, Bella hastily packed her books and quietly, with heavy steps, tread towards the bus station, perpetually echoing the question "Why?" in the recesses of her mind.

Now under the midday sky, her stomach hollow and growling incessantly, Bella gently rubbed it, seeking solace yet finding none. She must hasten home for resolution, she thought, growing increasingly anxious. However, fate has ordained that she waits for the bus, not vice versa.