The day was January 21, 2022—Friday, 7:30 AM.
I was walking through the corridor, aiming to reach my class, when suddenly I noticed a couple of students surrounding something or someone.
Caught by curiosity, I momentarily stopped and peeked. In my eyes, I saw a smiling, cute girl wearing eyeglasses that complemented her cuteness.
"Is she new here?" I asked myself in surprise, since I had never seen a face like hers in this school.
As I continued to gaze at her, her eyes unexpectedly met mine. At that moment, it felt as if the people surrounding her weren't there at all—As if we were the only two people in the corridor.
The moment dragged for a couple of seconds until she withdrew her look, which was already showing signs of embarrassment.
"Shoot, our eyes met! Why did she have to look at me while I was looking at her? This is just so embarrassing," I muttered to myself as I quickly walked past her and entered my designated classroom.
As I stepped inside, a familiar voice called out to me.
"Finally, the class president has arrived. Do you already know?" asked my close friend Cedrick.
"About what?" I asked, clearly clueless.
"About a transfer student joining our class today,"
Just as I was about to respond to his question, I suddenly heard a cute voice from behind, asking,
"Good morning, everyone. Is this the classroom of HUMSS-1, Grade 11?"
I slowly turned around and saw the same girl, the one whose eyes had met mine.
Wait… is she the new transfer student!? I must answer her calmly, so I don't frighten her.
"Ah, yes. This is indeed the classroom of HUMSS-1, Grade 11," I answered, trying to sound calm.
After saying that, I thought I could finally relax. But what I heard next sparked something inside me.
"Oh, is that so? Then it's nice meeting you all. I'm Alisha, your new classmate. I hope we can get along," she said with a cute voice and a beautiful smile.
That short introduction of hers, while smiling and looking toward me—seemed to have ignited something within me that I had never experienced before.
I was still caught in my own thoughts when I noticed that she was looking at me. After our eyes met once more, I quickly shifted my gaze back to Cedrick in hopes of dispelling the awkwardness, but as I looked at Cedrick, I understood why Alisha was looking at me so intently.
Behind Cedrick stood a mirror—I could vividly see the reflection within it. It was a blushing face—it was as red as a ripe tomato.
Crappp! I yelled inwardly after seeing my own face.
"Hmm, it seems our cold-hearted and study-first class president is experiencing love at first sight," Cedrick said in a teasing voice.
"No, it's not…"But before I could explain myself, the first-period teacher and our classroom adviser, Ms. Felicitas, quickly rushed into the room, immediately ordering everyone to sit down and announcing that Alisha would be joining our class starting today.
"Alisha, please sit in the vacant chair at the back near the window," she said.
Alisha quickly nodded and proceeded to walk toward the chair.
Once she had managed to sit down, the teacher immediately asked if anyone could explain the previous topic we had discussed and what we had learned from it.
After hearing the teacher, I immediately raised my hand.
"Teacher, our last lesson was about humans having intellect and free will, which makes humans the top of the animal kingdom."
"Good. Does anyone have more ideas?" asked the teacher.
I was about to sit down when I heard a small but clear voice from beside me.
"Ahhhh, sir, humans are at the top of the animal kingdom because we have free will and intellect.That means we can make our own choices, think deeply, solve problems, and create new things—unlike animals that mostly rely on instinct."
After she finished explaining, some of my classmates started clapping, including the teacher, who was amazed by how well she articulated every word she had just said.
"She's not just beautiful and cute—she's gifted," muttered by some of my classmates.
Four hours had gone by, with three subject periods finished and lunchtime just around the corner. During those hours, we were like a duo, Reciting and answering the questions asked by each subject teacher with eagerness and flawlessness.
"Phewww, finally it's lunch time. Wanna have lunch with me, Cedrick?"
I looked at his seat, but he was nowhere to be found.
The only person my eyes could see was Alisha.
The room was unusually silent compared to a few minutes ago. Only the sound of the air conditioner could be heard. The atmosphere, which was lively a moment ago, is now disturbing.
I looked at Alisha, who was busy writing something on her paper, but she seemed to be feeling lonely.
After a few seconds, I decided to walk closer to her and ask.
Alisha, aren't you going to eat lunch with the other girls?
"Ah, um, well, I rejected their offer since I'm a bit shy," she said as she covered her shy face.
"I understand that it's your first day meeting the other girls and you still don't know them, but you cannot understand someone if you don't socialize. So, if it's ok with you, can I accompany you to have lunch? I promise I don't have any ulterior motives. I just really want to know other people and probably create new friendships". I said as I gave her the pen that fell over when I walked towards her.
After hearing my gentle voice, she slowly trusted me and agreed to accompany her for lunch.