Fred's POV
I sat quietly in the audience, eyes fixed on the stage, heart brimming with pride. Summer—my girlfriend—stood in the spotlight, owning it like she was born there. Even after a year of being together, it still felt surreal to call her mine. I couldn't help but smile. The most beautiful girl on campus, ambitious and talented, and somehow, she chose me.
It was the final scene. Summer, the lead actress, delivered her closing lines with such grace that the entire auditorium held its breath. The light caught her face just right—her glow, her confidence, her presence—everything about her captivated me.
"Hey man, your girl's acting is dope," Kelvin nudged me with a grin, eyes glued to the stage.
I chuckled, still watching Summer. "As expected—she's the best actress on campus."
Kelvin had been my best friend since freshman year, long before Summer came into the picture. He'd been there through everything—my awkward phase, my social anxiety, my academic struggles. He was also the first person I told when Summer said yes to being my girlfriend.
As the narrator announced, "The end," thunderous applause erupted through the auditorium. Slowly, people began to leave—some in groups of threes, twos, fives; others alone. I stayed back, unmoving. Kelvin offered to wait, but the pull of sleep was too strong for him. He yawned dramatically before patting my shoulder and heading out.
I checked my phone. 9:32 PM. Over half an hour since the play ended.
Still no sign of Summer.
But how could I leave? There's no version of me walking away while she's still in there. It was dark already. I couldn't stomach the thought of her walking alone at night.
Just as I was about to start getting worried, I heard laughter and the faint sound of voices echoing from the aisle. I sat up straight, ran a hand through my hair, and brushed invisible lint off my shirt. I don't know why—I just wanted to look put together.
"Hey, I knew you'd be here waiting for me," Summer called from the doorway. Her voice was warm and sweet. "You're just a sweet boy."
She paused to wave off her friends. "I'll catch up with you guys later," she said to them before walking toward me. She bent slightly and gave me a soft peck on my cheek. That simple gesture? I lived for it.
"So, how was the play?" she asked, plopping onto my lap like it was her throne. Her fingers started playing with the tip of my nose.
I smiled, overwhelmed with joy. She's here. With me.
"I loved it," I said honestly. "Especially your acting. You were amazing."
"I'm glad you think so." She leaned in and rested her forehead against mine for a moment. "We should start heading back before we get locked out."
I sighed quietly. I didn't want this moment to end. Her warmth, her presence—everything felt perfect. But I nodded. "Okay."
She stood first and offered her hand. I took it, and we walked out of the auditorium together.
The walk back was peaceful. No need for words—just our hands entwined as we strolled through the darkened campus paths, the distant hum of insects and far-off chatter our only background music. I wanted this silence. It was comforting.
Eventually, we reached a small junction where the path split—one direction led to my hostel, the other to hers.
"You should go," Summer said gently. "I'll be fine from here."
I knew what she was doing. She didn't want me worrying about her. But how could I not?
"I can't leave you to walk alone. What if something happens?"
She looked around. "Fred, the street's still busy with students. Look—there are still girls heading my way. I'll be safe. I promise."
I hesitated. Her hostel wasn't far. I could still walk her halfway.
She saw the reluctance on my face and smiled. "Go. I'll call you once I'm in."
I sighed. She kissed me goodnight, and I watched her go until she disappeared around a corner. Then I turned to walk down the quiet road to my own hostel. The further I walked, the quieter everything became.
I tried to act brave—tried to walk like I wasn't afraid. But every now and then, I felt like someone was right behind me. Every crunch of gravel made my heart race. After a few steps, I couldn't take it anymore—I broke into a jog.
****
Summer's POV
After Fred left, I walked slowly toward my hostel, still buzzing from the play and from being with him. He always made me feel calm, like the world could slow down whenever I was around him. His presence was soft, dependable, safe. I'm lucky—he's one of the most handsome guys on campus, smart and well-mannered too.
Sometimes I wonder if I deserve him.
My acting career has taken up so much of my time lately. Rehearsals, auditions, late-night practices—there's hardly time left for anything else. And yet, he waits. Always. Patient, never complaining. I wish I could give him more of me.
I glanced up and realized I was already standing at the door to my hostel.
"Hey, lover girl's back," Loveth, my roommate, teased as soon as I stepped in.
I smiled and kicked off my shoes. "Don't start."
"I still don't understand why you're depriving that cute boy of sex," Queenth, Loveth's twin, said bluntly, lounging on her bed.
I let out a sigh and began making my bed. "Because we agreed to wait until marriage. We're both virgins, and we want our first time to be something special."
"Well, I kinda feel for him, that's all," Loveth said with a smirk.
Before I could respond, my phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
Curious, I excused myself to the balcony and answered. "Hello? Who's this?"
"Hi, this is Peter Greek."
I froze. Peter Greek? As in the Peter Greek?
"I watched your performance tonight. You were… impressive."
My heart skipped. "Wait—you watched my play?"
"Yes. And I'd like to meet you. Tomorrow, Jefferson Restaurant, downtown. 11 a.m. Will you be free?"
I couldn't speak. I nodded instinctively even though he couldn't see me.
"I'll take your silence as a yes. Goodnight."
Click.
I stood frozen for a second. Then I let out a shriek and jumped like a child. Loveth and Queenth rushed in.
"What happened?" Queenth asked, alarmed.
I grinned. "Peter Greek wants to meet me. Tomorrow!"
Their jaws dropped.
"Girl, you better find the perfect dress," Loveth said, grabbing my arms and spinning me around.
I laughed. Somewhere inside me, excitement danced with guilt. Fred didn't know. Would he be okay with this?
I didn't know.
But what I did know was that tomorrow could be the beginning of something big—for my career… or for my heart.
To be continued.....