College confidential

As I sat there, frozen in shock, Chris's eyes locked onto mine, and I could feel the air being sucked out of the room. It was as if time had stopped, and all that existed was the two of us, staring at each other. I couldn't believe it. It was really him. The same person who had played games with my heart, who had disappeared without a word, was now standing in front of me, looking more handsome than ever.

Sarah, oblivious to the tension between us, walked up to him with a bright smile on her face. "Hey, JK! Sorry we started without you," she said, giving him a hug. But Chris didn't seem to notice her. His eyes were still fixed on mine, and I could see the faintest glimmer of recognition in them. He knew me, and I knew him.

Mia, sensing the awkwardness, spoke up. "Hey, JK, nice to meet you," she said, extending her hand. Chris finally broke eye contact with me and turned to Mia. "Nice to meet you too," he said, shaking her hand. "Sorry, have we met before?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Mia immediately replied, wearing her acting pants. "Oh, I don't think so. I get told all the time that I have a common face." Chris smiled politely, "Oh, I see." As he turned back to Sarah, I could feel my heart racing. What was I going to do? How was I going to react? I didn't know, but I knew I had to keep my cool.

Sarah introduced us, "JK, meet my roommates Zoey and Mia." I forced a small smile, trying to appear shy. "Nice to meet you," I said, trying to sound casual. Sarah, still smiling, said, "Let's sit down, JK. I've already ordered food." Chris nodded and walked over to the table, his eyes meeting mine again as he sat down.

I looked away, trying to compose myself. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me rattled. But as I glanced back at him, I could see the faintest smile playing on his lips. He knew he had gotten to me. He knew I was still affected by him. And that realization made my blood boil.

The waiter brought the food that Sarah had ordered for herself and Chris. I could see Chris's reaction change from shock to surprise to amusement to confusion, probably wondering how such a coincidence could exist. I was starting to feel choked with the multiple emotions I was feeling: anger, sadness, hatred, regret, and one of the strongest emotions I was feeling right now - longing.

I started to eat my food faster than I should, and I began to choke. Mia, who was sitting beside me, immediately patted my back and handed me my glass of water. "Take it easy, Zo," she said, her voice soft with concern. I glanced at her, only to see her looking elsewhere in shock. I followed her line of sight to see Chris in an awkward position, his hand stretched out as if to help me.

Our eyes met, and he sat back down, a hint of a smile on his face. Was he trying to help me? The thought made my blood boil. I rather die than be helped by this bastard. Sarah, worried, said, "Are you okay? You should eat slowly so you won't get indigestion, Zoey."

But I had already realized something. I wouldn't be able to stop Sarah from getting what she wants, and if what she wants was Chris, then I wouldn't stand in her way. So I picked up my phone and did what I thought was best. I texted Chris: "You do not know me, I do not know you, we have never met before. Don't let Sarah know we've ever met before."

"I'm fine, Sarah, but I'm afraid I have to leave now," I said, trying to sound sad. Mia detected the sadness in my voice and looked at me with pity. "What? Why? You're not even done with your food yet," Sarah replied, concerned.

"I'm full already, and I just remembered I have an assignment to finish before tomorrow, so... enjoy your date," I said, forcing a sweet smile. Mia quickly stood up, "Umm, let me join you. See you later, Sarah." We were not even out of the restaurant when my phone dinged, a message from Chris: "Sure, if that's what you want. But you know nothing is for free, right? Anyway, you look good in that dress, Zoey."

I raised my eyebrows and turned my head to look back, seeing Sarah waving at us and a ruthless curve on Chris's lips as he looked back at me. Okay... somehow, I just felt like I had dug my own grave.