Tom had classes only in the morning today. He was excited about university, every part of it. Naturally, the classes too. He sat in the middle, which according to him was the best seat in the room because the professors' eyes were always on the middle more than anywhere else, with his notebook open, pen in hand, and scribbling tirelessly, as if he was writing down every word spoken in the room. He was smart. No question about that. He also wasn't the only smart one in the room. No question about that either. If he wanted to achieve all the success he desired, he needed to tag effort to his smarts. And where he came from, effort was the most commonly available commodity. Everyone had it.
His looks, combined with his soft demeanour and the studious air about him, made it easy to make friends. He smiled at everyone he spoke to, returned every greeting politely, and laughed at every joke. He even agreed to go along to a mixer with a few of the boys and girls from class. First, he had an appointment to keep. He apologised. His new friends assured him it was fine. He left, with the promise of returning in an hour. He guaranteed they wouldn't be late for the mixer.
Then, he rushed along the learned path toward the finance department. The first day when walking the university he had learned not only where his department was, but also other departments. Especially the finance department. Because, the senior he had an appointment with was from the finance department.
He had seen her through video calls on his phone. It was an inexpensive phone, and the call quality was barely fine. All he had was a grainy picture, that didn't hide the features at least. And from that grainy picture, he knew she was a beautiful young girl. He recognised her sitting in the garden outside. And he realised he was right. She was a truly beautiful girl. He felt he was truly lucky, to have made friends with someone as amazing as her, a beautiful girl with an even more beautiful mind.
"Senior," he greeted softly, kneel by her side.
She looked up from the book on her lap, a questioning look on her face, that quickly morphed into recognition and delight when she saw him. Clearly, she had been waiting for him.
"You're here," she said. "I saw your schedule. You had classes in the morning. And you're here so quickly. You must be really fast on your feet." She showed her thumb praisingly.
He blushed, and rubbed the back of his head. "I was meeting you. I had to be on time."
"Yes, yes. Punctuality is absolutely important. But I must say, you are much handsomer in person. Do you have a girlfriend?"
He coughed. Blushed deeper. Shook his head.
She laughed. Brushed his hair fondly. "Call me Nana."
"Like friends?" He asked.
"Yes. Like friends. We've got to be friends at least, if we're going to be partners. No need for things like senior. I'm Nana. You're Tom. Good?"
"Absolutely. I can't tell you how delighted I am to finally meet you Nana. And I must say too, you are so much more beautiful that on the phone, than I imagined."
It was her turn to blush. But the smile was unaffected. "I just wanted to say hello. I thought it would be better for you to come over than me. I don't mind it. I wasn't sure you'd be the same. The teasing can be quite embarrassing."
He nodded. "I have this thing with friends."
"Friends? From class?"
He nodded.
"Already. That's wonderful. Let me guess, a mixer?"
He nodded, much more shyly.
"Hmm. I shouldn't keep you. Go on. Have fun. We'll start tomorrow. Oh, can I make a request? Can you not hit it off with anyone tonight. I'm not sure I want to lose the handsome boy I found just today already. Can I have you all to myself for some time?"
He was stunned. And before he could answer, she added.
"I promise, you'll have me all to yourself too."
Immediately realising what she'd said, she blushed as deep as him. Both of them red faced, bowed at each other, and separated. She returned to her book. He leaped to his feet, and rushed back toward his department, to where he promised to meet his friends.