Chapter 7: University Canteen (1/2)

Third person POV

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Shortly after the professor discussed the syllabus, the class was dismissed.

”Hey Mich, wanna join us for lunch? You don't mind me calling you that right? By the way, let me introduce my friends. These are Lara Chua and Steven Sy. Lara, Steven, this is Michelle.” Andy who was such a sweetheart introduced.

Michelle looked at Andy trying hard not to give him a raised eyebrow. 'Mich? Really? Doesn't sound that nice. Then again, a nickname from him means that we're close. Not bad being close friends with the future nation's husband, so why not?' she thought.

”It's ok.” Michelle replied as she smiled back.

Then, Lara smiled at Michelle, ”hi Michelle, it's nice to meet you.” She said as she offered her hand for a handshake.

'I can't say the same to you though.' was the first thing Michelle wanted to say in response, but of course, that's not what she said.

”It's nice to meet you too, Lara.” Michelle replied as she took her offered hand. At the back of her mind, she was thinking 'Ugh! Fine, she's really a classic example of a perfectly nice and sweet lady, I should like her, but I just can't. She's like my husband's ex and though I know that what I am feeling is irrational, I can't help it. I'm jealous!'

Steven just took a glance at Michelle, then proceeded to ignore her. He did not even say anything to her at all.

Michelle stared at him, 'What's your problem? Hubby, your future wife, and I mean it literally, is standing here, and you're acting like such a prick. Should I be offended? Though you did tell me before that you were a cold iceberg in college. Oh well.'

Andy apologized on his behalf. ”Sorry about my friend, he's just not used to interacting with people he met for the first time. So, want to have lunch with us? We're just gonna head to the canteen. What time is your next class by the way?”

”Sure, my next class is at 12:30 so I have…” Michelle turned to look at her watch and saw the time. 11am, ”an hour and a half before then. Thanks for inviting me.” she finished.

This way, the 4 of them took their walk towards the canteen. Inside, as it was almost noon, a lot of students were present, and it was quite crowded.

Michelle was familiar with the view as she experienced this before so there's no culture shock for her. Many people from different social class join the university and it's nothing strange. That doesn't mean that when she first had this encounter she had the same thoughts or reaction.

”Haha! I didn't know that it would be this crowded. Really so different from high school. I think it would be difficult to get seats!” Andy voiced his observation.

”I don't like to eat here. It's disgusting.” Steven who did not talk at all before that moment said.