CHAPTER 1 - Canned Lychee Drink

V1. CHAPTER 1 - CANNED LYCHEE DRINK

"Bro, how was your vacation?" 

Marcus, who was sitting, turned to the owner of the deep voice. 

"The first 3 weeks were boring. All I did was play a lot of games. I even finished my backlogs," despite his complaining response, Marcus was smiling happily. His smile didn't just reach his ears; even those looking at him could see his joy.

On the first day of the school year, a group of young men were hanging out in a gazebo at Central University. Passing their time as their classes didn't start until 9 AM. Marcus was sitting on a concrete bench. He is leaning against a post before being greeted by Noel, one of his close friends.

"And how about last week bro?" came a gentle voice.

Marcus looked to the opposite side of where he was seated, at the man holding a book. The book was open, but his gaze was fixed on Marcus. It seemed like he was drawn to his friends' conversation, causing him to pause in his reading.

"I picked up Athena from the airport,"

Even though some of the people in the gazebo weren't looking at the group, their ears perked up upon hearing this.

Marcus Ocampo III was one of the well-known student at Central University. Aside from his handsome face, he also had a great physique, posture, and stood at a height of 6'2". Being the epitome of the tall, dark, and handsome type, he was naturally attention-grabbing. However, in the past few days, it wasn't just his physical appearance that drew people's attention. There was something about Marcus' aura that had suddenly changed. Warm and bright. As if he brought sunshine with him wherever he went.

"And then, bro?" Noel approached his friend, standing while Marcus remained seated.

"Tss," Marcus smirked, "The rest was history." He smiled, causing the group to erupt in excitement. It was as if they didn't care about their surroundings. His companions cheered around him.

"You're such a killjoy, bro," one of them said.

"Yeah, you used to share before," another added.

Marcus laughed, and then he stopped, smiling. His eyes, as dark as his hair, sparkled as he looked around. "Sorry, guys, can I go incognito for now? I want to keep things private between Athena and me," he said. His tone was gentle and content.

"That's so boring, bro."

"We'll find out eventually, dude, especially if you get drunk,"

Marcus just chuckled, causing Noel and Paolo to exchange looks.

After that, the group fell silent as Marcus chose not to engage with his friends' teasing. A few moments passed, and one by one, the people in the gazebo bid their farewells. Their classes were about to start. A few minutes later, only three were left - Marcus, Noel, and Paolo.

"M3, what's up?" Paolo asked, with a sudden snap of his book. Marcus didn't seem to hear him, as he was busy typing on his smartphone.

"Huh?" Marcus responded, still not looking at Paolo.

"Earlier, about Athena. It's the first time I've seen you act like that,"

Marcus glanced at Paolo and smiled like a child.

Paolo let out a soft smile. "Is Athena the one?" he asked in a gentle tone.

Before answering, Marcus sent the message he had composed. He pondered deeply before taking a deep breath.

"Yes, Pao, I'm sure she is," Marcus replied happily. Both his friends' eyes widened.

A brief silence ensued in the gazebo where they were hanging out. In all their time together, Paolo had only just seen Marcus' sincere smile. He used to smile often, but the gleam in his speaking eyes couldn't compare to what it was now. It was rare, and being rare, it only meant that Marcus was hit by a rock.

"But, to be honest, I'm not comfortable with that girl, though,"

Both Marcus and Paolo turned to look at Noel, who was currently seated at the concrete table of the gazebo.

"Why?" Paolo asked.

"Athena sure is kind, but there is something about her that I can't comprehend... and isn't she known for not taking her relationships seriously?" Noel explained.

"That's true," Marcus replied, his tone suddenly serious. "I'm completely aware. That's why I pursued her, right? To prove that I can tame her. And I think I did; we've been going out for almost a year."

Noel let out a sigh, "Yeah, I've forgotten, bro, that you're her longest-lasting boyfriend on record. But it seems like you're the one who's been tamed, not her. You're obviously head over heels," 

Paolo chuckled, while Marcus's eyes squinted.

"Jeez! Aren't you happy that I've found who I want to be with?!"

"Of course, bro, I'm happy. Just a bit wary..." Noel shrugged. 

Marcus let out a frustrated sigh.

"Noel is right, though. After all, you've played with so many girls in the past, M3. We don't know, maybe Athena is the epitome of your karma," Paolo remarked as he stood up. Noel couldn't help but burst into laughter. With every chuckle, he saw Marcus's face gradually darken.

"Oh! Your best friend speaks the harsh truth, hahaha!"

Marcus stood up and looked at his two friends.

"I don't know about you fools. Just support me because I believe she's the one," Marcus started walking. He smiled as Noel and Paolo followed him.

♦️

It was only seven o'clock, yet many students were already at Central University. Some arrived early due to their class schedule, while others were eager to see their classmates and friends on the first day of classes.

Athena was in the cafeteria when she received a text. She picked up her cellphone from the table and glanced at it. After reading the message, she set her phone back down. Athena refocused her attention on the sandwich in her hand. She was about to take a bite when the girl sitting opposite her asked a question.

"Who's that?"

"Marcus," Athena replied.

"Aren't you going to reply to him?"

"I'm eating." Athena took a bite of her sandwich. Her conversational partner gave her a playful look as she sipped her coffee.

"What did he say?"

The cafeteria was bustling with people, so it was not surprising that it was noisy. Apart from the noise, it was chaotic because of the diverse emotions of those around. Some were hungry, some were happy, some were surprised, some were bragging, and so on.

Athena hadn't swallowed her food yet when she looked at her companion. Strawberry blonde hair, medium makeup, a couple of earrings, and trendy clothes -- that's what made her friend Karina.

"Read it and maybe you should be the one to reply," Karina said, pushing Athena's cellphone toward her.

"Oh," Karina remarked as she took the cellphone and read the message.

"Good morning, have you had breakfast?" Karina chuckled upon reading the message, "Yay so high school, but still..." she began to type.

"Not yet, I'm so hungry already. Want to be my snack?" Karina said, typing away. She showed her creation to her not amused friend.

"I'm going to send this," Karina declared cheerfully. She giggled as if she had come up with a brilliant idea.

Athena smiled, "Try," she simply said, raising her eyes. It was a bright and warm reaction, but it seemed to cool down the coffee her friend was drinking.

Karina sensed the tone from Athena, so she quickly deleted the message she had written. She pushed the cellphone back to its owner.

"At least answer him, though," Karina urged.

"I'm not in the mood," Athena answered, still smiling.

"Why?"

"I'm just not," Athena took another bite of her sandwich.

Karina picked up her coffee and pressed her lips to the paper cup. As she sipped the hot beverage, she looked around. She then realized that Athena does not like crowded places after all.

Karina Jasmine Domingo is one of Central University's popular It-girls, along with her best friend, Athena Louise Alcantara, who sits in front of her. Athena, wearing only a white polo shirt and a black skirt, is the exact opposite of her best friend. However, their synergies complement each other well.

Athena and Karina are both 3rd-year I.T. students. Karina's first class is at 9:30 a.m., while Athena's is at 10:00 a.m. Athena dislikes crowded places, but they had nowhere else to go due to the influx of their fellow students.

"Wasn't Marcus the one who picked you up from the airport? What happened between you? Spill the TEA," Karina mischievously asked, grinning and raising her eyebrows. Athena laughed but didn't immediately respond to her friend due to the people approaching her and talking to her.

"Good morning, Ate Athena,"

"Good morning," Athena replied with a smile. She happily conversed with the younger students, answering their questions and bidding them farewell when they left.

"Bye, Ate Athena."

"Bye," Athena said with a smile.

"Those kids, as if I don't exist here!" Karina complained while taking a sip of her coffee.

Athena chuckled, "You're just intimidating,"

Karina began to choke upon hearing what Athena said. She coughed a few times until her throat cleared then she looked at the smiling Athena before releasing a sigh.

"Hey, you haven't given me the TEA yet," Karina redirected the conversation back to the topic, "What happened when Marcus picked you up? Where did you stay? And--" Karina stood up and leaned in closer to Athena, continuing her question in a whisper.

"How many rounds?"

Athena burst into laughter upon hearing it. Those seated near their table turned to look at them, particularly at her. Her laughter and voice echoed throughout the area. Athena already had a womanly charm, and whenever she spoke with her soothing and sensual voice, it was as if she was casting a love spell on those around her.

"You should have called me or texted me sooner if you were that curious... Didn't I give you sleepless nights thinking about it?"

"Girl, it's better to talk about this in person," Karina teased.

Athena chuckled and amazed those looking at her once again.

"And yet I'm the crazy one?" Athena scanned the surroundings.

Karina was about to roll her eyes but stopped when her attention was drawn to the cafeteria's entrance. Black bonnet, black t-shirt, black pants, and black boots.

"Annabelle!" Karina called as the girl entered, catching not only the attention of the girl she called but also of everyone in the cafeteria.

"Oops, sorry," Karina flashed a peace sign as she gradually shrunk herself.

The girl Karina called approached their table. As she came closer, she briefly glanced at the seated Athena before shifting her attention to the one who called her.

"Long time no see Belle. How's your vacation? I couldn't reach you; Tita said you were in Prague," Karina exclaimed.

"I read your emails and messages. I just didn't want to talk to you, so I didn't reply," Annabelle retorted.

"What- Why, Annie?!" Karina stood up, "You're so much, you know that I even risked ruining my fresh nail polish just to message you, and you're just brushing me off."

Annabelle rolled her eyes before letting out a sigh, "That's exactly why I don't want to talk to you. Overreacting."

Karina pouted, "You're hurting my feelings."

Annabelle clicked her tongue, "Why did you call me then?"

"Because I missed you."

Karina's reaction seemed like that of a puppy seeking pity in Annabelle's eyes. It only irritated her more. She was about to say something but chose to remain silent when she looked at Athena.

"Bye," Annabelle managed to say before turning away. She was about to take a step to leave when Athena spoke.

"You didn't bring your art materials," Athena pointed out. She glanced at her sandwich before looking back at Annabelle. She smiled as their eyes met.

"So what?" Annabelle retorted, eyeing Athena.

"I heard about what happened from Tita," Athena stated sadly.

Annabelle bit her lower lip. Meanwhile, Karina's brows furrowed upon hearing the conversation. She shifted her gaze between her two friends.

"She's always so chatty," Annabelle commented.

"I can persuade Tito if you want me to,"

Annabelle gave Athena a hostile look. "Mind your own business," she said angrily before storming off. Her angry and cold voice managed to linger in the ears of those who heard it, except the person she was addressing.

"Hey, Annabelle!" Karina called, once again gaining attention. Annabelle didn't look back and continued walking as if she had disregarded why she came to the cafeteria in the first place.

Karina immediately asked her friend with concern, "What do you mean by that, Athena?"

From Annabelle's back to her sandwich and then to Karina, Athena smiled before answering, "It's better if you hear it directly from her."

"She won't tell it to me, so just tell me," Karina urged.

Athena was about to eat her sandwich, but instead of taking a bite, she sighed and set the food down.

"From what Tita said, Annabelle was forced to drop out of her course. Tito transferred her to Marketing."

Karina's lips parted in shock at the revelation. "My gosh! For real?" She couldn't believe it. "Poor Annie! That's why she's been so grumpy."

♦️♦️

Time went by, and Karina had to attend her class. She left Athena in the cafeteria, who lingered for a while before departing as well. With thirty minutes left before her own class, Athena decided to take a stroll.

As Athena walked, she couldn't help but notice the gazes she received from passersby, especially from the freshmen. Athena, much like her namesake, could be likened to a goddess. Her beauty was top-notch and rivaled that of professional models. She exuded a natural charisma that was enchanting. It was just an added bonus that she hailed from a prominent family, making her all the more noticeable.

"Athena, are you attending the welcoming party later?" a passing girl inquired.

"A party? So soon?" Athena smiled in surprise. "I'll check my schedule. I'll text you later if I can go," she replied.

"Okay! But I hope you can make it. It will be a blast if you and Marcus are there," the girl added.

With every person she passed, Athena received greetings and inquiries about her well-being. Even students from other courses recognized and greeted her. Apart from being beautiful and wealthy, she was also kind and approachable. She was easy to get along with and knew how to socialize, which made her well-liked by many.

"Exhausting," a voice void of emotions muttered.

Blank eyes, emotionless face and gray aura. Athena stopped in front of a large acacia tree. No one was around to hear her emotionless voice and see her current state.

Athena looked up, her blank eyes taking in the lush green leaves. Through the spaces between the branches, the blue sky peeked through, while the golden rays of the sun intensified the colors of the massive plant. Blue, green, and yellow. Cold, fresh, and warm. The colors complemented each other, evoking different but equally light sensations.

The scenery touched Athena's skin, but she couldn't feel it.

She resumed walking toward the Science Building. As she was about to enter the West Building, she decided to buy a drink from a vending machine. She inserted money for just one drink, but when she pressed her selection, two carbonated lychee drinks were dispensed.

"Still, this must be a lucky day," she smiled to herself before turning. While contemplating to whom she should give the extra drink, Athena was startled by someone bumping into her.

"Uhm, hey hey," she blurted as her eyes followed the trail of her drink.

The canned drink Athena was holding fell and rolled toward the notebooks and pens. Athena bent down first to help pick up the fallen items and her spilled drink. As she extended the items to the owner, she paused for a moment and stared at the woman.

Beautiful face, delicate features, and fair white skin.

"I'm sorry, and thank you,"

Athena was taken aback and blinked a few times before responding, "It's okay," 

The woman gently took her belongings from Athena's hand and quickly walked away. Athena's gaze followed her, noticing her apparent confusion. The woman stopped and walked back toward her.

"Ah, uhm, Miss, can I ask where the Business Building is? I'm new here, so I'm not familiar."

A sweet and gentle voice entered Athena's ears. 

The acacia tree suddenly stole Athena's attention. She noticed the vibrant cool green leaves swaying in the wind, glistening under the bright and warm sunlight against the calming blue sky. Cold, fresh, and warm. She suddenly felt at ease.

Athena smiled and responded to the woman, "You're in the opposite building. This is the West Building, and the one you're looking for is in the East."

"Really? Oh, okay, thanks," the woman quickly took off, but she abruptly stopped when Athena asked a question.

"You're in a hurry?"

"Yes, my class is about to start."

"You're a freshman, right? Do you want me to walk you there?"

The woman didn't answer right away, but after battling with shyness and necessity in her mind, she nodded.

"Then, let's go," Athena said cheerfully, her eyes sparkling.

As they walked, Athena noticed the freshman growing tense. She observed her closely. The girl had milk-chocolate-colored hair that cascaded down to her waist. She had a small face, drowsy eyes with long lashes, straight brows, a pointed nose, and pink lips. Her skin was soft and healthy. Athena was 5'7", but because of the sandals the girl was wearing, they appeared to be of the same height.

"Here," Athena said as she lightly tapped the canned drink against the girl's cheek. Surprised, the girl turned to look at her.

"You look quite tense. Don't worry, it's just the first day, and you are in your first year. It's understandable if you're running late."

The girl took the drink, "Th-Thanks, I just don't want to make a bad impression."

"You're too beautiful. I don't think you will leave a bad impression," Athena stated, causing the girl to stop walking. Athena simply wanted the girl to feel at ease, but her reaction was different.

"I'm just a scholar here, so I'm being cautious."

Athena paused in her steps and fell silent for a moment. "What is your name and course?" she asked.

Athena noticed that the girl's eyes seemed to cloud over briefly before snapping back into focus.

"I'm Clara from the Marketing department. Sorry for not introducing myself immediately," she said, apologetic.

Athena laughed softly at the realization they both had forgotten to introduce themselves.

"Oh, I'm Athena from the I.T department," she said, introducing herself with a calm smile, much like the cool demeanor of someone savoring a canned lychee drink.