4 Fourth Chapter: Rebecca Gayle (1)

"Introduce yourself." Professor Kuiper announced.

The professor is walking around the front and seems to be thinking about something.

He clapped his hands to get our attention. "Okay! Who wants to volunteer?"

The class started whispering to one another and even avoided eye contact. Most likely hesitant to be the first one to introduce oneself. 

Definitely not me. I inwardly refused with conviction. 

And just like the others, I also avoided eye contact just to increase the chance of not being the first one.

The professor seems to have come to a decision and opened his mouth:

"Since no one wants to volunteer, then I will just call on one of you." Professor Kuiper said with an amused smile.

He continued, "Before that, the things you have to say are your full name, age, hobbies, likes or dislikes, and … your relationship status." He announced, pausing for a little bit before the last phrase.

"Oohh!"

The students oohed and giggled in response. Obviously liked what the professor said. As expected of hormonal teenagers.

"I guess, hmmm … let's start from the … back!" 

The same time he said the last word, he pointed at the back, or more specifically at me, to begin introducing yourself. 

What the—why am I the first one?! 

Isn't it normal to start from the front? Why are you trying to change the rule here, sir? Excuse me, I cannot accept this!

"Since we usually begin from the front, just to change things up, people at the back would be the lucky ones to go first." Professor Kuiper said with amusement. 

Lucky ones, my ass! I take my words back, I'll put him in my death note instead!

Some of the more cheerful classmates at the front cheered loudly, agreeing with that statement.

"Yass!"

"That's correct, sir!"

"I agree!"

I disagree with you, sir! 

While I was contemplating my life choices, Rebecca suddenly shook me and said:

"You're so lucky! You got to be the first one!"

Are you right in the head, miss?

I just looked at her and sighed…

"Hm? Why do you look so down?" Rebecca asked, tilting her head as if it wasn't obvious enough.

Really not compatible at all. 

I just shook my head and stood up because those numerous piercing eyes were starting to hurt me as they waited for me to introduce myself. Please, don't look at me so much. I'll cry.

I put my hands in my pocket and mentally prepared myself.

You can do this, Alex!

"Name is Kris Alex de Nayale, 17 years old, loves anime, hates loud noises, and is single. Thank you."

I spoke fast like I was in a hurry and sat down immediately. I was a little bit nervous but managed to keep my cool.

"O-okay … umm, thank you, Mr. Kris. That was quite a … straightforward introduction. Maybe you can tell us about any talent that you may have?" Professor Kuiper uttered, stuttering a little.

You're not done yet?

I stopped and thought for a moment … I was contemplating whether to just say no, but since I also felt bad for Professor Kuiper having to deal with one awkward first introduction, I just decided to tell the truth.

"Dancing." I curtly replied.

"Oh! That's nice. Would you like to show us?" The professor asked after hearing my answer. Holding on to one thing that would maybe lengthen my introduction. Unfortunately, you have met me, sir.

"N—" Before I could refuse, suddenly the students became rowdy and started to chant.

"Sample!"

"Go!"

"Show us!"

I lightly grimaced at the disorderly noises they kept on making.

So annoying … 

Clap!

Professor Kuiper clapped and the class stopped talking.

"Everyone, don't force your classmates if they don't want to do it, are we clear?" Professor Kuiper reprimanded them.

"..." Everyone remained silent and Professor Kuiper took that as a silent yes.

"Good. With that being said, do you want to show your talent, Mr. Kris?" Professor Kuiper asked me again.

I took a quick breath and then replied, "No, sir. And it's miss, sir." I corrected Professor Kuiper while I was at it.

Professor Kuiper showed a surprised face for a moment then coughed in his hand, "Is that so? I'm sorry for the confusion, Ms. Kris. I hope I didn't offend you …"

Based on his reaction, he probably fully believed I was a man. I was quite far in the back, after all. There are like 4 or 5 rows in front of me so it's quite hard to see me. What's more, the lights at the back are not open making it a little bit dark. Anyway, it didn't bother me, after all, I was often mistaken for a man before. I'm used to it.

Therefore, I just shook my head in response. 

Professor Kuiper slightly smiled and said, "Okay then, let's continue." Then pointed his hands at Rebecca next to me.

Groans of disappointment echoed in the room but just like the teacher said they moved on and started to attentively listen to the next student.

Do they really want to see me embarrass myself?

The sound of screeching and scraping of a chair across the floor sounded out beside me, catching my attention. I looked to the left and saw Rebecca standing up.

"Hello, everyone!" She greeted cheerfully with her usual smiling face.

"My name is Rebecca Gayle! I'm 18 years old, turning 19 this November. I love a lot of things but currently, I've been interested in crocheting; and, umm, I like listening to music, especially ballads. As for dislikes, uhh … I … do not have a lot of things I don't like but if I have to name one, maybe insects? And I'm currently single. That's all, I hope we get along! Thank you!"

The class applause after her introduction, different from mine, maybe because it was too short and they didn't even have a chance to clap. I don't mind, though.

"That was interesting, Ms. Rebecca. I like the energy. Thank you for that. And by the way, you've got a really beautiful smile." Professor spoke with a satisfied nod. 

Rebecca, now seated, smiled at the professor's praise and simply said thank you.

Even the professor has fallen victim to Rebecca's smile … How scary … 

"Hoo … I was so nervous. Do you think I did well, Kris?" Rebecca started talking to me again as she moved closer to whisper while the next person was introducing themselves.

You're nervous in that state, huh?

"It's fine." 

"By the way, it's so funny that we have been talking for a while and I've just gotten to know your name."

You were the only one who was talking.

"So your name is Kris. It's so pretty!"

I was a little bit taken aback, not used to getting compliments so I just reciprocated her words back:

"Thanks. Yours, too." 

She replied, "Thanks!"

"Let's talk later, I'll feel bad if we don't listen to them." She added, moving back to her seat.

You were the one who started it.

I wanted to sigh but just nodded.

Rebecca did not talk after that, focusing on the student introducing herself.

It looks like she wants to get to know her classmates. I guess that's expected of her.

The introduction continued on while I went into a daze, not listening after Rebecca since I don't know any of them nor I'm interested to know.

I hope the rain stops before the end of the class …

It is so troublesome since the beginning of the semester is in the rainy season. So I have to start my college life in gloomy weather. Furthermore, I was wearing dress shoes and I just cleaned them.

Maybe I shouldn't have worn this …

***

After a while …

I was just looking nowhere but wasn't able to take it anymore.

Oh my gosh! It's so freaking cold here! Who even put the AC on max?! I'm already wearing double long sleeves and yet I'm still shivering to death here! 

Fwoosh … Fwoosh … I kept on blowing my hands and rubbing it to get some heat on my body. But to no avail, it's still so freezing cold.

"Are you cold?" Rebecca asked after noticing me shivering and rubbing myself.

"I-I'm fine." I replied while my teeth were clattering from the coldness.

"Do you want to wear mine?" She worriedly offered and touched her pink cardigan.

I shook my head, couldn't even speak, and adamantly refused her offer since I didn't want to bother her; and, moreover, it's not gonna fit me.

"Fine … but tell me if you need it." Rebecca said with a look of concern on her face.

I nodded and then she went back to listening but looked at me now and then.

I'm really okay, girl. You don't have to worry.

I felt warm inside but I didn't show it. Although she was a little bit talkative, she's not a bad person. I guess it's fine to be friends with her …

Unconsciously, maybe because my impression of Rebecca improved, I copied her and listened to my classmates introducing themselves. It's not like I have better things to do, anyway …

I looked at the girl standing and I was surprised since it was almost at the front.

Was I spaced out that long? 

The girl has long ebony hair dropping below her buttocks. I can't see her face since she is facing the fron—okay, never mind. She turned towards the back and I finally could see her face … And was very shocked to see it.

She has very sharp green eyes and full lips. Her nose standing straight similar to her back giving off an energy of awe and authority. Just looking at how she held herself, she is very suited as a leader or president of the room.

But it's not her beauty nor her demeanor that surprised me.

"Good day, classmates!" A voice full of confidence boomed throughout the room.

"I'm Cecilie Sanya Shvets, recently turned 18 this year. I studied here in First College in my senior high school year …" Shvets started to introduce herself.

Yes, just like Evans, we both studied here in its senior high school department. She was our president back then. She was charismatic, dependable, smart, and everything good you can think of describes her well. 

So she also decided to study here …

Shvet finished her introduction with a thank you and then sat down. Immediately, a familiar person stood up. 

Oh. That's where she is.

The next person to speak is Caikee Evans. She was a short, cute, freckled, slightly chubby girl, with blonde locks of hair tied up into a messy bun. 

It feels like we're having a reunion here in college … 

I guess that's a good thing. At least I know someone I can ask questions to. 

Evans finished her introduction and sat down, after that, I lost interest in other students and went back to daydreaming …

***

After the last student introduced themselves …

"Thank you, class! I hope we will get along with each other. I will dismiss you early today since it's still the first day. You still have a few hours before the next class. Enjoy, everyone." Professor Kuiper said and proceeded to walk out of the room.

"Yoo-hoo!"

"Yes!"

Everyone cheered in happiness since we have a lot of free time … Though I expected the teachers in college to be strict and dismissive, I guess reality is different from expectation.

"Kris!"

Oh no …

It looks like the talking machine is about to start again.

"I lowered the AC since you were shivering earlier, is it okay now?"

"..." I was a bit speechless and guilty 'cause I thought …

So that's why, she stood up immediately after class dismissal and the cold is now bearable.

"Yeah, thank you." I don't know how to show my gratitude but I expressed it to the best of my abilities.

"You're welcome!" She smiled and her cute dimples showed up again.

She doesn't get tired of smiling, does she? 

I unconsciously slightly smiled back at her and she showed a surprised face, and blushed a little or was it my imagination?