KAI;

I never knew popping the question would be such a nerve-wracking thing. And my body decided to betray me and show signs of anxiety. Unfortunately, Kira is a reader – and a good one at that. She could detect I was nervous about something but thankfully, she didn’t detect the reason why. That, I was relieved. Until I finally asked the question, she was genuinely surprised. The glint in her eyes, the smile that she formed out of happiness, the unnoticed tears forming at the brim of her eyes – I couldn’t help but smile as well. I knew she was as happy as I was. And I was more than happy. I was content.

But not all happiness last long.

Somehow, words spread like wildfire. God knows how. I figured that there were some students from our college that went to the exhibition and witnessed what had happened. I’m not surprised. The speed of news travel in the campus is so fast, even I can’t keep up. Before you know it, in a blink of an eye, everyone is talking about the same thing. It’s as if they have nothing else better to do than feed themselves with stories of other people’s lives. Sometimes, those stories aren’t even verified if they really happened or not. These people – they just can’t seem to find any other better things to do.

“Dude! Is it true what I heard?!” Sehun jumps on me as I enter the locker room.

“What did you hear?” I answer nonchalantly.

“That you’re engaged!” He shrieks. “What the hell? It’s like so sudden! And you didn’t have the decency to tell your best friend.” He makes a face – an annoyed one.

I make the same expression. “I was planning on telling you but yeah, you’re busy with your own girl, so I didn’t want to interrupt.”

He rolls his eyes. “Whatever. So it’s true?”

I nod with a small smile.

“Oho! Dude! You’re owned!” He shouts.

“Shut up, damn it,” I say.

“Please. Almost everyone knows. No need to hide anymore.”

“Ugh, that’s so annoying,” I say.

“So, when’s the big day?”

“Not in planning yet. Dude, at least, let me graduate too, kay?” I joke with a small laugh.

Sehun laughs. “Sure. I wouldn’t want to miss graduation with my buddy.” He wraps an arm around me and pats my shoulder. “Come on, get dressed. It’s time for practice.”

“Oh, that’s a rare sight,” she says with a chuckle. “What possessed you to wait for me outside my class? I was shocked to read your text.”

We start walking together, and at that moment, the rumour that everyone thought was only a rumour is confirmed.

“It’s been a while since we had lunch together,” I say as I put my hands into my pockets with a small smile.

She scoffs. “Just because I already have this on my finger,” she raises her hand to show me the ring, “you get a little jumpier than you were before.”

I laugh. “Is it wrong?”

She shrugs. “I like it in a way.”

“Kira!” A voice calls out to us and it is Hana. She comes close and gives Kira a hit on her arm.

“What is that about?!” Kira shrieks as she rubs her arm.

“This is what it is about.” Hana pulls up Kira’s hand that bears the ring. “How could you not tell me?!” Hana exclaims dramatically – which is a typical sight.

“And you!” She points at me. I give her a confused look. “You could’ve at least asked for the advice of your girl’s best friend but no! Suddenly, I see her finger bears a ring.”

“Gosh, Hana, don’t be so worked up about it,” Kira says with a chuckle. “Now you know.”

Hana pouts. “I expected first-hand information but no.”

Kira gives her a hug. “I still love you.”

“KIRA! I DON’T LIKE YOU!” Hana screams into the hug. I couldn’t help but laugh. This is a normal sight. It’s what they do. They may sound like they are mad at each other but in reality, they’re just messing around. They know they still have each other’s backs.

“I love you too! Now, come on. Want to have lunch with us?”

“I’d love to but I don’t want to disturb you two lovebirds so carry on.” Hana hugs Kira again. “I don’t like you. Bye.” And she leaves.

Kira laughs. “God, I love her. Come on, let’s go.”

During lunch, we talk as if we have not met for a long time. In fact, whenever we have a conversation, that’s how we are – talking and talking about everything. Laughing and ignoring the world – that is always the moment I love spending with Kira. I listen to w