Chapter 1 Leap Of Fate -

　　He’s wearing a black three-piece suit that clung to his body like second skin. His smile reached his eyes, the entire universe reflected in them. Those eyes spoke of promise and of hope, excitement and eagerness. They made his handsome features more handsome by the sheer happiness that emanated from them. His smile, oh his smile! Like the first time she saw him, it’s sweet and captivating. It spoke of anticipation, bliss, and hope. He’s the perfect groom. 

　　All six feet of him stood at the end of the aisle, waiting. He’s happy, nervous, anxious and giddy all at the same time. His gaze fixed on the person walking towards him. He widened his smile at the space between. Tears formed at the corner of his eyes. He seemed to see his future flash in front of him in a montage. 

　　As Serene looked at Bryan’s bright eyes, she cannot help but feel like she was stepping into one of her dreams many years ago. 

　　In her dream, he was waiting for her with a smile stamped upon his face. He looked at her, adoration filled his eyes, as she took her time to walk down the aisle. Dressed in white and holding a tiny bouquet, she glided towards the altar, closing the gap between them inch by inch. Looking up, she smiled at him from beneath the thin veil that covered her face. He smiled back at her.

　　Today, he wore the same smile. It was the kind that melts your heart, makes your knees weak, and makes your heart beat from your chest. It’s the smile that assures you that from that day forward, nothing else mattered. Everything else is ephemeral and only you and him exist. 

　　She first saw Bryan in one of the fashion events she hosted when she was in college. She would do such part-time jobs after joining and winning a local beauty pageant. He was one of the male models for the fashion event. 

　　Half an hour before the actual show, the event organizers have asked everyone to gather in a small function hall for some last-minute reminders and adjustments. Like everyone else, she went to the function hall. 

　　As soon as she opened the door, the frigid air from the air conditioner embraced her. The knee-length red dress she wore did not help her at all. She let out a shiver as goosebumps formed on her exposed arms. She automatically rubbed her arms, hoping that whatever friction she created would generate enough warmth.

　　“You must be cold,” the deep and warm voice of a young man welcomed her as he reached out to give her his jacket. 

　　She was a little surprised by the unexpected gesture, and his warm smile had drawn her to him. It was a toothy smile, almost like from a toothpaste commercial. However, unlike those advertisements, his smile reached the eyes giving off a warm and friendly vibe. It lit up his face and made everything around him fade in a blur. 

　　For a moment, those bright eyes and red lips pulled her in a world and time where only they existed. His lit up face and her slack-jawed self. She forgot feeling cold or the room full of people who were busy chatting with each other. Stunned, she just looked at him transfixed in the moment. 

　　He shook his hand that held the jacket in front of her, cutting off her thoughts. His friendly and somewhat mischievous smile on his lips.

　　“Thank you, I did not expect it to be this cold here.” Serene smiled shyly as she accepted his jacket. As soon as it enveloped her shoulders, she immediately felt warm. She inhaled a faint cologne from it. It smelled clean, refreshing, and masculine, but not overbearingly. The scent was subtle and did not assault the senses. 

　　“I’m Bryan, by the way” he extended his right hand towards her.

　　“Serene,” she said simply as she took his extended hand and shook it.

　　And just like that, they went on their respective agenda for the night. He went to his fellow models while she took a quiet spot to sit. As they intently listened to the last-minute changes and reminders from the organizers, she cannot help but throw quick and clandestine glances in his direction. 

　　He looked handsome, even in his profile. He had perfectly curated features — his prominent nose, thick brows, and red lips — they were like an artwork. The more she looked at him, the faster her heart beat. 

　　He probably noticed her gaze because he also turned to look at her. When their eyes met, he smiled at her. Caught red-handed, her cheeks felt hot. She withdrew her gaze and did not look at him again, afraid that he might catch her ogling at him again. 

　　Before being escorted to the stage by the event organizers, she walked up towards him and returned his jacket. She thanked him, then walked away to go about her hosting duties. 

　　The event formally began and ended without further interaction between them. She went home feeling tired from the event and a little downtrodden because she could not see him even at the after party. 

　　As she was lying on her bed blankly staring at the ceiling, she cannot help but recall that barely a minute interaction between them. That seemingly negligible interaction became a permanent resident of her memory. She replayed it in her mind repeatedly. Despite feeling a little disappointed, she still slept with a smile on her face and dreamed the sweetest dream she ever had.

Chapter 2 Leap Of Fate -

　　The following day was a Monday. Despite not having her usual eight-hour sleep, Serene got up from bed and prepared herself for school. The throbbing pain in her temples did not irritate her. Instead, she went to the bathroom with a spring on her feet and even sung as she enjoyed her shower.

　　Opting for her usual jeans and white-collared shirt, paired with clean white sneakers, she went on her way to the University. With her hair pulled up in a neat ponytail, and her face kept bare save for her lip balm, she looked energetic and younger than her actual age.

　　Today, Serene felt it was sunnier than usual. Everything seemed bright. She did not complain when she got stuck in traffic on her way to the University. The crowded bus did not make her feel inconvenienced. She squeezed herself onto the tightly packed bus, feeling like a sardine, without a grunt of complaint. Left with no choice, she stood along the isle and crushed between other passengers.

　　The bus sat in traffic longer than usual because of the minor accident ahead. Her day felt so sunny, none of these inconveniences bothered her. Her lips stretched to a smile as she enjoyed the music coming from the earphones stuck in her ears. She even hummed in accompaniment. She’s a stark contrast from the annoyed and irritated look of the surrounding people.

　　As soon as she entered the university’s gate, her best friend Mary excitedly hugged her. Mary was her usual self — a dazzling ball of energy.

　　“So, how was the fashion show last night?” she asked as they walked arm in arm to their class.

　　“It’s fun, but boy, it was tiring. I did not stay long for the after party. As usual, I went into Cinderella mode.”

　　“Did you meet anyone interesting?” Mary winked at her, her eyes teasing her. Serene cannot hide the smile on her face as she recalled Bryan and their barely a minute moment replayed in her mind frame by frame and in slow motion. “I take it as you met someone interesting... so spill it!”

　　Mary almost shrieked in excitement as she goaded her to fill her in. Serene obliged and told her about the incident, but skipped Bryan’s name on purpose. Knowing Mary, if she knew his name, she would tease her the entire day without mercy or she’d be in detective mode and stalk the ‘prey’. Both of which she did not want her to do. She just wanted to cherish these details for as long as she could for now.

　　“By the way, let’s have lunch together later. My brother’s friend came from abroad and is in town. He’s fun, and I’d like you to meet him.”

　　“OK.”

　　They separated to go on to their respective classes. Serene took Economics while Mary took Accountancy.

　　She had known Mary Lewis for what felt like her entire life. They lived next to each other and have been friends since they were children. To Serene, Mary was like a sister she never had. Despite being the same age, Mary acted like her protector, fending off her bullies, or anyone who dared hurt her.

　　She was like a family since both their parents were also good friends. Serene would often spend sleepovers in each other’s place. When Mary’s parents are out on trips, her mother would insist that she and her brother Al live with them. Thus, the Lewis siblings had their own rooms in the Ellis’ house.

　　She could get away and hide a secret from her parents, but never to Mary. She could read her like the back of her hand. Sometimes, All Mary had to do was look at her and she would know that something’s bothering her or hurting her.

　　There were a few blessings in her life and knowing the Lewis’s would be top of her list. Since their University was a plane ride away from home, having Mary in the same city made living away from her family bearable. She was simply a godsend.

　　Lunch time finally came. They went to the small café at the back of the university. Few students go here because it’s pricey. Mary stopped by the door and surveyed the whole cafe. When she found what she was looking for, she pulled Serene in towards the table by the window.

　　Lo-and-behold, it turned out that the friend that Mary would like to introduce to her was none other than Bryan. Seeing him calmly sitting as he played with his cellphone, gave an explosion of emotion inside her.

　　Serene stood rooted to where she was standing and was just looking at him. She could not believe what was going on. The person she had a sweet dream about was right now in front of her.

　　She secretly pinched herself to check if she was dreaming. She felt the pain from her arms confirming that she was not dreaming. Bryan really sat at the table that Mary approached. His immaculate features concentrated on the tiny screen he held.

　　Before Mary could utter a word to introduce them to each other, he suddenly peeled his attention from his cellphone and shifted it to the two of them.

　　“So, we meet again” he said, flashing his dazzling set of pearly whites.

　　Mary switched her gaze between them. One stood with her jaws wide open while the other sat comfortably looking at Serene with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

　　Something clicked at the back of her mind as she continued to stare at the two. She recalled Serene telling her she met somebody from last night’s event and lent her a jacket. A smile formed on Mary’s lips. From the way her friend tried very hard to downplay everything when she told him about last night’s events, she knew Serene got a thing for Bryan.

　　Oh, this girl! She thought she could fool her by sounding disinterested. She arched her brows and surveyed Bryan. He’s quite a looker. She’d give it to Serene. She always had good taste in men.

Chapter 3 Leap Of Fate -

　　“Oh, he’s the one who lent you a jacket?” Mary meaningfully elbowed Serene, who cannot help but blush from the implication that she and Mary had been talking about him.

　　Serene rolled her eyes at Mary. She also secretly pinched her to quiet her. She loved Mary, but at that moment she wanted to strangle her.

　　He was a complete gentleman and did not bite Mary’s cue to tease her. They ate their lunch smoothly, which was unexpected. Serene thought that she would embarrass herself by being ditzy, however the three of them had an enjoyable lunch sharing food and stories. She learned Bryan happened to Mary’s brother’s friend. His family moved abroad but has just recently returned.

　　Bryan made people feel at ease. He made people feel he was genuinely interested in what they would like to say, and he sincerely wanted to learn more about the person he was talking to.

　　There was no untouchable topic to the three of them. They talked just about anything — his life abroad, their university life, Serene’s pageant stint, sometimes even politics. He shared his ideas openly and showed his deep understanding of various subjects without making others feel intimidated.

　　Although he would share things about himself, most of the time he would ask questions about her and Mary. It is as if their thoughts are of utmost importance.

　　After the sumptuous lunch, he sent them back to the university. He also exchanged contact details with Serene. As expected, as soon as Bryan’s shadow left the two besties, Mary immediately teased Serene endlessly, to which she cannot do anything but blush and complain.

　　Before her day ended, as she was lying in her bed while randomly surfing the internet, a message notification from her instant messaging app came in which made her almost jump from her bed. It was from Bryan.

　　“Are you still awake?”

　　“Yeah”

　　“Studying?”

　　“No, just surfing. You?”

　　“Thinking of you.”

　　“Oh, he’s the one who lent you a jacket?” Mary meaningfully elbowed Serene, who cannot help but blush at the implication that she and Mary had been talking about him. Mary giggled playfully when she saw Serene’s cheeks flushed.

　　Serene rolled her eyes at Mary and secretly pinched her arm to quiet her. However, the harder she pinched, the more she giggled. Serene loved Mary like a sister, but at that moment she wanted to strangle her.

　　She felt so exposed and all she wanted was to find a hole to hide into. Her eyes shyly looked at Bryan’s. She expected to see ridicule in them or perhaps smugness, but she saw nothing of the sort. He smiled at her as if apologizing for Mary’s teasing.

　　He was a complete gentleman and did not bite Mary’s cue to tease her. He cleared his throat and said, “Well, are you two pretty ladies gonna join me?”

　　“Well, come on now, ‘pretty lady’, let’s order food, this guy’s treating,” Mary said as she scooted over to the end of the seat. Serene quietly followed her friend and sat directly in front of Bryan.

　　Mary ordered her heart out. In no time, Mary’s orders filled their table. An assortment of fried and greasy food laid down before them. Serene swallowed at the sight of them. “How am I gonna eat this without looking like a slob?” she contemplated.

　　“Hey, dig in! They’re all your favorites,” Mary said as her teeth sank in a juicy cheeseburger. Serene swallowed but picked up her cheeseburger and took the daintiest bite she could.

　　“What’s wrong, Shen?” Mary asked looking, her eyes full of concern. “Got toothache or something, babe?”

　　“No. Why?” Serene asked while she chewed on the minuscule cheeseburger in her mouth. Mary just shrugged her shoulder and continued to eat with gusto.

　　Bryan watched the entire exchange with amusement. “Relax, Shen. Just enjoy your food. No one’s judging,” he said, before picking up a greasy chicken wing and biting it. Sauce spread on his lips, which he simply licked with his tongue.

　　Looking at Bryan not giving any airs, Serene felt comfortable and threw away her image out of the window and ate her food the way she wanted to, grease and all.

　　They ate their lunch smoothly, which was unexpected. Serene thought that she would embarrass herself by being ditzy, however the three of them had an enjoyable lunch sharing food and stories.

　　Bryan naturally made people feel at ease. He made people feel he was genuinely interested in what they would like to say, and he sincerely wanted to learn more about the person he was talking to.

　　He laughed freely whenever she or Mary said something he found amusing. The more Serene sat and listened to him, the more she felt her heart beat wildly from her chest.

　　There was no untouchable topic to the three of them. They talked just about anything — his life abroad, their university life, Serene’s pageant stint, sometimes even politics. He shared his ideas openly and showed his deep understanding of various subjects without making others feel intimidated.

　　Although he would share things about himself, most of the time he would ask questions about her and Mary. It is as if their thoughts are of utmost importance.

　　After the sumptuous lunch, he sent them back to the university. He also exchanged contact details with Serene. As expected, as soon as Bryan’s shadow left the two besties, Mary immediately teased Serene endlessly, to which she cannot do anything but blush and complain.

　　Before her day ended, as she was lying in her bed while randomly surfing the internet, a message notification from her instant messaging app came in which made her almost jump from her bed. It was from Bryan.

　　“Are you still awake?”

　　“Yeah”

　　“Studying?”

　　“No, just surfing. You?”

　　“Thinking of you.”

　　Serene was so surprised her phone slid off her hand and landed flat on her face. Scratching her nose, she kept looking back to the message to make sure that she read it right.

　　Thinking of you... Thinking of you… He was thinking of me?!? Why?

　　She felt happy and anxious at the same time. It seemed like today was a day of surprises for Serene. Her heart beat wildly in her chest as her eyes looked at the lighted up screen in front of her.

　　She has not yet recovered from the elation she felt reading his last message, when a phone call came in. Picking it up, she looked dumbly at the caller ID. It’s Bryan.

　　“Hello?” she tentatively answered, trying so hard to keep her voice as neutral as possible.

　　“Were you angry?”

　　“Huh? Why would I be angry?”

　　“You did not answer my message for quite some time. I thought you were angry”

　　“I’m not. I just cannot believe that you would say that”

　　“Why?”

　　“Well, because I was doing the same thing,” Serene’s voice was almost inaudible as she shyly responded, biting her lips all the while.

　　“Doing what? Say it,” although it was a command, his voice sounded as if he was teasing her, which made her blush even more. Although it was not a video call, she cannot help but turn red up to her ears. She imagined he had his lips stretched to a mischievous smile.

　　“Thinking of you.”