C4 CHAPTER 04

Akira went to the university early today. She has to be early because it is the actual start of classes for the other subjects that had the orientation yesterday. Since there isn't any Welcome Walk scheduled today because it's the second official day of classes.

Akira thought that yesterday was the last day she will see the guy that she got her envelope mixed up with, but she was wrong. They even ended up being classmates, she didn't notice the course and section written at the back with the name was the same as hers. She was too caught up in thinking how will she get the envelope back yesterday, she was too out of it.

She quietly enters the room to look for a place to sit. She found a spot in the middle row of the classroom. She does not want to be up at the front, nor to be too far back, middle row is fine and she can live with that. Trying to be comfortable in her seat while waiting for the others to come to class. Lowkey waiting for someone.

Ehh- okay, why am I even waiting for him?? That grumpy dude. He's not even an old man yet he's grumpy like one.

She was pulled back to reality when someone sits at the empty seat in front of her. "Hi!" The girl cheerfully greets. "I'm Luna. Luna Trinidad,"

"Hello, I'm Akira" She shakes hand with her before smiling at each other. Due to everything that happened yesterday was such a blur, Akira didn't have the time to notice her other classmates she's going to be with for the whole semester. "It's nice to meet you,"

Luna returned the same respect and kindness. "I saw you yesterday at the Welcome Walk, and I got to say, I really like your style" She compliments "Well, even today actually" She follows up when she realizes Akira might misunderstand what she said. Complimenting her Complementing her high-waisted bell bottom denim jeans and a fitted top that goes with the pants, it's still according to the dress code of the university. But mid-rib tops are a no-no and is against university dress code. And the same Nike air force 1 she wore yesterday.

Akira couldn't help but feel shy at Luna's compliment. Just in time when she turns to gaze at the classroom door, the person she was low key waiting for entered- which her was still contradicting her.

The others turned to look when the other guys approaches him for a bro-hug. "Dwayne, my man! how are 'ya?"

The teacher came in as well, the students went and took their seats, including Luna. Akira heaves a deep sigh first before looking to see who is going to be the professor for today.

"Good Morning, class. I'm Ms. Benitez and I'll be your subject teacher for this class within the span of this semester..."

The professor continues to speak as she carries on with the class. Although, Akira can't stop thinking about the incident yesterday with Dwayne. Still with the incident, yeah. It's her turn to not get it off her mind. She remembers it mostly now that she's seen him today. Shaking her head at the thought, she knows too well she needs to focus. She needs to get herself together and not get distracted at unnecessary things.

They're in for an orientation for today's morning class. Actually, there's only one class scheduled for them today this morning. Then the next one is right after lunch time. Since there's only one class in the morning, its scheduled 2 1/2 hours, giving more time for class and orientation.

They were given time to speak and introduce themselves one by one in order to be familiar with each other and for the professor. When it was Dwayne's turn to speak, it was obvious that all of them were attentively listening- especially the girls.

His speaking voice was truly something else. It's not that manly like the others, it was just right. It really fits him. Dreamy. While Dwayne was speaking in front, Akira was noticing other things about him that she obviously did not notice yesterday. She was too caught up about the attitude and aura Dwayne gave yesterday that's why she chose to just flee away at the situation.

As he continues to speak, Akira found herself occasionally looking at him from time to time. And at some point, their gaze meet. Eventually, Akira was always the first one to look away. Uhh...Send help...? Taking note of his features, She notices that Dwayne was wearing braces, his nose was perfectly shaped, and his lips. She envies his lips, Hers were chapped and scared for some reason.

When it was her turn, she cleared her throat heaving a deep sigh before speaking. It's a thing she always do before doing something. It was her way of gathering courage. Afterall, first impressions are everything. Akira was so out of it, she didn't even notice that everyone's turn was over after a few more minutes has passed.

"Okay, since everyone has already introduced themselves, I will be giving the output you will be doing by group"

Huh???

"Countings start with you," The professor points at the student sitting in the first row. "Then it continues on..."

Nevertheless, the students counted. There were four groups in total, and students were grouped using the 1,2 Method. Basically, all students that has counted the number 1 will all be grouped together, and so on.

The professor pointed at Akira, "3...?"

"You're not sure, Ms. Buenesco?" The professor jokingly said before carrying on.

Get it together, Kira!

Once the countings were finished, the professor announces the deadline of the output- the day after tomorrow since it wasn't such a heavy task. The rest of the remaining time was given as Free Cut. Giving time for groups to talk about their output.

Sometimes, you will just be left asking if all of this were meant to be a joke. Of all the students she can end up in groups with...

During the remaining free cut time, Akira's group decided to work outside. When you come out of their building, there's this shade under a tree with stone tables and benches. It's a refreshing spot where you can breathe fresh air. Luna, Akira, Dwayne and another guy from their class were all grouped together. There was silence at the table, none of them was speaking.

Awkwardddd...

They were practically strangers. Luckily, Luna was able to read the atmosphere and brings out her laptop so they can start.

"So, I was thinking we should divide the workload with each members. We will all pick a part we want to work with so everyone will have participation on the output." Luna takes the lead of speaking while opening her laptop. Glancing at the others that are obviously fazed at the situation. Who wouldn't be? Groupings on the first day???

Luna clears her throat. "Rover, right? I heard it from the orientation earlier?" looking at the other dude who nods his head in their four-man group. "And Kenzie, right?"

" 'Dwayne' is fine. I'm not used to being called 'Kenzie'" The guy beside Akira clears.

"Okay, Dwayne and Akira," She smiles. Luna already knew Akira from earlier before classes even started. "Is the Division of Labor concept okay with everyone?"

"Yeah,"

"Sure, I'm fine with that"

"Same,"

A wave of relief hit Luna when everyone agrees on the concept. "Okay, I'm starting to feel hungry, i'm just going to grab a snack. Ya'll chill on your places," She chuckles.

"I'm coming with you, I'm thirsty myself," The guy named Rover says, excusing himself from the two people that are left on the table under the shade of the tree.

OKAY, now she can panic. Akira mentally face palmed herself. The realization of just the two of them left alone hits her hard. Strongly remembering the first time they met was not a good start.

Honestly, Dwayne is not a grumpy dude with a bad attitude. The only thing that got Akira in concluding that he was, because of their first encounter. First impressions lasts indeed. If he was unapproachable in the first place, he wouldn't make the first move as...

"Uh...Akira, right? I remembered from the envelope and the orientation earlier," Turning to his side a bit so he was facing Akira. "Sorry if I came out rude to you yesterday. You know, the envelope encounter"

I knew it!

"It's okay, it was an accident. They gave me the wrong envelope," She nods as well.

"Right, I was left with no choice I had to get it than nothing. It was the last one in the box," Dwayne lets out a slightly nervous laugh.

Akira almost thanked everyone and everything she could think of thanking when Luna and Rover came back. They can finally start with their group output and her conversation with Dwayne will be stopped. It's not that she doesn't want to talk to him, Akira was still a but shy afterall.

"I hope you don't mind that I got you some clubhouse sandwiches?" Luna hesitates to ask Akira while holding the neatly wrapped clubhouse sandwich and a bottle of water.

"Hey~ you didn't have to tho," Slightly waving her hands as refusal. But it's more of a shame if she didn't accept it. "Thank you, how thoughtful of you" Rover also bought something for Dwayne, which he wholeheartedly accepts.

They finally started with the things that's needs to be done on their output. In the end, they decided to do the tasks by pairs. "Rover and I decided to do the powerpoint of our output, although he will also research for information about the topics. Is it okay of You and Akira will be in charge of the background and related topics?" Luna asks Dwayne.

Akira felt Dwayne's gaze in her direction as if waiting for her to give an answer.

"Call," They both say in unison, which left everyone surprised, even themselves when they answered in the same time.

Luna and Rover laughed at them. "Okay, it's settled then. We'll start compiling it by tomorrow," After all, they have time later this afternoon and tomorrow morning.

"Sure," This time, Dwayne is the one that answered.

While eating the food they bought, the group decided to stay for a while in their table since it was lunch time. It was noticeable that they are gradually becoming comfortable with each other. Akira found out that Dwayne is not really from here. He is originally from Quezon City.

"By the way guys," They all turned their heads to Rover who suddenly spoke after Luna finished talking about where she finished High School. "Do y'all still have afternoon classes?"

"I don't have any classes after this," Luna says while still holding her bottle of water.

"I still have Business Ethics class,"

Dwayne shot his gaze at Akira. "Business Ethics class?" With furrowed brows he asks. "Do you mind if I see your class timetable?"

Akira was more confused now. What's so interesting about her timetable anyway? Why did he suddenly want to see it? Instead of answering verbally, Akira just grabs her printed class timetable displayed at the back of her phone.

It slipped her mind that it is possible for such an incident to happen. Akira came to her senses when she thought that Dwayne could be his classmates in all his subjects because...

"Blockmates,"

HUH?!

"Huh?" This time, Akira verbally speaks. It's still September but Akira is already getting that Halloween creeps.

"I said we're blockmates," Returning Akira's timetable to her.

Just great. Technically, she's stuck with him.