Chapter Eighteen: Group Chat Gossips

Yue, with a hint of suspicion in his eyes, couldn't help but question the serendipity of their encounters. "So, let me get this straight. The cafe meeting, becoming classmates, and even ending up as desk mates – was all that just a coincidence, or were you orchestrating some grand plan?"

Alex, caught off guard by Yue's scrutiny, laughed nervously. "No, no! I swear, it was all just pure luck. I didn't plan any of it."

But Yue, ever the analytical mind, wasn't easily convinced. "Luck, you say? It just seems a bit too convenient, doesn't it? Meeting at a cafe, then suddenly finding ourselves in the same class and ending up as desk mates."

Alex scratched his head, pondering how to explain the seemingly orchestrated series of events. "Look, Yue, I promise you it's all a coincidence. I had no idea we'd end up in the same class. Fate just seems to enjoy throwing us together."

Yue, still dubious but entertained by Alex's attempt to clarify, raised an eyebrow. "Fate, huh? Well, it's either fate or you're a mastermind planner. I'll let you off the hook this time, but no more surprises, okay?"

Alex grinned, relieved that Yue didn't press the matter further. "Deal. No more surprises, just the unpredictable twists of fate."

Alex, attempting to divert the conversation, chuckled nervously and said, "Alright, alright, it might've been a coincidence at the cafe, but now we've got places to be. We'll be late if we stay longer!"

Yue, raising an eyebrow at Alex's sudden change of topic, couldn't help but smirk. "Smooth move, trying to dodge the question. Fine, let's head out. But remember, I've got my eyes on you, Zhao."

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As they the dorm the rhythmic hum of the subway filled the air as Alex and Yue settled into their seats. Alex, unable to contain his curiosity, turned to Yue and asked,

Alex, looking at his watch, asked Yue, "So, what time does the mass start?"

Yue checked his phone and replied, "It starts at 1. On the afternoon."

Alex said confuse "why does the mass start so late? Aren't morning masses more common?"

Yue nodded looking out the window, "Well, it's a special service today. I prefer the early ones, but I have something to attend to this afternoon."

Alex, pretending to look uninterested, remarked, "Clear mind, huh? I thought you'd be busy with your shady business dealings, Mr. Mafia Heir."

Yue shot him a playful glare. "Very funny, Zhao. You watch too many dramas. Besides, you've got your own dramas to deal with – a rich kid with a troubled past. Quite the protagonist, aren't you?"

Alex, grinning, responded, "Well, every good story needs a troubled hero, right? But seriously, why not start the day with some fresh air.

Yue, tilting his head slightly, replied, "The fresh air, well, I have my ways of finding peace even in the city. It's all about balance."

When they got off the bus they strolled through the aisles of the bookstore, Yue glanced at the items in Alex's hands. "Getting back into drawing?" Yue asked, eyeing the sketchpad and fine liners.

Alex nodded, a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes. "Yeah, I used to sketch a lot when I was younger. Thought I'd give it another shot. How about you?

Yue smirked. "Maybe. I've been thinking about doing some illustrations for my novel. Thought it's time to visualize my characters, you know?"

Alex chuckled. "Illustrated novel, huh? That's a cool idea."

Yue raised an eyebrow playfully. "Didn't know you were interested in the arts, Alex. Maybe you're not just a pretty face."

Alex feigned offense. "Hey now, I've got a lot hidden talents. Maybe I'll surprise you one day."

After they're done buying some stuff in the bookstore, they talk a short stroll and both decided to have lunch a Korean meal ,they sat in the Korean fast-food restaurant, the aroma of delicious dishes wafting through the air, Alex eyed the chopsticks in his hand with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

Yue chuckled, noticing Alex's struggle. "Having trouble with those chopsticks, huh?" he teased.

Alex sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, I never really got the hang of these things. Always ended up asking for a fork."

Yue grinned, picking up his own pair of chopsticks with ease. "No worries. I'll teach you. It's all about finding the right balance and grip."

He demonstrated the proper technique, showcasing the fluidity of his movements as he effortlessly picked up a piece of gimbap. "See? Just like that."

Alex tried to mimic Yue's actions, and after a few attempts, he managed to grab a piece of kimchi successfully. "Not bad for a beginner, right?"

Yue applauded, impressed. "Not bad at all. Soon you'll be a chopstick master."

Seated at a corner table, the duo dove into their Korean feast, attempting to tackle the challenge of chopsticks. Alex, born and raised in America, struggled with the unfamiliar utensils. Yue, on the other hand, effortlessly wielded the chopsticks, using them with precision.

"Come on, it's not that hard," Yue teased, demonstrating the proper technique. "You just need to relax your grip a bit."

Despite his initial fumbling, Alex was determined to master the art of chopstick usage. He watched Yue's graceful movements attentively, attempting to mimic them. After a few clumsy attempts, he managed to pick up a piece of gimbap triumphantly.

"See? Easy peasy," Yue praised, a hint of laughter in his voice.

Unbeknownst to them, a group of classmates, lurking in the vicinity, had noticed Yue and Alex enjoying their Korean meal. Intrigued by the seemingly private rendezvous, they couldn't resist the temptation to capture the moment and share it with the rest of their peers.

The stealthy classmates discreetly snapped pictures of Yue and Alex, documenting the scene without the duo's knowledge. The photos showcased Yue's focused concentration on teaching chopstick skills and Alex's determined yet slightly perplexed expressions.

Excitement buzzed through the air as the classmates quickly shared the pictures in their exclusive student group chat. The group, known for its penchant for gossip, erupted with animated conversations.

👤 Classmate1: OMG, look at Yue and Alex having a cozy lunch together! What's the deal?

👤 Classmate2: Wait, are they on a date? Since when did they become so close?

👤 Classmate3: Spill the tea, someone! What's happening between them?

The speculations grew wilder as more classmates joined the discussion, fueling the gossip fire. Some users began shipping Yue and Alex, suggesting that they were more than just friends. Others shared theories about Yue being Alex's mysterious muse or collaborator in some hidden project.

👤 Classmate4: I heard they've been spending a lot of time together lately. Maybe they're working on something secret?

👤 Classmate5: Look at them using chopsticks. They're so comfortable with each other. I'm getting major couple vibes!

👤 Classmate6: Did anyone ask if they're dating? We need to know!

As the conversation escalated, the chat overflowed with emojis, memes, and playful banter. Meanwhile, Yue and Alex remained blissfully unaware of the storm brewing in their absence. Little did they know that their seemingly innocent lunch had transformed into the talk of the student body.

The chatter continued until the classmates, having thoroughly dissected the pictures, decided to keep a keen eye on Yue and Alex's interactions. The duo, having finished their delightful meal and oblivious to the brewing storm in their social circles, left the Korean fast-food joint

Yue and Alex entered the church, the scent of burning candles and the faint murmur of prayers filling the air. They found a quiet corner and took a seat, the wooden pew offering a sense of peace amidst the religious ambiance. The mass began, and the rhythmic cadence of hymns echoed through the sacred space.

As the choir sang, Yue closed his eyes, lost in the melodies that seemed to carry his thoughts away. Alex observed him, noticing the serene expression on his face. The flickering candlelight illuminated Yue's profile, casting a gentle glow on his features.

In the midst of the religious rituals, Alex found himself captivated by the solemnity of the moment. He contemplated the intricacies of faith and the various ways people sought solace in their beliefs. The ambience of the church stirred a quiet contemplation within him, a moment of introspection that felt almost sacred.

The priest began the sermon, and the congregation listened attentively. Alex glanced at Yue, wondering about the thoughts that might be crossing his mind. Despite the differences in their backgrounds and perspectives, they shared this moment of reflection, side by side.

When it came time for communion, they stood in line, hands folded in prayer. Alex observed the solemnity of the ritual, recognizing the significance it held for those around him. As they received the sacrament, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unity with the congregation, a shared experience that transcended individual differences.

After the mass concluded, they exited the church, the cool breeze outside a stark contrast to the warmth within. Alex turned to Yue, curious about his thoughts on the experience.

"That was quite an experience," Alex remarked, his voice hushed in deference to the sacred atmosphere they had just left.

Yue nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Yes, it's a different kind of peace in here."

The evening sun cast a warm glow over the park as Alex and Yue strolled beneath the twinkling lights. The ambiance was nothing short of magical, with the illuminated trees creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. The duo found themselves surrounded by a sea of lights, casting a myriad of colors that danced in the air.

Yue's eyes widened in amazement as he took in the spectacle. The park had transformed into a wonderland of light, each bulb contributing to the ethereal beauty of the surroundings. The smile on Yue's face was infectious, a genuine expression of joy that resonated with Alex.

Unable to resist capturing the moment, Alex discreetly took out his phone and snapped a candid picture of Yue. Caught off guard, Yue turned to him with a questioning gaze.

"Why are you taking a picture of me?" Yue asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Alex fumbled for words, his cheeks tinged with a subtle blush. "You just... looked.....really... pretty."

Yue's initial surprise shifted into a soft smile, appreciating the sincerity in Alex's words. The park became a canvas of memories, and that snapshot captured a single frame of their shared experience. As they continued their leisurely walk, the conversation flowed seamlessly, bridging the gap between the casual banter and the unspoken understanding that seemed to define their connection.