Chapter "Is This Love?"

"Yeah, I'm okay," Hamlyn responded swiftly, wiping sweat from his face.

"Are you really sure about that?" Hamond teased with a chuckle.

"What just happened? And what's up with her eyes?" Hamlyn jumped in curiously.

"What do you mean? Her eyes seemed fine to me," Hamond responded, appearing confused.

"Didn't you notice anything unusual?" Hamlyn pressed on.

"What unusual? What are you trying to say buddy?" Hamond asked, his confusion growing.

"Never mind, it's nothing," Hamlyn waved it off. In response Hamond flashed a knowing smile.

Hamlyn's gaze returned to her to see she was already looking at him. Their eyes met again, before she nervously glanced away, her cheeks tinged with colour. Despite her nervousness, a hint of happiness was reflecting from her demeanour.

"You're not paying attention, Mr. Mentor," Hamond commented teasingly while maintaining his focus on his book.

"I am," Hamlyn shot back. In response Hamond's playful grin remained…

As the day wore on, Hamlyn and the girl found themselves exchanging more frequent glances. Finally, the final bell rang, signalling the end of classes.

The girls began to pack up their belongings, getting ready to leave the classroom.

That girl packed her bag but instead of getting up directly, she hesitated, looking down she took a deep breath, and quickly looked up, locking eyes with Hamlyn with determination. Their gaze held for a fleeting moment before she quickly stood up and left the classroom

Watching her departure, Hamlyn's initial surprise melted into a smile.

"Look at that smile on your face," teased Hamond.

Annoyed by the comment Hamlyn retorted, "Am I not allowed to smile now?" In response Hamond let out a soft chuckle.

As the boys started to exit their classrooms, Hamlyn, Hamond, and Henry merged into the flow, descending the stairs together.

One of Hamlyn's classmates leaned over, curiosity colouring his voice. "Hey, Hamlyn, that girl ahead of you seems into you. Are you into her too? She's pretty cute," he remarked.

"I have no idea. Why are you even asking?" Hamlyn shrugged, pretending not to be interested.

"Hey, Hamlyn,” Hamond chimed in “Want to find out her name?" mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"You know her?" Hamlyn quickly inquired, caught off guard.

Hamond chuckled and shook his head. "Of course not, but I could ask Rurina for it."

"No, I don't think that's needed," Hamlyn hesitated before declining.

"Are you sure about that?" Hamond persisted with a playful smirk.

"Yeah, I'm sure," Hamlyn nodded.

As Hamlyn approached the exit of the school, he noticed that same girl standing beside the main gate. Their eyes met briefly before she nervously averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing with colour.

Hamlyn's gaze shifted downwards as he and his friends exited the school premises.

Stepping outside the school. "Hey, Hamlyn, did you see that?" Hamond eagerly asked

"Yeah, I noticed her," Hamlyn nodded, his brow furrowing. "It's strange, isn't it? I've never seen her there before. Other girls usually stand in that spot, but today was surely her first time.”

"If you still believe she's not into you, then you're stupid," Hamond asserted emphatically.

"What do I do now?" Hamlyn queried, Concern etched on his face.

"It's your call, Hamlyn. Take your time to think it over," Henry offered reassurance, "If you have feelings for her, we've got your back. We'll support you through it all.”

"Absolutely," chimed Hamond, nodding earnestly. "We're here for you, buddy. Anytime you need advice or assistance, just reach out."

"Thanks," Hamlyn acknowledged with a nod.

Henry glanced at his watch. "Alright, it's probably time for us to head off."

Turning to Hamlyn, Hamond inquired, "Are you joining us, Hamlyn?”

Hamlyn shook his head. "No, you guys go ahead. I'm waiting for a friend," he explained.

"Alright then, let's go, Henry," said Hamond as they began to depart.

Before leaving, Hamond turned back to offer a parting thought. "Hamlyn, if you'll take my advice, don't let this opportunity slip away. You and she would make a great couple."

A slight smile crossed Hamlyn's lips as he watched his friends leave.

Shortly after, Fredy appeared, "There you are! Ready to go?" Hamlyn nodded, and with Fredy by his side, he began to walk, lost in his thoughts.

"How was your day, man?" Fredy questioned, while walking down the road.

"Yeah, it was alright," Hamlyn responded nonchalantly.

"What do you think about today's football game? It's going to be an intense one, right?" Fredy probed further.

Hamlyn offered a half-hearted nod.

"Are you okay?" Fredy pressed on, confused by Hamlyn's lack of enthusiasm.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Hamlyn reassured him.

"If something's bothering you, you know you can talk to me, right?" Concerned, Fredy persisted.

Internally, Hamlyn thought, “Should I tell him now? No, I need more clarity before I share. I'll wait for the right moment.”

"I am just tired." said Hamlyn.

"Oh, okay," Fredy responded, and they continued walking…

"Mom, I'm back," Hamlyn called out upon entering the house.

"Welcome home dear,” his mother greeted him warmly. “Your tea is ready. Come and have it,"

"No, thanks, I'm not in the mood for tea right now," Hamlyn politely declined. "I have an assignment to finish. I'll be in my room. Please don't disturb me until dinner.”

"Alright, dear. Focus on your assignment. I'll call you when the dinner is ready," his mother replied understandingly.

With that, Hamlyn headed towards his room…

Later that night, in his room, Hamlyn sat at his writing table, arranging his books and opening them to start working on his assignment.

As he began to write his assignment, that girl's smile flashed through Hamlyn's mind.

Instinctively, he placed his hands on his head, pondering, “Why is she occupying my thoughts? Yes, I admit her eyes are quite attractive….. And her smile is something out of this world….. But hold on, am I reading too much into this?”

“I shouldn't jump to conclusions” Hamlyn shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. “Maybe I'm just overthinking it. After all, anyone could make such a simple suggestion.”

Hamlyn's smile faltered, Just before he could start writing, his hand halted in mid-air, and he pondered, “Then what was that ambiance? What was that sensation? What was that smile?”

“Why was she waiting outside?” Hamlyn questioned inwardly “Why today of all days? And her eyes... There was something special about them….. Why am I so obsessed with her eyes?”

As he pondered, he began to shake his head vigorously. “Think pure, Hamlyn, think pure.” repeating to himself.

"What the hell are you doing?" came a sudden voice, breaking Hamlyn's concentration.

Hamlyn swiftly turned to see Ullmar standing there, his expression one of confusion.

"Nothing, just stretching my neck," Hamlyn replied casually.

Ullmar raised an eyebrow. "Stretching? That looked more like a headbanging session."

"Never mind, what brings you here?" Hamlyn inquired.

"My computer's not working. Mind if I borrow yours?" Ullmar asked.

"Sure, feel free," Hamlyn replied.

Ullmar settled in at Hamlyn's computer while Hamlyn resumed work on his assignment. Sitting on some distance both of their backs were against each other, both focused on their respective tasks.

Ullmar's phone buzzed incessantly, prompting him to glance at each notification. It was clear he was chatting with someone.

Hamlyn paused in his writing "Hey Ullmar, do you have a girlfriend?" he inquired.

Ullmar, taken aback, "Why do you want to know?" he questioned in response.

Hamlyn smiled, "Because your phone won't stop buzzing," he replied.

With a nod, Ullmar confirmed, "Yes, I have a girlfriend."

"What is it like having a girlfriend?" Hamlyn inquired, intrigued.

Ullmar smiled, "Why? Are you considering getting a girlfriend too?" he teased.

"No, just asking," Hamlyn responded.

Hamlyn then resumed writing his assignment while Ullmar remained focused on his own task, both engrossed in their work.

Hamlyn paused after a while and said, "Can I ask you something?"

While maintaining his focus on the computer screen, Ullmar said "Sure, ask everything."

"Do you have feelings for her?" Hamlyn inquired.

"Absolutely," Ullmar affirmed.

"What makes you so sure?” Hamlyn asked further. “What do you love about her? Essentially, I'm curious about what guys love most in their girl."

Ullmar chuckled before responding, "It might seem like a trivial question, but I'll tell you. Listen closely: if your affection is only based on physical attraction, then it's simply lust.”

"I didn't even noticed it, so it can't be lust." Hamlyn thought to himself.

"But genuine love goes beyond physical attraction,” Ullmar continued. “It's about cherishing her soul, her essence."

“I barely even know her and how can one love someone's soul?” Hamlyn thought to himself, “It seems illogical. Maybe it's not love after all.” He smiled and resumed writing his assignment.

"But most importantly,” Suddenly, Ullmar interjected, “you'll adore her eyes, her smile."

Hamlyn halted mid-sentence, his expression turned one of disbelief, his eyes widened. In an instant, the image of that girl's smile and eyes flooded Hamlyn's mind, consuming his thoughts.

"And you'll cherish the way she looks at you,” Ullmar continued. “The way she blushes after seeing you, the way her face lits up after seeing you. If you're captivated by those moments then that's true love."

Hamlyn fell into complete silence, his heart racing in his chest.

"But why are you suddenly interested in love?" Ullmar pressed. Hamlyn remained silent, lost in his thoughts.

"Ullmaar! your friends are here,” Hamlyn's mom's voice echoed from downstairs.

“They're waiting for you outside."

"Coming!" Ullmar called back. Standing up, turning to Hamlyn, he said, "Okay, I have to go. Thanks for the computer." With that he hurriedly left the room.

Hamlyn remained in a daze, his eyes widened. After a few moments of utter silence, he sprang to his feet and hurried towards his phone, his mind racing with urgency.