The Time Leaper (Chapter 3)

Chapter 3: The Genius Advances

"So you're studying at the university next to ours, huh?" Yue asks, taking a slow sip of the coffee she ordered earlier, her eyes watching me curiously over the rim of her cup.

"Yeah, second year in college, under the Management Department," I answer, cutting a small bite from the pancake on my plate and bringing it to my mouth.

She nods, seemingly interested. "I see, same goes for me. Though I'm part of the Engineering Department." She tucks a stray strand of her silky brown hair behind her ear, revealing more of her face in the process.

I find myself momentarily stunned. Her beauty is effortless—natural. I don't even realize I'm staring until she suddenly snaps her fingers in front of me.

"You're staring too much. Is there something on my face?" she teases, a smirk tugging at her lips.

I quickly shake my head and return an easy smile. "Nah, it's nothing. Just thinking about something else."

She raises an eyebrow, not entirely convinced, but lets it slide.

"Anyway," she continues, twirling a spoon between her fingers, "you said you wanted to get to know me, right? Does that mean you like me?"

I nearly choke on my coffee, barely managing to keep my reaction in check. Did she just say that outright?! I wipe my lips with a tissue and look into her hazel eyes.

"To be perfectly honest, I still don't know. But I think I will eventually," I reply, attempting to sound cool and composed. Shit, what the hell am I saying?! My brain immediately scolds me. Why can't I just admit I've been interested in her since the first time I saw her? Eventually, my ass!

Yue rests her chin on her hands, a playful glint in her eyes. "Eventually, huh? You're an interesting one, aren't you?"

I watch as she leans slightly forward, her long lashes casting shadows against her fair skin. Her presence is magnetic, and I find myself taking in every little detail—her pink lips, her bright yet mysterious gaze, the way her fingers lightly drum against the wooden table. Everything about her feels... perfect.

"Hey, tell me something about yourself, Horace," she says suddenly, her voice laced with genuine curiosity.

I let out a small chuckle, scratching the back of my head. "Sure, no problem. But what exactly do you want to know?"

She shrugs. "Anything. I just want to know more about you."

I take a moment to think. "Alright... Well, as I mentioned earlier, I'm a college student. I live by myself, but my best friend visits me all the time. He practically lives at my place."

"Sounds fun. Is he the jealous type?" she asks playfully.

I laugh. "Not at all. More like the annoying older brother type."

She giggles softly, urging me to continue.

"I also have two siblings—an older sister and a younger brother. My mom is a college professor, and my dad is a researcher."

"Woah, a family of intellectuals. No wonder you seem so smart," she muses, sipping her coffee thoughtfully.

I chuckled. "I'd like to think so, but honestly, I just got lucky with good genes."

She hums in response, nodding slightly. "I guess that makes sense. But luck can only take you so far, don't you think? Hard work matters too."

I pause, considering her words. She's right.

Our conversation flows easily. Yue listens attentively, her expression shifting with interest as I share more details about my life. She asks about my hobbies, my favorite movies, what kind of music I like. I find myself enjoying this exchange more than I expected. She isn't just beautiful—she's engaging, sharp, and genuinely curious.

"And during my first year in—" My words are suddenly cut off by the sound of a phone ringing.

My brows furrow slightly as I instinctively check my pocket, but my phone remains silent.

Across from me, Yue quickly reaches into her bag and pulls out her phone, glancing at the caller ID. Her expression changes for a split second—something subtle, almost unreadable.

"I'm sorry, Horace. Can I take this for a bit?" she asks, already sliding out of her seat.

I nod with a small smile. "Yeah, go ahead."

As she steps outside to answer the call, I let out a breath and rest my head against the table. Who is she talking to? A boyfriend, maybe? No... if she had one, she wouldn't be spending time alone with me like this, right?

The idea lingers in my mind longer than I'd like.

Minutes pass, and Yue finally returns, looking a little apologetic as she takes her seat again.

"Sorry about that, Horace. My friend called to say she's waiting for me at the university gate." There's a hint of disappointment in her voice as she finishes the last of her coffee.

I nod understandingly. "I see. Sorry for keeping you too long. You should go to her."

She hesitates for a second before nodding. "Yeah, I should. But before I go—let's exchange contact numbers and emails first."

I blink, slightly surprised, before quickly pulling out my phone. The two of us exchange numbers and social media accounts, and after that, she stands up with a bright smile.

"Bye, Horace! Let's meet again, okay? Don't forget to contact me!" She waves at me before disappearing through the café doors.

I watch her leave, feeling a strange sense of anticipation settle in my chest.

With nothing left to do here, I sigh and finish off my drink before standing up. Guess I should head home and get some rest.

But as I step outside, I find myself checking my phone—her number already saved in my contacts.

I can't help but smile.

When I arrived at my apartment, I slumped onto the couch and threw my arm over my eyes. A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I stared up at the ceiling, lost in thought.

It's so boring. Should I text Yue or something? But we just parted ways. She'd think I was being weird if I contacted her as soon as I got home.

"Aish! What am I even doing?" I groaned, running a frustrated hand through my hair before sitting up harshly, my feet propped up on the center table. "We just got to know each other! I can't be annoying her already!"

Instead of continuing this internal debate, I grabbed my PS5 controller and turned the console on. Gaming should be enough to distract me before I lose my mind.

Funny... I lost an argument against myself. I guess that proves it—the only one who can beat me is me.

I headed to the kitchen and grabbed a few snacks to munch on while playing. This was my only real escape. I didn't drink, I didn't smoke, and the only things that truly made me happy were anime and games.

Just as I was getting into the game, the door to my apartment swung open, and in walked Shawn—my so-called best friend—like he owned the place, shoes still on.

"Sup, bitch? Didn't see you after class dismissal. Where'd you disappear to?" he asked as he plopped down on the couch beside me. Without hesitation, the greedy bastard reached for my food and helped himself.

"I just went to a café with a new friend," I replied, glaring at him as I yanked my plate away. "And put that down! Make your own food!"

Shawn just laughed and strolled over to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he returned with his own snacks, plopping down again before grabbing a controller to join my game.

"Anyways, you mentioned a new friend, right?" he asked, eyes still on the screen. "So tell me, who's this 'fucker' trying to steal you from me?"

The atmosphere suddenly turned cold. Did my air conditioner break? No... it was just Shawn exuding some kind of murderous aura as he shot me a side glance.

"Chill, man! It's a girl from—" Oh, wait. Now that I think about it, I can ask this idiot for advice.

"A girl from what?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

I ignored the question and put my controller down, turning to face him. "Forget that. I want to ask you something."

He finally paused the game and set his controller aside. "Alright, shoot."

I hesitated for a second before sighing. "What would you do if you liked someone?"

His eyes widened before he suddenly covered his mouth in exaggerated shock. "Bro... are you telling me you actually like someone?! You? My emotionally-constipated best friend?! I'm so proud of you!" He sniffled dramatically, acting like he was wiping away fake tears.

"Shut the hell up! Who are you, my mom?!" I smacked the back of his head. "Just answer my damn question already!"

Shawn grinned, rubbing the spot where I hit him. "I dunno, man. Why don't you just ask her out again?"

I frowned. "Wouldn't it be creepy if I invited her out again when we just hung out earlier?"

"Did she say you shouldn't contact her?"

"Well, no..."

"Then what the hell are you hesitating for? Just ask her out again!"

He unpaused the game and resumed playing like it was no big deal. But for me, it was a big deal. Should I really invite her out again?

Screw it. It's not like I'd lose anything if I tried.

I grabbed my phone, which was resting behind Shawn, and quickly typed out a message.

"Watch it, bro! I'm playing!" Shawn complained as I leaned over him to reach for my phone.

"Chill, just shut the fuck up and play," I muttered, pressing send before I could overthink it. Now all I could do was wait.

Damn, I'm nervous. What if she refuses? That would be so embarrassing.

Minutes passed. Then—my phone rang.

Shit! Shit! Shit! She's calling me!

I bolted to the kitchen, pacing back and forth as my fingers fumbled to hit the answer button. My hands were shaking. Get it together, Horace!

"Uh... hey, so what's up?" I cringed the moment the words left my mouth. That was so lame! I wanted to smack myself.

On the other end, Yue chuckled. "What do you mean 'what's up'? You're asking me out on a date, right?"

Wait, what? A d-date?!

"Uhh... Horace? Are you still there?"

"Y-Yeah! I'm here!" I nearly shouted, mentally cursing myself for sounding so flustered.

She giggled. "So, where should we go tomorrow?"

If this was a date, then as a man, it was only right that I planned something properly, right?

"I-I'll plan it today," I stammered, trying to sound composed. "I'll pick you up around nine in the morning at the café we went to earlier. Is that fine?"

"Sounds good! Okay then, see you tomorrow! Bye!"

"Yeah, see you. Bye."

The call ended.

I stood there in silence, my brain still struggling to process what just happened.

"The fucker was too stunned to speak, I see," Shawn's voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. "So? Did she agree?"

A huge grin spread across my face as I turned back to him—and slapped him.

"Heck yeah, bitch! We're meeting again tomorrow!" I cheered, jumping in excitement.

"I understand your excitement, you sick bastard! But was the slap necessary?!" he yelled, rubbing his cheek.

I grinned mischievously. "Yes, it is."

"No, it's not."

I ignored his complaint and flopped back onto the couch. "Anyways, just celebrate with me, man! Order a box of pizza!"

His expression immediately shifted. "Oh, hell yeah! Now we're talking!" With stars in his eyes, he eagerly grabbed his phone and dialed the pizza shop.

As Shawn placed the order, I leaned back with a sigh, my mind still lingering on my conversation with Yue.

I still can't believe it. I'm going on a date with her.

Now... where the hell should I take her?