I was completely stunned. In the past, my world revolved solely around Derek, and everyone else was just passing by.
"That day, I was playing basketball on the sports field. It was chilly, and it started raining suddenly. You were dressed lightly, holding a breakfast, and even though it was raining, you didn't seem to want to leave, as if you were waiting for someone. Later, when I was hiding from the rain, I accidentally hit you with the basketball, and you started crying while holding the breakfast. I panicked and wanted to take you to the infirmary, but you asked me if I had eaten breakfast and gave me your meal."
Axel pursed his lips and continued, "Later, I found out that you were waiting for Derek. And then, when I truly wanted to pursue a girl, she became my good buddy's girlfriend."
Yes, that day, I was waiting for Derek.
Because Derek had a bad stomach and often skipped breakfast, I developed the habit of bringing him breakfast.
The night before, he had played games all night. I called him countless times in the morning, but his phone was off. I had no choice but to wait for him on his usual route.
It wasn't until that evening, after he woke up, that he texted me back: "I overslept."
Without even an apology.
Now, I realized belatedly that Axel might have liked me for a long time.
Axel smiled and gently stroked my head, continuing to tell his story.
"After that, I followed every article you wrote and attended every club activity you participated in, but you never noticed me."
I never imagined that during my youthful years when I loved Derek, there was someone silently paying attention to me.
In the sunlight, Axel's eyes were deep and clear, his features sharp, his lips bright, and his gaze sincere and focused.
Looking at him, a thought popped into my head: This is it.
At that moment, Axel slowly leaned towards me, and I instinctively closed my eyes in nervousness, but I didn't expect him to simply hug me gently.
"Thank you, Riya."
I was taken aback, hearing Axel say earnestly, "Thank you for appearing in my life. Of course, I'm even more grateful that you opened your eyes in time, giving me the chance to pursue you openly."
On the way back, I posted on my social media. The photo was of a corner of the campus bathed in sunlight, accompanied by the caption: "The sunshine is perfect, the breeze gentle, everything comes at just the right time."
A few minutes later, Vivian sent me a message with just one sentence: "You two are so sweet."
I checked Axel's social media post, which showed my back, with just one sentence: "I'm waiting for you to turn around."
My nose tingled, and I nearly cried. It seemed that fate had left me a window called Axel.
