Traversing through time to find you - Chapter 107

(Third POV)

There were plenty of restaurants, cafes, and other establishments just in front of University A where students frequent during their breaktime or dismissal. Since there was still more than 1 and a half hour before Michelle and Andy’s next class, they decided to have some snacks/ drinks in one of the cafes there. The café of choice that day was Jin Café. Usually, the café would be brimming with students, but as it was still early, there were not a lot of people around.

“Good morning, may I take your order please?” The cashier lady whose smile looked like it’s about to split her face asked as Andy and Michelle stood by the counter.

Michelle who noticed that the cashier’s eyes were solely focused on Andy could only smile in mirth. Well, she completely understands what she must be feeling. Who wouldn’t be starstruck seeing him? He might not be dubbed the nation’s husband yet but his foundation’s already there even in his teenage years. She peeked at Andy and saw that he smiled back at the cashier, none of the egocentric-ness which usually accompanies other celebrities present.

“Good morning to you too. I’ll have iced caramel macchiato please.” Andy answered, then he turned to look at Michelle, “How about you Mich?” Andy asked, directing the attention to Michelle.

The cashier blushed, completely forgetting that Andy has company and she’s even on his right side, meaning she’s first in line than him. “I’m sorry Miss, can I take your order please?” she asked.

Michelle smiled back good naturedly. “Strawberry Milkshake for me please.”

Andy stared at Michelle fondly from the corner of his eyes. To be honest, he could not help but compare. Michelle was a good sport, don’t know if it’s because they weren’t really a couple (yet), but if it were one of the other girls he dated whether for real or not, they would have been offended by the cashier’s action and might even cause a scene by talking to the manager of the establishment.

“That would be 60 yuan…” The cashier said.

Andy pulled his wallet from his pocket, but before he could bring out the cash, Michelle already handed the money to the cashier. He looked at her in surprise.

Michelle showed him a grin. “Remember from last time? It’s my treat now.”

Andy chuckled, “Ok.”, but then he still pulled out the 100-yuan bill and inserted it to the tip box. Then he grinned at her, his two eyebrows raised.

Michelle shook her head, but her smile did not leave her face. Well, it’s Andy’s prerogative if he wants to give a tip. It’s not like he lacks that little money.

The cashier, well, she’s very happy to have another contribution to their tip box. “Thank you! Thank you! Ah, we’ll just serve your order to your table. Thank you again!”

—

“So… what was it that you wanted to ask my opinion about?” Michelle asked curiously. She did wonder why Andy chose to get her input without the company of their friends.

Andy took the time to stare at Michelle, putting into memory how she’s trying to urge him to speak with her eyes and smile. After 10 seconds, he noticed Michelle’s smile start to become stiff. She’s so cute! He chuckled.

Michelle furrowed her brows. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.” Andy said as he shook his head then smiled. “Anyway, do you think long distance relationship could work?”

“I think that if two people are deeply in love and have been together for quite some time to have built enough trust, then maybe. It still depends on the situation though. Why are you asking? You have a plan to be in one?” Michelle asked teasingly.

“Tempted, but I’m not sure if she can bear with it.”

Michelle giggled, “Long distance relationship with Prince Peng? I don’t think any girl would be able to bear it.”

“Why not?”

“Well, for one, she would be crazy with jealousy! Always thinking about the number of girls trying to vie for your attention. I think the poor girl would buy the first ticket to be wherever you are.” Michelle explained. Then, she added jokingly, “Thinking of doing that to a girl? You have no conscience!” then she laughed.

Ok, that was a bullseye. Andy laughed awkwardly, “you got me there. Haha!”

“Kidding aside, why are you asking? Tell me the context, maybe I can give a better answer or advice.”

Andy sighed. He already knew that LDR won’t work and it’s a silly excuse especially given who he is, Anyway, it was worth a shot asking even though she just shot it down from the start. Aish. “Well, it’s like this. Just the other night, I received the acceptance letter from Xavier acting school for film in Country A… I’m thinking if I should attend it or not.”

Michelle knew that Andy studied at that school in her timeline, but she just wasn’t sure which year. Now that he mentioned it, did that mean that Andy will be transferring schools soon? Most probably. Though she’s sad about it and knew that she will miss spending time with him, she knew that it was what was best for him.

“Why not? I recall that your dream is to be the best actor, right? I heard Xavier Acting School for Film is the best institution for that, it would be a good steppingstone towards your dream.” Michelle encouraged.

Andy did not know if he should laugh or cry, Michelle answered that one without even blinking. “Won’t you miss me?” he asked sounding dejected.

Michelle could only smile, “Of course I will miss you. But this is about you.”

Andy felt his heart stutter. She was so earnest with her words that for a moment, he thought that she meant what she said in a way that he hopes. “There’s this girl that I really like and… what if she’s not there for me anymore when I return?”

Well… Michelle thought of Andy of her timeline who wasn’t married still even reaching the age of almost 32. Ahehe… maybe it’s because of this? Nah. Thinking about it again, at their time, that was the norm and besides, his self then was so successful and popular. Maybe he just haven’t met the right one yet. Even when he reaches 40, he can still marry a lady in her prime, or even younger, like 20! Thus, she answered with conviction.

“Which girl would not wait for you? If she doesn’t then she’s not worth it. You’re Andy Peng! Aside from that, at this age, like you’re only 19? That is something we can categorize as puppy love or something like infatuation still. If it’s a normal career you wish to pursue, then I would say that you can postpone or something? But your dream is to be best actor, how many years will your youth last? Life in the entertainment industry is like that right? You can’t enter too late, and…uh… am I babbling? Why are you looking at me like that?” Michelle asked seeing Andy’s expression. He looked shocked.

Andy shook his head. Hearing her words, he can only think that their thought process was so much alike that he can only be struck with astonishment. However, now that she’s the one saying it, it felt like he had to defend the girl, she has no idea that it’s her. Or was it that she’s saying those words because she thinks that it’s another girl and she’s saying it out of jealousy? Should he make her jealous?

“No, no, you’re making perfect sense. But this girl… she’s special. She’s so pretty, kind-hearted and… I like her a lot.” Andy tried.

Michelle thought that maybe the girl could be his one true love? But he won’t be second guessing if he loved her that much. “Well, since you said that she’s special and kind-hearted, then think of how she would feel. I think there’s a high chance that she might like you too, at least I think coz you’re already considering. Wait, are the feelings are mutual?”

“I would like to think so.” Andy answered with a smile.

“Ok. Then, think of it this way, how would the girl feel if she knew that you exchanged your dreams for her? I think she would want to support you and maybe she would be extra happy once you return? You’ll be the most popular actor with the best achievements then! If you like her still when you come back and she’s still single, then maybe it’s meant to be? Wait maybe even if she’s dating, she’ll forget about the guy and run to you instead! Haha!”

Andy laughed. Michelle could be so funny. If she knew that it’s her, wonder if she’ll still say the same thing. “Would she even like me still when I have been away for so long?”

“Oh yeah. There’s also that. Then, even when you’re away, you should still keep in touch. There’s the cellphone and the internet. It’s not like we live in the middle-ages. Also, you can still visit. I mean, it’s not like you won’t have breaks like Christmas break, summer break, etc. right? You can spend time together during those times. Remember, keep in touch still so you won’t lose her, something like that.” Michelle said as an advice, feeling like a genius.

—

TBC