The fluorescent lights of the supermarket buzzed overhead as I scan the shelves for instant coffee. I should continue my abandoned project, and sleep was a luxury I couldn't afford since this was my fault in the first place. If only I didn't get any art block, that project should've been done by now.
I am trying to reach a jar when a familiar voice drew behind me. Well, hard to tell if I'm already familiar with that voice, but at very least, I have heard this voice once.
"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite stray cat."
I sigh before even turning around. Only one person has the audacity to call me that with such obvious amusement. The infamous playboy from musical theatre major's first year. The guy who helped me last week at the club when Julia left me. Felix Ashford.
He leans casually against his shopping cart, a mischievous grin playing at his lips. His hair is messy like he'd just rolled out of bed, and he wears that same leather jacket from the night we met—a little too cocky, a little too effortless. But I can't deny that he has such a charm in him. I understand why he's popular among the freshmen.
"I have a real name, you know," I said, crossing my arms.
He chuckles, pushing his cart closer. "Yeah, I know your name's Liora, but calling you with pet name gives off good vibe. Besides, you looked so helpless last week. Just like you do right now. Lost, wide-eyed ... kind of adorable, if you ask me. Like a stray cat."
I feel my cheeks warm, but I force a glare. I can't fall for him too. He's too dangerous for me. For my well-being. For my peace. "I wasn't that lost last week and I am not that lost now either. You just like assuming things."
"Sure, sure," Felix says, he doesn't sound like he believes me though. He is like the male version of Julia. So carefree and says whatever he wants. "Lucky for you, I have a soft spot for lost causes."
I snort. "Wow. That's a hell of a compliment."
"Hey, I got you home safely, didn't I?" he says, nudging my shoulder with his. Damn, are we even that close? We just met once and he acts like I'm one of his friends. "No kidnappings, no broken hearts ... yet," he adds.
Decided to let him act so friendly, I raise an eyebrow and echo, "Yet?"
He grins wider, the kind of smile that had probably gotten him out of a thousand bad situations. And the kind of smile that can light up this town. Ugh, why do I sound cheesy? "I'm just saying. You might end up falling for your hero. It's a classic story arc," Felix says casually.
Never have I ever got into a blunt flirt like this. Kinda refreshing, I might say. I surprisingly don't hate this interaction. "Aren't you such a perfect representation of the musical theatre major?"
His smirk looks annoyingly suits his handsome face. "Is that so? And how do you know that I'm a musical theatre major? You did your research, hm?"
Oh, shoot. I said too much. I didn't do any research, it was all thanks to Julia who always knows the latest news, hottest gossip, and almost everyone's basic information. Somehow I wonder how could she knows those public secrets.
"It doesn't change the fact that I won't fall for you," I reply shortly to prevent him from asking any more questions.
Felix holds up his hands in surrender, but there is a glint in his eyes—like he was filing away my reaction for later. "Suit yourself, stray cat. But don't say I didn't warn you."
As he gets the jar on the upper shelf that unfortunately I couldn't reach, I catch myself smiling, just a little. Felix is trouble—everyone knows it. But for now, a little trouble doesn't seem so bad. And he even helps me.
"Thanks, you helped me twice. Do you plan to make me owe you more?" I put the jar he handed me in my cart.
When I look up at him again, he shows his signature wide grin. "I have a few ideas of how you return the favor. First thing first, you can give me your number. I'll explain to you later."
I am contemplating his request for a moment. I don't know where this leads. I am certainly not ready for any relationship. But exchange contacts don't hurt, right?
So I let him get into my reach. Am I foolishly doing something I will regret in the future? I won't fall for him anyway. At least, this is what I hope. Falling for him is probably one of the worst things that can happen in my campus life.
I type my number on his phone and he names my contact as "Stray Cat". I shoot a glare again. "If you really like that name, you can have it for yourself."
He laughs and calls my number. My phone vibrates inside my pocket. After a few seconds, he ends the call and smiles, probably feeling satisfied. "Good, now you can have your personal 911. If you're lost again, I'm one call away, okay?"
I know I shouldn't take his half-hearted joke seriously, but what he just said rings inside my head. Isn't he the opposite of my ex—. I quickly regained my composure and nod when he says he is going to find some cereal.
I shake my head, still half-smiling as Felix disappears behind a wall of cereal boxes. Turning back to my long shopping list, I try to focus—instant noodles, bread, snacks, menstrual pads, olive oil—but my eyes wander, drifting lazily down the aisle.
And that's when I see him. Across the store, by the refrigerated section, stands the senior from the film direction major. Julia once referred him as Theo. He's pulling a carton of milk from the shelf, but for a brief second, his gaze lifts—and locks onto mine.
It isn't some dramatic, heart-stopping moment like in the K-drama. No lingering stare. No secret smile, not even a thin one. Just a simple glance, cool and steady, like he's acknowledging me without making a big deal out of it. Like he sees me—and doesn't look away out of discomfort or fake politeness.
I blink, almost missing it, and quickly turn back toward my cart. My heart flutters—annoyingly—and I hate that it does. Why though? We never even stumbled into each other. Nor talked. Never.
But I notice that he always dress so neatly. Clean-look. Always have his long sleeved shirt on. The most enticing is the way he looks at me. So intense, cold, and geez I can't even describe it perfectly.
Theo is such an enigma.