Chapter 27: Lunch with Shan

**7 weeks later**

**Solene's POV**

I frowned as I read Shan's text.

***Shan: Where are you?***
***You: "On campus. Why?"***
***Shan: "Specific place?"***
***You: "CBM, Room 203. Why?"***

I waited for a few minutes for his reply, but nothing came. I raised my eyebrow and sighed.

That guy. What nonsense is he up to now? Did something possess him again?

"Girl, there's a handsome guy outside! He's calling your name!" Rose shouted while running toward me.

I immediately frowned and turned my attention back to my notes spread across the table. Rose loved to tease in class, so I couldn’t fall for her tricks.

"Stop it, Rose." I didn’t mind what she said. But if it’s Shan, why would he come here? Did he follow me? I shook the thought away. He didn’t have a reason to go here.

"I’m not kidding," she insisted.

I just frowned and continued ignoring her. Afterward, I went back to focusing on my phone, but I still didn’t get a reply from Shan. Just as I was about to put my bag inside the drawer, my phone suddenly beeped.

***Shan: "Get out of your room. Now!"***

I sighed because of his text. That guy. He knows how to order someone around like Fire does.

I stood up from my seat and left. I peered down the hallway, where a number of students were walking around. I scanned the area, but I couldn’t see the person who had called me out.

So, this means Rose wasn’t messing with me? I quickly turned back to her, who was quietly smiling on one side. I shot her a glare before heading out of the room.

"What are you doing here, huh?" I softly asked him.

"Chill, Shanene. Come with me for lunch, and I’ll explain why."

I let out a deep sigh before following him. It was surprising how well he seemed to know every corner of the campus. It was as if he’d memorized the place even though this was such a big university.

We walked around the campus grounds for several minutes. Later on, Shan suddenly stopped, causing me to almost bump into him. I stepped back to avoid hitting him, but I couldn’t help but notice his soft laughter. I didn’t pay him any attention, but when I turned to look, I found myself lost in thought.

I wasn’t familiar with this area, even though it was close to the campus. I didn’t recognize any of the new establishments here. I followed behind him. "I found ourselves entering a restaurant with a sign that said 'Franklin's Eatery' above it.
I immediately checked out the restaurant after entering, and I could say that it was beautiful and cool. It's perfect for students who want to review because the whole place is quiet.
My gaze fell upon its interior design, and I was amazed, especially because it had a contemporary design with a touch of vintage style from the old paintings on the wall. The walls were made of marble, and the floor was ceramic. The tables and chairs were made of wood with intricate patterns. I'd say it's Instagram-worthy because of its aesthetic value. Plus, the ambiance is really nice.
"I think we need to find another place, Solene," Shan said, then blocked my way.
The smile disappeared from my lips, and I frowned because of what he did. I slightly pushed him to see what he saw because I knew he was hiding something.
I regretted doing that because of what I saw. I felt glued to the spot. For countless times, my heart broke again, and I didn't know what to do.
"I told you, didn't I?" Shan whispered.
I forced a smile to show him that I was okay. What if Fire and his friends were there?
I didn't want to cry just because of him and the two girls who were with him. One was even clinging to his arm. I didn't want to appear weak, even though I really wanted to run away from that place.
"I'm fine, Shan," I replied, while trying to hide my trembling.
I felt my heart pounding hard and my hands sweating as we passed by them. I saw Fire looking up. Like before, I couldn't tell what was on his mind because I couldn't see any emotion on his face.
"Oh! Solene, Shan, it's you."
My attention shifted to Fire's friend, Mark, when he spoke. I forced a smile at him. It turns out Shan knew him too?
"Are you looking for a table?" he continued.
"Yeah," Shan answered for me.
"You guys can sit with us."
I looked up and our eyes met again. I felt awkward, so I looked at my table. "I don't mind sharing a table," I replied to his offer. "Don't—"
"Sure!" Shan interrupted what I was about to say. I immediately looked at him and frowned.
But in the end, I had no choice but to sit beside Fritz, another friend of Fire, and Shan sat beside me. I felt uncomfortable because we were facing Fire, and I felt the weight of every glance he gave me. I wasn't ready to see him yet.
"What do you want to eat?" Shan asked.
"Anything," I replied.
"Okay, just a moment." Shan stood up and went to the counter.