Wild Ride

Chapter 3: Friendship

Xandria's pov

While walking with my friend Benjamin to the school stadium, we were talking about the upcoming match. I was so excited to see my favourite team play, but also nervous about the crowd. I didn't like being in large groups of people, especially when they got loud and rowdy.

"Hey, are you okay?" Benji asked, noticing my tense expression.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit anxious, that's all." I smiled weakly.

"Don't worry, I'll be right here with you. Nothing bad is going to happen." He squeezed my hand reassuringly.

I felt a surge of gratitude for his friendship. He was usually there for me whenever I needed him, right from when I was still a freshman. Thinking of that alone got me cheered up and all thoughts of anxiousness and nervousness vanished quickly.

I couldn't wait to cheer on my favourite team, but little did I know fate had a surprise for me. As we approached the stadium, I spotted two familiar faces in the crowd. It was him and his friend. He had on a black Jordan cap along with a navy blue T-shirt and black cargo pants. While taking him in, it felt like something told him to turn to the side, because he suddenly started scanning the crowd like he was looking for someone. All of a sudden our eyes connected and there was this intensifying gaze that was like a flame that burned through my defences and sent shivers down my spine. I also couldn't help but start feeling tingles in my tummy.

He gave me a once-over that made my cheeks burn with embarrassment and excitement. I started feeling self-conscious and shy but had to put on a not-fazed facade.

It was just so crazy how he seemed to lose interest in the football game when he spotted me. It made me feel happy a little bit.

"Hey, let's go grab seats", Benji spoke, suddenly making me break eye contact with the mysterious man.

"Oh yeah, sure", I replied. We both got seats and I couldn't help but allow my eyes to drift over to where he was again, except that this time around people passing blocked me from seeing him.

"Hey, I'm going to quickly grab us drinks and some snacks", Benji said. I nodded and smiled in contentment. 7 minutes later he came back with the things he bought, sat down and gave me mine. I thanked him and started munching on the snacks, I took a small gulp of the drink, covered it and kept it aside.

I focused on the football game and only talked with Benji during half-time. Each time they scored, I jumped up and cheered with everything in me. By the end of the second half, my team scored not one, not two, but three goals. I was elated and relieved.

After some minutes when the crowd had started dissipating, Benji stood up and motioned for me to follow suit. As I was about to leave, I tried catching the mysterious man's gaze one last time, only to see him talking with his friend but giving me an intense gaze. I wished I knew his name, at least that way I would stop calling him different nicknames.

Benji escorted me to my dormitory, I hugged him and thanked him. "Go and rest a bit, I'll call you in an hour to tell you where we will meet up to go get dinner", Benji spoke.
"Alright, then. See you later ", I replied.
With that, he left.