I Love that You're in My Life

Chapter Three: Reason

The first Friday after the first week of college was something that Stella Rose University students always looked forward to.  As soon as class ended, packs of students either walked or drove to Stella Rose Shopping Center, an open air shopping mall that included various retailers that sold everything a college student could need, along with casual eateries and many restaurants ranging from European to Asian, even Hawaiian and Turkish cuisine.

It was on that Friday that Stella Rose University students were given a special discount, mostly because of the fact that the Shopping Center was a popular place to hang out, being swarmed by them almost every day after school.  Alana was one of the many students excited to make her way over to the shopping center with her friends.  According to Stephanie, a popular sweets shop was about to debut a new type of chocolate gelato.  Bits of crepe would be handed out to customers, who could then scoop the gelato into the crepe and roll it up before indulging on the sweet.

Even as the two of them made their way to the shopping center, talking and joking, Alana couldn't help but feel somewhat self-conscious.  Stephanie was pretty, considering how many looks she received from guys they passed by.  Her long brown hair fell just above her breasts, framing her face in silky waves and her fitted ruffle top and skinny jeans clung to her curvaceous figure and long legs.  Her peep-toe wedge pumps revealed wine-colored nails.  Alana on the other hand was dressed in a simple cotton T-shirt, cropped jeans, and Converse.  She hadn't felt there was any particular need to dress nicely considering the fact that the main reason she went shopping with Stephanie today was to try out the new gelato-and-crepe dessert.

Perhaps it was her obvious love of fashion that resulted in Stephanie dragging Alana to the nearest clothing store, Armani Exchange, as soon as they had entered the shopping center.  Alana watched as her friend leapt from one clothing rack to the other while she herself aimlessly walked to a stack of blazers and felt the material.

After about an hour, Stephanie was the one who emerged from the store with the shopping bag.  Alana did have the money, but she preferred to spend it on things she needed before satisfying any desire for new clothes.  Besides, Korea had cheaper clothes that she felt fit her style better.

Once the new friends had walked a short distance towards the restaurants, Alana turned around as she heard her name being called.  Her heart stopped as she saw Gino making his way towards her.  

"Hey," he said, almost breathlessly, as he jogged up to her.  She smiled to herself; he was almost like an eager puppy.

"Hey," she turned to look up at him and smiled.  The jubilant grin on his face was enough to make the small warm feeling within her grow.

"You guys going over to Sophie's Sweets for that new gelato-and-crepe thing?" he asked.

"Yeah."  Alana couldn't resist looking him up and down.  She'd noticed that his hair seemed to stick up slightly, though in a subtly tousled way that made him look, admittedly, incredibly sexy.  She bit her lip and her face warmed as she wondered what on earth made her suddenly think that way.  It did wonders to his facial structure, which Alana suddenly realized was strong and defined.  His washed, straight-cut jeans only seemed to emphasize his legs' length and the simple, blue striped shirt he wore had its sleeves rolled up to the elbow.  She tore her eyes away from the sight of his muscular arms, blushing.

"Why don't I get one for you?" Gino asked with a hint of a smile.

"Huh?  Oh, it's fine.  I have money," said Alana, surprised.

"It's all good.  I want to treat you."

"Thank you, but that's not necessary."

"Oh!  Hey, Jessica!"  Stephanie's voice interrupted Alana and Gino's little exchange.  "Hey, guys, I just found some friends over there.  I'm going to meet with them, and you can call me later, all right?"  Stephanie winked at Alana's confused expression before skipping off to a group of people.