MOONLIGHT SERENADE | E.O

CHAPTER TWO: Unexpected Reunion

As the new semester began at the prestigious Moscow college, Elizabeth found herself caught in a whirlwind of anticipation and nervous excitement. Thoughts of Yael, the mesmerizing she had encountered under the moonlit sky, consumed her every waking moment. Little did she know that the universe had a surprise in store for her.

Walking through the bustling campus, Elizabeth's eyes scanned the sea of students. And there, amidst the crowd, stood Yael, an ethereal presence that seemed to captivate everyone around her. Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the face that had haunted her thoughts.

"Yael?" Elizabeth's voice trembled with a mix of shock and delight. "What are you doing here? I can't believe you're at the same college!"

Yael's smile was as dazzling as ever, surrounded by a throng of admirers vying for her attention. "Elizabeth! Fate has a way of bringing us together, doesn't it? It seems that our paths were destined to cross once more."

Elizabeth couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as she watched the adoring crowd surrounding Yael. "You're famous here, Yael. Everyone knows you. It's incredible."

Yael's eyes sparkled with a mix of humility and gratitude. "I've been fortunate to have found a place where my music and talent are appreciated." Yael's friends called out to her, beckoning her to join them. Yael turned towards them, her vibrant smile returning to her lips. "Coming!" she called back, her gaze briefly meeting Elizabeth's before she hurriedly joined her friends. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth, but duty calls. We'll catch up soon, alright?"

Elizabeth nodded, her smile masking the hidden ache in her heart. "Of course, Yael. Take care, and enjoy your time with your friends."

Determined, Elizabeth decided to take the first step. She would reach out to Yael, invite her for coffee or a walk in the park, seeking moments of togetherness that would build the foundation of a lasting friendship.

After classes, Elizabeth found herself wandering through the bustling campus, her eyes searching for a familiar figure amidst the crowd. She soon spotted Yael, surrounded by a throng of people vying for her attention. Girls flirted with Yael, their hands lightly grazing her arms or engaging in playful banter.

A pang of jealousy coursed through Elizabeth's heart, causing her steps to falter. Doubt crept in, and her courage wavered. She began to turn away, convincing herself that perhaps it wasn't the right time to approach Yael, that she would only be another face lost in the crowd.

But just as Elizabeth was about to retreat, a voice called out her name. She froze, her gaze shifting back towards Yael, who had caught sight of her and was now making her way through the crowd, determination etched on her face.

Yael's voice reached Elizabeth's ears, cutting through the noise of the campus. "Elizabeth! Wait up!"

Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat as she turned to face Yael, a mix of surprise and anticipation coursing through her veins. She watched as Yael skillfully maneuvered through the crowd, her eyes locked on Elizabeth, dismissing the advances of others with a polite but firm demeanor.

As Yael finally stood before her, a genuine smile graced her lips. "I'm so glad I found you. I've been wanting to talk to you."

Elizabeth couldn't help but feel her pulse quicken, a spark of hope reigniting within her. She mustered up a shy smile and replied, "Really? What did you want to talk about?"

Yael's eyes held a sincerity that melted away Elizabeth's doubts. "I wanted to ask if you'd like to grab a coffee with me. I've been wanting to spend more time with you, just the two of us."

The weight of Elizabeth's hesitations suddenly lifted, replaced by a surge of excitement. With a nod, she replied, "I'd love to. Let's go grab that coffee."