Threads of Fate: The Invisible Strings

Chapter Two: Another Encounter

As the third day of intramurals dawned, the campus remained abuzz with activity, despite it being the weekend. Chloe arrived early, eager to join Issa and Aeri at the study hall, where they planned to convene before attending the LitMus and Ginoong Intramurals events later in the day.

Upon meeting with her friends, they decided to explore the booths once more, hoping to find something worth purchasing. Chloe's eyes lit up when she stumbled upon a KPOP poster, a purchase that filled her with joy. As they continued their stroll, they encountered a booth selling crocheted products, and one item immediately caught Chloe's attention.

A crocheted sunflower. Her favorite flower.

"Chloe, look! Your favorite flower!" Issa exclaimed, pointing excitedly.

"OMG! I wanna get that, but I already bought these," Chloe replied, gesturing to the large rolled paper she held in her hands.

"Do you want me to buy it for you?" Aeri offered, reaching for her wallet. However, Chloe shook her head and hurried away, refusing to let Aeri pay for her.

"I'll get it next time, but thanks," Chloe said as Issa and Aeri caught up with her.

As they meandered through the booths, Aeri suddenly checked the time on her phone and announced that she had to leave due to unforeseen circumstances.

"I thought you'd watch too?" Chloe asked, surprised.

"I know, but something came up," Aeri explained before bidding her farewells and departing.

"That's fine, you go ahead! Chloe and I will wander around for a bit," Issa reassured Aeri.

"See you on Monday, guys! Take care," Aeri said as she walked away.

"Take care!" Issa and Chloe echoed in unison.

Once Aeri was out of sight, Chloe suggested they visit the PsySoc stall, which she belonged to. The photo booth caught their attention, and they decided to take a picture before heading to the gym.

"Hey, wanna take a picture before going to the gym?" Chloe suggested to Issa.

Issa agreed, albeit without much enthusiasm. "Yeah, sure."

The two lined up, thankfully there weren't many students lined up so they were able to take the picture as fast as they could. Afterward, they made their way to the gym, securing seats with the best view.

While waiting for the program to start, Chloe noticed Issa's silence.

"Iss, you've been awfully quiet. Everything alright?" Chloe asked, concerned.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Just lost in my thoughts, I guess," Issa replied.

"You sure?" Chloe probed further.

"It's nothing serious, really. I have to go get some water, is there anything you need?" Issa stood up.

"Oh, um, can you get me my usual?" Chloe handed her some money.

"Alright, I'll be right back," Issa said before descending the stairs.

As the event's start time approached, Issa's stomach growled all the time, reminding her of her hunger. She tried to ignore it at first, but her attempts were unsuccessful, making her increasingly restless. Seeing her friend's unease, Chloe nudged gently, sensing an underlying discomfort in Issa's demeanor.

"Issa, you seem a bit off. Are you sure everything alright?" Chloe asked; her concern evident.

Issa hesitated, grappling with her reluctance to burden Chloe with her difficulty. Eventually, she confessed, "Honestly, I'm just really hungry."

Chloe immediately suggested getting a snack to help Issa feel better. Issa declined.

Chloe is not willing to accept the situation and is determined to fix it. She went on a mission to get some food for her. When Chloe returned with same food she ate earlier. she offered them to Issa, hoping she would receive them.

However, Issa declined the food she offered. she urged her to accept it, but she remained reluctant.

"No, it's fine, Chloe," Issa said.

"Come on, Isabrielle, you need to eat," Chloe insisted.

"I'll be fine, really," Issa insisted.

"Hey, I made an effort to get these for you. Besides, I am already full, how am I supposed to finish this?" Chloe dramatically said, making Issa smile and finally accept the food.

"Thanks," Issa said, finally taking a bite.

As the program was about to start, Issa regained her energy, and Chloe felt proud of her efforts. Though she struggled with finances herself, Chloe believed in supporting her friends in any way she could.

"I knew food would get you your energy back, now you can finally enjoy the rest of the program." Chloe beamed happily and pride is evident on her face.

"Thank you," Issa said.

Moments before the program finally started, Chloe wandered her eyes around the gym being the "cannot stay still" type of person as she always quoted, she noticed a guy that caught her attention and turned to Issa.

"There's a good-looking guy," she said.

"Where???" Issa asked, confused.

"Oops, never mind. He has a girlfriend," Chloe said, redirecting her attention back to the stage.

"Oh, him? That's Jaemin," Issa said, recognizing the guy.

"HIM, again?" Chloe could only mentally facepalm herself.

Her phone suddenly lit up showing a name she didn't expect after being ghosted. 

Adrian C.

"Wow after ghosting me," she muttered.

Adrian sent her a photo of him having a ramen, Chloe replied and they kept sending messages back and forth until Adrian left her message hanging again making her the last chat. b*tch.

Setting her phone aside, Chloe remained focused on the event not bothering to check if Adrian replied.

During the event, Chloe couldn't help but look around, as it was her habit wherever she went. However, whenever she and Jaemin make eye contact, she curses mentally. Chloe knew that she could easily get swayed by just eye contact, and she was not having any of it, especially when she is aware that he is with the girl he likes. Despite denying the reality, Chloe made it through the end of the event.

Reflecting on the incident, Chloe couldn't help but wonder what caused that brief connection with Jaemin. Did it hold any significance or was it merely a passing moment in the crowd?