John, a student at the Polytechnic University in the IT department, where it was almost impossible to find a single girl in the class. Back then, John was a genuine city boy. He came from a well-off family; both his parents held high positions in society. He also had a younger sister who was obedient, smart, and talented like him. Describing him as a bookworm would not be inaccurate based on his appearance. Fair-skinned, tall, wearing glasses, and always accompanied by books. At home, besides studying, he didn’t have to do anything. Yet, if someone saw him standing at the podium, they would realize they were mistaken.
Studying was not too difficult for John; it had always been that way since he was young. Everyone saw him as a perfect figure, but only he knew his own flaws. Being aware of his privileges since childhood, he was determined to prove himself. Every semester, he earned scholarships. He then got a job at an IT center, ending his reliance on his parents. Life was easy for him except for one thing: LOVE.
John didn't feel any attraction to any girl at an age when he should have. Many times he asked himself, "What is love?" and he began to yearn for it. People often seek what they lack in life, and so did he. Despite trying his best to find someone, he failed. A 21-year-old guy about to graduate but clueless about love seemed odd. At that age, with those thoughts, it suited him perfectly as he hadn’t fully matured. He chuckled to himself thinking about it and then brushed it aside, continuing with his usual routine.
One day, he went to meet a friend he had met on an IT forum to exchange some information. He was used to such first meetings as they had chatted online before, making it natural to meet in person, especially with another guy. Entering the café and finding the right person, he greeted and started the conversation. Michael was very friendly. They were deep in conversation about chips, specifications, hardware, and software when a girl's voice interrupted:
- "Excuse me, what would you both like to drink?"
Usually, John would be annoyed at being disturbed while concentrating, but he realized he hadn’t ordered anything since he arrived. He looked up and ordered:
- "Fresh milk, please."
One second, two seconds, three seconds passed. He was stunned by the clear, hidden eyes behind her glasses. He heard Michael’s voice:
- "Iced coffee, please."
After the girl left, Michael nudged John and whispered:
- "She's our age, a third-year Economics student. Cute, right? I'm pursuing her; she’ll fall for me soon."
John suddenly felt a pang. He knew what Michael was like, as Michael often shared stories about his fleeting relationships and ways to attract girls. John shook his head, dismissing those thoughts. She was just a stranger; it had nothing to do with him. Yet, that night, her eyes followed him into his sleep. Two months later, almost forgetting about those eyes, while chatting online with Michael, he was informed:
"Do you remember the girl from the café the first time we met?"
"Oh, yes, I do."
"She agreed to go out with me tonight."
John felt another pang. He said a few words to Michael and logged off, silently going to the rooftop to stand alone, feeling the night breeze. He laughed at himself, thinking it was silly, as he couldn't even remember her face, only her eyes. He often heard people say eyes are the windows to the soul. Could it be...? He went back to focus on his project due that weekend. Strangely, he couldn't get anything done. For the first time, he didn't know what to do or how to organize his thoughts.
Taking a break, the semester was ending, and classes had finished the week before. He drove through familiar streets, intending to stop by his usual café but ended up at the one where he saw those unforgettable eyes. The place hadn’t changed much. Looking around, he didn't see her, feeling a bit disappointed. He drank a glass of milk and left immediately, surprised at himself. His contact with Michael gradually diminished until it stopped completely. A few times, he thought of asking about her but found it inappropriate. He had no information about her. Despite this, every weekend he found himself there out of habit. Today, his usual seat was taken, so he moved to the next table. As he was fumbling with his bag to get a book, he heard:
- "Still fresh milk, right?"
He didn't look up immediately; his ears were buzzing, heart pounding, hands trembling as he tried to get the book out. He was clearly flustered, recognizing the familiar voice despite this being only the second time hearing it. Heart racing, he tried to compose himself, but the words wouldn’t come out. She leaned down to his level:
- "Are you sick?"
He stammered more:
- "Uh, no, um… coffee…"
She widened her eyes but then turned away, clearly surprised. He hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief, wiping the sweat from his forehead and hands, pretending to focus on the book. She returned with a tray and placed the coffee on the table. Gathering his courage, he asked:
- "Are you Michael’s girlfriend?"
She smiled brightly:
"You remember me?"
"I heard Michael talk about you."
"We got to know each other but it didn’t work out. And you? Why coffee today when you usually have milk?" She giggled.
"How did you know that if I didn’t see you?"
"You’re a regular here. I just returned to work after exams and some family matters."
...
Their conversations became a natural habit. He finally got to look at her closely. Her round face, always plump cheeks, small nose, and bright smile every time they met. Despite her petite appearance, her soul was far from small. This was why Michael couldn’t win her over. John gradually felt a desire to protect her. Their feelings developed naturally. However, their family backgrounds were vastly different. He admired her independence and strong will. She never relied on anyone but herself, facing life with optimism.
In his final year, he was offered a job in Singapore, meaning he would leave immediately after graduation. He told her, and she advised him to go. That day, he saw a faint sadness in her eyes and found his answer. He declined the offer to stay with her, not wanting any risk in their love, as certain as 1 + 1 = 2. His mother was furious, and his father was silent. He had to convince his mother to calm down. But from that moment, his previously smooth life encountered a twist. She became distant, often irritable. Occasionally, her phone would be unreachable. He knew something was wrong. The peak was when he saw her hand in hand with another guy saying goodbye. Rage surged, but he restrained himself. He waited until they were alone. Looking at her, she tried to explain:
- "He’s just a friend, don’t misunderstand, we’re just close."
He remained silent, looking at her. Her eyes filled with tears:
- "I’m sorry."
He felt like collapsing but stood firm, pulling her into a hug, kissing her cheek, and then letting go. She bit her lip to hold back her sobs, not making any effort to stop him. He hoped she would fight for him, but their love shattered in a moment. He gently wiped her tears, feeling the last of their connection before leaving. Without her, he lived like a shell, merely existing. His father had to talk him through it, guiding him back to his old life.
Years passed, and he became more successful. Occasionally, he inquired about her but found no traces. She had moved away, changed her contact details. Eight years later, he got an offer from a bigger company, traveling for work. He had new relationships but none left a mark. Each night, he thought of her, uncertain whether to be sad or angry at his loyalty. Tired, he decided to return home for peace. Working at the company’s branch in Vietnam, his mother was thrilled, urging him to settle down. His sister was married with children, and he skillfully avoided his mother’s matchmaking attempts.
Unexpectedly, he saw her again at a company year-end party. He thought he was mistaken, rubbing his eyes. There she was, next to the same guy he had seen before. They exchanged a long, deep look. Her eyes were still the same, slightly older but unchanged.
"Do you work here?"
"Yes," she murmured.
"How are you? He glanced at her ring finger, seeing it bare, feeling a rush of hope.
"He’s my husband." His hope was dashed.
"Oh…"
"I must go, he’s waiting."
"Okay, take care."
He tried to find her in the company but she had resigned. Three months later, her "husband" came to see him. Surprised, John listened as the man spoke directly:
"I know this is awkward, but I need to ask you something. I don’t mean to intrude on your life."
"Go ahead," John replied calmly.
"Do you still love her?"
John was taken aback, staring at the man.
"Answer me, I’ll explain briefly."
"Yes, I still love her. But aren’t you her husband?"
"No." The man smiled. "You’re the luckiest guy. Go get her before you regret it. Why did you both wait so long?"
"What?" John couldn’t believe it.
"You misunderstood. She has been waiting for you for eight years. Go to her, man." The man handed him an address.
John felt his emotions surge, embracing his friend before rushing to find her.
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