I rush to the corridor, and take a sharp turn, only to crash straight into the wall.

'Uh, not wall...' I realize when a few fingers tightened on my arms to catch me.

"Sor— Uriel?"

"Yeah? Are you okay?" he asks with his hands still on me.

I instantly step back, my mind becoming a little flustered from the sudden encounter. I put the stray hair strands behind my ear while trying to put on a smile. "Sorry about that."

He slides his thumb into the pocket of his jeans and his lips curve. "No worries. Are you heading down?"

"Yeah."

"Alone?"

"Yeah?"

"Wanna go together—"

"Sure!" I answered right away but I'm already face-palming inside. 'Do I really have to sound so eager?'

"Great."

I let out an inward sigh after he speaks. Good thing he is not weirded out by me.

"By the way, don't you have Foundation Class?" he says as we walk to the elevator lobby.

"Ah, that?" Suddenly, the memory springs back.

Terrence's face is so close to mine that if I slightly twist my neck, I can only imagine the shameful thing that'll happen next.

I shake my head to erase that mortifying thought.

"Remy?"

"Yes? Oh, sorry. About the foundation, I left early. You know, my brother is a senior here and says you don't have to take it seriously. It's our own choice if we want to practice with our buddies or not that's why I just don't get the picture set up this year," I ramble.

I want to stop but my mouth begins its defense mechanism with such senseless talk.

"I heard about it too. I guess they got stricter this year," he replies.

If I'm not afraid that he'll find me strange, I would have run straight to his arm and hugged him. How can someone be talented, handsome, and so nice?

Most guys cringe when things like this happen. Too bad, my eyes are trained to be so keen that a slight change of expression is noticeable. I just want to avoid awkwardness but it only worsens the situation that I want to smack my head.

Worse, it only happens when I'm talking to guys — specifically, guys I like. It doesn't even make me wonder anymore why I haven't been in a relationship since birth.

"But it's still crazy how they got this idea. What if you're not comfortable with each other?" I remark.

"Are you?"

I pause. 'Am I?' Perhaps. I won't be like this if I am, won't I?

'Urgh. Why do I feel like I'm convincing myself?'

"Anyway, you don't have to answer. My bad for asking," Uriel says, bringing me back from my pondering.

"Huh? You don't have to apologize, honestly—"

Luckily, the ping of the elevator saves me from another nonsense chatter. We step inside and aside from the mirror in the center, both walls are plastered with advertisements and posters.

College of Fine Arts students won't pride our faculty if we don't make outstanding graphics. The splash of colors certainly gains more attention than the other papers overlapping.

"Oh, you remembered the contest you showed me yesterday? After thinking about it, I decided to join. Sir Mike says it'll be a good addition to my portfolio. Not to mention, the prize is quite a hefty sum."

I quickly swirl on my heels, eyes flashing with excitement. "Really? That's good!"

I can't wait to see who'll be better between Uriel and Terrence. The former is surely new to this but I have my bets on him. Without bias, I can really say he has a great touch. It's quite refreshing to see cubism art with the dimensions of a classical painting.

As for the latter...

That guy never skips out a contest, he joins every single thing and wins all the freaking time. I guess it's his hobby to hoard all certificates and trophies out there.

Nonetheless, I think it'll be quite suspenseful how this will turn out.

"I have my initial sketch. Want to see it later?" he prompts.

"Of course!" I answer instantly. I'm sure I sound enthusiastic in his ears but I can't control myself. My mouth works faster than my brain. "I mean, yeah, sure. Why not?"

"What time shall we meet up?"

"I'm free right now," I reply.

"You won't see your buddy?"

"Done already."

"Oh. Is that where you come from earlier? That's quite a coincidence. I'm on that floor too."

"Really?" I gape at his words. "You have a studio up there? That's awesome!"

From what I learned, the art studios in the Atelier are only given to those students voted on by the Board Committee of the school. It's limited but it's worth having your own studio and won't worry about the rental slots.

Terrence is expected to have one but Uriel is quite a surprise. I haven't thought too much about it when I met him upstairs.

"Thanks. Sir Mike sponsored me and got the approval honestly."

"Well, you totally deserve it. The first time I saw your work, I know you're very much gifted in the arts," I confess, grinning from ear to ear. "It's a first seeing such depth to cubism painting. Your personal style is totally unique. I just love your take on your art. I really can't believe I don't know you until now. You deserve to be recognized!"

His complexion is a little bit tan but the tinge on his ears is obvious. He scratches the back of his neck, all while avoiding my eyes while I talk. Now I can understand Maize's fangirling ways. It's worth hyping up your favorite artist when they blush this easily.

"Thanks."

As always, the elevator saves the trouble — or causes one. Thankfully, it's the former. It slid open and we are welcomed by the bitter scent of coffee mixed with the sweetness of the pastries and milk in the air. Several tables are filled with students.

Atelier Building is also known for having a great café with oh-so-comfortable couches to lounge around. But to be honest, their coffee is not that much. Though their macaroons and egg tarts are totally worth trying. It's too bad, it was already sold out earlier when I was with Terrence.

"Since we're already down here, do you want to grab a snack before we see your drawing?" I invite, turning to meet his gaze.

"I'm about to ask you that too. But, I know a better place. It's cheaper and their coffee is amazing." The arc on his lips bends lower as he speaks.

"Sure. Lead the way," I agree and we exit the building.

🎨 🎨 🎨

He's clearly not lying. I close my eyes as I savor the bittersweet taste of the espresso. I take a bite of some chocolate brownies as well. Honestly, the best combination on earth.

"How did you discover this place?" I say while I stir my mug.

The place is pretty clean, near the university and their menu is amazing so far, top off by reasonable prices. It makes no sense why there are only several people around.

"Looked around here and there. Not everyone's fond of expensive tasteless coffee, you know?"

Giggles escape my lips. "That, I agree. Most seems to love to hang out at the Atelier or Café Bistro or even at Navi's. Even that famous coffee shop across gate 1 is full. We ordered lattes there last night but I can't even taste an ounce of coffee bean."

"I've been to Navi's. It's the most affordable café in the university but I don't recommend it if you're a coffee lover."

"I am so I'll take your word on that." My jaw already hurts from smiling but being with someone whose lips are always tilting upward, I can't help but do it too. His friendliness is so contagious that he can easily soothe the blabbering mess that I am.

I swear I never felt so comfortable talking with my past crushes — crush, oh but, whatever — before, until him. Is it possible for someone to be that competent and have a great personality?

If there is a common denominator between the guys that hooks my attention, it is the fact that they're brilliant in whatever fields they pursue.

I often grow admiration instantly than be starstruck by appearances. No wonder why I can't get myself a guy because most — if not all — are arrogant. It's as if talent and arrogance come hand in hand.

The sudden flash from his phone catches my gaze. I watch how he twiddles on his phone and he looks up at me right after.

"My buddy wants to meet up and go to the studio together," he informs.

"Then I won't bother you. We can see each other next time."

"Actually, if it's okay with you, wanna hang out together? We met yesterday and we're classmates in several subjects. He seems like a fun guy."

"Who's he?"

"Grey Parker. Familiar?"

I shake my head. "I frankly don't know half of our blockmates."

"That goes the same for me," he agrees. "So, will you go?"

"Sure." As much as I like to have alone time with him, it's still the start of school. It's better to get along with others too.

"I'll tell him to meet us here," he says.

"Okay."

🎨 🎨 🎨

It only takes several minutes when someone approaches our direction. A red and white varsity jacket hangs on his shoulder. The guy is sporting a baseball cap that covers his black strands, making his dark-colored irises, darker.

He struts with a confident gait, but I guess friendly people stick together because the new guy feels approachable despite his athletic build and towering height. He's almost six feet if I'm approximating correctly.

"Hey, bud. What's up?" he greets me before his eyes fall on my face. "Damn. I wasn't informed you have a great company here."

"I told you I am with someone," Uriel retorts.

"Yeah, 'someone'. You forget to mention you're with a girl." He pulls an extra chair and sits between us on the circular table. "Anyway, I'm Gray Parker. Gray like the color gray because my parents apparently just want to complete the rainbow but I'm the eighth child."

I snort without warning as he offers his hand. That's too much info but I still accept the handshake. "Remy Evans."

"Oh? Evans? I know it's quite a common surname but are you related to the Evans?"

I wince at the emphasis on his words. Unfortunately, I'm not part of the Evans with how ordinary I am.

"Are you?" he probed with glistening eyes that remind me of Maize.

"Uh, yeah?" I manage to say.

"Woah, great! Our batch sure has a lot of famous backgrounds! Anyway, will you mind if I order also? I'm dying for a smoothie," he says.

We only nod and he rises up, going to the counter.

Uriel faces me and our eyes lock. "If you ever feel uncomfortable, let me know, alright?"

All at once, the pitter-patter of my heart speeds up. 'Urgh. Can someone be this sweet?'

It's a small gesture and it may be out of courtesy but still, he initiated to ask.

Gray returns, sipping a glass as he flops on the chair, his jacket almost falling off.

"By the way, bud, did you know that Terrence Wright's art studio is next to yours?" Gray states and I flinch unconsciously at the mention of his name.

"Terrence Wright? The prodigy painter?" Uriel inquires with a little frown across his face mixed with a pleasant surprise.

"Right. You're in luck to have your room with him. It's hard to interact with him when he's surrounded by everyone. Damn. I wish we can hang out with him."

"Will he even bother with us?" Uriel says.

"I think so. He's quite friendly from what I heard and I have to admit, it'll be awesome to visit his studio. Imagine watching his process, right? I guess it's all worth the effort of having extra painting class to get admitted here and be classmates with Terrence Wright," Gray speaks, his eyes flashing with awe as the more seconds pass.

"Gotta agree. He's famous even at my other university too. His works are all over the city displayed. Have you seen his work from last year's international competition?"

The two guys drift into analyzing Terrence's artwork while I almost roll my eyes. It appears it's not only the fangirls I should be wary about when these two guys with me are evidently fanboys as it seems.