I get the congratulations email several days later. It turns out I'm the intern for 'that HR's department. He's also in charge of instructing me in the workload. He's friendlier, unlike that serious mood he gives off when he questioned me in the interview.

Being an intern is not an easy job. On the first days, I have to work overtime to compensate for my low productivity. As a senior, he helps me a lot. He shows me how to access the database and get the results faster than the traditional way. The day after, on my way to work, I pass by WaterGod and grab a cup of Iced Americano for my senior. He's surprised at first, then he chuckles: "Thanks. It's my favorite." I smile in return. This is also Nguyen Khang's favorite type of beverage.

The rainy season in the city has begun. Last night I had a nightmare, that's why I overslept this morning. Ever since his accident, I have been a light sleeper. But my insomnia seems to get worse these days. Late in the afternoon, standing next to the glass door in the reception hall, I take a look at the torrential downpour outside, feeling lucky that I brought my umbrella along. Unlike other buildings, the basement in my company is often fully parked, which forces late-comers to park their motorbikes in a nearby shopping mall several meters away. Walking towards the mall, in the clear and warm weather, is surely no big deal. But an umbrella in the rainy days like today surely does come in handy. I am opening my umbrella when I hear a voice that says: "Are you leaving?"

It's my senior. I smile and reply: "Yes. What about you? I thought you left the office earlier."

His bright eyes beam with a sense of mischief: "I've got some errands to do. Ah, my motorbike is also in the mall's basement..." He stops mid-sentence, waiting for my reaction.

"Then just wait here, after fetching my motorbike, I will come here again and lend you my..."

He giggles: "Why are you making things complicated? We can go together..." Then he takes my umbrella and urges me to hurry up.

...

The next day, when I am waiting in front of the elevator, a senior in the PR department approaches me, hands holding an umbrella: "You're the new intern in the IT department, aren't you? Can you give this to Vu? He lent me this yesterday. He must have been drenched in the rain. Help me say thanks to him."

Suddenly I remember something. "Can I ask.. where did he give you this?"

"Right here, in the reception hall."

I glance at the texture of the umbrella. Turns out he didn't forget his umbrella.

...

Several days later.

The canteen inside our company is usually packed with people at lunchtime. I look around and try to find myself a seat. "Hey, newbie, here!" A voice rises from a group of seniors in my department. I join them. They are chatting about common topics like movies, games or something about their hobbies. A senior is complaining about her shopping habits. Suddenly she asks me: "Newbie, what do you often do in your free time?"

I think for a while and reply: "I used to read books whenever I have time. But now I don't anymore."

"Reading books...Hey Vu, hers is the same as yours." Then she goes on: "Then what is the name of the last book you read?"

I hesitate: "Let's see, it was a long time ago... I couldn't remember..."

"What about you, Vu?"

"Will you be there."

She exclaims: "An English book? I didn't know you read English books."

"I can't. But I promise someone that I will read the book. But it's too hard anyway. Imma buy the translated version." He chuckles.

I look at my senior's smiling face, yet in front of my eyes appears another eager face. He used to promise me that one day he would tell me what he thought about the book. Why didn't he keep his word?

...

Weeks later.

Vu asks me out every weekend. We usually watch a movie together, or visit some vintage coffee shop, or sit down on the sandy shore and admire the beach until the sunset reminds us it's time to grab dinner.

I don't know why I agree to go with him. Perhaps I find him interesting in some ways. Or is it because of the way he talks just like the one in the hospital? Is it because he likes the same kind of coffee? Or because he likes to use a lot of chili sauce whenever he eats noodles? Whatever the reason, I think I should stop, unless I want to hurt his feelings.

That night, when he was taking me home on his motorbike, I made up my mind. We stop at the lane in front of my room. He starts first, talking about things I've been afraid to hear: "Tram Anh, do you want to date? It's not different from what we've been doing these days but let's give me a proper name, like... your boyfriend."

I feel his warm, soft fingers craddle my hands. He inhales: "The moment I saw you, and your short hair..., I knew we are meant to be. That's why I ask you about 'destiny'..."

I don't answer him, instead I tell him my story: "Back in my first year, I tutored a boy...." I tell Vu about Khang's accident, about the way Vu resembles him.

His tone seems happy and sad at the same time. "So you're telling me... you still like that boy? I don't care, we can still be together... What's the difference? You like hanging out with me... You like me, after all."

"You're not listening. It's because..."

He asserts: "I will wait. I will always stay by your side, for a long long time. You will eventually say yes, because before I know you, you already like me."

He comes closer and strokes my hair: "... Just when the time comes, don't hate me..." Before I can make sense of what he's implying, he's already started the engine and run away.