My crush is A Cool and Handsome Guy

A photo on the confession wall went viral. It showed a guy, just his head and upper chest, looking down as if he was busy with something. The caption was simple, just asking for a way to contact him. But that was enough to send the comment section into a frenzy.

[Wait, did someone just snap a photo of a guy in the bathroom?]

[He’s really handsome! Does anyone know who he is?]

[Hey, those clothes look a bit like Daniel from the Computer Science Department. I’ve seen him around—he’s super good-looking.]

...

[Am I the only one curious about who took this picture? Their timing is spot on!]

[I just want to hold a camera to that person’s head and make them take more pictures.]

[Everyone calms down.]

I was speechless. Embarrassment was too much for me.

My best friend, Olivia, and I stared at our phones in silence. After a long pause, she finally spoke, “You’ve got a real knack for taking pictures.”

Yeah, I took that photo. I had no idea it was a bathroom!

Our university was up north, with standard public restrooms, but the dorm for the Computer Science Department was the most luxurious on campus—completely different from our rundown dorms in the School of Literature. Whose bathroom had a fancy chandelier, anyway?

Comments kept flooding in, and someone figured out who took the photo based on the time it was posted. They even described my outfit and hairstyle. Next, they’ll probably expose my name. Great!

2

Of course, I got exposed, thanks to Olivia. She snapped a picture of me in action, from a third-person perspective. In the shot, I’m intently focusing on my phone, fingers poised to zoom in. Then she posted it on Instagram with the caption, [“A fearless girl on a quest for love—her story is worth every bit of attention!”]

Before she posted it, she showed it to me. The side profile she captured wasn’t bad, so I gave her the green light. Only bold women get the love they want, right? I took that picture with pride and felt like I should be a role model. So, I let Olivia post it, thinking everyone should see what a real hero looks like.

I was feeling pretty good about it. I didn’t even notice that my phone screen was also captured perfectly. Same angle, same person.

After we posted it, we forgot all about it until someone was reminded of the picture and posted it. The word was out—Aurora from the School of Literature secretly took a photo of a guy and got exposed for it.

3

So, there I was, dragged into the comment section and criticized.

[Let me introduce you to our photographer @AuroraLoveShots.]

[Hahaha, Aurora, this is so embarrassing!]

[So, it was her taking the picture—totally not surprised.]

There’s a reason for that. My name had shown up on campus bulletin boards a few times during my first semester. Except for one time when I was just trying to get someone’s contact info, the rest of the time…

I once got tossed into a flower bed by a couple who were making out in front of the dorm. I also got thrown into a sandpit by a hot guy. And then there was the time I banged my head on a railing, called 911, fainted during a physical exam, and accidentally bit the girl in front of me on the butt…

The more I think about it, the more embarrassed I feel. While everyone else is thriving in college, I seem to be perfecting the art of social awkwardness. Olivia was with me during the railing incident. She got stuck first, and I didn’t believe her, so I stuck my head in too, just to check.

Half a second later, I was convinced. There we were, with our heads stuck side by side on the railing by the track. Even passing cats took a curious glance at us, not to mention the people snapping photos.

My name’s becoming pretty famous now, and people have started calling me the “Queen of Social Awkwardness.” With a reputation like mine, it’s no surprise that Daniel knows I’m not going to get upset about him taking a picture of me. With all this attention, there’s no way Daniel can stay under the radar.

Chapter 2 Mind Reading

4

After I finished talking, I got a new friend request on Instagram. The profile picture was just a plain gray and white avatar, and the username was “D” I didn’t know who it was, but I accepted the request anyway. Every time I post something campus forum, someone new always tries to add me.

The weirdest request I ever got said, “Welcome to the land of social mishaps. Only the true Queen of Awkwardness, Aurora, can survive this!”

I laughed about that for a month and even shared it on Instagram. But this “D” person didn’t send any message, just a period. I decided to play it cool and replied, “Who are you?”

Half a minute later, they replied: “Daniel.”

Seeing his name made my heart skip a beat, and I almost dropped my phone. The next second, I quickly changed my profile picture from one of my crushes to something else.

“Why did you change your profile picture?”

“Piggy Hero is pretty cute.”

Daniel sent two messages in a row. What the heck? I thought. This is getting weird! He’s definitely here to settle the score with me; I’m sure of it.

“Hi, I’m Aurora from the School of Literature. Nice to meet you!” I typed carefully.

“I know.”

“You took a picture of me.”

“Let’s make a deal. I’ll treat you to dinner if you delete the photo for me.”

“How about tomorrow night at 6, at the popular steakhouse by the North Gate?”

The steakhouse by North Gate was a must-visit for anyone at our university. If you could resist it, you’d be in the minority! I was already salivating just thinking about it. The last time, Olivia and I went there, we had an incredible feast. The steaks were perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, and served with a range of mouthwatering sides. The rich, smoky flavor of the steak paired perfectly with crispy fries and creamy coleslaw. The aroma of the grill could practically waft from North Gate to the college. I was already planning where to go after dinner and how to work off that delicious meal.

I couldn’t help but think about the possibility of this being a “trap dinner” or even a “last supper” scenario. But that cat emoji totally broke down my last defense.

What a bizarre situation! Aurora, seriously, how could you judge so quickly? Daniel, using such a cute emoji, must be a good guy. After all, I was the one who invaded his privacy and made him awkward in front of everyone at school! And now, he’s asking me to delete the photo and even offering to treat me to dinner. I’m the real culprit here! A total criminal!

Feeling guilty, I wanted to respond with an emoji to show I was friendly. But when I checked my collection, all the emoji I had were Piggy Hero and Little Cat... Not exactly what I was aiming for.

5

The next day, wanting to show my respect, I went all out with my makeup and even put on false eyelashes. When I got downstairs, Daniel was already waiting under a streetlight.

He was dressed in a simple white shirt and work pants, his hair slightly curled, and as I got closer, I caught the faint scent of laundry detergent. The first word that came to mind: Youthful.

Daniel had fair skin, sharp eyebrows, and bright eyes, with a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

“Hi, Aurora.” Daniel stepped forward to greet me.

Then, out of nowhere, I heard a thought that seemed unreal. Wow, she’s even prettier in person! Oh no, I can feel my ears turning red!

Wait, who’s talking? I glanced around but didn’t see anyone suspicious. My eyes landed back on Daniel—more specifically, his bright red ears. I was confused. The voice definitely came from him, but I hadn’t seen him move his lips.

After a quick introduction, we walked side by side toward the north gate. As Daniel checked his phone, he casually played with his bangs. Then I heard a voice again:

Thanks to that visit to the hair salon, my perm looks great! But this outfit doesn’t do me justice. Ryan swore this look would charm any girl, but Aurora is no ordinary woman.

I was speechless.

What’s going on? Why does she keep looking at me? Is it because my outfit is bad? Or does she not like this laundry detergent cologne?

Ryan totally tricked me. He said the detergent scent gave off a youthful vibe. Liar! I want to punch him.

The voices just kept coming, one after another, without pause.

I was now pretty sure Daniel wasn’t actually speaking.

Wait a minute—can I hear what he’s thinking?