Roby and Zen had grown close in a short time. Roby showed him around campus, introduced him to people, and even encouraged him to join the basketball team which Roby captained.
"You've got the height," Roby had said one afternoon, grinning. "We need you on the team."
Zen chuckled softly. "Maybe later. One thing at a time."
As they walked out of the class, a tall girl waved excitedly in their direction. She had a bright smile, brown eyes, and loose waves cascading down her shoulders. Her bag hung from one side, and she walked confidently toward them.
Both Zen and Roby paused.
Roby narrowed his eyes. Why is she smiling at me? He knew her — Ana. But she had never smiled at him before.
Zen glanced at him, confused, but the mystery quickly solved itself.
Jennifer walked up from behind, and Ana's bright wave was clearly meant for her. "Excuse me," Jennifer said politely as she squeezed between the boys. Zen and Roby stepped aside, still watching.
Jennifer reached Ana, and the two girls hugged tightly before heading toward the cafeteria together.
"Who was that?" Zen asked.
Roby looked after them. "Ana — Jennifer's best friend. Probably her only real friend. They've been close for years."
Zen nodded. He'd never seen Jennifer smile like that before.
At the cafeteria, Ana and Jennifer settled into a cozy corner booth. Ana ordered a cold coffee for Jennifer and a hot tea for herself.
"I missed you so much, Jennie," Ana said, barely catching her breath. "One week away felt like a year. I swear I was dying there. They wanted me to stay another week, but I told them I had exams. Boom — got my way."
Jennifer laughed softly. "Okay, okay, calm down. I get it. I missed you too."
Their drinks arrived. "Here's your order, ma'am," Jennifer teased, pushing Ana's cup toward her. "Now sip it and hush."
Ana pouted but smiled, taking a sip. Then her curiosity kicked in.
"So... that guy I saw with Roby — the tall one. Who is he?"
Jennifer rolled her eyes. "I knew you'd ask."
"Well?! Spill."
"He's new. Principal introduced him to me yesterday for academic help. I... forgot his name, though," she said, pulling off her glasses and rubbing her eyes.
Ana grinned. "Riiight. But what's going on with him and Roby? Since when does Roby talk to people?"
Jennifer sighed. "Please. Don't start. I'm not in the mood to talk about them."
Ana raised her hands in surrender, sipping her coffee. "Okay, okay. Noted."
After their chat, the two girls left together — roommates and best friends, heading back to their hostel as the day came to a close.
Meanwhile, Zen and Roby also left campus.
But something unexpected happened.
Zen's car broke down on a quiet road. Before he could step out, a loud screech cut through the silence — and a truck slammed into the back of his vehicle. The world blurred, twisted, and then...
Darkness.
When Zen opened his eyes, the sterile white ceiling above him told him he was in a hospital. The pain hit him next — his arm, sore and heavy. He tried to sit up.
"Whoa, stop!" Roby's voice was firm but gentle. "Doctor said not to move yet."
Zen blinked, trying to focus. "W-what happened? I was on the road and... after that, I don't remember."
Roby didn't answer immediately. Instead, he reached out and touched Zen's forehead. "No fever. That's good."
He walked out briefly, returning moments later with the doctor.
The doctor gave Zen a full checkup, then turned to Roby. "He's fine now. Just make sure he doesn't strain his arm. No heavy lifting."
Once they were alone, Roby sat at Zen's bedside.
"I found you lying unconscious," Roby explained. "Someone was trying to help, but you were bleeding. I didn't think. I just... carried you into my car and drove here."
Zen stayed quiet, still stunned. "You took me to the hospital...?"
"Yeah. And your car's already in the workshop. Don't worry about it."
Roby helped him up gently. Zen leaned on him as they walked out. Roby dropped him home and even helped him get into bed.
"If you need anything, just call. Don't hesitate," Roby said before turning to leave.
Zen sat on the bed, heart full.
No one's ever cared like this. Not since... Grandma.
He felt something strange inside. Something warm. He's not just a friend, Zen thought. He's… something more. Something I never had.
That night, at exactly 8:00 PM, the doorbell rang.
Zen opened the door — and there was Roby, holding a bag.
"I brought some fruit and soup," Roby said casually. "You must be hungry. Let's eat."
Zen stepped aside and let him in. They sat together, quiet at first.
Then Zen asked softly, "Can I ask you something?"
Roby nodded.
"Why are you doing this for me?" Zen's voice cracked slightly. "You don't even know who I really am. And yet... you're here. No one's ever done that for me."
There was a long pause.
Roby placed the bag down and sat on the edge of the bed, eyes lowered.
"I don't talk to people. You've seen that. I've never had friends here... but when I saw you, I felt something."
He looked up, eyes glassy with emotion. "I had a brother once. He died five years ago. You remind me of him — not just how you look, but how you carry yourself. Calm. Alone. Strong."
A tear slid down his cheek. "I never thought I'd feel that connection again... but then you came."
Zen stared at him, silent. His throat was tight with emotion.
He didn't know what to say — only that something inside him shifted.
A wound he never knew existed... felt a little less empty.