The Second Encounter

Chapter 6 - Does she hate me?

Zion's Pov

A week had passed since my fateful encounter with Rachel at the bridge, and despite my hopes, I hadn’t seen her again. Each day, I made my way to that same spot, hoping to catch a glimpse of her familiar smile, but my efforts proved futile. In the midst of this heartache, I had embarked on my new business venture just yesterday, and to my surprise, it was exceeding all of my expectations.

Previously, I had ventured into the world of business after graduating from college, but this time around, I felt compelled to act sooner. My motivation sprang from a painful past: my mother had succumbed to a serious illness that not only drained our finances but also left us with unspeakable grief. Despite our efforts, her medical bills were overwhelming, and I vowed that I would do everything in my power to prevent such a tragedy from happening to her again or anyone else for that matter. So here I was, determined to secure a stable future and enough finances to pay for her treatment, should I find myself in that position again.

Starting a business is never a simple endeavor, yet I had an advantage that many others didn’t. Drawing on the knowledge and experiences from my previous life, I found navigating this industry to be a game a series of strategic moves rather than insurmountable challenges. I began to see the market through a lens of opportunity, envisioning possibilities where others might have hesitated.

In just a few days, my entrepreneurial spirit attracted numerous investors. Remarkably, many of them were individuals I had worked with during my time on Earth, which gave me an edge. I understood their motivations, their desires, and their needs intimately. My company quickly amassed substantial investments thanks to a project idea I had carried over from Earth: QR codes.

In this world, QR codes were a novel concept, far from being commonplace. Using my knowledge, I developed a straightforward application that could read QR codes, as well as another that could generate them. I passionately pitched my ideas to the investors, explaining my vision and the potential impact of this technology. They were intrigued and eager to support my venture.

My plan was to integrate QR codes into everyday transactions, revolutionizing how people would purchase items like clothing and other necessities. Within a month, my team of programmers had developed every aspect of the technology I envisioned. Utilizing my network of connections, we finally convinced the government to adopt QR codes for transportation systems. It felt surreal watching everything unfold so rapidly.

Time sped by, and suddenly, it was the day of my entrance exam for high school. I still vividly recalled the day Rachel had lent me her pen, an innocent act of kindness that had deepened our budding friendship. It was that moment that had held me back from confessing my feelings to her; I feared that crossing that line could jeopardize the friendship we had built. But today, I was determined to approach things differently. I came prepared, armed with ten beautifully crafted pens, each one a token of my intention to be more than just her friend this time I wanted to win her heart.

The rapid expansion of my business was a testament to my prior experiences at the forefront of South East Asia’s entrepreneurial scene. The investment I received from reputable backers demonstrated their belief in my vision. Unlike many places, in this world, it was legal for individuals to start a business immediately after completing middle school, which presented an incredible opportunity for me.

With my business thriving, I took an important step and contacted a doctor to have my mother diagnosed. Through a series of tests, it was revealed that with timely check-ups and a proper medication regimen, she had a chance of being fully healed. The weight of worry began to lift, and I felt a renewed sense of hope.

Now, there was one crucial goal that consumed my thoughts: I needed to make sure that Rachel would recognize my feelings for her before she fell for someone else. She was special to me, and I was determined to make my mark, turning our friendship into something deeper and lasting. My heart raced at the thought of what was to come I was ready to take the leap and finally pursue the love I had longed for.

Rachel's Pov

The day has finally arrived today is the day when Zion and I will engage in our first real conversation. Our previous encounter at the bridge was, admittedly, a coincidence, so I feel it’s crucial to make a good impression on him this time around. To that end, I've gone out of my way to purchase a fountain pen, specifically one that I know is Zion’s favorite. The thought behind this gift is to leave a positive mark on him; perhaps it will help him remember me fondly.

But why a pen, you might wonder? Beyond the practical reason that he forgot to bring one for the exam, there's a deeper motivation behind my choice. I've been reflecting on my feelings for Zion and how they impact me. I’ve come to the conclusion that if I continue to avoid him, my feelings will only grow stronger, and ultimately, I might find myself in love with him all over again. But here’s the twist: there’s no harm in reconnecting and being friends, is there? This friendship could offer me clarity about my true feelings, especially for the version of Zion that exists in this world.

As I stood at the front gate of the school, I couldn’t help but notice a crowd gathering. Everyone seemed to be captivated by something or someone my curiosity piqued, and I turned to see what had captured their attention. To my surprise, a sleek sports car was gliding toward the front entrance. While I wasn’t shocked to see a sports car, given the academy’s prestigious reputation, what really took me by surprise was Zion stepping out of that very vehicle.

So, this version of Zion hails from a wealthy family, huh? I suppose it’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I find myself wishing for the Zion I knew the one who built his success from the ground up in the business world instead of arriving at the top right from the start. It seems that falling in love with this version of Zion is off the table. A sigh escapes my lips as I realize my emotions at the bridge were merely a fleeting moment of nostalgia; I am simply missing the Zion I truly loved.

In a moment of decision, I resolve to steer clear of Zion and head directly to the classroom designated for our exams. The earlier encounter fills my thoughts, and I can’t help but ponder how different things are in this world. Perhaps this version of Zion doesn’t possess the qualities that made me admire him so much before.

As I make my way into the classroom, I overhear a girl next to me exclaiming, “Did you see the sports car at the gate just now?” A few other girls chime in, including one who gushed about how handsome the owner of the car is. Zion has now become the talk of the room, with girls enamored by his wealth and looks, while the boys rave about the flashy vehicle.

“Ahhhhh! He’s here!!!” a girl at the entrance squeals, and instinctively, I glance toward the door.

In that moment, I remember that this classroom is also the venue for Zion to take the exam. The atmosphere becomes electric with anticipation as he enters, and the excitement from the girls is palpable. A wave of unease washes over me as I briefly meet his gaze, and then, before I can fully process it, I avert my eyes, feeling a combination of shyness and confusion.

After a few tense moments, the exam begins. My original plan was to present him with the fountain pen I bought, as a gesture of goodwill. I want to remind myself that his wealth doesn’t define his character and that perhaps he’s still the same person at heart. To my utter astonishment, I notice he already has a pen laid out on his desk.

Zion's POV

“Do I really need to drive to school in this car, Dad?” I inquire, already feeling the weight of unwanted attention creeping in.

“Unfortunately, yes. Your mom has a doctor's appointment, and I need to support her at the hospital. There’s no one else to take you to school, so after we drop her off, you’ll have to drive yourself. You’re ready for it you have your license, so it should be fine,” my father explains.

Reluctantly, I agree, “Fine, I’ll drive you both.” After that, I gather my belongings and head to the car.

Upon dropping my mom and dad off at the hospital, I prepare to make my entrance to the academy. As I step out of the car, I catch a glimpse of Rachel. My heart races for a moment, and I pull into a parking space, hoping to call out to her, but before I can get the chance, she disappears from sight. Disappointed, I head to the classroom where the exam is scheduled, hoping to find her there.

The corridor is a sea of enthusiastic girls, all vying for my attention and showering me with questions as I navigate through them. It's a chaotic scene, and I can’t help but feel overwhelmed. Finally, I arrive at the classroom just in time to hear a thunderous cheer echo through the hallway.

“Ahhhhh! He’s here!!!” The sound pierces the air, overwhelming my senses.

With determination, I push past the throngs of girls and scan the classroom for Rachel. Last I remember, she sat in the second row toward the back. When our eyes finally meet, I notice her immediately look down, avoiding my gaze. Confusion floods my mind. Did I do something wrong? Does she harbor some resentment toward me?