I Love You, Mr. Engineer

1. That Night We Met

"Come on, Max, the night still on and you can still drink 5 or 6 more bottles without getting drunk," said Leon, one of several new students at the Metronomia technical university who was gathered at the Ocean Blue bar, releasing stress and fatigue after the second day of ESO (Engineering Student Orientation) which is tiring.

Max heads up and spends his share of money. "I can't. I've promised Jane to bring the book she left in my room. She needs it tomorrow morning," Max said as he stood up. "Don't get too drunk, or you'll have to run around the field 30 times because you're late. The absences will stary from 6 in the morning."

"This damn ESO really makes me tired, even though it's only the second day and there are still 23 days to come," complained Pringka--one of nine girls accepted into the engineering faculty this year. Everybody on the table agree with her.

Max waved goodbye to his friends and walked out of the bar casually.

"Hey Leon, who's that Jane he mentioned earlier?" Avren asked, pointing to the door. Max is out of sight.

"His girlfriend," Leon replied as he filled his glass. "They've been together since sophomore senior high school. Jane has been chasing Max since he was in junior high school."

"Wow, I thought a guy like Max wouldn't be so loyal," said Pringka in awe.

"What kind of guy is he anyway?" asked Leon with a laugh. He and Max have been friends since the fifth grade of elementary school and he know Max's personality very well.

"Yeah, you know, every joint in Max's body screams he's a bad boy. After all, he's too handsome and hot just for a girl to devour."

"You're right, Pring, it's a waste. He should be enjoyed by a lot of girls," supported Leva, another engineering girl. "I'm willing, if he wants to sleep with me even if only for one night."

"Geez, you guys are crazy," laughed Caeron, echoed by several others.

"Dream, girls, dream," Leon laughed. "Let's order another drink. I need a good booze tonight, for keep me awake to follow ESO tomorrow!"

***

Max drives his motorbike to 6th dorm, where Jane lives. He stopped his motorbike in front of a mini market near 6th dormitory. His cigarettes were gone and he also wanted to buy some snacks for Jane.

Max left the mini market after paying for what he bought. He put a plastic bag filled with snacks on the table outside the mini market, took a cigarette from the box and lit it.

He had never smoked in front of Jane because he knew Jane didn't like the smell of cigarette smoke. He would finish one stick before meeting Jane.

He leaned against the wall next to the convenience store and made smoke bubbles with his cigarette. Max had just smoked half a cigarette when a man ran up to him and immediately grabbed Max, slipping his smaller body behind Max and clinging tightly to Max's broad back.

Max surprised and tried to turn around, but the man was holding his waist tightly. "Don't turn around, please, don't turn around before they leave."

Max almost snatched the man's hand from his waist when several other men came from the same direction as the man hiding behind him.

Max recognized one of them. Pete--an economics student, his high school friend from different class.

"Hey Max, did you see a guy running over here?" asked Pete when he saw Max.