#RelationshipGoals

"Hi guys! It's me again, Avery, for another episode of Avery Day. If you're new to my vlog, please subscribe to my channel, click the notification bell, so you'll be notified whenever I upload a new video. And if you enjoyed this vlog, please like this video too."

Pause.

Breathe.

Think.

Go.

"Anyway, for those who have been following me, you all know that I'm still exploring this beautiful city of Fortworth and haven't fully settled in, right? So for the next few episodes of my vlog, I've decided to go around the city to try to find some good spots where I can probably hang out during my down time or...just whenever I have certain food cravings."

I just leaned in towards the desk to see if the documents I'll be bringing for my enrollment is complete. I then grabbed my bag, checked the outlets and switches here in the condominium unit, and checked myself in the mirror before speaking again.

"So I'll be heading out now, and I'll be showing you around in a while. Stay tuned!"

There.

I just finished recording the first part of my vlog. And like what I mentioned earlier, I just moved in this city recently.

Fortworth City is kind of like an island state; it's one of the oldest cities here in the Philippines, but it's also a bit modern and advanced despite being a hundred miles away from the main group of islands. It also has one of the top universities in the world, and the main reason why I'm here.

I actually came from an island province in the western part of the country—Hatteras—and I still chose to study here because of the quality of education and the possible opportunities in the future. Although there are a few universities and colleges in Hatteras, none were offering Interior Design.

While waiting for the elevator going to the basement parking, I wished that the elevator would be empty, because it will be nice to take a couple of shots for my vlog. But to my dismay, there was already someone—a guy wearing an all black outfit.

Although I'm not usually shy when it comes to taking videos when there are people around, this one feels different; I feel like I'm with the grim reaper.

The guy in the elevator is wearing a black hoodie, black cap, black runners, dark jeans, and he carries a black backpack. If he also has a black face mask, I can easily compare him to those guys in Korean dramas who are up to no good.

That thought left a smile on my face.

Okay, Avery. Don't judge a book by its cover.

So I tried to check his reflection in the mirror and I noticed that he doesn't look bad at all. He's actually handsome; the type who'd pass as a Hollywood actor. He has a defined jawline, full lips, a pointed nose, thick eyebrows, and deep set eyes that's...actually staring at me.

He's staring at me.

"Eff-", I whispered to myself.

I immediately looked away. That was embarrassing.

He probably thinks that I'm checking him out. Add to that my phone camera being open (since I was supposed to vlog), he probably thinks that I'm taking a photo of him.

I didn't dare look at his direction again and just got busy fiddling with my phone.

It was a good thing that there were some people going in and out of the elevator and there were a few who went down on the ground floor. I really hope he was among those.

When I reached the basement parking, I immediately made my way to the parking spot where my silver Suzuki Jimny awaits. However, I can't help but notice this black Maserati GranTurismo beside it. I actually stopped in front of it, it looked so posh!

"Excuse me," a guy said behind me.

I was brought back to my senses.

"Oh, sorry."

I must have stared at it for too long, I didn't even notice that there was someone at the back—the guy with the all black outfit.

Since I was still flustered because of our earlier encounter, I panicked while trying to click the keys to my car and ended up dropping the folder I was holding.

The papers were scattered in front of his car and he actually helped me pick it up.

"I'm sorry. I'm usually not this clumsy", I mumbled.

"It's okay," he replied in a cool manner.

I gave him a shy smile before getting into my car. I still tried to collect my thoughts before driving out. It was a good thing that he just drove right away.

This building has 50 floors in it, I live on the 42nd, I hope our paths won't cross again.

When I arrived at Fortworth University, the security guard blocked me from getting into the parking area since I didn't have a permit.

"Mister, I'll enroll today, I think I can just pass by the admin office after to ask for one," I pleaded.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but it's part of the rules. I can't-"

He got interrupted when a car from behind honked lightly. It was that black Maserati.

Blackie—yes, I'll call him Blackie for now since I don't know his name—apparently he has his convertible roof down and called for the guard.

When the guard approached me again, "It's okay ma'am. You're lucky I'm friends with that guy. Just get your permit later."

"Thank you."

I wonder what Blackie told him. Maybe he asked the guard to let me in so he won't wait long. Oh well, in my mind, I'll just be thankful to him. At least I don't need to park outside the university and take a long walk.

The bad news is, he probably studies here too.

So much for hoping that our paths won't cross again.

"Dela Vega, Avery Jacqueline!"

The lady from the office of the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) shouted. Enough for everyone in the hall to hear.

I immediately got up and went to the office.

"Your requirements are okay. Now all you need to do is pay for your tuition and we'll see you in three weeks."

"Thank you", I replied.

Now I'm on my way to the University Registrar and I can't help but be in awe of the buildings here in Fortworth University. I have been to a lot of countries and the closest I can compare these buildings to are those in Singapore.

The CFAD building is like a contemporary museum with curves and fluidly-shaped walls, with high ceilings on almost every storey, and full-on floor to ceiling glass windows as its facade. It's an all-white building with spacious halls that serve as an exhibition place for projects made by the students in that department.

Beside it are the two buildings of the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA)—two curved buildings that's interlinked with one another. With its full glass exterior and the gentle slope going up towards the green roof—it really looks modern.

I particularly like how they were able to make use of the roof itself and turn it into this huge public space—a park where some students can hang out.

Being fascinated by that green roof park, I can't help but take videos of it for my vlog.

As I was panning around and looking at my phone, I saw a guy with an all black outfit, Blackie.

His face was on the screen and he was staring at me!

"Eff-"

I immediately put my phone down and hurriedly went to the registrar to do what needs to be done.

Bzzz Bzzz... Bzzz Bzzz...

The coaster pager is starting to light up, a sign that my orders are now prepared. I went to the counter to get it and immediately went back to where I was seated.

It's a good thing that I saw this shop along the road. I was actually looking for a place that's a bit far from the university so there won't be a lot of people and I can vlog peacefully. Also, to avoid seeing Blackie. I felt like our world's too small this day.

I know everything might be a coincidence, but all our encounters have been really awkward. I'd want to avoid that as much as possible.

I then took a picture of the milk tea, cotton candy, and other specialties they have so I can post it on my Instagram stories.

After that, I thought of what to say and opened the camera.

"Right now, I'm in this cute milk tea place called FeliciTea. I was actually driving around, trying to find a cozy spot where I can grab a bite, and this pink building easily caught my attention. Who would be able to resist pink, right?".

I arranged my orders before speaking again.

"Actually, I ended up ordering quite a lot because they have a number of unique options here. Side note, this isn't really a food vlog or a mukbang video, okay? I'm sorry if you'll see me eating a lot on this vlog", I said while giggling.

After I tasted the food and shown them, I transferred to a different spot so I can show the other features of the shop really well.

"I have to admit that I'm actually gushing inside because of the interior design. Aside from the pink theme, they have this white tiled walls resembling that of a bathroom, then they have a ball pool on this side, and a laundromat setup on the other side. Seriously, this place is very instagrammable!"

I then setup my tripod and camera to take a picture of myself in the ball pool. Good thing there's not a lot of people around and I can comfortably take photos alone.

"So that's it for today's vlog. See you again next time. Bye!"

When I felt like I had a lot of photos and my videos are good for the vlog, I decided to take a seat and just sort out the photos I took so I can post one later.

I looked around and noticed that there's a group of friends who just came in.

It dawned on me that as much as I want to belong in a friend group, I'm more used to being alone. Back in Hatteras, I didn't really have a close friend. And for as long as I can remember, I was a really shy kid. I spent most of my time with my phone and laptop. In a way, social media became my escape. There, I met some friends—online friends. I then started to channel my creativity with the photos and videos I take, and I guess I used the right tags, because four years later, here I am.

At 18, I have a YouTube channel called Avery Day, where I share about the day-to-day stuff that I do—my daily routines, shopping hauls, beauty secrets, travel guides, even personal issues at times. Right now, I have around 50,000 subscribers on YouTube. And as for my Twitter and Instagram accounts? I think I have close to 100,000 followers. I usually earn five figures a month, but at certain times it can reach six.

"Excuse me, are you Avery? Avery Day?", a girl, probably of the same age, asked.

"Ah, yes."

"Can I take a photo with you? You're my fave vlogger."

"Sure", I happily replied.

"Thank you so much. I really hope I'll also have the courage to start my own vlog. I still feel so shy."

"Nah, you can do it. Trust me, I also feel shy most of the time. I just try to make up for it in other ways", I shrugged and giggled.

"I'll really try. Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome."

Every now and then, I'd get requests like that. It felt weird at first, but eventually, I got used to it. It doesn't always happen anyway.

The thing about being a vlogger is that some people know you, but not a lot do.

It's kinda like being a celebrity—micro-celebrity—and you're just famous among those people who stumble upon you and end up sharing the same interests. But for the most part, you're just another normal human being with a huge online following—still not a mainstream celebrity that people deem worthy of a photo op.

"Aw!"

My thoughts were interrupted when a ball hit the back of my head. I immediately looked back to see where it came from.

To my surprise, Blackie was there at the ball pool, staring angrily at his friend who's laughing.

I just looked at them, confused.

"Fuck you, Kel", Blackie said in an almost whisper that I could still hear. His friend just kept laughing at him.

Then he stood up and approached me.

"I'm sorry. It was...my friend. He can be annoying sometimes", he said with a straight face.

He then looked behind and stared down at his friend who now has a mischievous grin on his face.

While he was doing that, I can't help not to stare at him. He's really handsome up close. Even when I noticed it earlier, it still feels different when you look closely.

"It's okay. Uh, I mean, it's fine, Blackie. Yeah, it's fine...", I nervously answered.

My eyes widened. Too late when I realized what I said. I hope he didn't hear it.

"What?"

"What, what?", I tried to look confused.

"Blackie? Who's Blackie?", he asked.

"You really called me Blackie", it was more of a conclusion.

Okay, he heard it.

Should I come clean? Or should I not? Come clean? Not?

Ugh, PBTG, Avery, PBTG.

Pause.

Breathe.

Think.

Go.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay? Ugh...this is so embarrassing. It's just that I didn't know your name, so in my mind, I thought of naming you Blackie", I pointed at what he's wearing and bit my lip immediately. That was nerve-wracking.

He just nodded like he understood what I meant.

"It's Ethan," and I caught a hint of a smirk.

"Okay, Ethan. Sorry."

"It's fine. I was actually the one who went here para mag-apologize. So, I think we're good now," he said.

I just nodded as a response, then he left.

I just left out a heavy sigh. I'm always nervous whenever I see him. Even when I want to look back at him, I just slowly arranged my things and went home.

Now I'm in my bed. It's two in the morning and I just finished editing my vlog and scheduled it for posting.

I can't help but think about the things that happened this day.

If I had a diary, I think it will be full of stuff about Blackie, I meant Ethan. Fortworth's huge and I stumbled upon him a couple of times this day.

And that brief conversation that we had...he didn't even ask for my name! Not that he needs to know, but it just feels strange that he told me his name and he didn't ask for mine.

I can't sleep since he keeps running on my mind.

I picked up my phone and tried to look for his social media accounts. I know there's probably hundreds of Ethan in this city, but I just wanna try.

I tried typing "Ethan Fortworth" on Instagram and Facebook, but it's usually a foreign guy's face that comes up.

Next, I tried searching for "Ethan Fortworth University" on Facebook, and there were a couple of profiles that popped up, but none looked like him. Then I tried it on Google, and it was just the same...nothing.

Okay, so much for hoping I'd be able to stalk his social media accounts.