One Chair Left

The silence between Callie and the quiet boy didn't last long.

Ding...

The café door opened once again as another student rushed inside, shaking the rain from his umbrella.

He was taller than most students, with neatly styled brown hair and a bright smile that immediately caught everyone's attention.

He looked around the crowded café before noticing the long wooden table.

Only then did he realize there were still empty chairs.

He walked over with a tray holding an iced americano and a slice of cheesecake.

"Uh... excuse me," he said politely. "Is this seat taken?"

The quiet boy looked up from his book.

"No."

"Great! Thanks."

The newcomer smiled warmly before sitting across from Callie.

"I'm Ryle Clark Anderson," he introduced himself. "I just transferred here from California."

Callie returned the smile.

"I'm Callie Mendoza."

The quiet boy closed his novel and finally spoke.

"Dzythien Villanueva."

"Nice meeting both of you," Ryle said cheerfully. "Looks like we're all hiding from the rain."

Before anyone could answer—

Ding...

The café door opened again.

A girl with a camera hanging around her neck hurried inside.

"Oh no! My camera almost got wet!"

She sighed dramatically before noticing the only table with available seats.

She walked over without hesitation.

"Hi! Mind if I sit here?"

"Not at all," Callie replied.

"Thank you!"

The girl sat down and flashed a wide grin.

"I'm Shantalle Reyes."

"I'm Callie."

"Ryle."

"Dzythien."

Shantalle clapped her hands together.

"Perfect! I already met three people today."

Everyone chuckled softly.

Not even a minute passed before the bell rang again.

This time, two girls entered together.

One looked calm and mature, carrying a folder close to her chest.

The other smiled brightly as she held two cups of milk tea.

The younger girl pointed toward the long table.

"Ate Rein! There are seats over there!"

The older sister nodded.

"Let's ask first."

They approached politely.

"Excuse us," the older one said. "May we join you?"

"Of course," Callie answered.

"Thank you."

"I'm Rein Yhonna Santos."

"And I'm Yhonna Santos," the younger girl said with a wave. "She's my older sister."

"It's nice to meet you," Callie replied.

The table slowly became livelier as everyone introduced themselves.

Outside, the rain continued to pour.

Inside, strangers were becoming acquaintances.

Then—

Ding...

A young woman with long black hair stepped into the café, carrying a suitcase beside her.

She looked around uncertainly before speaking in careful English.

"Excuse me..."

"Is there... any seat available?"

Callie immediately stood.

"Over here!"

The young woman smiled with relief.

"Thank you."

She placed her suitcase beside the table.

"My name is Xuí Lin."

"I'm an exchange student from China."

"Welcome to the Philippines!" Shantalle said excitedly.

Before Xuí could reply—

Ding... Ding...

Three more students entered almost at the same time.

One wore a varsity jacket.

Another adjusted his glasses while checking his phone.

The last one looked around with an easygoing smile.

The three exchanged glances before noticing the nearly full table.

The boy in the varsity jacket scratched his head.

"Looks like this is the only place left."

He walked over.

"Is this seat taken?"

Callie smiled once more.

"Not anymore."

One by one, they introduced themselves.

"I'm Prince Khan."

"I'm Calvin Zhao."

"And I'm Kien Auxelle Cruz."

Only one chair remained empty.

Everyone looked at it.

Shantalle laughed.

"I wonder who gets the last seat."

As if the café had heard her question—

Ding...

The bell above the door rang once again.

A soaked student stood at the entrance, brushing rainwater from his sleeves before looking around the packed café.

His eyes landed on the last empty chair.

He smiled.

"Looks like I'm just in time."

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