During the next semester, with three of five modules together, we saw each other more

frequently. We would always sit next to each other in class. During class, we would write

and pass notes to each other — notes that were sometimes relevant to the class and

many times, not. Outside of class, we would meet up for project work. A large portion of

our time on campus was spent with each other. When we were out of campus, we

would be in contact via email, sms or chat. Our friendship gradually evolved from one of

normal friends, to good friends, to very good friends. As I got to know him better, I was

very impressed by him. He was very smart and capable, easily one of the smartest

person I knew then. He was reputed among teachers and students alike for his top

results. We clicked intellectually, in a way I couldn’t with others. For his abilities and

achievements, he was amazingly humble. He never spoke about them until he was

asked, and even then he wouldn’t talk much. His kindness also won me over. He had a

heart of gold. I never once remembered him expressing negative intent of any sort

towards anyone. To top it off, G would treat me in a special way. He was very sweet to

me. He would always be carrying my stuff for me, rain or shine, whether it was my

books or my laptop. When I was down and out, he was there with me, listening and

supporting in a quiet manner. There were several incidences when I felt frustrated, and

he would be patiently hearing me out. I was moved by his patience and kindness. I

began to open up to him more and more. Developing Feelings G’s behavior towards me

was beyond just “good friends.” There was something about the things he did, the

words he said, his behavior around me. I definitely know the difference between

behavior that is nice and behavior that is romantic. At that point, I already had several

very good friendships with guys and their actions towards me could be described as
“nice” and “caring,” but definitely not romantic. G’s actions and words towards me were

clearly more romantic than platonic, and different from how he acted towards other girls

too. When we talked, he hinted about liking me, saying things such as how he liked

looking at me, how I was “his Celes,” that he felt “jealous” when I mentioned other guys,

and the like. Whenever we were together, I could feel his attention was focused on me,

to the extent it made me feel weird. He made promises, such as to respond to any

communication from me within 24 hours, no matter how busy he was. He said no matter

what happened, he would never let me get hurt. And so on.