Sudden Love (English Version)

Chapter 6 part 1

The morning air was crisp as I left for the university early, the soft hum of the city just beginning to stir. Sleep still clung to my eyes, but I had no choice—responsibilities awaited. It had been past midnight when Mom and Dad finally arrived home, their presence instantly filling the house with warmth and familiarity.

As exhausted as I was, I couldn’t help but giggle when I felt something tickling my nose, rousing me from sleep. Opening my eyes, I found my parents hovering over me with playful grins. Even at this age, they still loved to tease me. We fell into our usual rhythm of laughter and conversation, the minutes slipping into hours until dawn approached.

They were careful with me, though. I wasn’t feeling my best, and the last thing any of us wanted was another health scare. I told them about Aphrodite, casually at first, but they immediately exchanged a look. Their advice was simple yet firm—be careful in choosing my friends. They didn’t want a repeat of the past, the time they had almost lost me. The concern in their eyes made my chest tighten. They still saw me as their baby. A child who needed protecting. I rolled my eyes playfully, but deep down, I understood. I was their world.

Despite the heavy topic, the mood remained lighthearted. They reassured me of their unwavering support, as long as I stayed safe. We kept talking and joking until the sky turned a soft shade of blue, the promise of morning creeping in. Sleep had become an afterthought for all of us.

Soon, it was time for my usual routine—shower, breakfast, and of course, pocket money from Mom and Dad. I had ATM cards, credit cards, and cash cards, but nothing beat the convenience of cold, hard cash. Mom and Dad didn’t mind; in fact, they found it amusing. With everything settled, I slid into my Porsche, the engine purring to life as I headed for the university.

Upon arriving, I hadn’t expected to run into my best friend, Efrick, so early. But there he was, leaning casually against the hallway lockers, grinning like he had been waiting for me. Without missing a beat, he threw an arm around me, pulling me into his usual, boisterous greeting.

Predictably, our presence didn’t go unnoticed. A group of girls—and even a few effeminate guys—had already gathered, their excited squeals piercing the morning air. Cameras flashed, stolen shots being taken at every angle. I smirked inwardly. Do I really look that masculine? I mused. Oh well, if I’m photogenic, why not? Hehehe.

Efrick and I made our way to the third floor, but instead of heading straight to our classroom, we stopped by the PICE office. I was surprised to see some of my subordinates already there, deep in conversation. And to my amusement, Aphrodite was among them.

I greeted everyone, receiving cheerful responses in return. My gaze landed on Aphrodite and Megame, who were chatting away like old friends. I raised an eyebrow as Meg threw me a playful wink. I knew exactly what that meant. I merely smiled in return, pretending not to notice her teasing.

The PICE office was structured in a way that allowed some level of privacy. My office sat in the middle, separated by tinted sliding doors from Efrick’s workspace. We used to share an office, but after being subjected to his… “distractions,” I had enough. I had to watch his antics while he stared at his monitor, and honestly, I couldn’t take it anymore. Disgusting monkey. Hehehe. So, I had the sliding doors installed, creating separate entrances.

Best decision ever.

Minutes later, the bell rang. I knocked on Efrick’s door, knowing exactly what he was up to. Even at this hour? Really? Tsk. He emerged looking slightly disheveled, not exactly his best self. I dodged him when he attempted to put his arm around me, wrinkling my nose in mock disgust.

"Gross! Some manners, please! Honestly, you’re a pig. Isn’t there any internet at your place? Oh, wait—you had it blocked after getting caught last time. Hahaha!" I teased, stepping away.

"Relax, relax! I didn’t do anything this time. I swear!" he defended, but I wasn’t buying it.

"Yeah, right. Well, I’m outta here! Dafuq! Go wash your hands, you filthy animal!" I laughed, making my escape.

By the time I reached my first class, Ma’am hadn’t arrived yet. I spotted Aphrodite sitting beside me, her warm smile directed at me. I returned it with my signature killer smile. Just as I was settling in, the door creaked open. A familiar figure limped inside.

I turned to Efrick, leaning in with a grin. "Oi, Ef, how many bottles of water did you drink? And did you even change your underwear? Huh?" I whispered.

Aphrodite must have heard me because she suddenly looked at me, amusement dancing in her eyes. Before I could gauge her reaction, Efrick threw me under the bus.

"Stop being such an attention seeker!" he called out, smirking. Then, turning to Aphrodite, he added, "That’s just Godric, pretending to joke with me while actually trying to send messages to you. He’s got a secret crush on you!"

Oh no. He just exposed me.

"Efrick Igor! Later, please!" I shot back, my voice almost as authoritative as Ma’am Sabito’s.

I turned to Aphrodite, leaning in with a whisper, "Don’t mind him. That’s just what happens when someone secretly falls for the cheerleading captain." My voice was soft, making sure Efrick wouldn’t overhear.

"Hoi, I heard that!" Efrick interjected, raising an eyebrow.

I noticed Aphrodite’s smile, but I couldn’t quite decipher what it meant. Was she amused? Flattered? Confused? I wasn’t sure. But when I turned to Efrick, he was smirking at me, his eyes silently saying, Keep pretending. I know your secret. You can’t fool me. Hahaha. I simply smiled back.

After two periods, I received a message from Dad. He was picking me up for my appointment. Packing my things, I prepared to leave, but not before Efrick called out.

"Tara, let’s go to the cafeteria. I’m starving."

"Nah, I can’t. Dad’s picking me up. I have a checkup. Go ahead," I said, gathering my stuff.

"i***t—let’s just go down together. I’ll be passing by your way anyway!" he insisted.

"Fine, I can’t walk alone anyway. Haha," I joked.

We parted ways downstairs, and as I stepped outside, I spotted Dad waiting beside the limo. He waved, and I waved back before slipping inside. As we drove off, I let out a small sigh, leaning back against the seat.

This day had started chaotic, but somehow, it felt like everything was falling into place.