Chapter 3
1301 Words
Finally, recess time. Whew! Freedom at last. But even as I stretched my arms, trying to shake off the tension from this morning’s disaster, the lingering feeling of doom refused to let go. First period had been an absolute nightmare—courtesy of my beloved best friend, who had oh-so-generously exposed my embarrassing slip-up for the whole class to hear. The betrayal still burned.
And to make matters worse? I couldn’t even react the way I normally would—loud and dramatic—because she was there.
Aphrodite.
Wait. What? Why was I even worried about how she saw me? It wasn’t like I had fallen for her yet. Right? And who even knew if she had any interest in me? Tsk. I scratched my head, frustrated with myself for overthinking. This wasn’t like me.
At least the next class was Physics 2. Thank heavens. If it had been anything else, I’d have spent the entire period cringing under everyone’s knowing stares, including Aphrodite’s. That would have been a certified heart attack.
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, a wicked voice chimed in beside me.
“You’re awfully quiet. What’s up? Thinking about her?” Efrick smirked. “Tsk, you’re already in love, aren’t you?”
I turned to him with a deadpan expression. “Shut up! Ugh, your breath stinks, dude. What did you stick your tongue into to make it smell that bad?” I fanned my nose dramatically, hoping to make him drop it.
He cackled. “Why? Would it be okay if I shoved my tongue into the cave of Ms. Temptation and it ended up smelling bad? Hehe.”
Smack!
“OW! Damn, man, that hurt!” He clutched his arm, scowling at me. “Just because you like her now, you’re taking out your frustration on me? What am I, your personal punching bag?”
“Serves you right,” I shot back, snickering. “Maybe next time, pick your jokes more carefully.”
After a few more rounds of playful banter, I sighed. “Alright, enough. Let’s just get to recess. I’m starving after that long morning. And if you hadn’t dropped your snack from Al, I wouldn’t be this hungry.”
Efrick gave me a smug look. “And what makes you think I would’ve shared it with you, huh? Just because we’re best friends? No way. You’re rich, buy your own food.” He smirked. “Maybe if you bled out from hunger, I’d consider it. Hehe.”
I raised a fist, ready to deliver another well-deserved smack, but he blocked me just in time. So instead, I landed a light punch to his stomach.
“Ow! What the heck! Let’s just get to the cafeteria already, okay?” He huffed. “The more we stand around, the more you hit me. Get me something for this bruise later, alright?”
I chuckled, rolling my eyes, and followed him.
The moment we stepped into the cafeteria, the usual chorus of squeals erupted. Ah, yes. Another day, another round of fangirls reacting to our arrival. Heh. Not that I minded.
I subtly scanned the room, my eyes flicking through the crowd, searching for her. But no sign of Aphrodite. Weird.
Meanwhile, the nearby girls huddled a little closer together, whispering and glancing our way. Interesting. It seemed women these days had a new level of restraint. Times had really changed.
Heh. Not that we were about to let this opportunity slip. If we didn’t move fast, the cafeteria would soon be packed.
Once we got our food, we settled into our usual seats. I had to admit, life felt pretty good—VIP treatment, all the perks, and, of course, Efrick riding along on my wave of privilege. Perks of having my uncle as both the school president and the university chancellor. We were practically treated like royalty.
I was halfway through my snack when a sudden announcement blared through the loudspeakers:
"Good morning! The College Dean for the College of Engineering and Technology would like to call the attention of Mr. Godric Ivan Olivander Wilm Thellerius Zeajan Beaurlington, the PICE President. He is expecting you any minute now. Please make your way to his office immediately. Thank you."
I froze.
The cafeteria fell dead silent. Dead.
And then—the staring began.
Every. Single. Person. Was gawking at me. And why wouldn’t they? They had just been subjected to the full, excessively formal version of my name. Even I cringed at the length of it.
I turned to Efrick—only to find him choking on his spaghetti. His face was turning an alarming shade of purple. Panicked, I smacked his back.
“Cough! Ow! Damn it, man!” He wheezed, glaring at me. “I was choking, and you whacked me? What the hell?! You’re evil!”
I smirked. “Hey, at least it was just the spaghetti and not the fork. Haha! You should’ve seen your face—it was priceless!”
“Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up.” He groaned, still rubbing his back. “Just go, man. Your uncle’s waiting. And don’t think you’re getting away without me getting revenge for this.”
I shook my head, chuckling, and made my way to the Dean’s office.
I arrived at the 7th floor, heading straight for the Faculty Office where the Dean’s office was located. As I stepped in, I greeted the professors, exchanging polite smiles before finally stopping in front of the Dean’s door.
Knock, knock, knock!
“Come in,” a deep voice called.
I pushed open the door, stepping inside with my usual confidence. “Good morning, Dean. You called for me?”
The Dean looked up, his gaze steady. “Ah, yes. I needed your attention.” He sat back in his chair, eyeing me carefully. “There’s a general assembly meeting for PICE this afternoon.”
I nodded, waiting for him to continue.
“I want you and Efrick to retain your current positions.”
A pause. His words hung in the air, leaving little room for debate.
“Please, take a seat.”
Though polite, his tone made it very clear—this was not up for discussion.
Just as I was about to sit, I noticed something—or rather, someone.
Aphrodite.
She was seated on the sofa beside the Dean’s desk, her delicate hands resting on her lap. And she was staring at me.
Blushing.
My heart skipped.
Before I could process the moment, the Dean spoke again, a knowing grin on his face.
“I assume you two know each other? You share all the same classes, after all.”
Aphrodite stood, and instinctively, I extended my hand for a handshake. When she placed her soft hand in mine, an unexpected shiver ran down my spine.
She quickly sat down across from me, avoiding my gaze. I glanced at the Dean—who was definitely enjoying this—before forcing myself to focus.
As the meeting began, I couldn’t help but admire her sharp intellect. She was organized, methodical, her thoughts precise. Every word she spoke carried weight.
And then—she smiled at me.
For some reason, it filled me with an odd sense of confidence. I spoke up more, engaging with her ideas, exchanging thoughts like we had done this a hundred times before.
As the meeting ended, the Dean turned to me, his expression serious. “Ivan, could you look after Aphrodite for me?”
I didn’t even hesitate. “Of course, sir. I vouch for my word.”
The Dean smiled, nodding at his niece, who was still blushing.
As I left, I felt something shift inside me.
Maybe… just maybe… this was the start of something interesting.
- Writer
