Love In Full Bloom

Chapter Twelve

MARIAM'S POV

~

It was almost 4pm and the last lecture had just ended.

I got up from my chair and approached Seyram, who was writing in her notebook.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked, sitting in the empty seat beside her.

"Nothing, since you decided to abandon me today and sit with your boyfriend," she said sarcastically. "I'm not complaining, really, I'm cool with it." "First of all, he's not my boyfriend, and we're not even friends," I clarified. "I wouldn't date someone like him – he's annoying. You know why I sat with him. I’d never abandon you for that jerk."

"Really? You're sure you wouldn't date someone like him? He's handsome, and almost all the girls in this class want a relationship with him. You had the opportunity to sit beside him, and yet you're complaining," Seyram said, making me look at her in shock. "Did you notice the looks you're getting today? You're the only girl he's sat with since I've known him from level 100." she added.

Should I be thrilled to sit with Miguel? I kind of find him attractive so yeah, but after today, I couldn't help but see him as a jerk.

"Did you say I'm getting looks? From who? And do you want a relationship with him too, considering you know him better than I do?" I asked, surprised. Seyram avoided my gaze, her face flushing.

"What are you implying? I didn't say I have a crush on him. I'm just telling you what I know," she said.

I laughed at her reaction. "I didn't say you did. I just asked if you'd want a relationship with him, like being his friends. But it seems I hit a nerve."

She gave me an annoyed look. "Get out of my sight, you're so annoying. That's not what I said; you're just twisting my words." She tried to push me out of the chair.

I laughed so hard I couldn't hold myself, and with her slight push, I landed on the floor with a thud. Still laughing, I looked around to see our classmates staring at us, their faces a mix of curiosity and amusement.

After wiping away tears from laughing, I composed myself and stood up.

Seyram had already packed her books while I was on the floor. I sat back down and said,

"You know, I used to find Miguel attractive too, but after today, I don't think I can see him that way again. He's a jerk. If it weren't for our group work, I'd avoid him altogether." Seyram pretended not to hear me, but I knew she did.

"Hey, I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to make fun of you, but your reaction was really entertaining," I said, smiling at her. She hit me on the head with her notebook.

"That wasn't funny, and I wasn't crushing on Miguel. I just find him attractive, that's all. And you calling that entertaining?" she said, still annoyed.

"Okay, fine. My mistake. I've heard you," I said, trying to look contrite.

"Whatever. I'm going home now. Move," she said, picking up her bag and trying to pass by me. I held her hand, making her stop. She looked at me and asked,

"What now?"

"You didn't give me a goodbye kiss," I said, making her look at me like I'd lost my mind.

"Uh, I mean goodbye hug," I corrected.

I stood up and hugged her before she could protest.

After a while, I let go and patted her shoulder to calm her down, knowing she'd likely explode.

"Take care, okay? See you on Friday. I love you," I said, looking at her face. She had a conflicted expression, torn between showing anger or smiling. She managed both, if that's even possible, and said "Okay" before I stepped aside to let her pass.

As Seyram stepped out, I turned to see Miguel watching me with a cold expression from across the room. Our group members were already seated, waiting for me. I joined them, taking my previous chair. We were a group of five: Miguel, Caldora, Andy, Marcus, and me.

"Is it your habit to waste people's time?" Miguel said, his tone biting. I shot him an annoyed look. Turning to the others, I apologized, "I'm really sorry I kept you guys waiting." I gave them a sincere smile.

"It's okay, let's just get this done quickly so I can catch a car home," Marcus said, and the others nodded in agreement.

I turned to Miguel, who had taken charge during my absence. Before we began, I wanted to clarify my position and suggest Caldora as a more suitable leader.

"Guys, please, I don't want to be the leader," I said, but they looked at me incredulously.

"And why is that?" Andy asked, his expression mirroring theirs.

"Who even chose me as leader when I wasn't even part of the group from the start? You guys could have picked among yourselves." I asked them, noticing their eyes flicker to Miguel before returning to me. I'm familiar with the subtle cues of people's gazes, and I caught the glance.

It seemed Miguel was behind my unexpected leadership role, but I couldn't understand why. We weren't friends, and we'd barely exchanged words until today. What was his motive?