The lost sunshine

Chapter 8

Sarwa’s POV

Time flew fast, and the quarter examinations were approaching. It was not a big deal for me, but seeing Zeyan remain idle up until now, knowing his standing in school, alarmed me a little—yes, a little. Wasn’t he worried about his future?

So I threw the notes I made on his face while he was lying down, playing games.

“Ouch! What’s wrong with you?!” he said, hurt and annoyed, sitting up while touching his face.

“Can’t you pay a little attention—”

“Oww, I see, you’re jealous of the game,” he cut me off teasingly. “Why don’t you—”

I smacked his head to cut his nonsense.

“Damn! Can’t you be reasonable?! Can’t you think about the future?! Don’t you have plans?” I yelled at him.

“Are you asking me to take responsibility right now?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes and sighed helplessly. Luckily, Mama Rose and Dada Rod had already gone to their quarters.

“Okay, where would you like to have our wedding? Church? Garden? Beach?”

I kicked him.

“You dog! What I mean is, the exam is next week and you still haven’t studied. Are you planning to remain fifth to the last?!” I said, annoyed.

“Ahh… being fifth to the last isn’t that bad anyway. Besides, it’s not that embarrassing, it’s still up five spots,” he laughed.

“So you don’t mind? Okay, suit yourself.” I marched to my room.

“You don’t mind, but I do. Who wants to live her life with him if he remains like that? What if my children inherit his dumbness and become good-for-nothing?” I ranted to myself while lying on my bed.

“Wait, did I say it right? I’m planning to have my future with him? Have children?” I laughed at myself in disbelief. “Have I lost my mind?! Damn, I can’t continue this.” I covered my face with my pillow.

I did not know how much time had passed. I was awakened by a knock on my door.

“Come in,” I said lazily.

“I’m sorry. I brought you your favorite boba tea,” Zeyan said guiltily, handing me the cup.

“It’s okay. I shouldn’t have interfered in your business anyway. I won’t do it again.” I reached for it and took a sip.

“Please, forgive me. I’ll listen to you, okay? Please keep interfering with my life, okay?” He shook my arms. “How about you tutor me?” he pleaded.

“Are you sure?” I raised my eyebrows.

“Uhmm.” He nodded and hugged me.

“But can you reward me if I place higher?” he asked.

“Sure. Whatever you want,” I replied.

“Really?” he said, unconvinced.

“Promise,” I assured him.

He hugged me tighter.

Zeyan’s POV

I’m not actually that dumb; I just don’t like reading the test questions and usually shade everything by guessing. But since she promised me she’ll do anything I ask if I improve my ranking, then it’s a done deal.

We studied together every night, and I always pretended not to know so she would explain to me every time. What I really enjoy about studying with her is that she always feeds me with her own hands and serves me everything. She looks like a wife taking care of her sick, fragile husband, hahahaha.

“Babe, I’m thirsty,” I said helplessly and pouted.

“Wait, I’ll go get you something,” she rushed to get it.

See? She did not even mind me calling her babe, hehehe.

“And some snacks too, babe,” I added.

“Okay, okay,” she replied.

“If studying feels this good, I should make it a habit from now on,” I grinned at myself.

A while later, I saw her enter the room again with a tray full of snacks and juice.

I hurried to help her.

“After that last one, go wash up. It’s late already. We still have classes tomorrow,” she said. “I’ll go wash up first.”

I nodded.

I quickly finished everything.

After I washed up, I went directly to her bedroom and saw her already lying there.

“Babe?” I called out gently.

“Hmm?” she hummed in reply.

I sat beside her and kissed her forehead.

“Good night,” I said softly.

She opened her eyes and smiled sweetly. “Good night.” Then she hugged me.

I hugged her back and kissed her forehead again.

Sarwa, Julian, and I are childhood friends. Before, I used to get angry and tease her just because I liked seeing her pissed off. Just because she’s a girl, everyone expects us to adjust and be easy on her. That’s why, when it comes to her, I make sure to be harsher. Yet I did not expect her to be so unruly and always fight back. So every time we meet, disasters always followed.

Not until three years ago, during a business banquet…

I sat down in a corner, out of place. I really hate attending this kind of occasion, but given our status, I had no choice. Everyone was busy getting along. Business talks and fake compliments spread across the room. I sighed deeply.

“Bored?” Sarwa asked as she approached me.

“What is it to you?” I replied sarcastically.

“Cut the crap.” She rolled her eyes. “Shall we dance?” She spread her hand out to me and winked.

I raised my brows. “Sure.” I smirked.

That was also the time I realized she’s actually beautiful.

During the dance, I could not help staring at her face, and my heart pounded like it was about to burst out of my chest.

“Why me?” I asked without thinking.

“Why you?” Her brows furrowed. “Why? Should I let those ugly creatures dance with me and touch my precious body? Hell no!” she replied sarcastically.

“How about Julian?” I asked.

“No. He’s too demure for me,” she replied casually.

“Oww, do you like me?” I teased her.

She stepped on my foot. “Dream on, pup!” But she still continued dancing with me.

I just endured the pain and went along with her.

“Wanna run away with me?” she asked, grinning.

“What? But the banquet hasn’t even been going on that long. Aren’t you afraid you’ll get scolded later?” I asked, confused.

“So what? A little scolding isn’t that bad compared to being suffocated here,” she said. “Did you bring your car? Can you take me to the seaside? Let’s have a barbeque there.” She spoke joyfully while tugging on my sleeve and leading me toward the corner.

“But—”

“No more buts! Just say I had a stomachache and you took me to the hospital.” She showed me a medical receipt and prescription. “Look, I’m prepared,” she said, grinning.

“Let’s go then,” I said.

We left the venue and went to the beach and had a barbeque there. That night, I realized I had fallen in love with her.