Thorns of White Rose

Chapter 6 - Effortless Charm

After that encounter with Kale, I always try to avoid him. The last thing I want right now is to complicate my life. I promise to be successful no matter what.

It was Wednesday morning when I received a message from unknown number. 'Hi. This is Brynne. Just wondering if you want to have lunch with me later?' And there's a smiling emoji at the end.

Where did he get my number? I shrugged my shoulder and just ignored it. I focused on reviewing for the quiz in History.

The professor for the first period was 20 minutes late which also means that class was already cancelled. Some of our blockmates headed out to have breakfast or to do their stuffs. Aubrey stayed in the classroom to do a paper for another subject.

"Aren't you hungry?" I asked her.

"No. I'm fine. What about you?" She pulled her chair closer to mine to sneak at what I'm doing.

"I had breakfast earlier, I'm still full." I'm trying my best to prepare breakfast and dinner at home so my aunt won't worry about me. I send her updates from time to time, and she also does the same. I really want to finish school already and earn money so I can spoil her.

"You sure are a top student. You jsut can't let a minute pass without doing anything related to academics? Why read history first thing in the morning? Are you that bored? She exclaimed. I gave her a weird look.

" Ahm, we have a quiz later." Her eyes grew big and her lips formed an O.

She stared behind me, and she looked even more surprised. Intruend around to look at what she's looking.

"Hi." It was Brynne smiling ear to ear. That smile is contagious. I can't help but just absorbed his positive energy.

"Good morning, Brynne. What brought you here?" I asked him. Aubrey also greeted him, and that's when I noticed he was holding a piece of red rose.

He pulled a vacant chair to sit close to us.

"I sent you message." He turned to me as he put the red rose on the book I was reading.

"Oh my gosh. Let me excuse myself, guys." I gave her a sharp look, Aubrey better not leave or it will be so awkward. She winked at me then leave the room too.

"I know you're wondering where I got your number. I asked Aubrey." There is no hint of

discomfort in his voice. It's just me who feel that way.

"Can I be brutally honest with you, Brynne?" I looked him straight in the eye.

He laughed to ease the tension between us. He even touched his left chest as if nervous of what I'm about to say.

"I feel like I will be rejected even I haven't asked the question yet."

"We can be friends. I'll be very glad to have you as a friend." he looked down as if expecting that already.

"Yes, of course. We can start as friends." He said after a while.

"I don't want to give you any expectation. We have only known each other recently, and you still don't know much about me. I'd really appreciate it if you don't cross the line. I am not interested in any complicated relationship with anyone else."

"You seem so expert in turning down your suitors. Anyway, I respect that. I will try to never cross the line... until you're ready." I'm surprised to see his hopeful eyes even after what I said. He stood and put his hand inside the pocket of his slacks.

"See you later. Friends can have lunch together, right? Invite Aubrey too so you will be more comfortable." He winked then left. Why do they love to wink so much?

He has everything, but still down to earth. He followed me yesterday on social media, and I did follow back. Indeed, he's a living expectation of a successful man. He has wealth, connection and he's very smart. He did several volunteer activities and attended youth leadership events. Out of everything he has, the one I'm most jealous of is his complete family. His father is a politician and his mom is a retired athlete. Likewise, his older siblings are all successful with their careers as lawyers and businesmen.

But I know my heart more than anyone else. I don't feel anything romantic towards him. He's someone I want to be around, but only as a friend.

I'm still undecided when lunch break came. Aubrey just made it easier for me. I had no choice when she dragged me to the expensive restaurant where Brynne invited us.

"I've been here for some time, and I'm still amuse to the new places I find inside this campus. Who eats at a 5-star restaurant in the middle of the day in Stallion?"

"Shh, you might offend someone. This is a famous place here because of its food." I just replied with okay.

"Hi! Oh Frey, haven't seen you in a while! Where have you been?" Aubrey was excited to see one of the guys beside Brynne.

I thought it will just be us, but Brynne is sitting with other students. I think I saw them before in the Student Council Office.

"You're here. Take a seat." He pulled a chair for me and asked Aubrey to be seated too.

Only few tables are occupied in that restaurant. The place is extravagant. The hacienda that Aubrey has been talking about is overlooking from the side of the restaurant where we are sitting. I saw horses eating. That made me smile. What an odd yet cute view.

Brynne introduced me to the other people with us. He confirmed that they are also officers like him. I ordered the same as Aubrey's, she recommended that dish.

"You can always ask for my notes. I have everything, just feel free-" Aubrey cut off what Brynne was saying.

"When it comes to academic, you can't beat her, Brynne. She's good im everything... nope, actually excellent is the right term. I suggest yoy use other tactics in making her fall... I mean in trying to get closer to her." My brow raised as I looked at her. Is she really my friend?

" Really? Then I think we can have a group study when the midterms is near."He's excited about that thought.

" Sure. Let's do that," I answered smiling.

The food was served after a while. We were about to eat when two mem came in. I almost dropped my fork when I saw Kale looking devilishly handsome in slate blue three-piece suit. He looked around as he walked towards a vacant table. When our eyes met, he stopped for a second then headed towards us.

"So damn sexy! A professor that handsome should be illegal!!" Aubrey murmured. She's the biggest fan of this guy.

He's a few walks away. and I withdrew myself from the eye contact. I can't stand it, I feel like I'm about to get a heart attack anytime. Why is my heart beating wildly?

"Hi, Sir Kale!" That Frey guy greeted him. When Brynne saw him, he stood and greeted Kale too. They are close, I have to say.

"Would you like to join us?" Oh no, Brynne! I don't want to sit with him.

"It's fine. I'm with my secretary to have a quick meeting. Enjoynyour lunch. Aubrey..." He called her. She responded with a sweet voice. I rolled my eyes. I'm slowly getting used to her acting that petty with Kale, but I can't stand it sometimes.

"Did Laurian tell you that I need your medical certificate?" He gave emphasis to my name as if he's hokding me accountable if ever Aubrey did not have it.

"Yup. I will give it to you later, sir. Enjoy your lunch!"

"Okay. You too." He responded. From my peripheral view, I saw him giving me a final look before walking away. They took the table near us.

Damn it. I hate how his presence has Chapter 6 - severe effect on me. He's attractive even he does nothing. He can just stand or sit, and make my heart flutter.

"You like the food?" Brynne asked when I was silent.

"Yeah. It tastes fine. Are you enjoying your meal too?"

"Yes. It's very good." He answered.

Kale amd his secretaty left after finishing their meal. That's when I heard Brynne talking about him.

"He's a mentor to me, the best I can never find anywhere. Aside from being a professor, he's also the Vice Chairman of Javier Corp. He has time for everything, name it. Sports, social events, travelling, volunteering." Aubrey's eyes were sparkling while listening to Brynne.

"What about girlfriend? I don't believe he's single all this time!" She blurted.

"He keeps that private. I'm not sure of he's dating anyone. Not to burst your bubble, Aubrey, but he's not the type to be dating a 17-year-old." They all laughed at that.

Aubrey raised her brow and crossed her arms on her chest as she replied with a wide smile. 

It's fine. I won't be forever 17 and student, Brynne. I'll invite you to our wedding someday."

"As long as I'm invited, I will be there, I promise!" I can't help but laughed. They love annoying each other until they're both spechless.