Thorns of White Rose

Chapter 15 - King of Consent

The midterm exam is finally done. It's a core memory for me. The students in Stallion are the most privilege kids in the country. I was expecting some spoiled brats but what I saw are overly dedicated youths during this week. They took their studies seriously and I'm pretty amazed by that. When I started, my fear was to feel left out because this is a school of the rich but my home section never made me feel that way. I can just be who I am around them.

The midterm week ended on Thursday, and they announced Friday as Wellness Day which means there will be no classes for all college levels in Stallion to let the students rest after the tiring weeks.

Aubrey invited me to lunch with her family but I politely declined because I need to attend the meeting of Student Council regarding the environmental outreach program that Brynne mentioned. That's one of the reasons I will go to school. Another reason is to thank Kale for bringing her home safe that rainy night.

I woke up early on Friday to prepare lunch for Kale. I thought of something simple to give him in exchange of giving me a lift. It normally takes me 15 minutes to prepare my breakfast. I don't know why it took me an hour preparing for lunch to give Kale. I prepared braised chicken with avocado and tomatoes on the side. I added rice and greens to make it seem appetizing. In another lunch box, I prepared fruits. Last night before coming home, I dropped by the grocery story to buy grapes, strawberries and watermelon. I gave one final look to the lunch I prepared and felt satisfied with the plating.

My condo is simple. I have 2 bedrooms which I specifically like because Auntie Royce likes staying here during weekends. The sitting room has enough space for 5 people. The kitchen and dining area is wide enough for a family but there is no much utensils. When I was buying things for my place, I made it coordinated by choosing white as much as possible. The couch and the tables have white touch. My bed is queen-size and and there's no much things inside thr bedroom. I have a cabinet for my clothes, side table, and decent bathroom. That's all I really needed.

Around 10:40 AM when I arrived at the campus. It's noticeable that the parking lot is empty today. There's a few parked there which I guess owned by thr varsity students and professors who still need to go to school today.

The SC meeting starts at 11 AM, so I decided to drop by at Kale's faculty room first. It's located at 10th floor in the Engineering Building. The secretary greeted me, but I noticed right away that there are no other people inside.

"Is Sir Kale going to be here today?" I wish he would because I might cry of this lunch goes to waste.

"Yes, he called earlier to say that he will be late for the meeting with SC but he will be here. His flight from Japan was delayed so he's still at the airport." I nodded and gave her a smile.

"This is something I prepared for him. Can I put it on his table?" She gave me a hesitant look.

"Not quite sure about that. He doesn't accept gifts from students. You can put it on his table, but he usually returns it to the giver." I bite my lower lip. It's okay. I can just eat ot if he gives it back.

"Thanks. I will place it on his table."

I went the SC meeting room and found the crowd there. Most of them are already seniors like Brynne and they are screaming energy ecen it's so early. They are sitting around a boardroom conference table while discussing about the midterm week. I closed the door to find a seat.

"Here comes the apple of the eye of freshmen. Thanks for joining us, Laurian. It's really an honor to have you in the team. You can sit here." He pulled a seat beside him.

I said hello to the unfamiliar faces around him. It's easy to get comofortable around them, they are nice.

It's 11 and all the seats are almost taken.

"Let's wait 5 more mintes for the others." I guess Brynne will be driving that meeting. He scanned the deck one last time before connecting it to the projector.

The meeting started at exactly 11:05 AM. Brynne is articulate and confident. I meed to hangout more with him so I can learn more on how he does it. I keep glancing at the glass door waiting for Sir Kale to come in. He said he will bw here, right? I only joined because I felt attacked when he said they didn't need more people. And also I haven't seen him after the night he took me home. I guess he was in Japan all this time.

Brynne was discussing the schedule of outreach when that fine man entered. He apologized for being late and took a seat at the back. He's holding an ipad and his focus was in the screen of his device while Brynne continued to present the date and time. I admit that I missed him. He cut his hair and changed its style to side part. He is nothing less than breathtaking and no one else in the room is thinking like that because they're focused on the presentation.

Our outfits today kind of match. I'm wearing a short white skirt and beige top. He's wearing a white long sleeve and beige pants. I shook my head and looked in front to get back my focus on Brynne.

The outreach activity is basically hosted by the Student Council. All the expenses will be covered by their office. It was mentioned that the budget was especially allocated for this activity to revive the bad image of Stallion when it comes to supporting UNSDG. It's my first time learning as well that they have a bad reputation to keeping up with the Sustainable Goals. During the 3 days and 2 nights in Bohol, it's expected that the participants will do the job smoothly. It's hard for them to gather students who will volintarily sign up because finals week will start soon. The activity is happening 3 weeks from now.

They are targetting 80 participants but at the moment only 30 have sogned up. The plane ticket, hotel accommodation and all meals will be covered by the SC. I can't believe they still cannot make students sign up for this fun activity.

"My suggestion is to promote this activity to the varsity stundents or first year students and align with their professors tp give extra credit for those who will join. We cannot wait until the last week to complete thr 80 slots. Let's target to complete the lost of participants by Friday next week. We need to work on the consent letters and gathering of emergency contacts." Kale's voice was loid enough for everyone in the room to hear.

"I agree with Sir Kale. I especially invited Laurian for this acitvity because she's famous among the freshmen. I would suggest to make her part of the video ad that we will create for this activity." I didn't know there's going to be a video, but it doesn't sound bad. I'm willing to coordinate.

"Ms. Savedra..." My heart is racing again when Kale called me. His eyes were directed to me. I just missed him a lot.

"I really appreciate your presence here. Is it fine with you to do the promotional ad?" He's the king of consent.

"Yes, it's fine. I would like to participate not only in the promotion but in the activity itself as well." I answered. Good job self for not stuttering.

"Very good." I fought the urge to smile. I've been enjoying getting compliments from him.

The activities composed of planting trees, picking up garbage and donating machines for agriculture. Due to recent catastrophe in that province, many families lost their home and their means of income. Their school is donating machines and facilities to help them rebuild.

This place has so much money. The meeting ended at exactly 12 noon.

"Thanks everyone for attending. We reserved Blue Sapphire for lunch. See you there!" I took a deep sigh. The lunch I made is meant to go to waste.

I was about to go out of the room when I was blocked by Kale. He gave me a head to toe and do I have to say that I'm blushing again.

"Young lady, even on Wellness Day I believe the disciplinary procedures still apply. I don't remember short skirt being allowed." I rolled my eyes. During school fest, students were wesring whatever they wanted, some even wore ripped jeans and shorts.

"Well, I wasn't issued any violation when I passed by the guards." I answered in a low tone.

"If I report you, you will earn your first violation right?" It made my forehead furrowed. He's back and the first thing he's doing is to annoy me.

"I-i made you lunch to thank you for driving me home that night. But I heard from your secretary that you're not accepting gifts from your students." His eyes widened.

"I can always make an exception for you. Lunch... I've been starving. Where is it?" The excitement in his tone and eyes sparked the rage in my heart again. He's doing something to my heart.

"In your office... but if you're going to report me to the disciplinary board, I will take it back!" I said annoyed.

He took a deep sigh and smiled wide as he closed the gap between us. He even leaned closer to my face which just made me feel how short I am compared to him. I'm 5'5 but I'm guessing he's 6 feet.

"Alright. I won't report you coz you look stunning today. I will let it slide. Thanks for the lunch, I will enjoy it." He said then walked away. I'm left alone there on cloud nine.