Thorns of White Rose

Chapter 10 - Sore Loser

The next day came. I anticipated that I would wake up late that day because my body is sore. I even considered not going to school at all that day. There's nothing in my schedule. If I were to go, I will just stay in the library to study.

I called Aubrey to tell her that I'm not leaving home that day.

"What? But we're set to watch cultural events today. You can just go in the afternoon. I understand you're tired from yesterday." That sounds boring.

I stayed home all morning. I smiled at myself when I realized that I'm really made to be independent. Having my own space to clean and design made me feel good. After cleaning, I prepared a brunch for myself. Lately, I'm fond of looking up recipes online.

It's almost 11 AM when I started preparing to leave. I decided I want to see that cultural event too.

I took a taxi to get to the campus. Unlike any other part of Stallion, the lobby is quiet.

"You didn't even congratulate us yesterday. We won." I almost fainted when I heard a familoar voice behind me. I turned around.

Kale was in formal suit and he's heading towards me. One corner of his lips went up for a mocking smile. No part of him is not sexy.

"Congrats." I said. I don't know anything else to tell him. Hoe can a man leave me speechless by simply existing.

"Thanks. What about the sign. Do you have proof that--" I cut him off.

"You saw it. Aubrey insisted to hold it. I have to go. Bye." As much as possible, I want to keep my encounter with him short. How humiliating it is to blush just just because he's around. He didn't even say anything that can possibly make me flustered.

"Had lunch already?" His voice was soft. I took a deep sigh and looked at him again. The closer view of him is more breathtaking. His damn scent made me feel addicted.

"Yes. Enjoy your lunch." I answered and waited in case he has something else to say.

"Let's have coffee then." He's about to walk, but I blocked his way. Shame on me. Now, I had to look up just to meet his eyes.

"Enjoy your coffee then. I have to meet Aub--" I bite my lower lip when he cut me off. I hate that.

"You spent the whole day with them yesterday. Can't you really accompany me in lunch? An hour is enough." He's trying to act pitiful. I rolled my eyes then crossed my arms in my chest. He scanned me from head to toe and wore that amused smile again.

"You stand no chance, Sir Kale. Do I need to get myself a boyfriend just for you to stop trying?" I made sure he's the only one who can hear me now.

"Go ahead, Laurian. Why don't you try getting yourself a boyfriend? I'll be watching and meddling in every way I can. You have no idea how good I am at ruining things." The danger in his tone sent shiver to my spine.

"This is a form of grooming. You know that I'm seventeen." He took a deep sigh and slowly walked closer. He put hos right hand in the pocket of his slacks.

"All I did was ask you to have lunch with me." This damm hesrt is at fault. It betrayed me. Unacceptable the way it's beating fast now that Kale is close.

"Will you stop talking about nonsense if I agree to have lunch with you?" He smiled triumphantly and he gestured me to walk first to the direction of restaurants.

"I'll try." And that is the most unreliable answer I have ever heard. It's like a flat no.

As we're walking, we bumped into some of his students. I tried to walk fast so there would be some distance between us and it won't look like we're together.

I chose the Blue Sapphire Restaurant. I looked bacl to check at him. He's on the phome with someone.

As expected, there's no one else inside. Noe, I feel more at ease that we are in a close space where no one can see.

He asked for my order, but I have nothing in specific that I want. I just had brunch, so I wanted something light.

"You can try their best seller tea." He recommended. I looked up from the menu and caught him staring at me. I agreed just so the waiter can leave us alone.

"I heard you got married yesterday. Brynne was boasting about that." My jaw dropped.

"This is not the type of conversation I expected from you. Why don't we talk about your offer to elect me as the next Math Society president? We can take this time to discuss about the qualifications." That sharp look in his eyes is terrifying my soul.

"Just tell me that you want that position and I'll adjust the qualifications. Without much effort from anyone's side, you will take the position. Now, what I'm dying to know is id you like Brynne?" My forehead furrowed.

"No."

"Then give me a chance." There was no hint of hesitation with his voice. I'm afraid that I might end up agreeing to that. No self, be reminded that you don't need a man at this point in your life.

"I don't want. I'm not interested in you, and Aubrey likes you a lot." He remained silent after what I said.

I had to distract myself from appreciating his feautures. He always stands out, but right now he's extra gorgeous in that comb-over hairstyle. It's odd, I like even his old-fashioned taste in suit color. Right now, he looks more like a CEO who just finished a meeting than a professor.

"Are you sure you're not interested? I can tell from your eyes that you're lying. I'm not rushing you, Laurian. All I want is reassurance."

I needed some time to breathe. Gladly, the waiter served our orders.

"I never knew I was the jealous type. But when I saw pictures of you and Brynne in wedding attire, I lost it. He even kissed you. I can report that to Discipline Office right away, but that will make me look pathetic. All my life, I've been winning, Laurian. But then you came along, rejected me every chance you got. You made me realize how big of a sore loser I am."

His voice raised. Both my heart and him are uncontrollable.

I decided not to reply. If I say something that might offend him, he might really get mad.

It has been a minute, and we remained looking at each other's eyes. I am furious. When I said no, I meant it. It's true that he makes my heart flutter and excited whatever is it, but I cannot just commit to him or give him assurance.

"Go eat your food. We're done talking." I answered after I gathered all the poise and confidence left in my system.

"Will you stay cold like this?" He asked in a warning tone.

"You are in no position to control me." I grabbed my bag and stood. I looked down at him then smiled.

"I may not be as rich as other girls you know, but I have decency intact in me. As long as I am a student and you're a professor here, I will never give you a chance. Why? Because I'm afraid of the consequences. I don't want to be in a position where I rely on someone to survive. Enjoy your lunch." I turned around to walk away, but he still said something under his breath.

That earned a smirk from me. I understand that I have crushed his ego, so he had to have the final words.

"Now we're talking, Laurian. Let's ignore the affection then. Next time we talk, let's be casual like a normal professor and student. I won't beg or force myself anymore, I'll wait until you come to me voluntarily. I'll wait."

i left him there. Keep yourself together, Laurian. He's enough to crumble everything I'm working on for myself. The goal is still to graduate quietly.