Thorns of White Rose

Chapter 11 - Blushing

Never did I expect to find myself getting comfortable in this school. I was really intimidated in the beginning, I thought it was impossible to blend or to just even get casual with the richest of kids in the country. But during the 4-day school festival, I found myself having the most fun. This university is fun to explore. And I can't believe that I'm also enjoying the culture like I am somehow made for this.

It's quite sad that this is ending today. The noise around and the people scattered everywhere, I think I will miss the feeling. It's actually refreshing to do something else apart from studying.

I arrived at the university around 9 AM and checked the events. I plan to just stroll around, get something delicious for brunch and attend the closing ceremony alone. It's Friday and most of my blockmates informed us that they will no longer come to school to rest. I really fun in the past days with them, and I'm afraid to get closer with them. I know I don't belong to their world, and also I hate getting attached to people.

I went to the Student's Park where food stalls are installed for the purpose of that event. There's a variety of food choice and I decided to go Japanese. There's this stall that serves udon so I tried it.

There are still many students around similar to the past days. There are also professors walking around where I was staying, but I don't see anyone I can recognize. Today seems quiet and I like it.

I was scrolling through my phone when someone took the vacant seat in front of me. Maybe it's because of his aura that she reacts this way everytime he's close, but it's bothering her now. Kale gently put his bowl down to the table and the 2 bottles of water followed.

"Good morning," he said casually.

"Good morning... Sir Kale." He nodded and seemed satisfied that I responded to his greetings.

I finished my food and now it's awkward because he won't say a thing while eating. Should I pretend to check something on my phone? Leaving while he's eating seems rude. I glimpsed at him and Kale looks like he's really enjoying the food. He's weating a white long sleeve and black slacks again, his hair is in usual comb-over style.

"I bought 2 bottles for us. You can have this. The weather is really hot today, so stay hydrated." He tossed the bottled water closer to her. Is he nice like this to his other students?

"T-thank you. I won't give meaning to this, I know you will buy water for your other students too."

He smirked and put down his chopsticks. Kale reached out for the tissue to wipe his lips. I figured out that he's really just handsome and wholesome. It's impossible for me to look at him without malice, but over my dead body he won't know about this.

"Stop giving meaning to what I do when you're around. I will try to not give you special treatment, so you won't feel awkward around me." I nodded and grabbed the bottled water to sip from it.

He watched me and I'm praying right at that moment that my cheeks are not blushing. He yook a deep sigh and grabbed the other bottled water to drink.

"You look really young to be a professor here. I heard that you need to have at least a Master's Degree to be qualified as professor in Stallion." An enchanting smirk showed in his face. Did I sound like I'm overly curious about him? I bite my lower lip and looked down to my food. I need to stop the conversation as soon as possible.

"I'm turning 26 this year." The smirk in his lips is not fading. I want to blame myself for that. It's doing something to my heart.

"Okay. I-i need to leave now."

"You're turning 18 this year, right?" He doesn't seem ready to end the conversation.

I don't know why I suddenly get the feeling of staying a few more minutes to talk to him. The weather is just fine today so even if they are outdoor and there is no airconditioning, it's fine. The strong smell of food from different stalls is covering the place, but she doesn't mind. The man in front of him established a safe zone for her.

"I will be legal age this year, yes. But it doesn't mean that I will be ready for relationships. My goal is..."

"Yes you've mentioned that your goal is to graduate in peace. I will try not to be bothersome to you then. You really don't have to raise your guard around me. Rather than someone who likes you, I would prefer if you can consider me as a close friend who's ready to help you with all stuffs here."

My brow raised from his statement. Sounds familiar. It's like what Brynne told her.

"I heard the same from someone not too long ago. Anyway, thanks cause I found a new friend today." He chuckled and leaned on the table.

"Friend... okay... it's my first time getting friendzoned but it's fine. I feel good." I thinj my heart just skipped a beat when his smile widened. What's wrong with me?

"You know that my bestfriend likes you a lot, right?" He didn't answer. "But what's bothering me really is you're shooting your shot every chance you get. I will never a date a professor, so if you really like me you can wait 4 years until I graduate." I don't know where I found the courage to say that.

He seemed surprised too. Right at that moment, I felt my cheeks getting flushed so I had to stand up to leave.

"I am not rushing you, Laurine. Let's be comfortable with each other. You can rely on me, and I can wait for you for as long as you want. I will not force anything to you." He also stood and reached out for their bowls.

"But this is not right. I hate to know your feelings for me!" I know my brows are furrowed from frustration.

"Take the bottled water with you so you can stay hydrated. The weather's too hot I think you are blushing. Go somewhere cool, I won't bother you today anymore, Ms. Savedra. See you next week." He saluted to me as if teasing me.

I had to leave so quick when I confirmed he's going to take care of returning the bowls to the stall. He just pointed out that she's blushing. And what if he thinks that it's because of him and not the weather?! I feel like crying now. I need to stay away from him before my feelings get caught up. Getting entangled with him will just bring me trouble.

But my heart is really racing thinking about how he was smiling earlier. This can't be! I'm not yet legal age, so it will bring him trouble too. No no. Maybe I am overthinking this. It's just a simple crush like a highschool romance or something. It will go if I don't pay attention to it.

The closing ceremony started around 3 PM. It was held at the college stadium attended by students from all levels. I am still stunned with all the events. Stallion is a whole new world. It screams wealth in every way.

"Glad to be spending the afternoon with you, Laurian. And I'm glad you're enjoying the performances." I didn't notice that Brynne was looking at me while I'm singing along with the performer.

"It's been really fun too for me, Brynne. I enjoy your company." I answered. I was reminded of our photo in that wedding booth. It's really fun. I have a lot of stories to tell Auntie Royce when I go home.

I'm a bit sad when the event concluded. Brynne insisted to take me home as a friend and because I'm really tired from walking around all day, I let him drive me home.

I also received a text from Auntie Royce that I should just rest during thr weeekend. She will visit me in the school next week which made me really happy. I want to show her around.

"Take a rest and see you next week, Laurian." He said as he took off his seatbelt. He was about to get out of the car to open the door beside me because he did that the last time, but I stopped him.

"It's okay I can open the door myself. And also..." I bite my lower lip. "Give me your number and I will give you mine too. You already gave a ride twice, so I want to return the favor." I thought about it a lot before asking. He owns a BWM while my car is a Vios from 2017 release. But I consider him a friend now.

He smiled and receiced my phone to type his number. He pressed the call button so he will also get my number.

"I'm not doing this so you can return the favor. I will give you a lift anytime as a friend. But thanks for the thought. Looking forward too to see you drive."

I chuckled. Speaking of which, I'm still learning and fighting my fear to drive in Manila.

"Okay. I will drive you and Aubrey around soon." I answered.

I spent the weekend on a video call with Aunfie Royce and doing homeworks and other paper works. This time of my life now feels progressive. I went through a long sad phase, but now I'm starting to feel free. It feels scary and abundantly exciting.

Also, the thought of Kale made me restless. I never felt this way with anyone before. I visited his profile om i********: and confirmed that he's filthy rich. His lifestyle, his whole world is far from mine so I decided to suppress my feelings. It's not going to work especially now.