I'll Kiss You Hard
"Amber, where are you? We're running late for your first day of college!" Daniel knocked on Amber's door with urgency.
"I'm coming, Dan, just one more moment," Amber replied as she hurriedly applied lipstick and grabbed her bag. A mix of excitement and nervousness coursed through her as she prepared herself for her first day at college. She opened the door to find Daniel impatiently waiting in the living room.
"Damn you, girl, I'm getting late because of you!" Daniel complained, taking the bag from her hand and urging her to follow him.
"Brother, I'm so nervous. I'm finally in the same college as you," Amber exclaimed, her happiness bubbling over. "Tell me, our parents would be happy that we're at the same college, right?"
"Yes, they would be," Daniel replied with a gentle smile as he turned back. "Oh, and as promised, don't go around announcing our relationship."
"What?" Amber inquired, pacing faster to catch up with him; her curiosity piqued.
"Guys around me are not that good, and you're new in the city, so it's better to keep a low profile," Daniel explained as they stood in front of the garage. "Wait for me here," he said, walking away while waving the car keys in his hands. Amber nodded her head and stood there.
Amber's parents had passed away when she was only eight years old, leaving her brother as her only family in the world. However, due to certain circumstances, she had to live with her uncle and aunt while Daniel lived in the family house with his grandfather. Amber had only been able to return when she was finally admitted to the same college as Daniel. She had eagerly awaited this moment for every second of her life.
Daniel chose a simple car in the garage; they were already running late, so he called his best friend and asked him to mark his attendance for the first period. As he drove the car out, he noticed Amber was lost in her thoughts. "Hey, sweetie, what are you thinking? Come sit," Daniel called out, bringing Amber back to reality.
"Brother, are you angry that I came back to New York?" Amber asked as she gazed into his eyes, trying to discern his thoughts.
"Why would I be?" Daniel looked at Amber in shock. He had never thought she would think of him that way.
"No, you've been avoiding me since I came here," Amber said, lowering her head as she expressed her concern. Daniel chuckled and patted her head, "You're my baby sister and my only family; why would I do that?"
Daniel was excited to have his sister back in his life finally. Since their grandfather had passed away, he had been feeling quite alone and had wished for Amber to return as soon as possible.
“I was just busy making sure that you wouldn’t have to suffer,” Daniel told her and asked her to relax. “Amber, this is your first day at college so you may feel out of place and nervous, but always remember, your brother is here.”
Amber felt elated, hearing Daniel’s assurance, and bobbed her head happily, “Ok, Dan!”
“Hm, so let’s go,” Daniel exclaimed, started the engine, and drove off.
The rest of the ride was silent, with Amber looking out of the car window at the nostalgic views of New York City. Her mind was filled with thoughts until the car came to a halt, and Daniel's words reached her ears.
"Amber, we're here," Daniel said, opening the car's front compartment and taking out the college map. He handed the map to Amber and pointed at it. "The business department is a bit far from here, so you might have to walk."
"Thanks, Dan." Amber took the map and planted a soft kiss on Daniel's cheek.
"I'll wait for you here. When you're done, just text me," Daniel said, smiling at her sweet gesture as Amber opened the car door to exit. "Ok, I will."
Amber closed the car's door, and as Daniel drove away, she stood in her place, watching until his car was no longer in her sight.
“Let’s go, Amber.” Amber took a deep breath and encouraged herself, “Let’s see where to go.” She looked at the map, checked the directions, and walked away in the direction according to the map.
Amber reached a long corridor where her eyes fell on a wall clock, “Oh God, I am late.” She exclaimed and ran in a hurry.
It was Amber’s first day, she was excited and nervous at the same time. As she ran, the sound of her footsteps echoed through the empty pathway, and the tension in her chest grew with each step.
Just as she turned a corner, Amber collided with a tall, well-built guy with an air of confidence. He had a rugged yet chiseled jawline that could easily turn heads. His piercing hazel eyes held a confident and enigmatic gleam, framed by dark, wavy hair that seemed perpetually styled to perfection, and his tall, well-built physique made him stand out in a crowd.
He was Ryder Hartley, the college's notorious bully, a self-proclaimed handsome hunk, and Daniel’s best friend. Amber, petite and timid, stumbled backward, almost falling but managing to regain her balance.
Ryder, looking unfazed, arched an eyebrow and leered at her. "Watch where you're going, newbie," he sneered, his voice dripping with intimidation.
Amber, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, stammered, "I-I'm so sorry. I didn't see you."
Ryder crossed his arms, a wicked grin forming on his lips. "You really should pay more attention around here. It's a jungle, and I'm the king, you know."
Amber bit her lip and averted her gaze, her innocent eyes wide with fear. "I-I'll remember that."
Ryder stepped closer, towering over Amber, reveling in his dominance. "What's your name, sweetheart?"
Amber hesitated for a moment, her voice barely above a whisper. "Amber."
Ryder chuckled with a deep, mocking laugh. "Amber, huh? Well, Amber, you better be careful in this place. It's not your house where your Daddy will come to protect you."
Amber froze at his words, but still nodded as her vulnerability was evident. "I'll try my best."
Ryder's mood was already ruined. Daniel had told him to mark his attendance, but because of this girl, he was now late for class. "Do not just try," Ryder clenched his teeth and said a word at a time, "Just stay away from me." He pronounced, taking a step towards her, while Amber took a step back.
Ryder leaned towards Amber and whispered in her ear in a cold and husky tone, "If I ever see you again, I will kiss you hard."
'What?' Amber thought as she clenched her fist and lowered her head, fearful of being kissed by a stranger.
