My System Harem

Chapter 14: An Embarrassment

After about 10 minutes, the nurse finally allowed me to leave. However, I was preoccupied with something else the entire time I was there. I wasn't even able to hear what the nurse was saying. I couldn't get my thoughts straight because of that Cole guy.

How did he even know my name? I don't remember ever telling him that. Did we meet before? But that would be impossible. I'd never forget such a handsome face no matter how many years had passed. Or did someone tell him? Like maybe.... Darius? They are on the same basketball team, so Darius might have mentioned me in passing. But has Darius already started pursuing me this time around?

I was walking down the hallway to my class with my head lowered when a pair of shoes suddenly appeared in front of me. Why are they just standing there?

I lifted my head to see who it was when a warm hand suddenly reached my cheeks.

"Are you okay?" It was Darius.

How could I possibly say that his hands are warm? The only time I saw his facial expression change was when he was with Lyra. I bet he came here to make it look like he really cares. Or was his pride earlier offended?

I pushed his hand away as I forced out a response.

"Couldn't be better."

His face changed drastically in a span of a minute. I don't know if it was because of my answer or because of my cold behavior. If he was still in the process of pursuing me, then shouldn't he expect me to act cold? We are literally still strangers, so why would he go this far?

Come to think of it. How did I even act back then? When Darius was first starting to pursue me, did I act awkwardly towards him? Did I avoid him? Or did I willingly accept his kindness towards me? I can't quite remember.

From a worried look, to a shocked one, then to a guilty face. These were the expressions that Darius wore for a minute. He stayed silent, but I can tell that he probably didn't know what to say.

Why? Is it because he didn't expect me to behave that way? Is it because Lyra told him that I was easy to get and a simple act of kindness could melt me away? So now that I'm speaking so out of the script, he doesn't know how to improvise? Ha. How pathetic.

I couldn't help but sneer at the thought that I once fell for this man. How could I be so dumb back then? I even gave up my own studies just so I could accompany him when he is in need. But he betrayed me.

"I'm leaving." I couldn't bear to see his face anymore. I feel like I might actually puke if I stayed any longer. How dare he show a face as if he is worried? He should stop with the theatrics. He is slowly adopting Lyra's evil habits.

I was about to pass by him when a strong grip suddenly wrapped my wrist. He had always been rough around me, but how could he do it just after acting like he's worried about me? If only he knew that he was the one inflicting pain on me, then would he leave me alone?

With how strong his grip was, I couldn't help but wince in pain. I glared at him, but he only showed an indifferent face.

"You!"

"Caelia. Why are you acting like this?"

Ha. The audacity.

"Why do you care if I act this way? Who are you to me, huh?" My voice was filled with sarcasm. Right now, Darius is nothing but a pursuer to me. Whatever I do is none of his business, so I would much prefer it if he acted like his past self. Because I didn't want to see that very same face who looked down on me without even a hint of regret after shoving me to the table.

As I expected, Darius stood frozen in place. He couldn't answer my question, because if he did, he knew exactly what I would say.

"Now, let me go." I tried to snatch my hand from his grip, but it was too strong that it wouldn't even budge. Just how strong is this guy? Or am I the weak one here?

"Caelia, if I have done something wrong, just tell me. Why do you have to act this way?" He wore a face that once made me give up right away. But I'm no longer the Caelia he knows. That Caelia is now dead and will never return.

"I said let me go." I glared, but it still didn't work. He continued to look at me indifferently, as if waiting for an answer. But what exactly does he expect me to say? That I'm just not in the mood? That I'm not talking rudely to him because I wanted to?

"No. Tell me what's—"

"Caelia, the professor is looking for you." A voice suddenly came from behind. Both Darius and I were so startled upon hearing that there was someone behind. I mean, the hallway has been quiet the entire time. Curious about who it was, I abruptly twisted my head to see the source of the voice.

It was the man at the entrance!

But, what is he doing here? I don't remember him being in the same class. But if the professor wasn't really looking for me, then isn't he supposed to not know my name? Maybe we shared the same class I missed because I was at the clinic. But it shouldn't be ending yet. I haven't even taken 20 minutes here yet, while the lecture should end after an hour.

But how did he find me here? There's literally no one here who can tell him that I was here. Moreover, how would he know that I am Caelia? No. That's not what's important right now. I should escape this situation first before I ask him questions later. Either he was telling the truth that the professor was looking for me, or he just saw me by chance. Either way, this is my opportunity.

"Alright." I responded as calmly as possible. Whether we are in the same class or not, the man in front of me wouldn't know anyway.

I looked back at Darius, hoping he would let go of my hand. But before I could even do that, my hand was already thrown in the air. I was surprised by his sudden behavior. I immediately looked back at him, only to freeze at the exact moment.

What's with that face? Why is he avoiding my eyes?

Darius's face turned pale as if he was caught doing something.

"Y-You are Lyra's sister, right? Uhm, she, uh, asked me where you were. But I'll, uh, tell her for you. Bye." He stuttered. He said all those words but never once looked at me.

Ah— I get it. He hates people seeing me together with him. So now he is making excuses that he was just running an errand? Ha. So now you are not even going to pretend? You are going to straight up deny my existence?

Was he even the same Darius who forced an answer out of me earlier? The same Darius who asked if I was okay? Was he the Darius who offered to carry me to the clinic? Or, was this his true self all along?

This must be the reason he always avoided being seen in public with me. This must be the reason he can't stand telling people that I'm his girlfriend. Not because he's concerned about me, not because he's worried I might get hurt in the process. It's all because, for him, I'm nothing but an embarrassment—a bridge to cross Lyra's heart.

I felt my heart sink upon hearing his words. Just why do you keep hurting me like this?