This was the reason all along. I didn't notice it back then because I was too naive, but now? I feel like every good thing he did to me were all against his will. He would never admit that we were together back then. Even if the rumor is not malicious, as long as it involves the two of us, he would always shut it down. That is how much he hates his name being spoken alongside mine. And I hate myself for getting fooled over such an obvious lie.
As I slowly lost sight of his departing back, I decided to also leave and forget everything that happened just now. However, my face hit something firm when I turned around. Lifting my head, I saw a man with black hair, with one part in front and the other one is slicked back. This was then accompanied by a pair of glowing, purple eyes.
I almost forgot that he was still here.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting. Which professor did you say it was?" I awkwardly asked as I didn't hear him properly earlier. I was too busy wondering how he found us when there was no one in the hallway. However, all I got in response was an innocent look.
"I said what?" He asked as he tilted his head. Honestly, he looks completely unaware right now, but I'm not mistaken. Even Darius heard him before he left.
"You said the professor was looking for me."
"Oh, I was talking to someone on the phone." He smiled, but I couldn't do the same. Who would he be talking on the phone that has the same name as me? Is he actually playing naive right now?
"You called me. My name." I insisted, hoping he would just admit it and end his jokes. He clearly had an intention when he approached us. Why else would he have come here for?
He looked at me with wide eyes but then chuckled randomly.
"I'm sorry if you misunderstood. But there are so many Caelia in the world. In fact, I wouldn't have known your name if you had not told me." He looked at me with his purple eyes, but I couldn't read it at all. No matter how much I look at him, he doesn't look to be lying. But just one more thing.
"Alright, I understand. But why here?"
"Hmm. Isn't it obvious? The hallway here is the quietest, of course it's perfect for making a call."
Really? Is that really it? I mean, it does make sense. Everything he said made sense. The fact that there are so many people who share the same name with me. The fact the this hallway is the quietest because most students has no reason to come to the clinic unless they are injured. And the possibility that it might only be a coincidence. So why do I feel like I can't trust him? Something feels wrong, but I can't point it out.
"You don't believe me?" His question didn't sound like a question at all. It was more like stating what he knew. But what do I tell him? I have to gain his favor because he is one of my targets. If I told him I don't like his personality, his affection towards me might turn to negative. I can't let that happen!
"No, of course I believe you. It was all a misunderstanding, as you said." I smiled, but does it look fake? I really can't tell. All I know is that my mouth is twitching and I can't keep smiling anymore. Thankfully, he didn't seem to notice and just brushed it off like it was nothing.
"It's fine. But since we are together anyway, why don't we head to our next class?"
We share the same class?? How come I didn't notice him before? However, since the opportunity already presented itself in front of me, then I will use it to the best of my advantage.
"Alright. Let's go."
***
We walked silently together in the empty hall. It was class time, so it's natural that there are only few students loitering around the campus. I thought my mission will be easy, but now that I'm actually here, I feel like I can't do a thing at all. Being with this guy is kind of awkward, especially with what happened earlier. I'm pretty sure he actually heard us, we were sort of yelling at some point. If he did hear, then he must be aware that Darius just straight up denied me in front of him. It's embarrassing, but that's not the worst.
The fact that this guy beside me is not even asking about the incident makes it awkward for me. I feel like he was just keeping it for himself because he was too embarrassed to mention it as well. I can't help but wish I'd be swallowed by the ground.
But, is he really not gonna ask?
"Is there something on my face?" He asked, startling me from my thoughts. But what is he talking about?
"I don't think there is?" I answered, but it was probably more of a question.
Before responding, he looked at me for a second before speaking.
"Then why are you staring at my face? Am I really that handsome?" Another narcissistic remark.
Seriously, does he really think everyone likes him? I mean, yeah, he is handsome, but I wasn't staring because of that!
"You are, but that's not what I'm thinking."
"You always fall into thoughts whenever you look at me. Am I the only one who thinks that way?" He tilted his head and made the same expression he had earlier. How could this guy change faces so fast?
"Maybe I'm thinking you are ugly." I shrugged and focused my gaze at the front. We are almost at our class, but I don't want to be seen together with him. They might look at us strangely since we were never really close in the first place. But before that, I need to ask something.
"Hey."
He paused and stopped his tracks when he saw me halt my steps.
"Hmm?"
"What's your name?"
The man, as if startled, looked surprised at first, but changed it just as fast like he always do.
"Luke Hudson."
"Alright, thanks." I then twisted the doorknob and entered like nothing happened. That's the only thing I need to know. Today, my mission is to first know their names and figure out the kind of person they are. I think I already have a gist, so now, only one person left.
I sat down at the farthest seat while Luke was already swarmed with women when he entered. It kind of made things easier for me. I can have more time to think since the professor won't really be paying much attention to me.
The pool was already cleared. I found Cole at the basketball court but there was no one else. So that means the last one either skipped school or is a troublemaker. But where do I find them?
Suddenly, the door on my right side flew open as a tall figure appeared. It was a man I completely know. A white, silver hair that glowed like the moon. Deep ocean eyes that seems to drown anyone in its depth. A broad shoulder and firm stature, he was exactly the same as my memory. My one and only rival in Summit University—Draven Von Noir.
But what's that?
I took a closer look at the strange figure above his head.
Wait. Is that?
A 20% affection meter???