(VHIENCENT'S POV)
I panicked and jumped into the pool, but I also felt someone else dive in after me. I swam underwater to see what was happening and realized it was Layl who had the guts to save Gaiety.
I surfaced first, waiting for him to bring that annoying girl up with him.
“Why are you here?” I asked, confused. Gaiety was unconscious, but my focus was more on the self-righteous Layl.
“I saw you had no intention of saving her, so—”
“Acting as the hero again?” I sneered, shaking my head. “That’s your specialty, isn’t it? Playing the savior,” I added, starting to lose my temper.
He’s been my mortal enemy since elementary school. He’s my cousin, but I doubt we’ll ever see each other as family.
“Tsk, I don’t have time to argue with you,” he replied. “As you can see, there’s someone here who needs immediate medical attention.” He carried Gaiety in his arms and started walking toward the exit, but I grabbed his arm.
“She’s my fiancée. I’ll take her to the clinic myself.”
Shock registered on his face. Clearly unsure of what to do, he hesitated just long enough for me to snatch the unconscious Gaie from his arms.
“Leave us alone,” I said coldly, walking out of the swimming area.
Damn, this girl is heavy!
---
(GAIE’S POV)
I woke up in the clinic, wearing different clothes. Not far from the door stood a restless guy, reading something. Was he the one who saved me?
“Good, you’re finally awake. Get up and pay me back,” he greeted, sitting cross-legged in a chair.
“When did I owe you anything, huh?” I asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“For your clothes and underwear. I bought them myself,” he replied matter-of-factly, making my face heat up.
“Did I ask you to? Who changed my clothes?” My questions came in rapid succession, my throat dry as I swallowed nervously.
“W-Well, probably not me.” He must have felt the tension too, as he quickly stood up, preparing to leave. “You owe me a lot today,” he added before walking away.
I just watched him go, still trying to process what happened. Realizing I still had a class to attend, I hurriedly followed him out.
“Wait… did he also change clothes? Could it really be him?” I thought, shaking my head in disbelief. Who actually saved me?
I suddenly felt the need to use the restroom, so I decided to stop by the comfort room. Once inside a cubicle, ready to relieve myself, annoyance quickly took over. I couldn't help but scream his name in frustration.
“Vhiencent!”
He had bought me Dora the Explorer underwear—for kids!
>>>>✿
I glared at Vhiencent, my anger building, but it was interrupted by the entrance of Teacher Mary. "For today's activity, I'd like you to find your partner first," she said, causing me to turn and look at Anton, who was sitting beside me.
"Vhiencent, let's pair up," Paige suggested, but Vhiencent seemed to be in his own world, not caring.
"I already have a partner," he coldly rejected Paige's offer.
Liar!
"When you’ve found your partner, head to the school garden," Teacher Mary instructed.
Everyone stood up, including Anton and me, but then someone suddenly pulled me by the arm. I knew exactly who it was by the way he grabbed me. "She's my partner," he said, pulling me away from Paige.
Hmm, there’s definitely something wrong between these two.
"Anton! Hey! Let go of me!" I struggled as he dragged me along. I could see Paige’s bitterness and anger directed at me.
What did I do wrong?
Vhiencent finally released me with force, and I glared at him, bombarding him with questions.
He covered my mouth with his right hand, his face coming dangerously close to mine, making me widen my eyes. My heart raced from the overwhelming nervousness. We were so close that I had to force myself to stop breathing.
"Lola Marina's bodyguard is watching from afar," he whispered, and I immediately turned to look. But he pulled me back, wrapping his arms around me to stop me from turning further.
Damn, this is wrong!
"Go with the flow," he commanded authoritatively, so I hesitated but reluctantly wrapped my arms around him. "Smile," he added, and I forced a smile out of sheer nervousness.
Hmm, so he wants me to go along with this, huh?
I grinned and, on impulse, kissed his cheek. I knew he would be irritated, but I couldn’t help myself, and I smiled mischievously after.
"Ah, you want to play?" I was startled when he suddenly spun me around and kissed me on the forehead. I didn't expect that.
Ugh, so frustrating! Why can’t he just give up already?
"He's gone," he said in a deep voice, pushing me away from him. "You're uglier up close," he mocked, making me grab the sleeve of his shirt.
"You're ugly too. Inside and out!" I snapped, letting go of his shirt as I was about to head back to my painting station, only to realize that many people were watching us.
"I didn’t know you were close to Vhiencent, Gaie," Paige said bitterly.
"Paige..." I started to say something, but once again, the jerk pulled me back.
"You're so noisy," he grumbled, pulling me to an empty seat. "Start painting and stop talking," he ordered, sounding like a boss.
I didn’t answer him, since I’d only be wasting my breath. I adjusted my glasses before starting to sketch.
"Move over, I can’t move properly," I complained while still focused on my work.
This canvas is huge—will I be able to finish it on time?
"That's ugly. Like you," he mocked again. I was about to slam the canvas against him but stopped myself. He wasn’t even helping and was just being rude.
"Why don’t you paint instead? You’re getting on my nerves," I retorted, glaring at him.
"Move," he snapped. My brows furrowed as he rolled up his sleeve and moved closer to me, nearly making me fall off my seat.
I completely lost my motivation. Nearly everyone in class was painting us—Vhiencent and me—from earlier today.
Damn, this is so embarrassing!
I covered my face, knowing that everyone was staring at us. Thankfully, Vhiencent stayed quiet, or I would’ve gotten even more upset.