Sweeter Than Romance

Chapter 4: Chase

*Lianne*

“ You know, it’s not good to keep things that aren’t yours.”

I walked on ahead and didn’t listen to my friends’ argument. I don’t want to ruin our mood and I specifically don’t want to argue over a small matter.

“ Then what should I have done? Leave it alone? It’s better that I’m the one keeping it than some random stranger out there.” I casted a glance at Ashley and the girl just replied with a worried expression.

“ And besides, I look good on it. Right, Jace?” Jace looked at my necklace and he voiced his opinion rather than answering my question.

“ It looks expensive though. Where did you got it again?” I touched the object I was wearing and decided to hide the fact about the Mysterious Guy.

“ Um. A customer left it at the cafe.” Jace continued eyeing it for a few moments and I slightly grew conscious under the tension.

“Ummm, Jace?”

“Right, sorry.” He tore his gaze away from the necklace and adorned a thinking expression. “ It’s just that it looks familiar... I think I saw that before.”

“Maybe you saw that on display at jewelry shops or Ooh! At the mall! “ said an ecstatic Ashley. This girl has an undying love for anything involving that area.

“ But I think this one is custom made. Look, it even has a name engraved in it.”

“ What does it say?”

“ Emily.” I replied as I read the small letters on the necklace.

“ So it belongs to someone named Emily then?” Ashley said. I couldn’t tell her that the owner is the Mysterious Guy so I proposed another possible theory.

“ Hmm.. we can’t be sure. The owner might be a male. What about the letter engraved in the center?”

“ I agree with Lianne.” Jace said and nodded his head.

“ Well, whatever it is let’s just keep it that way. Finders Keepers so in the meantime, I got to keep the necklace.”

“So do you plan on finding the owner somehow?” Ashley curiously asked.

“ If we had the chance then why not?”

“ If you found it at the cafe then there’s a good chance that someone will come looking for it. Just return it if that’s the case.”

I stopped in my tracks and thought about what Jace said. Since the owner is the Mysterious Guy then there’s a possibility that he will be looking for it, that is, if the necklace is important to him. Then that means I have the chance to confront him and reveal his identity. Gosh, I don’t know why I’m wasting my time on this but can you blame me? Curiosity got the best of me.

“Yeah. But let’s save that for later Guys. We have a class to attend to.” Jace and Ashley exchanged looks but they followed closely behind nonetheless.

*Nicholas*

“Hi Zion!”

“Looking Good, Xavier.”

“ Good Morning, Nicholas.”

Several students greeted us as we made our way to the library. I didn’t respond and just maintained a stoic expression since driving them more crazy isn’t my thing.

“ Hello Guys! You also look extra cute today!” Xavier responded to some students and the noise got even louder.

I swear, this guy always encourages our fandom and I don’t know if he’s doing this on purpose or is just too oblivious on his actions. Either way, my mind is too preoccupied to worry about that in the moment.

“Geez Xavier. Stop making things harder for us, will you?” Complained Zion in an annoyed tone. Its a good thing we’re on the same page on this one.

“ Dude, chill. You and Nicholas are so uptight. And don’t you know that a simple greeting can brighten someone’s mood? You never know when you’ll light up someone’s day.”

“Ugh. Stop sugar coating your flirting methods. Its so obvious.”

Xavier assumed a pout and I shook my head at his sillyness. Sometimes he acts like an immature school girl.

“ Whatever Dude. I don’t know what’s up with you and Nicholas today.” He looked at me sideways. “Both of you seem to be in a baaad mood and the day hasn’t even ended.”

At least Xavier was observant enough to notice my mood. I am indeed cranky today because I misplaced something important to me. And the worst part is I can’t remember events related to it which sucks cuz I always have a good memory.

“ It helps if you keep silent for a moment cuz you know, we’re heading to the Library.”

Xavier mumbled something but I was consumed by my thoughts to comprehend what he was saying. I think it has something to do with temper? Bruh. I don’t know.

3 students seem to be heading our way and one of them literally froze when we saw them.

*Lianne*

Ashley started fidgeting from where she was standing and I don’t have to ask why cuz the answer is literally in front of us. The great and Almighty Nixon is standing in front. Oh ho. Why am I not surprised.

“ Sup Guys!” Xavier greeted and held a peace sign. The others didn’t seem to notice since they looked the other way.

“H-H-H-Hi-iiii.. X-X-Xa-Xa-vier.” Replied Ashley in a stuttering mess. I face-palmed and I think Jace did too cuz we’re literally the ones feeling embarrassment in this situation.

“ Are you okay?”

“ Don’t mind her.” Said Jace as he shook Ashley’s shoulders. “ Its quite normal especially when she’s excited about something.”

“Oh.” Xavier made a face as if he made a big discovery in his life. He can be an i***t. A handsome i***t, actually.

“ I see.. And you’re.. Right! Jace, correct?”

“ Yeah. I’m surprised you remember me.”

“Duudde. How can’t I? You’re super smart and your experiment was really cooool! What’s it called again?”

“ Freeze Deflator.”

“ Right. That Freeze thingy. That badass Gun is like a dream weapon!”

You might be wondering how the popular Xavier know Jace. Well, they had classes together during 8th Grade since Nixon attends regular classes like us. And though Jace isn’t popular like the campus princes, he had a reputation since he is literally running for Class Valedictorian.

“We can leave ahead if you want, Xavier.”

“ No need. I’m just saying a quick hi anyways.” He turned to us and said. “ So we’ll be going ahead. Gotta read books and stuff you know. Keep chilling guys.”

He flashed a wink before catching up with the other Nixon Members. At least he was courteous enough to greet us unlike the two. Not that it mattered anyways cuz If I were them, I’d also do the same. I just can’t shake off the feeling that Nicholas seemed to be eyeing me a while ago particularly my neck area. Am I just imagining things? Ugh. I’m sure I do. Get a hold of yourself, Lianne.

“ This is.. the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!!!” We were startled by Ashley’s scream and other students looked at her like she is Crazy. Who wouldn’t be if you saw someone dancing stupidly and heard them scream wholeheartedly.

“OMG OMG OMG. I’M GONNA DIEE!!” She continued her victory dance and we slowly backed away from her but not too far and just enough to keep a good distance.

Inside our heads, we were internally screaming that she is not our friend. You know the moment when your friend does something stupid and you pretend as if you aren’t associated with him or her? Well, that is the very definition of me and Jace’s situation right now.

I decided to tease Ashley and mess with her mood.

“ Why are you the one celebrating? It should be Jace since he and Xavier were the ones who had their moment, remember?”

My question caught her attention since she stopped what she was doing and turned towards us. What she did next surprised Jace and sent me laughing.

“ f**k! That hurts! Why did you that?” asked Jace who was clutching his stomach in pain. Ashley kneed him in that area and I covered my mouth with my free hand to contain my laughter.

“ You owe me for hiding your relationship with Xavier! How did the two of you met you Fucker!” Some students eyed us weirdly, particularly Jace . My laughter increased and I swear, I sounded like a dying seal.

“ You do know how weird that sounded right? Fix your question or you’ll put me in a weird light over here.” replied Jace as he glanced at some students staring at him.

“ Well? How about you explain why you are so casual with him? Are you still seeing each other?”

“ Oh my God..”

If I were Jace, I’d shrink from embarrassment right now. I’m lucky I’m not in his position cuz honestly, Ashley’s statements can provoke a hundred meanings.

“ Okay Ashley, chill. Give Jace some time to explain.” I said between laughter and helped the poor guy up.

“So?” Ashley tapped her foot impatiently and Jace groaned in return.

“ Me and Xavier were classmates in 8th Grade. That’s the reason why he knows me and just to clarify, we aren’t that close.”

“ Whaaatt? Why didn’t you tell me? I’ve wasted a big chance!” said Ashley as she sulked in despair.

“ Jace did told you Ashley. Maybe you forgot?”

And I’m not lying. I was a witness at that time and Ashley has a poor memory so yeah.

“ Did you talk about me? Have you mentioned my name? OMG how does he describe me Jace? Does he find me pretty?”

In an instant, Ashley’s mood changed from despair to excitement.

“ No, No, and a big No. He doesn’t know because I never mentioned you. We never talked and if we did, its only for school stuff. Does that answer your questions?”

“ You are classmates for one year and you’re telling me that you two seldom talked?” Ashley shook his shoulders back and forth since she found it hard to believe Jace’s statement.

“ I’m not his only classmate and we’re not close so that’s it!”

“ But still....” Ashley released Jace from her grip and stared at the distance. “Him being able to know your name is a blessing..” She faced him and said in a cold tone. “Jace, you traitor!”

“Woah, let’s stop here Guys. And Ashley, Jace is not stealing anyone. Right, Jace?”

“ The truth has never been told.” He said as he hid from Ashley’s stare.

-----------------------------

*Nicholas*

“ WHAT? ARE YOU CRAZY?”

My voice startled the occupants of the room and everything went silent. I’m sure my sudden outburst scared them and though we are in the library, even the librarian won’t dare tell me to shut up.

“ Woah, Nicholas what’s wrong? Keep your cool dude.” Xavier said and I spoke in a much calmer tone. The audience seem to relax but some remained frightened.

“ I can’t do that. You are out of your mind.” I replied to my caller on the phone.

“Is that Samantha? Or someone else.” I could make out the words mouthed by Zion and Xavier gave off a shrug of his shoulders.

“Why are you blaming me? I’m not the only one on this part!” I could feel my anger rising and I repeatedly closed and opened my hands to control it.

“ Now you’re threatening me? And letting me choose? I can’t believe you..”

What the caller said next shocked me to a degree.

“You’re gonna do what? Leave?” Zion noticed the change in my behavior and he was about to approach me but I held a hand to stop him.

“ Did I heard you right? You’re not really gonna do that, are you?” I waited for answer and the reply caused me to become hysterical.

“BUT WE FREAKING TALKED ABOUT THIS ALREADY! DAMMIT!” I don’t care about what the students are saying. For all I know, I’m only aware of the mixed emotions I’m feeling.

“ No... You wouldn’t dare...Stop..” I clutched my shirt and couldn’t believe the words which came out from my mouth afterwards.

“Fine.. I’ll see what I can do...”

---Time Skip (Evening)-----

*Lianne*

Today seems unusual because the Mysterious Guy didn’t show up even after we finished our shift. Jace and Ashley were down since we didn’t manage to collect our generous tip for the day.

“ Where could Mr. Generous be?” Ashley said while we are closing the café.

“ Whatever problem he is going through right now, I hope he will overcome it and return as soon as possible to drop off some tip.” Said Jace.

“ You two are cruel.”

“ I’m just being honest.” Replied Jace with a shrug. We parted ways as soon as our final task was finished and I am alone once again as I traced the path to my home.

“ I thought I’ll have the chance to encounter you today.. oh well, maybe another day.”

I crossed the street and a figure caught my attention which made me stop momentarily.

“ Wait.. Is that the Hooded Guy?” He faced away from me and started walking away once I saw him.

“Hey, Wait!” I called out several times but the latter didn’t bother to stop and only ran faster.

“Freaking Hell” I fastened my steps and chased after him. Why is he running away when I didn’t even know him? This only made my suspicion grow and fueled my desire to catch up to him. We chased for a pretty long time and before I knew it, I arrived at a place I barely knew.

“ Damn.” I muttered as I regained my breath. “ Chasing a complete stranger leads you to unknown places. Good Job, Lianne.” I thought in sarcasm as I scanned my surroundings. The place gives off an eerie feeling and I was standing in a street where only a few lamps seem to be working.

“ Secluded Area. Secluded Streets. Secluded in Darkness. What more can I request? Oh, good grief.”

Being in this situation is a good chance of being kidnapped and I hit the jackpot once I felt someone hitting the back of my head and making me lose my consciousness.

-Chapter End-