TWISTED AFFECTION

Chapter 8 - Ice Cream

“Tathaira, what’s the problem?”

I couldn’t answer him. Instead, I turned and walked away as fast as I could. My face felt hot and my chest tight. This was embarrassment! This is nothing but pure, burning embarrassment. Because I knew he heard it. He must’ve.

And it hurts more because none of it was a lie.

I’m not the smartest. I only know bits of things while my sisters know so much and understand everything like it’s easy. I’ve always been the one trying to catch up, pretending I’m not falling behind.

I wasn’t able to get far when Maverick’s hand closed around mine again. He pulled me to the opposite side of the hallway, away from everyone. My tears slipped out before I could stop them, and I quickly wiped them away, hoping he didn’t notice.

However, he still does.

He stopped walking and turned to face me fully. His brows were drawn while he moved closer to me. Then he lifted his hand and gently wiped the tear tracks I failed to hide.

His thumb brushed my cheek so soft it made my chest twist painfully.

“I…have to go, sorry—”

“Tathaira,” he said, voice low and steady, “look at me.”

I tried but my eyes kept shifting away, ashamed of how small I felt.

He cupped my face with both hands this time, leaving me no choice.

“Maverick—”

“I’m not letting you cry in the hallway,” he muttered, almost frustrated but more… worried.

Why is he worried anyway? I should learn not to think too much of his actions. I shouldn’t put so much meaning on this. Maybe he’s just kind. Just like how he saved me years ago from bullies when I first transferred school, the reason why I got attracted to him years ago. It’s just that.

He didn’t wait for my reply. He gently pulled me with him, guiding me down the stairs, past the side corridor, and toward the back of the psychology building. My heart thudded harder the closer we got.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, softer now.

Why does he still need to ask anyway! I’m sure he heard about it!

“You didn’t have to bring me here,” I whispered.

He didn’t reply to me. He let go of my hand then and sit opposite from me.

“Okay, I won’t force you to talk,” he said quietly. “Just… don’t cry… alone.”

My chest tightened painfully at that.

I stayed quiet for a long moment, staring at the plants in front of me. My chest still felt tight, but not as bad as earlier.

I took a small breath.

“It’s just… hard sometimes,” I said, almost in a whisper.

Maverick looked at me... waiting. He didn’t push, so I continued, still choosing my words carefully.

“My sisters are really smart,” I said quietly. “Like… really smart.”

He nodded a little, showing he understood what I meant without asking more.

“And I’m just trying to… keep up.”

I shrugged, pretending it didn’t bother me as much as it did.

“It’s fine. I’ll be fine.”

I wasn’t sure if he believed that. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure if I believed that either.

Maverick leaned forward slightly.

“You’re too hard on yourself,” he said in a calm voice. “I’ve seen you. You’re not someone who just gives up.”

Yeah? Just like my feelings for you?

I didn’t answer. My throat felt tight again.

He glanced at me for a few seconds before standing up.

“Come on.”

I blinked. “Where?”

He offered his hand to pull me up.

“Ice cream,” he said simply. “You look like you need something cold before you overthink yourself into a fever.”

I almost glared at him. “I’m not overthinking.”

“You are,” he said. “And you’re bad at hiding it.”

My cheeks warmed again, but I let him pull me up.

When we reached the pathway, he slowed his steps so I could match his pace. He didn’t hold my hand again, but he walked close enough that I didn’t feel like I was going back alone.

I kept my eyes on the ground as we walked, trying to shake off everything I felt earlier. Maverick stayed beside me, quiet for a moment, then he let out a small laugh under his breath.

“What?” I frowned at him.

He glanced at me, lips lifting a little.

“You’re a psychology student but you’re doing self-pity like it’s your hobby.”

My mouth dropped open. “Excuse me?”

He shrugged lightly, still teasing.

“I’m just saying… aren’t you supposed to know better?”

I glared at him, but it wasn’t even real. “Wow. Thanks. Very comforting.”

“It is comforting,” he said. “If someone like you, who actually studies the mind, can have moments like this, then it means you’re human.”

I blinked. My chest tightened in a different way.

He looked forward again, voice calm but soft.

“And you don’t have to be like your sisters to matter.”

I looked away quickly, heat rising to my face.

Before I could answer, he nudged my shoulder lightly.

“Come on. I want your feisty personality back.”

I groaned and covered my face with my hand.

“By the way,” he said casually, “if you need help with math… I can help.”

I looked up at him fast. “You? Why?”

“Because you’re struggling,” he replied, like it was the most obvious thing. “And I’m good at it.”

I frowned. “I never asked for a tutor.”

“You don’t have to ask,” he said, glancing at me with a small, almost teasing smile. “I’m offering.”

This is a trap, Tathaira. No.

I rolled my eyes but felt something warm settle inside my chest.

“Study with me after class,” he said. “I’ll make sure you pass the next exam.”

“I can’t.”

Maverick stopped walking and turned to me.

“Why not?”

I looked anywhere but at him. “I just… can’t.”

“You’re scared to fall in love with me again…”

It’s not a question. My throat tightened because yes… spending more time with him felt dangerous. It was easier when I pretended he didn’t care. When I pretended I didn’t care.

“I’m… just busy,” I muttered.

“You’re not,” he said calmly.

I shot him a glare, but he only shrugged.

“Look, it’s fine,” he continued. “I won’t force you. But at least don’t close the door on yourself before the test even starts.”

My steps slowed. His words felt heavier than they should.

He nudged my shoulder lightly. “You don’t have to be scared of trying.”

Easy for him to say. Everything seemed easy for him. And everything feels double meaning to me.

We reached the small ice cream stall near the gate. He ordered without asking me because he somehow guessed my favorite flavor. I stared at him, surprised, while he handed me the cup.

“Try it,” he said.

“That sounds like a command.”

He grinned sheepishly.

I rolled my eyes and took a small spoonful. The cold helped numb the tight feeling in my chest. We sat on the bench nearby. For a while, neither of us spoke.

Then he glanced at the folder still tucked under my arm.

“When are you submitting that?” he asked.

“I’ll… maybe tomorrow.”

“Nope,” he said. “Today.”

I frowned. “Why are you so invested in this?”

He leaned back, eyes still on me. “Because you worked on it. Because you deserve to submit something you made. And because if you skip today, you’ll hate yourself for it later.”

I stared at the cup in my hands.

He wasn’t wrong.

He stood up and offered his hand again. “Come on. I’ll walk you to the faculty.”

My heart skipped, but I didn’t take his hand.

I stood up on my own even though my knees felt weak.

“I can walk by myself,” I said.

Maverick smiled a little. “Good. Then I’ll just follow behind you.”

“That’s the same thing,” I muttered.

“No,” he said. “Walking by yourself just means you’re choosing to face it. I’m just here… in case you need someone.”

I swallowed hard.

The warmth in my chest grew heavier.

“Okay,” I whispered.

And when I finally took the first step toward the faculty office, he followed closely enough that I didn’t feel small anymore.