FALSE AWAKENING

Chapter 1: Drake Sander

I was 12 years old when my mom died from breast cancer and my dad had a tragic plane crash when I was 15 years old. My 30 years old brother Bobby took over the position of CEO of the Sander Group of Companies and managed our business. I am aware that someday I need to marry my mom's best friend, only a child whom I have never met yet.

I don't take it seriously but Bobby has no plan of disregarding my mom's last will. I am not a friendly person, they called me Mr. Ice because I talk less and I don't smile except in front of my closest friends and my brother. But it doesn't affect my popularity.

When I reached 18, my brother finally allowed me to join the motor race events and even gifted me the best bike ever on my birthday. He knows me very well and it was my dream and I have his full support. But he always keeps reminding me to be very careful since it is a very dangerous sport and a hobby. I became more famous and I have millions of followers on **.

As I got down from my bike and stepped on the ground just right after removing my helmet,

the campus became noisy.

Girls are like mad; they kept screaming, shouting my name with sweet words, and some of

they almost fainted just seeing me walking.

I laughed inside my mind.

After all, I can't blame them, maybe it's because I am one of the hottest and handsome men

in their eyes, but I got the most handsome friends Erick, Keith, Rios, and

Andrew.

They have their fan base and followers too.

And I am not boasting myself here, but maybe because I have a unique look and fashion to

their likings; I am a model, after all, and that's how I dress up.

I released a deep sigh and kept walking, and my eyes were busy looking somewhere else in

anticipation.

This is my last year at the university; I want to enjoy my days here. Mondays to Fridays, this one is not new to me. I'm used to it and don't mind at all.

There are different groups in a specific place every day I am passing by, but it keeps me

more curious, and I find it interesting.

While those who always glance at my wish to get my attention, I was dying to receive just a

a glance from that one person I know who wouldn't even look at my side.

I don't know him, and it makes me more curious every day that passes.

Well, I can't please everybody.

This particular person always stared at me, yet he would look down if I returned his glance,

which in turn, made me feel uncomfortable.

It's been about three years since I noticed this guy.

I guess we have the same height, but he is slim.

I also noticed his slender waist, yeah, haha.

The truth is, the reason I always directed my attention to this person, in particular, is because of

his beautiful round doe-eyes and his cute bunny teeth that appeared whenever he smiles at

his friends, but not once did he show that sweet smile to me.

It makes me feel frustrated.

Of all the campus students here, he is the only person I am glancing at every day, but I don't

receive any smile or reaction.

I know he will not react, but I do spend time staring at him every day while the others

are dying to have me just glance at them, which I never did.

I never failed to glance at him daily, and I know I will miss it if I don't see him just like today.

Suddenly I felt bored.

I was surprised that his friend group is not here yet, though I never tried to get to know them

for the past three years because there's this weird rule at school that takes personal

information from people is prohibited.

I feel content anyway; it's like that person is already part of my everyday school routine.

When I am ready, I will personally approach you, I said to myself.

I felt a bit disappointed, so I walked ahead and saw my friends, who were smiling widely and waving their hands in my direction.

"Why is the iceberg melting?" asked Keith, whose eyebrows are furrowed.

"Bro, I can feel the global warming," Erick blurted.

"Nothing," Drake answered shortly.

"Come on, guys. Leave him alone," says Andrew.

"Oh yeah, his apple of the eye is not around," Rios added and chuckled.

Yeah, he is the apple of my eye, I thought to myself.

For the past three years, he has always appeared in some of my events.

In the basketball field when I am practicing skateboarding.

Many times I encountered him, but I never approached him.

Why?

Because he is wearing a mask and cap to hide his face.

Maybe he doesn't like to draw attention, but I learn to recognize him since I saw him

and of course, I know his moves, the way he walks, and his body shape and figure.

I felt like he was stalking me.

He knows every detail of my schedule. He knows when exactly I will arrive at the school no matter what time I show up. Even on my TV shows, I always spotted him in the crowd. Since

I started motor racing, during my practice and competition, he was there too.

Though I did see him before the start, the next thing I know is that he is already there watching me. But when I stare back at him, he looks down and keeps himself busy

During the water break, I had the chance to look at him while he was busy sketching something.

His eyes are just breathtaking.

One thing I noticed about him; he always has this pen and drawing book in his hands. He is just sitting in one corner, not cheering at all, just observing; I wonder what he is up to. Does he like me? I grin very lightly.

"Drake . . . Mr. Sander. . . Drake Sander!" Erick shouted.

"Did you leave your soul somewhere?" Keith teased him more.

"Is he in love?" Andrew started to laugh but covered his mouth.

Rios didn't say anything but chuckles and giggles.

I was deeply thinking that I didn't realize my friends looked weird at me and laughed together when I came back to my senses.

I just look at my friends one by one before shaking my head and sighing, wondering why he

isn't here in their meeting place today.

All of us head to our classroom and proceed to our respective seats when the professor

arrives.