Chapter 64 - Callan, The Ticking Time Bomb

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Hora and I enjoyed ourselves hitting each other with pillows until our bodies tired out. We ended up sharing a bed, since we both fell asleep after our pillow fight. First day of college had become so tiring with all the things that happened. But I'm happy and thankful I survived them all. I whispered my prayers before I completely fell asleep.

Later on, morning came, and it was time for the second day of school. We prepared as usual, ate breakfast together, and went to school in Kaiden's car. I've always wondered why he chose to drive himself instead of asking their personal driver to do it for them. I mean, rich kids were supposed to live like that, right?

Turned out, he liked great cars and enjoyed driving, as Crystal explained to us while we were on the way to school. Apparently, it was also the reason why they got loads of cars in their huge garage that was basically the same size of a parking lot.

Second day was more peaceful than the first. No one bothered me, or even dared talk to me. I got a few stares, and a couple of glares every now and then. But aside from all that, I'm good. Everything was perfectly normal.

During lunch, Kaiden fetched me again, though this time, he was with Callan and Verrill. That meant that he didn't skip classes—good job, Kaiden. After fetching me, we went straight to the cafeteria where Hora and Crystal were already seated, waiting for us.

"Ahm… Kaiden," I called him when we were all seated, and done ordering our meals. "I've been meaning to ask. Are you going to continue fetching me over for lunch?"

"Hm? I guess so. Why?" he asked, perplexed by my question. "Do you not want me to?"

"No! I mean, I like it, yes. And I'm thankful. I just thought that maybe it's a bother for you three?"

"Nope, it's not," Callan answered for him. "It's not that we're fetching you per say. It's more like 'you're along the way' kind of thing."

"Oh! I see! You're right. My department is along the way to the cafeteria."

I gulped hard, realizing that I was just romanticising it in my own way when it was perfectly normal for them to do so. Right. They were a bunch of gentlemen. Ugh. I wanted to hide again so badly. Ground, when would you cooperate and swallow me up when I need you to?

"This idiot Callan," Crystal clicked her tongue. "Don't listen to him, Senara. He's just an idiot like that and he doesn't realize my brother cares for you, that's why he's picking you up along the way." Her eyes shot daggers at Callan as she said those words to me.

'Crystal is really shipping us hard, isn't she? Just like Hora. Great. You're definitely helping me a lot to NOT fall for him more. I better tell her to stop it. I'm not good enough for her brother anyway. He's a really kind man, but he's way out of my league. And I shouldn't get my hopes up.'

As I was busy with my own negative thoughts, Callan suddenly asked the most outrageous question.

He turned to Kaiden and bluntly asked, "You like her, boss?"

'Oh my goodness. I hate you Callan. Now, I understand why Crystal acts like your mom. You're a walking, ticking, time bomb!'

My face paled up. I wasn't prepared to hear Kaiden's answer to that kind of nonsense. Crystal and Hora, in contrast, waited eagerly. Of course, they still had that bet going on.

Kaiden who was busy with his phone at that time, looked at us with a confused expression. He probably didn't understand Callan's question.

"Huh?"

"I asked if you like Senara."

"Yes. She's a friend so of course, I like her. She won't be my friend otherwise. Why?"

"I meant in a romantic way—not just friendship," Callan grinned mischievously.

'He really just had to press on! Ugh! I really, really, hate you now!'

Kaiden thought for a moment and stared at me.

"Y-y-you don't have to answer him seriously!" I blurted out in my nervousness. "W-we haven't known each other for that long as well. So it's all just friendship. And we're still young. We're just teenagers. There's no—ugh…" I gave up trying to explain. Turning to Callan, I urged him, "Please stop this, Callan."

I glared at Callan with massive anger. May he feel the depths of my irritation and read between the lines. Sometimes, I felt like I wanted to zip that blabber mouth of his so he wouldn't be able to speak again.

My anger only stopped when I noticed that Kaiden was staring at me. What in the world could he be thinking?

Badump! Badump! Badump! My heart thumped so loud I could hear it.

"I'm not good with romance, or dealing with any girl in particular," he said. "But if I'll ever be in a romantic relationship someday, I don't mind… if it's someone like Senara. We get along just fine and I'm comfortable with her. And that will matter for me since I don't like speaking to girls. They're a whole new species for me. It's a miracle I'm friends with one."

Unable to hide my extreme joy from hearing him say all those words, my face suddenly felt hot and my lips curved itself into a sweet smile. My heart was already beating loudly but it grew worse, as if jumping in joy with me.

'OMG! I have a chance! Thank the heavens! Go Senara! Seduce him!—I mean, make him fall in love with you! He said he doesn't mind if it's you. Oh my goodness. I'm so happy I wanna cry! Great job me!'

"KYAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" Hora and Crystal screamed for me since only my thoughts could scream for a moment.

They giggled and held each other's hands like fangirls. And I was left to bow my head, trying to hide my grinning face. Ahhh… I felt my heart would explode. I was so happy and relieved at the same time.

Admit it, Senara Lee. You like him already.

You had fallen for him… no matter how much you try to deny it.

And there was no way to go back up.