Chapter 106 - 106: Introductions

(Third POV)

Since their professor was facing them, Michelle decidedly placed her cellphone back inside her bag. She didn't want to get caught texting and give a bad impression. Anyhow, it was almost dismissal.

"Alright. Are there any questions regarding our lesson?" Their professor asked as she wrapped up the lesson for the day.

"No, ma'am." The students answered, just itching for the class to end.

"Ok, then, for our next meeting…" 

Hearing their professor giving instructions for their homework to be submitted on Friday, Michelle jot them down on her notebook. 

--

Andy smiled seeing Michelle trying to contain her laughter. Earlier when he arrived, he took the time to observe her. Michelle was not the most beautiful girl he has ever seen, especially that he mingles in the entertainment circle, but there's something about her that draws him in. 

At the beginning, it was plain attraction that made him approach her in one of the galas hosted by one of his parents business associates. When she acted aloof after the 2nd time, he no longer approached her. However, it was as if fate was playing with him that she became his classmate in Environmental Science. It was their third time meeting and perhaps, because it's the third that it was like a charm.

She was no longer aloof, and in fact she was even friendly. It has been almost a month since then, and the more he got to know her, the more he realized how amazing she was. It was not uncommon for the people in their circle, even when not part of the exclusive 8, to be proud, prideful, and have a superiority complex, but contrary to that, she didn't put on airs. He's not saying that she's some holy Mary, but he knew that inside, her heart was kind.

Like for instance, he saw that her seatmate nudged her hand that most likely messed her notes, but instead of being angry, she only smiled at her and told her it's alright. 

Anyway, he knew that the text he sent was worded to sound like a joke between friends, but even though that was the case, there's also mild flirting intermixed. Sometimes he wonders, what would Michelle's reaction be if he were to tell her that he was being serious? Would she be more delighted than she already is?

He shook his head. To ask her that now would be unfair. Although he's still second guessing his decision to study abroad, there's a high probability that he would take the opportunity.

--

Not long after, the 8:20 am bell rang signaling the end of their class. Michelle placed her materials inside her bag and as she stood up from her seat, much to her surprise and delight, Andy was already in front of her. 

"Let me help you with that." Andy said as he grabbed her bag from her.

Michelle could not help but take a side glance from where Angie was seated. She saw that Angie and Janina was looking at her with some jealousy in their eyes. Well, she doesn't really hate them or something, but… ah, she felt so refreshed. She looked at Andy again and gave him a shy smile. "You don't need to do this, I can manage…"

Andy seeing the mischievousness in her eyes, tsked, then he smiled. "This is what I should do, my Chelle." Then, he grabbed her hand and interlaced their fingers.

Michelle blushed feeling their interlaced fingers. She wanted to take her hand back, but she knew that Andy's just getting into his role much. Besides, she's rather enjoying the look on Angie's face! It looked like she swallowed a whole pitcher of vinegar. She knew that it's not because she's romantically interested in Andy, rather it's because she's envious of her! Well, who wouldn't be envious of herself!? The nation's husband, ok, maybe not yet, but still, Andy's a super handsome teen idol who's also the son and heir of Peng corporation! Anyone on their right mind would be envious! Haha!

Then, the next thing that registered was the nickname he called her. Gods, she wanted to laugh out loud. Like deym, they have the same nickname in mind for herself! She actually hated him calling her Mich, but she would prefer it if Anthony were the one to call her My Chelle. Ugh. Maybe he could come up with a better nickname? 

Andy seeing Michelle distracted and smiling face thought that she's really cute. He wanted to pinch her cheeks and kiss her lips. In an instance, he was not able to stop his hand and... ok, he just tucked a stray hair to her left ear rather than pinching her face. 

Michelle smiled at Andy as he did that, ah, he's such a great actor indeed. Anyhow, deciding that that's enough dogfood for her blockmates, she tugged their interlaced hands and said, "Let's go?"

Andy did not let her pull him though, instead, he stayed rooted on the spot he's standing on. "You haven't introduced me to your friends yet."

Michelle wanted to furrow her brows. That's not part of their plan. Aish! She still has her plans to introduce Anthony to everyone and not make them think that she's a two-timer!

But then again, at least this way everyone will think that once upon a time, she, Michelle Lui, had the nation's husband as her suitor! Hahaha! Anyway, Anthony knows better. She smirked with how brilliant that sounded. 

With that in mind, she smiled and shyly nodded her head. Looking around, she noticed that not only Angie and Janina were looking at them. All her blockmates were! Even some of their female classmates have not left the classroom, curious about the newest gossip! She can imagine that if they were a few years into the future, everyone would have had their phone out taking pictures or videos of them! Post it to youtube or facebook and boom! In just a few seconds, they would go viral!

Seeing Camille being the nearest, she introduced, "Andy, this is my friend, Camille." On a hind note, Michelle did not introduce Andy as anything, whether he's a friend or suitor or boyfriend, she did not say and he did not say anything too. Ah! Let them come to their own conclusion. She thought evilly.

Andy smiled and offered his hand not holding Michelle's for a handshake. "It's nice to meet you, Camille."

Camille blushed. Her eyes looked like they turned to hearts as she carefully took Andy's hand in hers. "Ah, pleasure to meet you prince Peng, I watched the latest show you were in, and I should say you were amazing!" 

Michelle had no idea that Camille watched Andy's show, and that obviously, she kinda has a crush on him. 

"Eh? You really did? Wow. Thank you for your support. Also, please, just call me Andy." Andy said in a friendly manner.

Michelle continued to introduce Andy to everyone and even when they were not awestruck by him being a teen idol, many still wanted to get to his good graces as he was the heir to the Peng corporation. Some of her blockmates even introduced themselves not needing her assistance any longer.

Then, finally, it was Angie who approached and Janina.

Angie gave him a somewhat flirtatious smile. "Hello Andy, I'm Angie Co. It's nice to meet you."

Andy, recognizing the name from Michelle's text only gave her a perfunctory smile without reaching his eyes. He did not ask her anything like the rest of Michelle's blockmates, only said, "Oh. Nice to meet you." Then moved to the next.

When Andy turned away, Angie glared at Michelle. 

Michelle tried hard not to grin.

When the introductions were done, Michelle's blockmates invited Andy to join them to have snack at the canteen. 

Andy looked at Michelle as if asking for her opinion.

Michelle was almost tempted to agree just to show off but remembering Andy wanting to talk to her about something she turned down the invite.

Her blockmates all teased that they must be going out on a date. Andy and Michelle did not comment and said their goodbyes.

--

When they were far away from the classroom and none of her blockmates were in sight, Michelle pulled her hand away from Andy's hold and then she started laughing.

"Andy! That was totally out of my expectations. Haha! Nice one though!" Michelle said.

Andy grinned trying not to show even a hint disappointment. For him, everything that he did in that room was real, but Michelle only interpreted them as just for play. Though it was what he wanted her to think.

Anyway, he never thought that it would feel nice to have the girl he liked introduce him to her friends. She has no idea, but for him it felt like they were already together.

Thinking of the brighter side, his action was truly a win-win. Not only did he get to play the role as her kinda boyfriend and held her hand, his action would most probably serve its other purpose in the future.

That is, no guy would try to pursue her while he's away! Hah! With him as the comparison, which other guy would dare?

With that deviousness in mind, he also chuckled. "your blockmates seem nice. Why did you not accept the offer for us to grab snack together?"

Michelle smiled and shook her head. "You wanted to talk about something to me, right?"

Andy felt the butterflies in his stomach fluttering. Although she was given the chance to show off more, she still remembered what he came for. She chose alone time than making everyone see that he's hers. She had no idea how happy that made him.

"Oh right. I still wish to spend time with your friends though, they seem really nice. Perhaps next time when you have snacks or outings, you should invite me too!"

Michelle giggled thinking of Angie's face. Ah, earlier felt satisfying. Anyhow, it's Andy asking so maybe it's ok. "That doesn't seem like a bad idea. Ok, will do so."

--

TBC