EIRA POV:
I dashed into the college, my heart racing. Oh God, I'm late! I hope the teacher hasn't arrived yet. As I entered, I spotted Mr. Robert taking attendance.
"Sir, may I come in?"
"Dear, you're late," he said, his tone firm.
"I'm sorry, sir! May I please come in?"
"Take a seat, dear."
I hurried to find an empty desk, only to discover the lone seat available was directly in front of Adrian. As our eyes met, he rolled them in annoyance.
"Dear, please hurry up."
With no choice left, I reluctantly turned my head to face him. He was staring at the door, lost in thought.
The class ended quickly, and my next lecture was English.
"Hello, students! I know you're all stressed with the syllabus, so don't worry; I won't start with boring lectures."
"Let's kick things off with something light to lift your spirits. How about a romantic play, Romeo and Juliet?" she said, her excitement palpable.
"Who will be Romeo?"
"Adrian! Adrian!" echoed through the room.
"And who will be Juliet?"
"Victoria! Victoria!" came the chorus.
"Alright, let's get started!"
Roles were handed out, and as fate would have it, I didn't get a part. Instead, I would assist in setting up the stage.
"Eira, run away with me!" Tessy joked, leaning on my shoulder.
"I can't do this! I'm too tired," I replied, busy arranging snacks for everyone.
"Tessy, decorate the balcony! Hurry!" a girl shouted.
"Eira, can you please decorate Juliet's balcony?" Tessy pleaded with wide eyes.
I wanted to say no, but her expression was impossible to resist. "Fine, I'll do it."
"You're the best, Eira!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me.
I climbed the stairs to the balcony and began decorating. Suddenly, everything blurred, and I lost my balance, teetering dangerously over the edge.
"Eira! Eira!" I heard Tessy scream, but fear washed over me, closing my eyes. When I finally opened them, I was met with Adrian's worried gaze. Why was he concerned? Before I could ask, darkness enveloped me.
Where am I? My head throbbed as I slowly opened my eyes. I found myself in a stark white room.
"Are you okay?" A middle-aged nurse stood by my side, her brow furrowed with concern.
"Um, I'm fine. What happened to me?"
"You fainted due to hypotension."
"What did I eat for breakfast?"
"I was late, so I missed it," I admitted, staring at the floor.
"Dear, skipping breakfast isn't good for you. Don't do it again!"
"I'm sorry! I won't do it again."
"Who brought you here?"
"Your boyfriend. He was very concerned," she said with a teasing smile.
"He's not my boyfriend."
"Okay, but he clearly cares about you."
"Oh, new love, perhaps?" she joked before leaving the room to fetch something for me.
Adrian cares about me? No, it can't be true. But his eyes… Why did he carry me here if he supposedly hated me? A knock interrupted my thoughts.
"Come in!"
I gasped as Adrian entered. He didn't say a word; he simply placed my bag on the table and turned to leave.
"Wait!"
"Why did you help me?" I blurted out before I could think.
"If it were any other girl, I would have helped her too."
"No! I saw the worry in your eyes."
"I was worried there might be another girl," he replied, starting to walk.
"Why do you act so strangely around me? I know it was you in the forest—the one who saved me. Just admit it, you helped me."
As I spoke, he halted by the door and turned to face me, his presence looming as he took a step closer. I instinctively backed away until I felt the cool wall pressing against me. I was about to sidestep him when he braced his hands against the wall, effectively trapping me between him and the barrier.
"Do you really think I like you? You're just desperate for my attention," he shot back, a smug grin twisting his lips.
A tear slipped down my cheek, but I fought to keep the rest at bay as he strode out, leaving me reeling from his words.
His remarks cut deep, and I couldn't grasp what his problem was.
ADRAIN POV:
What is it about her that stirs something within me? I know I hurt her, but maybe it's the only way to keep her at a distance. I can't let her get close. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Drek standing in the doorway.
"Hey, buddy."
"Hey!!!"
"What's wrong?" he asked, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
"Nothing!"
"I know you too well; you're hiding something."
"I don't have time for your nonsense," I replied, my voice clipped.
"Fine! Where are Elisa and Mike?"
"They won't be able to make it today; they'll come in a few days."
"Okay, then leave me alone," I said, leaning back on my bed.
"I won't until you ask nicely."
"Leave!"
At my shout, he dashed away, a whirlwind of retreat.