Aila was speechless; she does not know how to respond to Ken. When she was about to speak Reese came near them and whispered something in her ear. Aila's face was flushed, she turned to Ken and said goodbye.
Aila and Reese run towards the third gate of their school, this is their secret exit where they can go to Aila's official car without getting noticed.
Ken was surprised why Aila and Reese had to bail out on him so quickly, a few minutes passed and he was caught off-guard.
"Where's that b*tch!? I've already told you, Ken, You are mine!"
Ken was enlightened by the escape act the two girls just did. He faced Rachelle,
"Please get over yourself, I don't want to embarrass you, but when I said that I don't like you, I actually meant it."
Ken was so straightforward that Rachelle wished the ground would swallow her whole.
While Aila and Reese were in the car, laughing at the scenario that might have been if Rachelle found her there.
"How did you know?" Aila curiously asked Reese.
"I have connections you don't have" Reese winked and laughed at Aila.
"Wow, won't you give me a hint?" Aila was begging for an answer.
"No. The fewer people you know the better for you my princess."
"Seriously, isn't it easier if I know who my allies are?" Aila was still insisting;
"It will definitely be easier but you will not be able to live as a normal teenager if you knew."
That answer shuts Aila up, she did not ask further, but it made her feel like reality smacked her on the face.
They went to a new place for them to hang out; the place is called "the viewpoint". The view in this area is the city lights, the breeze is cold and it is quite a perfect spot for the princess; it is not crowded and it can easily be cordoned off by her security team. They enjoyed their coffee while looking at the great view.
"Princess, how do you feel about Ken?"
Reese confronted Aila. It is a first for Aila, to think of things like this, she is hesitant to explore this side of herself.
"I'm not quite sure, but lately; he always makes me feel...hmmm I could not put it in words, but his actions put a smile on my face, but that's about it... I really don't want to feel anything any further." Aila answered as truthfully as she can.
"I think I know what you mean, enjoy it well, but please be careful," Reese warned Aila because she knows Ken's reputation.
"I will don't worry… I'm not ready to give this heart to anyone just yet."
When Aila arrived at home, she immediately freshens up to prepare herself for a late-night studying for another set of exams tomorrow. While in front of her dresser she remembered the bracelet Ken gave her, she took it out from her drawer and held it in her hands; "Shall I wear this tomorrow to inspire him?"
At school the next day.
As Aila and Reese arrived at school, Reese immediately noticed the smile on Aila's face.
"You seem quite happy today."
Aila rolled her eyes, "Do I really frown all the time that a smile like this is unusual?"
"No, you don't; most of the time you are nonchalant like nothing can ever bother you; like you don't care about anything at all... You're a bit different now I see you smile out of the blue like the world is always on your side. hahaha"
Reese chuckled at Aila's answer; thinking how her friend has not really noticed the changes in her these past few weeks.
Aila was out of words, she realized how she felt most before, she simply does not care, and now… she cares about her friends and she even thought of giving Ken a motivation.
She glanced back at Reese and said; "It's not that bad right?"
"Not at all! I like this version of you even more."
Ken and Vince were already at their respective seats studying last minute for their exams. They did not even notice Aila arriving,
"good morning guys!"
Both of them greeted her back and went back to their books. Afraid to disturb the two guys, she dived into her notes as well.
After the morning set of the exams, Aila and Reese went to their spot; the grandstand. They sat there quietly because they saw the hooded guy sleeping in one of the bleachers again. Out of the blue, Ken was there too.
"I know you two will be here, can I join you?"
Reese stood up and winked at Aila;
"I'll just get some snacks for us" then she glanced at Ken
"Would you be so kind to accompany my friend here while I'm gone, I don't like some b*tches bothering her."
Ken sniggered "Of course, it would be my pleasure."
Ken approached Aila who was seated already. She crossed her legs, Ken saw this and he almost fell on his knees.
"You wore the bracelet!" Ken exclaimed.
Aila wore the bracelet Ken gave her as an anklet.
"Yeah, I did, it looks good huh, thanks for this."
Ken's smile was from ear to ear.
"Does this mean you like me too?"
Aila laughed "You're too fast, it only means that I appreciate our relationship as it is now."
Ken frowned, and sat beside Aila.
"Are you sure there's nothing more?"
Aila slightly bumped her shoulders against his shoulders,
"We'll know when we get there."
Ken suddenly jumped off his seat and shouted
"Wooooohhhhh, it means I have a chance right?"
Aila panicked,
"Hey, settle down! Don't be too loud!" Aila tried to pull him down.
While pulling him down, Ken accidentally bumped on her and she almost fell to the ground. Good thing Ken's reflex was fast, he was able to catch Aila on time.
"ahem" the hooded guy coughed as he went down the grandstand.
The two were startled; Aila slightly pushed Ken away from her. Her face turned bright red and she felt it burning.
"Are you blushing?" Ken was teasing Aila.
"I'm not, I was just surprised by that guy!" Aila was trying to explain.
Ken held Aila's face using both his hands.
"Your face is burning hot, and you dare deny it."
Aila took his hands off her face, Ken took this opportunity to hold her hands.
"Okay, so what if I'm blushing? You are blushing too!" She shouted at Ken.
He still did not let go of Aila's hands,
"Hey, I'm not denying it, It is clearly because I like you, no… I think I love you."