Alfred was a bit disappointed. He wanted to go to the tree garden but decided against it. That was his friends favourite spot, him included. He wasn't ready to face them so, he changed his direction and walked towards the president's loop. Its on the 2nd to the last floor of the utility building. The last floor was Roche's office. The utility building housed the basic offices in Roche. The president's loop was meant for the president and his executives. The post is strictly on merit. The students choice. Alfred was voted into office 3 months ago along with his executives. The loop was mostly used for meetings or special gatherings by the executive.
Alfred was certain no one would be there. Only the president and his vice had unrestricted access to the loop. Alfred halted in front of the room as the words, "His vice" rang in his head. The door was unlocked. He opened the door and sure enough his friends were there playing chess. He walked in dejectedly.
"I should have known" Alfred said in a near whisper. Jeff was the vice president so he had unrestricted access.
"What did I say?" Lian asked as soon as Alfred stepped in. Lian had predicted that his first sentence would be 'I should have known'. They laughed. Alfred sat down with a slight frown.
"I just wanted to be alone for 10 mins to relax and think things through."
"Hmm?" Ethan asked acting like he didn't hear what Alfred had said
"10-20 minutes of silence isn't such a bad idea. Is it?" Alfred asked.
"No"
"It isn't"
"He actually made a point" they all agreed. Everywhere became silent. The only noise to be heard was the silent hum from the air-conditioning unit. No one spoke for the next 30 seconds. Exactly 30 seconds later
"That wasn't a bad idea"
"I feel much more relaxed now"
"I thought things through" they all spoke at once. Alfred laughed. He loved his friends. Ethan, Lian and Jeff. The group consists of the 4 hottest guys in the academy. They were always top notch. They became best of friends when Roche paired the four of them for a group project on the oldest martial art skills. Ethan was good with computers, Lian could easily crack locks, Jeff was more of an observer and always knew what to do in the worst scenerio, Alfred was good at creating diversion. They were all skilled and good in martial arts. Alfred was the most skilled. Roche had observed them for sometime. She knew that their skill will come in handy so she recruited them for special advanced training.
"Seriously you all shouldn't be here. Only executives are allowed. Roche is gonna punish you all" Alfred joked.
"I'm sure Roche wouldn't mind. But if she must give out punishment, we all know who would go down for it" Ethan mocked. Alfred threw a couch pillow at him and they laughed. They chatted, joked and laughed.
"You didn't even bother to tell us you have a girlfriend" Jeff spoke and the group looked at him keenly
"I don't" Alfred replied
"Cut it out. You know..... Julian"
"Who?" Alfred asked
"Julian" Jeff replied
"Who is Julian?" Alfred asked utterly confused.
"The plumber" Ethan chirped and the laughed. Alfred still looked lost
"Tell me already. A new crush?" Alfred asked
"Wait. He's serious" Lian said
"You weren't joking?" Ethan asked "you seriously don't know her?" Alfred shook his head. "The one you got into trouble for"
"That's her name?" They began to ridicule Alfred. He doesn't even know the name of the girl he saved.
"You're such a..."
"Clown". Ethan completed Jeff's statement
"I only saved her because I could. I don't even know her"
"I told you this guy is gay" Lian said "you don't even have female friends in the midst of female fans"
"I used to doubt but now I agree" Ethan said
"I've told you severally, I'm not" Alfred protested.
"Prove it to us Alfred" Ethan said "get a girlfriend"
"You guys know very well that I'm not a gay".
"We don't. Do you know?". Lian asked.
"No". Jeff and Ethan answered.
"I just don't want to date yet"
"Here's the deal, you can clear your name."
"What"
"Get a girlfriend, get intimate with her. The relationship must last at least two weeks. Break up with her afterwards" Jeff said. Alfred looked at him with disapproval clearly written on his face.
"At least, do a public display of affection. You have till the zero rule night to complete the task" Lian supported
"Or leave us alone with our assumptions. The rest of the academy included" Ethan concluded. Alfred looked at them all. He knew they already had this discussion before now.
"Come on" Lian urged. Alfred wanted to say yes but he was afraid of hurting someone for his selfish reasons. "Any girl would be happy to date you for just a day. They won't complain" Alfred had an idea and smiled
"The girl shouldn't know it's all a dare" Jeff spoke as if he read Alfred's thoughts
"Is it?"
"It is now" Alfred sighed and said
"Fine. I will do it"...
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#Tigresstories