The next day, we all sat in the library. Grace continued to shower Vesper with insults, while Deimi seemed unaffected, studying a school map. Occasionally, I caught myself secretly observing the brunette and her work on the tablet.
After a while, Grace grew bored and announced he was going for soda. Naturally, he didn't forget to ask his sister what she wanted, and she mentioned that she wouldn't mind mint chocolate. Mort attempted to pat her head, but she warned him that she would break his hand if he tried.
The mafia heiress and I were left alone. I tried to start a conversation about the ring, but as soon as I saw the brunette's gaze on me, I changed my mind. Instead, something else slipped out of my mouth.
"Are you okay?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you ask?"
"Vesper keeps bothering you, so I wonder why you haven't punched him yet."
"He's just a kid, what can you expect?"
"And his actions? His fans think you're one of them."
"It's ridiculous. We all understand that it's not true. Besides, he's not my type. I'm into other guys." The brunette put aside the tablet and openly started observing me.
"I... don't stare at me, do you?" I stuttered.
"Don't worry, I don't like blondes." She waved her hand, and I smiled, hiding my disappointment behind that smile.
"Wait a moment..." I said. "I forgot to pick up a book. I'll leave you alone for a couple of minutes."
Deimi nodded and took the tablet. I turned and headed for the bookshelves. After a few seconds, I stood by one of the shelves, searching for a book. There was a group of girls nearby, whispering and occasionally glancing at me. It was irritating. I took a deep breath. Throughout the school, there were rumors about Marcelo, but he himself was absent. Finally, I found the book I needed. Taking the thick volume in my hands, I shook it and flipped through the pages. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that one of the girls was heading in my direction. I immediately understood what this could mean. She positioned herself beside me as if looking for a book. The girl was a few centimeters shorter than Deimi. Grace's sister would have managed to smoothly grab the book, but this girl just fidgeted and awkwardly smiled. I smiled, thinking about it.
Suddenly, the brunette stood on her tiptoes and reached for the book. Without hesitation, I handed it to her.
"Oh, thank you." She giggled. "Being short is so unfair. I feel like a tiny doll. Just take me in your arms already."
"Oh, I see. Are you interested in stars?" I tried to engage her in conversation.
"What?" I arched an eyebrow and looked down at the book. "Oh, yeah, I love reading about that. It's so fascinating to look at the illustrations. My browsing history is full of it."
"Really? Show me." I mentally murmured.
"Me? No." I cut her off and patted the book. I turned back to leave but was interrupted.
"What's your name?"
"Julian." I adjusted my hair.
"I'm Mary from..."
"Great." I interrupted. I couldn't care less to hear more. I understood why she had pulled off that trick. To introduce herself. And I wasn't thrilled about it. "I have some things to take care of, so, uh, I'll go."
"Sure, but will you give me your number?" The brunette blurted out. I stood there frozen and glanced back at Mary. Not far away, next to a shelf, stood Deimi. She lazily waved me over, but the girl clung to my arm and, with a desperate look in her eyes, looked at me. "I'm sorry, but I don't give out my number, it's just that I've been in some situations..." I stammered, glancing at Deimi, who seemed to be on the verge of losing her patience.
"Oh, I see. But shouldn't you try again? Trust a new person and all that?"
"I'd rather stick with old acquaintances." I pulled my arm away, but she stepped in front of me, blocking my way. Her face had turned sulky, just like a hamster's.
"Why do you think the person doesn't want to give you their number?" The mafia heiress' voice rang out. I didn't even notice when she appeared next to me. With a swift movement, her hand landed on my shoulder. "Either they didn't like you, or..." She paused for a long moment. "They already have a significant other."
"What?!" Mary practically shouted. I was surprised by this side of Deimi. A smug smile appeared on the brunette's face.
"Come on, Carner," she said, grabbing me by the wrist and leading me away. Once we were out of the section, the girl turned to me, crossed her arms, and looked at me. "Listen, the world would be much easier if both girls and guys were more straightforward. If you don't want to talk to someone, can't you just tell them? Or come up with some excuse? You're acting just like Daniel, flirting and giving your number, and then complaining that you got caught and now they're all over you."
"I just..."
"You didn't want to offend her, I know. But for once, ignore others' feelings and consider your own," I obediently lowered my head. "I was looking for you to tell you that Grace is back and it seems like he wants to say something."
"He came back so quickly?"
"Nothing happened." The mafia heiress rolled her eyes. We approached our table, and I noticed a sulky Grace.
"So here you are," I took my seat. "Listen, I have a proposition for you. Let's play football with the guys."
"What?" My heart sank. I looked at Mort first, then at the mafia heiress, who had already caught on to my mood change. The thing was... I played football in my childhood up to the age of 10, but then...
"Yeah, go on, have fun. Maybe you'll find common ground. "The girl patted me on the shoulder.
"Sure, but... I think I've forgotten how to play..."
"Don't worry, you'll remember."
"Grace, I'm serious."
"Listen, dude, when you start getting nervous, it won't lead to anything good. It's just running and kicking a ball."
"And also teamwork", Mrs. Mort added.
"You know, Deimi, I don't like your perspective," Grace turned to his sister. "And the way you eagerly throw ideas at us. You're definitely not being completely straightforward."
The girl approached her brother and whispered something in his ear.
"Ah, well, then it's clear. Grace nodded. So, what do you think, Julian? I'll be by your side anyway. If anything, we can leave the field."
"So, who's this group? "I asked.
"Guys from a few classes, also Marchelo's crew and some football players."
Marchelo?
"Yeah, but he's not there himself. His friends said he went to look for weapons against the mafia and laughed it off." Grace waved his hand dismissively. But it wasn't hidden from me how he and his sister exchanged glances.
"Alright, let's go. "I clapped my hands and Mort even brightened up.