Ava's PoV
After our two-day outing, we finally returned home. My mind was filled with worry for Ezra and his bruises, but I couldn't bring myself to express it. It seemed like he wanted Isabella to take care of him, so I just clenched my fist and remained silent, as I always did. It was a bittersweet feeling, wanting to be there for him but knowing that I couldn't.
As I lay on my bed, memories of last night with Ezra flooded my mind. My body still ached a tangible reminder of the rough sex last night. It was all madness, I knew that. Yet, despite my awareness of my abnormalities, I couldn't help but crave the slightest chance that he might develop feelings for me, even if it was just my body. I am aware of myself for being such an idiot, but I couldn't help it since we already crossed the line multiple times.
Lost in my thoughts, my phone suddenly rang, and I reluctantly picked it up, wishing I hadn't. It was my dad, his voice filled with fury. Somehow, he must have heard about what happened last night. I was used to being watched by his people, so it didn't surprise me anymore.
"How long do you plan on messing around like this?" he asked, his anger palpable. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the familiar argument that we always had.
"No matter what you say, Dad, I won't become a lawyer. I have no intention of even trying. I'm happy as a singer, and I won't stop, no matter what," I replied firmly, bracing myself for his reaction. I could hear him breaking things in the background. As the youngest and only daughter, I couldn't understand why they were so opposed to my pursuit of a singing career. I had gained quite a following on social media, with even established artists covering my original songs. What more did they want me to prove?
"From now on, your brother won't send you any money! You rascal! Don't even think about coming home until you come to your senses!" he shouted, his words filled with frustration. I was tired of this conversation, tired of going around in circles. I had reached my breaking point with them.
"You haven't seen me in four years, Dad. You've probably forgotten what I even look like. Don't worry, I don't need the money Joseph gave me. I'm doing just fine on my own, earning enough from my gigs. I've been fine without you, Dad," I said, the words hanging in the air. My dad used to dote on me when I was a bright child, even memorizing the periodic table of elements at the age of four. They had expected me to become a great lawyer like them because of the caliber of my IQ, maybe it's running through our genes, but I had failed their expectations when I chose to pursue a career in singing. That's when everything changed, and they began treating me like a disgrace to the family. I was hurt at first, by the feeling of being abandoned by them. But now, I was truly content. I no longer had to live up to their expectations, and I could finally do what made me happy. I was happier, even though I still felt incomplete because of them.
"I just hope you don't regret your decisions because I don't want to see you coming home with troubles. Don't further degrade our family," he said, ending the call. He was acting like that, yet he still sent his men to watch over me. He was a true tsundere dad. I couldn't help but feel disappointed that he couldn't fully support me in pursuing what makes me happy.
As the days passed by, the relentless cycle of rehearsals left me utterly exhausted. The upcoming intramurals had everyone in a frenzy, and while I was fully committed to my singing, I hadn't been able to participate in any other activities and I'm so damn tired enough to add something on my plate. Ezra, on the other hand, had joined the basketball team for our major. I couldn't help but feel proud of him, and I'll just cheer him on later.
I made my way back to our classroom to take a nap. However, it was packed with students, and the noise and commotion only added to my weariness. The rehearsal room was no different, filled with people practicing their routines. Feeling overwhelmed, I made my way up to the rooftop, hoping to find some peace. To my relief, there was no one there. The cool breeze brushed against my tired face, offering a momentary respite from the chaos below. I found a comfortable spot and allowed myself to finally relax.
I lay down on the bench, feeling the exhaustion slowly fade away as I put on my earphones. Finally, I could relax and enjoy some peaceful moments. However, my tranquility was short-lived when I heard the door open. I quickly glanced over and saw William standing there, holding a thick book in his hand. He seemed surprised to find me there.
"Oh... Hi... I didn't mean to disturb you. If you want, I can just go," he said, ready to leave.
"Don't make it sound like I'm the villain here," I replied, gesturing for him to sit next to me. "Come on, the bench is spacious enough. I can share some space with you." I moved a little to make room for him, and he came closer, sitting beside my head.
"Do you feel uncomfortable?" he asked, concerned. I shook my head in response.
"I'm fine. You're just going to read, right?" I asked, and he nodded. The pre-finals were approaching after the intramurals, and I knew how challenging they could be, especially for difficult courses like his.
"I promise I won't make a sound," he assured me. I couldn't help but find his seriousness amusing. From my perspective down here, he looked like a big guy.
"Do you want to lay your head on my lap? I don't mean anything by it. It's just more comfortable to sleep with a portable pillow," he suggested, and I burst into laughter.
"Why do you keep explaining? Haha, it's not like I find you weird or anything," I said, noticing his ears turning red.
"Then come, lay here. I promise I'll watch over you and make sure not a single mosquito bites you," he said, his words filled with a mix of humor and old-school charm.
"Since you insist," I replied, gently resting my head on his lap. It was surprisingly firm, as if he had been working out like Ezra. I had often laid my head on Ezra's lap, but it never felt romantic because he would always talk about Isabella.
Just like this, I felt my eyes getting heavy until I finally succumbed to sleep.
...
I woke up abruptly, disturbed by someone making a lot of noise. Even with my earphones on, I could still hear them. As I opened my eyes, I was startled to see Ezra glaring at me.
"See? I told you to keep quiet so you wouldn't wake her up," William calmly said to Ezra, but Ezra's anger was evident. What's his deal?
"Let's go back. Our classmates have been looking for you," Ezra said, clearly upset. I stood up, feeling a bit disoriented, and noticed that William's blazer was covering my skirt. What a sweet gesture of him. He is a gentleman indeed.
"You look cold. I hope you don't misunderstand," William said, and I couldn't help but appreciate his protective side. But his defensive side is pretty amusing.
"Thanks. I got a good rest," I replied as I handed back his blazer.
"That's good to hear. By the way, when will you treat me to dinner?" he asked, reminding me of the promise I had made. I had almost forgotten.
"Sure, how about the night before the intramurals?" I suggested, and he happily agreed. He was like a puppy. I wanted to pet his head, but I didn't want him to think I was weird. Well, I did pet his head back in high school, and I remember how much he hated it. Hahaha.
"Then I'll pick you up at your dorm," he said and I gave him a thumbs up. After our conversation, I went back to the classroom with Ezra. William stayed behind to finish reading, he said. But what's bothering me was Ezra, who had been glaring at me since earlier.
"What do you want?" I asked, and he gave me a sharp gaze.
"Don't go out with William," he said in a serious and cold tone.
" Huh?" What was going on with him?
To be continued.