Hearing his name has definitely drained Ralph's energy. He had slept on the couch, snoring lightly and I was facing him.
In the past, I wanted Ralph to get rid of his past, move on, and smile always. I stayed beside him from the day he was heartbroken, and it was the first time, so things were difficult for him. I did everything to make him happy and to divert his mind—all stupid acts just to make him smile.
When his grades were reducing, I did my best to teach him the hard subjects, and he was a good student, so it was not that hard. He was making time at the time I was available, and again, he would never demand or force me to teach during his free time. He loved my cooking, and whenever I brought him food, it was enough to make his day. So many times, he stated the same openly in front of his friends too.
For the first time, when he traveled by bus and metro, his smile was damn amazing. While tasting street foods, his eyes were always lit up, and not to forget the bicycle ride. God, these were all stupid things, but he still enjoyed everything by heart.
Everything boosted me by the time I concluded dating him would be damn easy peasy. If only I would know.
I still remember our first kiss at the pub. For the first time, Ralph's friends joined us. As we were enjoying at the pub, Ralph started acting weird, and I started searching for the source. Asher was with his group of friends, staring at Ralph. Winston suggested we should go from here, but Ralph refused.
After a few minutes, we were on the dance floor. I was doing my idiotic moves, for which Ralph started laughing. I didn't mind though, so I kept with my clumsy moves. Acting stupid in front of so many people requires guts, and I had enough just to bring a smile out of Ralph. While I was busy in my innovative steps, someone bumped me, and it was Asher.
Asher was dancing with some hot chicks and also a damn handsome guy. I saw Ralph, who was staring at them only if looks could kill. I wish that happened at this second so Asher's existence would vanish from our lives. Asher was staring right back; this was not at all good.
I wanted to drag Ralph from the dance floor, but for the first time, I noticed the stubborn side of him who was not budging. The next thing was surreal. What got to Ralph, I don't know, but his lips met mine, and I was shocked. I was too stunned to respond, and it took all to move my lips accordingly.
I should be damn happy, but I was not. Why was the first thing that came to mind, and I started searching for Asher, who was exiting the pub angrily. Did he just kiss me to piss him off? I don't want to think that way, but his action is only pushing me. I didn't lose anything; it was just a kiss, but with him, it was special, and I didn't like that he just kissed to piss off his ex.
"I am sorry. It's just these days he was getting on my nerves so much, and yeah, I did my best to get on his." Wow, what a nice way to apologize to someone. Directly saying that he used me right. I tried my best not to get angry, but it looked like I might lose my good composure anytime, so I excused myself.
After entering the bathroom, I splashed water so many times to get in control, and it worked somehow. I didn't know when Ralph entered the bathroom and stood behind me. I was not startled but pleased to see his guilty face. It all took me to say it's ok after seeing his face.
I was staring at him, and he was fidgeting with his fingers. God, how can I carry my anger if he made this face? "It's really ok. I think it really pissed him off." "Whatever, I don't care, but I am sorry." By saying that, he hugged me. Too much contact in a day is not good for me to handle, especially at night before sleeping.
After a few minutes, we exited the bathroom and decided to go home. Ralph dropped me, and by bidding goodbye, he was off.
What the heck was all that? This was good, but at the same time, it was not. He kissed me to piss off his ex, and he was sorry. It was just a bloody kiss. Why the heck am I making a big deal out of it? My first time with him shouldn't have been that way, and I didn't enjoy a thing about that kiss.
The next day, when I woke up, I was annoyed by remembering everything, but still, a broad smile appeared when I thought of Ralph. That was it. I ignored everything and made my way to the college. I was waiting for Ralph in the parking lot, and after a few minutes, his car entered. Ralph came out of the brand-new car with a huge smile, and I was dumbstruck.
I was quick to recover from the wow moment and greeted him with a smile. We made our way to the class, totally ignoring yesterday's incident. His friends joined us, and they started talking among themselves. No one spoke about the kiss, so I can conclude that no one was aware of anything.
It was lunch break, and my bladder was about to explode, so I ran toward the washroom. After finishing my business, I was washing my hands when the door opened with a heavy force. It was Asher. I looked in his direction our eyes met, and I groaned in return.
By wiping my hands, I was facing him. He was burning from anger and an expected outcome. I was not shocked, not even horrified, by his presence. This will be a now-and-then occurrence, and I should get used to this side of him as I am hitting on his ex.
"Finally, you have grown some balls. What a perfect time to make a move, right? Do you think he will be yours like seriously?" I don't know the answer to the asked question, but I want Ralph in my life. Saying it out loud doesn't seem like the best idea, and I don't want to provoke this jerk. Already, he was boiling from the kiss, and I didn't want to add any more oil to the flame. The risk of provoking him will only harm me in every way. Pathetic, I know, but I can't help it.
"When his friends talked about you being a stalker, always trying to get the attention of Ralph, I didn't take it seriously. I thought it was the biggest joke I had ever heard until yesterday. You were pathetically ogling Ralph from afar, and I let it slide because I thought your pathetic face and background would not harm in any way, and I was fucking wrong. Not only did you find a perfect chance to get close to him, but you also dared to kiss him." I didn't open my mouth to retort on that one. The kiss took me by surprise. I didn't expect such a daring step from Ralph, and I regret not enjoying it for even a second.
"Back off before your precious heart gets broken into many, many pieces. He won't be yours in this lifetime, and I am going to make sure of it. I will win him back; it's about time. Quit whatever you are playing; you can't win over me or my background." He was close to me with an intense gaze. I was glaring back with the same intensity, but I couldn't hold it for more than a few seconds. I averted my eyes. He chuckled. "Cut it out whatever bullshit you are playing at, I mean it. If I take it too personally, you can't handle my wrath or my background." I hated this. I hated to bow in front of his power and family background. I was scared thinking about the possible things that he could do to me.
The door burst open again, and it was Ralph. His gaze fell on Asher and our close proximity. He strode toward us, and by grabbing my hand, he started walking toward the door. I so badly wanted to turn and show my middle finger to Asher, but I held on to it. Not now, not when I am no one and he can do anything.
We started walking in the hallway and I was still in a bloody shock. Ralph was holding my hand the entire way that was not at all helping me in any way not to forget for the first time I was getting so much attention. We stopped when the road was clear to speak anything.
"Did he do or say something to you?" A lot, actually. "Don't hide anything. If he hurt you in any way, tell me we will complain to the principal. I will use every means to get back to him." That came a little loud and in an angry tone. I was taken aback after hearing this outburst. I was surprised; I didn't expect this from Ralph, and I was so happy. "Speak up." Right, I totally forgot to open my mouth, thanks to that bastard who scared me like hell. "He didn't hurt me, but yeah, he threatened." Ralph was facing me with a worried face. "Because of me. I am sorry for kissing you." I am only sorry for not sovereign our first kiss. I didn't respond to it; my mind was clouded by so many things, and I like to be mute at this point.
I wanted him so badly, but the risk associated with him was something I was not willing to take. I was cowardly to think this way, but I couldn't help it when I had nothing in my hands apart from my education, which would brighten my future. I can't mess this up. I can't mess with anything that leads to a bright future.
Ralph and Risks?
He didn't say anything by this time; he got used to my muteness, I guess, so we started walking toward the cafeteria. I was still shaken a bit, and even strong supporting words from Ralph have done nothing for me.
We took our seats, and the table was loaded with lots of food. We dug in, and Ralph was whispering comforting words to me. By the end of the meal, I was feeling okay and ready to face something. Ralph was giving me an assuring smile, mouthing and asking, Are you okay? for which I nodded my head, and in return, he gave me a broad smile. That was it; his smile always ruptured everything.
I was shaken for sure, but I did not give up on perceiving Ralph.
I was woken up by sunlight that was invading the room. I was smiling, remembering the exact day when my desire to get Ralph was stronger.
Ralph was still sleeping, and I was staring at him. His lips are slightly ajar, and the picture is quite captivating. I chuckled when I remembered the same way I was drooling over him whenever we slept together in the past college days.