— Hi?
— I mean, I don't usually get involved with students, it really goes against my criteria. But it's annoying wherever I go, and university girls cling to me thinking they have a chance. You caught my attention because I won't have to worry about that with you since you seem to have a different and strong opinion, you don't depend on others for that.
In about 30 minutes, he had already analyzed me in a very accurate way. Wow! I thought.
— I'll propose an agreement, if you accept, of course. Stand by my side at dinner tonight so I won't have to keep turning down the women who will approach me.
— What do I get out of it? - I asked, pouting because I didn't want to go to the dinner.
— I can teach you how to analyze people, share knowledge from my career, or even help you improve in a subject.
The agreement was indeed good; I was struggling with some subjects, and having his insights would be interesting since it's one of the areas I enjoy most in Business Administration.
— Alright, deal! - I said firmly.
— That's good. - He smiled. - You're a smart girl, you know how to negotiate.
— Don't congratulate me just yet; it's not easy spending time with me, especially when you have to teach me.
— That's true. - João said.
— Oh, excuse me, we haven't properly introduced ourselves. - Dante said to João.
— No problem, I'm João, and you can rest assured that Kyra and I are just friends. - He said, smiling.
— João! Was that really necessary? - I said indignant.
— Oh, it definitely was... friend, since you're accompanied, I'll go flirt somewhere else, okay?
— Wait, didn't you say you wanted me to go to the dinner with you? - I retorted.
— It was just to get you out of the house! - João left laughing.
— Hmm... - Dante looked surprised.
— What's wrong?
— You don't have a boyfriend.
— Yeah... I focused on college and work, didn't have time for that.
— You're determined.
— Yes, but let's go to dinner? - I said, heading forward.
— Aren't you going to change clothes? - He asked, surprised.
— No, if I go home to get ready and come back, it'll already be past 11 o'clock at night. - I smiled playfully.
— Ah, honesty, that's great. Too bad I really need to go back to the hotel where I'm staying to change. Is it okay if you go ahead?
— Totally! See you later.
I left the college, looked at the enormous prestigious building in shades of gray and black, with tinted glass windows, and wondered if I was doing the right thing because so far, I only had uncertainties in my mind and heart. I pushed away the negative thoughts and went to the bus stop to wait for the bus.
I put on my headphones, enjoying some rock music that cheered me up, and boarded the bus that would take me to the restaurant where the group would gather.
When I arrived at the restaurant, the group was already gathered with the main speakers at about 15 tables arranged together so everyone could mingle. To my incredible surprise, there was no space for me to join them (not that I really wanted to). I smiled at the situation and walked over to a waiter to check where I would be seated.
— Hello! - I said, smiling at the waiter.
— Good evening, miss! How can I assist you? - He replied, very friendly.
— Is there any available table where I can sit for dinner?
— Just a moment, let me check for you. - The waiter went to the receptionist to check the reservation list and if there were any available tables. He returned and asked me, "What's your name?"
— It's Kyra.
— Kyra, are you expecting someone?
— Yes, Dante.
— He has already reserved a table in the corner, near the window, table 22. Let me take you there, come with me.
I followed the waiter to the table Dante had reserved. I was impressed because it was quite secluded (not close to my group) and had a beautiful view of the street, with its falling petals from the trees onto the asphalt (Yeah, if you were expecting a description of a luxurious restaurant, I just shattered your expectations, right?). The view and the restaurant were simple, but they calmed my heart because I had a phobia of fancy restaurants due to random embarrassing situations. While I was paying attention to the view, I didn't even notice Dante approaching, and when I realized there was someone at the table, I got startled.
— Wow! Sorry, I didn't hear you approach. - I apologized.
— Good evening to you too! - He said, amused by my surprise.
— Good evening! You were quick to call and reserve a table here. I hadn't even thought about it.
— Well, I didn't want to sit with your group; I want to eat in peace. - He grimaced.
— Ah, I see. You want some peace and quiet. Good thinking, especially since there would be a place at the table for you, but not for me. — I said, with a playful expression. - Not that it bothers me, but the people, I mean, the women would be all over you the whole night.
— That's exactly what I wanted to avoid. What are you going to order?
— I noticed they have set meals here, but also sandwiches. I feel like ordering a pressed cheeseburger with a side of fries.
— Don't you eat healthy food? - He laughed.
— I eat that at home. - I made a face. - When I go out, I eat things that make me happy.
— I see. I'll order the same burger as you, especially since I've never had a pressed burger before.
— Sounds good.
— What are you doing here, Dante? - Asked a very beautiful woman, seriously, she was wearing a red lace dress, strapless, with a belt that highlighted her waist.
Dante was drinking and got such a big shock that soda came out of his nose. Seeing the scene, I started laughing (I really won't make it to heaven).
— Lola, what are you doing here? - He asked, not understanding the situation.
— I'm at a business dinner for the company, your company, and you left me alone just to accompany this "little girl"? - She said, pointing at me with disdain.
— Watch your words! She's my girlfriend. - Dante pretended to be offended by her lack of manners.
This time, I was the one who almost choked on my drink.
— Your girlfriend, my foot! - Retorted Lola. - Just because we took a break doesn't mean you can go out with anyone you want, especially without my approval!
— Who said I need your approval? Besides, we didn't take a break, we broke up. Get that through your head.
— No, sweetie, we'll only break up when I say we do.
— You're completely wrong. The fault for our breakup is yours. I didn't tell you to cheat on me and then have the audacity to ask for a break to spend time with your lover! Now do us a favor and let us eat in peace.
— How dare you? - She shouted in the restaurant, and all eyes focused on us.
— Oh, and one more thing, you're fired! I don't want your services anymore.
— Idiot! This is not over. - Lola stormed off, angrily clicking her heels.
I stood there, watching the scene in admiration of what I had just witnessed. It was because of this (Lola) that he was trying to avoid, not the women at the dinner. Now everything makes sense in my mind.
— Now it makes sense! - I said.
— What? - Dante looked at me with a furrowed brow.
— You wanted to escape from Lola, not from the women present here. What I don't understand is: how did you know you would find her here?
— Lola knew I was in town and wouldn't rest until she found me.
— Well, I'm sorry about your relationship. That's why I tried to avoid getting involved with anyone during college.
— But you should give it a try, not everyone is bad.
— I know, but as I told you, I observe people, and when they're only interested in your body, bragging to their friends that you're ugly and only good for a "hookup," you end up avoiding it, you know?
— Have people said that to you? - He questioned, looking at me as if he wanted to read my soul.
— Yes. I'm not considered attractive in my class, well, in college. People only have eyes for Lucy, but you know, I'm not envious because when someone genuinely likes me, it will be for who I am. Masks fall, beauty ages; what remains is something most people want to hide—their true essence.
— I agree with everything you said, except that you're not beautiful. I find you beautiful, so don't pay attention to what others say. - Dante said, winking at me and smiling.
I blushed because I had never heard anyone say that before. Truly, that man was a danger to any woman, and I couldn't help but wonder: how could anyone betray him? Obviously, he wouldn't know under any circumstances what I was thinking, but he really affected me. Thankfully, he didn't notice my embarrassment because right after that, my professor Louis came over, complaining that we weren't sitting with them.
— Louis, don't bother. I preferred sitting with Kyra rather than with the crowd. I like to eat in peace. - Dante said.
— But with Kyra? You could have sat with Lucy. - Louis questioned.
— How can you disrespect Kyra like that? She's as intelligent as Lucy and great company.
— Only you think that. She has a sharp tongue, not to mention she could achieve outstanding grades but chooses to settle for average.
— Have you two forgotten that I'm still here? - I spoke sarcastically. - Oh, I'm not here to please anyone, Professor Louis. Like it or not, I work to pay for my education; I'm not supported by anyone, and that's already an accomplishment!
— That's not what I meant, Kyra. - Louis tried to apologize.
— I'm tired of everyone around me belittling me, so think about it, the semester will be over soon, and you won't even have to look at my face anymore. I know that bothers you! - I said that and stood up. I wasn't in the mood to put up with everything. - Dante, I'm sorry, but the night is already over for me. If you want, you can sit with them.
I left the restaurant with a bitter taste in my mouth. It was unbelievable the things that happened to me, and the only place I felt good was at home (in the apartment where I lived). I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't realize someone had grabbed my wrist. I screamed in shock.
— Calm down! - Dante said.
— Sir, do you want to give me a heart attack? - I said, breathless.
— Of course not. You forgot to give me your number.
— Ahhh, oops! - I gave him my number, and he immediately wrote it down on his phone.
The funny thing is, he saved my number with the name "Wasp." When I read that, I started laughing.
— Wasp, huh? - I scoffed.
— Wow! You have a bionic eye. You're curious. - He said, hiding his phone.
— What should I call you, then? - I said, pensively.
— By my name, it would be a good reference.
— Yeah, right. I'm not that nice. Oh, I know! Irritating, perfect. - I said, smiling.
— Irritating? Wow, the more I get to know you, the more I think you resemble a wasp!
— Then be very careful not to get stung! - I walked towards the bus stop, laughing.
— Wait, let this "perfect irritant" give you a ride home.
— Perfect irritant? Where? - I said, sarcastically scanning the street. - No need, you can trust that I know the way! Thanks.
— If you don't accept, I won't teach you the subjects you need.
— You're quite the blackmailer! That wasn't part of the deal... - I protested.
— It's up to you. - He said, curving the right corner of his lips into a smile.
— Ugh, fine. - I reluctantly agreed.
— You have to think about it: what kind of boyfriend would I be if I let you go home by bus? People are watching us.
— Oh, right, I forgot about that. - I looked at the restaurant, and Lola was standing right there, just watching us. - Let's go, we have an audience!