Kian strode into the school's meeting hall for his scheduled appointment, where Mrs. Richardson and two other women were already seated, engaged in discussion.
"Take a seat, Kian. We were just talking about universities," Mrs. Richardson said, her tone brisk but welcoming.
Kian settled into a chair and said, "I'm considering law as my major. I've compiled a list of universities." He pulled out his phone and sent a message to Mrs. Richardson: "Let's do whatever it takes to get me into these universities."
Mrs. Richardson reviewed the list thoughtfully. "Kian, we should also explore some other universities. There are excellent local options as well."
Kian responded decisively, "I want to stick to this list. It is the final decision."
Mrs. Richardson nodded in agreement and instructed the consultants, "Prepare a list of the necessary tests and activities. Let's initiate the process."
After visiting the hospital to check on his mother's condition, Leo arrived at the school, relieved to find her stable. As he stepped out of the car, he spotted Alex rushing toward him, breathless.
"Are you okay? I saw the video," Alex inquired with concern.
Understanding Alex was referring to the video from the party, Leo reassured him, "I'm fine," and continued towards the school.
"Everyone at school is talking about you," Alex said, his tone laden with curiosity.
Leo halted and asked, "Is it positive or negative?"
Alex hesitated, "Hmm… Actually…"
Seeing Alex's hesitation, Leo encouraged, "Don't hold back. I'm prepared for anything."
Alex finally spoke, "They think you're scheming. They believe you're not genuinely interested in being friends with Kian; they think you're just trying to get close to him for your own gain." He added, "But I don't see it that way. I know you're not like that."
Leo offered a grateful smile. "Thank you," he said before resuming his path to the school.
Later, in his room after class, Kian grew increasingly concerned as 2 p.m. approached without any sign of Leo. Despite multiple calls, Leo did not answer. Just as Kian was about to leave to search for him, Leo walked in.
Holding up his phone, Leo said, "I didn't answer because I was on my way to see you." He bypassed Kian and sank into the sofa.
Kian shut the door and asked, "When did you arrive at school?"
"About two hours ago," Leo replied casually.
Kian's brow furrowed. "What were you doing?"
With a wry smile, Leo responded, "Maybe you should install a tracking app on my phone and stick a chip in it to keep tabs on me."
Kian, troubled by Leo's tone, looked closely at him and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Leo said, rising to make coffee.
Kian was baffled. Their relationship had seemed fine earlier in the day, but now Leo's cold demeanor and reluctance to make eye contact left him deeply worried.
"Are you going to tell me what's going on, or should I find out myself?" Kian asked in a sharp, commanding tone.
Leo remained silent; his eyes fixed on the coffee dripping slowly into the cup.
Growing increasingly frustrated with Leo's disregard, Kian stood up, grabbed Leo by the arm, and turned him to face him directly. Their eyes locked in a tense stare.
"I'm asking you one last time: What happened?" Kian demanded; his voice slow but resolute.
"Why do you think something happened?" Leo replied, unflinchingly.
"I'm not stupid. I can see your attitude and how you're treating me. Are you going to answer my question, or should I check the school cameras to see who you were talking to before me and ask them instead?" Kian retorted.
Leo sighed, "Can I get my coffee?"
"LEO," Kian's voice rose in frustration.
"I need to make one for you too. It's getting cold," Leo said calmly.
Kian's irritation softened as he heard this. His features relaxed slightly as he released Leo's arm.
Leo took his cup and prepared a fresh one, letting the coffee brew for a few minutes. Kian turned away and sank into the couch, his mind racing with questions about Leo's intentions and the future of their relationship.
Leo returned with both cups of coffee and settled onto the sofa. He placed one cup in front of Kian, sniffed his own, and took a sip. Kian watched him intently, unable to look away.
Sensing Kian's gaze, Leo finally spoke. "Everyone at school thinks I'm using you."
Kian closed his eyes and took a deep breath, struggling to control his emotions as he felt they were back at the same issue.
"I've seen people whispering about me in the hallways, classrooms, and cafeteria. Even though I didn't catch their words, I can guess what they were saying," he said, taking another sip of his coffee.
Kian composed himself and began, "Leo—"
"It's not your fault," Leo interjected, cutting him off.
Kian frowned, puzzled by Leo's interruption.
"If I had controlled my emotions and not reacted so aggressively at the party, none of this would have happened," Leo said, his voice tinged with regret. "Everything that followed was a result of my own reactions."
"So, what's your plan now?" Kian asked, his voice steady but edged with curiosity.
Leo took a slow sip of his coffee, his eyes locked on Kian's face. "I haven't decided yet. The only thought that crossed my mind was to drop out of school and maybe return to England."
Kian's expression tightened, his nerves fraying. "Are you trying to drive me crazy?"
Leo's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Just kidding. I'm not going anywhere." He took another sip of his coffee, observing Kian's reaction closely.
"Don't test my patience," Kian warned, realizing Leo's intent was to provoke him.
"Understood, Mr. Elgard," Leo replied with a playful shrug. "Have you decided on a university?"
Kian nodded. "I reviewed some options."
"I've checked your previous results. They are impressive. If you ace this year's exams, you could gain admission to any university you wish," Leo said.
"I need to get into university," Kian responded earnestly, his gaze fixed on Leo.
"Indeed. A diploma is essential in your society," Leo agreed.
Kian stood up, his demeanor shifting. "My motivation is different at the moment," he said. "I'm heading to class now. Let's meet afterward and go together," he added before exiting the room.
Leo was lounging in Kian's room, absorbed in a book when his phone rang. Glancing at the unfamiliar number, he answered it with a hint of hesitation.
"Hello, Leo. This is Kian's grandmother," a warm but authoritative female voice said on the other end.
Leo adjusted his position on the sofa, his curiosity piqued. "Hello, Mrs. Elgard."
"If you're available today, I'd like to invite you to dinner. Please keep this a secret from Kian. I'd like to discuss his lessons with you," she said.
"Of course, I'll be there," Leo replied.
"I'll send a driver to pick you up," she informed him.
After ending the call, Leo's mind buzzed with uncertainty. He had not been able to spend much time on math with Kian recently, though his results had been satisfactory. Was Mrs. Elgard dissatisfied with his teaching? Or had she heard about the conflict at the party? His thoughts swirled with unanswered questions.
Knowing the driver was waiting outside, Leo quickly left the building and got into the car. He hadn't informed Kian yet; he planned to send a message after arriving at the destination.
As the car made its way, Leo was plagued by thoughts and possibilities, anxious about appearing irresponsible, especially given that he was being paid for his services. He resolved to intensify his lessons with Kian upon his return.
When the car finally stopped, Leo texted Kian, "I have some things to take care of. Go home without me."
He was prepared to face any questions Kian might have upon his return, but for now, he focused on the dinner ahead, trying to silence his growing concerns.
As Leo entered the room, he was struck by the opulence before him. The table was lavishly spread with an array of delectable dishes. The household servants welcomed him, directing him to a seat. Leo settled into the chair, taking in the grandeur of the room—a sight he had never seen before.
Mrs. Elgard soon made her entrance. Leo rose respectfully and greeted her. They both took their seats, and the servants began to serve the meal.
"Help yourself to some food, Leo. We'll talk after a meal," Mrs. Elgard said, her tone warm and inviting.
Leo nodded, taking a bite of the exquisite food. His excitement was so intense that he scarcely noticed the flavors.
"How are your classes going?" Mrs. Elgard inquired.
Leo swallowed quickly, eager to answer. "They're going well."
"I've noticed significant progress in Kian's studies, especially in math. His results are markedly better compared to last year," Mrs. Elgard said.
Leo felt a wave of relief and satisfaction at the compliment.
"Today, he handed over a list of universities he wants to apply to. All are top-ranked institutions. Although we're puzzled by his choices, we've decided to support him if this is his wish," Mrs. Elgard continued.
Leo was taken aback. Kian had never mentioned such prestigious universities before.
"May I see the list?" Leo asked.
Mrs. Elgard signaled to a servant, who brought a tablet and placed it before Leo. As Leo scanned the list, he realized it was the same one he had previously shown Kian. He exhaled deeply. "Gaining admission to these universities is challenging, and studying there is even harder," he said.
"Do you think it's impossible to be accepted?" Mrs. Elgard asked.
Leo paused, then replied, "Kian will need to put in a lot of effort."
"That's why I've called you here," Mrs. Elgard said. "Since Kian started studying with you, he has spent most of his time either at home or at school. I believe your influence has been significant."
"But…" Leo began, but Mrs. Elgard interrupted.
"I want you to be more than just his math teacher. I want you to be his guide on this journey. I am prepared to offer financial support for this role," Mrs. Elgard stated firmly.
After Leo finished his meal, he got into the car with a pensive expression. He had mentioned that he needed time to think before giving consent.
Leo would have supported Kian regardless, but the offer of money in exchange for support troubled him. Checking his phone, Leo noticed that Kian had read his message but had not responded or even called in the past two hours.
Upon entering the house, Leo found Kian sitting on the couch, watching the news.
"I'm home," Leo announced as he started toward his room. Kian's sudden question startled him.
"Where have you been?" Kian asked, his gaze sharp and intense.
"I had some work to do," Leo replied, trying to avoid eye contact. "I'm tired; I'm going to take a shower," he added, but his mind seemed to freeze, leaving him unable to elaborate.
"At least say something, even if it's a lie," Kian said with a sarcastic edge.
"There's no reason for me to lie. I'm not sharing details because they're personal," Leo stated.
Kian switched off the TV, stood up, and confronted Leo, hands in his pockets. He scrutinized Leo's face, waiting for a response.
"Leo, do I look foolish from where you're standing?" Kian asked.
"Why do I need to explain everything I do?" Leo retorted.
"You know exactly why I want to know," Kian replied.
"I don't know anything," Leo said, turning to leave.
"I'm fed up with things happening behind my back. It angers me even more that you're involved," Kian's voice was filled with frustration.
"Do you think I'm doing something behind you?" Leo asked, bewildered.
"Maybe because you met my grandmother and tried to keep it a secret from me," Kian shot back.
Leo's expression shifted as he struggled to find the right words.
"You drive by my school in my family's car, and you think I wouldn't notice?" Kian's tone was tinged with sarcasm.
"She just wanted to know how your studies are going," Leo mumbled.
"I'm not interested in that. Not even in meeting my grandmother. I want to know if she asked you not to tell me you were seeing her?" Kian pressed.
"Yes," Leo admitted, realizing that lying would be futile.
"And you chose to hide it from me?" Kian asked, incredulous.
Leo nodded, unable to offer further explanation.
Kian spun around, and shouted, "Fuck."
"There's no need to get upset," Leo said quietly, attempting to leave.
Kian turned back sharply, "No need to get upset? When you're so close to me, how can you hide things from me at someone else's request and try to make changes behind my back?"
"The someone else is your grandmother," Leo replied. "I was hired to teach you by Mrs. Elgar. In this situation, I'm the employee, and she's the boss," Leo said firmly.
Kian looked even more flustered. "Am I just a job for you?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
"I'm being paid to teach you. What part of that isn't a job?" Leo replied, raising his voice. "If I didn't have to teach you, why I'm at your home…"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence," Kian interrupted sharply.
Leo fell silent, unable to respond.
"What did she offer you this time?" Kian demanded.
Leo hesitated but realized it was pointless to keep it a secret. "He wants me to help you get into the universities on the list you gave them."
Kian gasped and then composed himself. "Did she offer money in return?" he asked.
Leo met Kian's gaze but remained silent.
"Did you accept it?" Kian asked hoarsely.
"I said I'd think about it," Leo replied just as Kian turned and stormed into his room, slamming the door behind him.
Leo was left bewildered. What was going on? Why was Kian reacting this way? He turned thoughtfully towards his own room, trying to make sense of it all.