He gave me his command and left the room. Why should I follow his order to attend the gym? I have my own plans. How come he randomly asks me to do what he says?
I'm confused about his behaviour, that to at the very first meeting. So curious about Robert. Who is he ? I almost fell for him. When he was talking about my private part, it was a rare feeling in my heart.
With the confusion, I went to my class and sat like an idol without any expression. Emma asked me, " what happened Amy ? "
" Who is this Robert? " I said to myself but Emma heard it.
" Robert is a heart throb for many. Everyone looks at him including the staff. But he never disrespect anyone. He is like a celebrity in the campus. The topper and he is our senior, same department.
" What ? Same department? I'm dead now " I said.
" Dead? Why ? " Emma asked me .
Did I just say dead ? Oh no, Emma heard it too. I must not reveal it to her .
" Nothing dear. I'm going to basket ball club after the class. Are you coming with me ? "
" No baby. I have music class to attend ", she said.
" That's fine. It's okay ", I said.
After the class, I was searching for the basket ball club.
While walking, there was an open canteen where Robert was sitting there.
I decided not to look at him but his essence is pulling my gaze towards him.
He was looking me, furrowed his eyebrows. He raised his left hand a little up and showed me his watch remembering the time. I nodded my head as no. He changed his face expression from normal to little curious. I just started to walk faster and reached the basket ball club. He saw me going in there.
I signed the form to join for the basket ball and they gave me the attire and asked me to go to practice court. I was very much excited to play basket ball. I love this sport. I have very little experience but I love to play more.
I changed into my attire and visited the ground.
The basketball court sparkled under the warm glow of the setting sun, filled with the sounds of bouncing balls and the rhythmic squeak of sneakers on the polished wood. The aroma of freshly cut grass from the nearby field mixed with the faint scent of sweat, creating a blend of sensations that reminded me I was stepping outside my comfort zone.
Joining the basketball club wasn't a spur-of-the-moment choice; it was a deliberate decision. It was my quiet way of showing that I could forge my own path, away from Robert's unsolicited fitness advice. When he invited me to the gym, I had turned him down without a second thought. Not because I didn't care about staying active, but because I didn't want to be under his watchful, slightly overbearing eye.
As I jogged onto the court today, I could sense eyes on me, though I didn't dare look back. The court was already buzzing with activity, my new teammates warming up with drills, their camaraderie evident.
"Hey, Amy, over here!" Julie, a senior member of the team, called out as she tossed me the ball.
I caught it mid-air, a flicker of pride igniting within me. I wasn't new to basketball; I had played in high school and loved the thrill of the game. This, however, felt different. The stakes weren't about winning trophies or accolades—it was personal.
The practice session began, and I found myself settling into a rhythm. My movements were smooth, my shots accurate. I could feel a gentle burn in my muscles, the satisfying ache of physical effort. After a successful layup, Julie slapped me on the back, her smile contagious.
"Wow, Amy, you've got some serious skills!" she said.
I smiled back, brushing a stray hair from my face. For the first time, I felt like I belonged.
As practice came to a close, I finally allowed myself to look toward the sidelines. That's when I spotted him.
Robert was sitting on the stairs leading up to the spectator stands, one arm casually draped over his knee, the other holding a water bottle.
His dark eyes tracked my every movement, a flash of something inscrutable there—pride, surprise, perhaps even admiration.
I felt my heart race. His energy was captivating, even from a distance, and it frustrated me how easily he could influence my mood.
He didn't call out or wave; he merely watched, his stare steady. It wasn't until Julie nudged me, her tone playful, that I snapped back to reality.
"Are you looking for someone, Amy ?" she whispered conspiratorially.
"No one important," I mumbled, though the heat flooding my cheeks revealed my truth.
"Sure," she replied, smirking.
After practice, I made my way to the locker rooms, fatigue blending with excitement in my veins. I welcomed the peace as I stepped into the cool, tiled space to change. The faint buzz of conversation in the hallway reminded me I wasn't completely alone.
Just as I pulled on my hoodie, ready to leave, a strong hand wrapped around my wrist.
Jumping in surprise, I turned to see Robert standing there, his usual smirk replaced by something softer and more earnest.
"Robert! What are you doing here?" I hissed, glancing anxiously at the door.
"Relax," he murmured, his tone quiet and his hold firm but gentle. "We need to talk."
Before I could argue, he firmly yet gently led me into an empty classroom nearby. The door clicked shut behind us, the sound resonating in the quiet.
"Robert, this is—"
"Impressive," he interjected, leaning casually against the desk. "I meant your game. You've got real talent."
I blinked, taken aback by the compliment. "Thanks, I guess."
"You guess?" He raised an eyebrow. "Don't be modest, Amy. You were fantastic out there. Why didn't you ever mention you could play like that?"
I crossed my arms, trying to hide the butterflies in my stomach. "It just never came up."
He laughed softly, shaking his head. "You're full of surprises, you know that?"
I shrugged, unsure how to reply. His gaze.
" So," he said, breaking the silence, "about the gym..."
"Don't start," I warned, my tone sharper than I meant it to be.
"I'm just saying—"
"And I'm just saying no," I interrupted. "I don't need a gym to stay fit, Robert. Basketball is enough for me."
He tilted his head, studying me. "You're stubborn."
"And you're annoying," I shot back, though there was no real malice in my words.
He stepped closer, the space between us shrinking. I could feel the heat radiating from him, his presence overwhelming.
"Let's make it equal, then," he murmured, his voice dropping an octave.
"Equal?" I echoed, confused.
Before I could react, he leaned in, his lips crashing against mine with a mix of urgency and raw emotion. The kiss was far from gentle, and for a moment, I was too stunned to respond.
His hands cupped my face, his touch both tender and commanding. My mind raced, a whirlwind of emotions battling for dominance—anger, surprise, and a reluctant thrill.
I pulled back, breathless, my heart pounding.
"What the hell was that?" I demanded, my voice trembling.
He smirked, though his eyes held a vulnerability I hadn't seen before. "You said no to the gym. I figured we'd call it even."
"That's not how it works, Robert!" I snapped, though the heat in my cheeks betrayed me.
He stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll back off—for now."
I glared at him, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest. "You're impossible."
"And you're irresistible," he countered, his smirk returning.
I rolled my eyes, brushing past him toward the door. "Goodnight, Robert."
"Goodnight, Amy," he called after me, his voice laced with amusement.
As I stepped into the hallway, my mind replayed the events of the evening. I wasn't sure what to make of Robert's actions—or my own reaction. All I knew was that he had a way of turning my world upside down, and I wasn't sure whether to hate him for it or thank him.