Xyrine Jean's POV
[1 message received. From: 0956*******
Buy some flowers and put them in her locker. Also, take all the things you can see from my locker.]
Buy some flowers? Wow! Does he have hidden money with me? Also, am I the one courting someone?!
"Good morning."
"Aish!" I clutched my chest, my heart hammering in surprise as a voice suddenly spoke behind me.
"Can you please not—"
Uh! Shit! Xyrine, run.
I barely turned before I felt his fingers wrap around my arm, halting me in place.
"Why does it feel like you're avoiding me?" His voice was calm, but I caught the faintest hint of curiosity—or was it suspicion?
Why indeed? Well, I don't know either. I just want to think about what Ella said. Maybe this is nothing. Maybe this is just infatuation and nothing more. Right. From now on, I'll forget everything that's been troubling me.
Taking a steadying breath, I faced him with a composed expression. "There's no reason for me to avoid you," I said firmly. He studied me for a moment, seemingly unconvinced, but nodded anyway.
"Uhm, anyway, do you know where to buy flowers?" I changed the topic hastily.
"Flowers?" His brow furrowed, puzzled.
I wonder what his reaction would be if I told him it was for the girl he likes and that his friend is the one giving them?
"Why, you wanna give me some?" he asked with a teasing smile.
I rolled my eyes and ignored his remark. He chuckled at my lack of response. "Kidding aside, you can order flowers online. If you want, I can order them for you."
"No, thank you. I'll do it myself." I declined firmly. If he did it, who knows what unexpected consequences might follow?
Arg! that devil should be the one doing this.
"Okay, are you heading home? Want me to drop you off?" he asked casually.
I blinked, momentarily taken aback. Why would he take me home? Why not the girl he likes? Seriously? What's going on with them? They're so complicated!
Shaking my head, I offered him a small smile. "I have somewhere to go, so you go ahead," I lied smoothly.
His shoulders sagged ever so slightly at my response. "Uhmm, okay. Alright, I guess I can't do anything about it. I'll go ahead," he said, his voice lacking its usual energy.
I watched as he walked away, sighing. "This is a mess, a big mess."
When the flowers arrived, I immediately set out to find Sharina's locker. However, no matter how hard I searched, I couldn't find it.
"Excuse me, where is Miss Sharina's locker?" I asked one of the janitors.
"Sharina? The Student Council Vice President?"
"Yes."
"Ah, she never had a locker here. She frequently goes back and forth to the State, so she never requested one."
"Ah, okay, thank you."
Wait. She never had a locker? What is Spade up to? He must know that, right? So where am I supposed to take these?
I was about to leave the lobby when I recalled the PS in his text. With a sigh, I redirected my search toward his locker. As soon as I swung it open, an avalanche of envelopes spilled out.
What are these? Love letters? The sheer volume of them was overwhelming. Given his bad attitude, these could be death threats instead of love letters. Regardless, I gathered everything into a plastic bag before heading home.
Ella's House
Hours had passed, and I found myself staring blankly at the ceiling. My eyes eventually wandered to the plastic bag sitting near my desk, filled with the envelopes from Spade's locker. I hadn't intended to pay them any mind, but curiosity got the better of me.
He won't know if I read one, right? Just one envelope.
With that thought, I reached into the bag and pulled out the one decorated with the most stickers.
[From: Cute Secret Admirer
Culinary Dept.
To: Love of my life, King Spade ❤️]
Woah. She might as well have included her full address, I thought dryly.
Unable to stop myself, I grabbed another envelope.
[From: Unknown
To: Spade
"Hey, did this letter reach you? Uhmm... I hope so. If you're reading this, I'm probably not in the University anymore. Yes, I'm the one who bumped into you. I'll admit I was desperate for you then, so I took the chance to talk to you even if it meant getting yelled at, and to touch you even if it was just a collision."]
I frowned. I didn't know why, but a strange annoyance crept up my chest. Spade doesn't deserve their admiration.
BZZZZ
I jumped as my phone suddenly vibrated.
09568**** is calling...
Speaking of the Devil. Why is he calling at this hour?
"Hello, what do you—"
"IDIOT, WHY DID YOU HANG UP MY CALL?!"
I took a deep breath, forcing down my irritation. What's his problem? He's the one who needs something, and he's the one who's angry!
"Why are you calling?!" I shot back.
"Move quick, I'm getting tired here!"
"What do I care if you're tired? And what move quick? Are you crazy?"
"In front of your house."
"Ah! In front of our— wait! What?" I darted toward my window and peeked outside.
My breath hitched. A man clad in a leather jacket, wearing dark shades, stood just beyond our gate, arms crossed, waiting.
I didn't know why, but I clutched my chest as I turned away from the window.
Shit! What was that?!
"What?!"
Oh. I moved the phone away from my ear, realizing he was still on the line. Wait, how does he know where I live?! Aish! Whatever!
"Give me five minutes." I ended the call, threw on a jacket, and hurried downstairs.
As I approached, my steps faltered. Up close, he looked different. His usually unruly hair was styled back, making his sharp features stand out more. He looked… well, like he had just walked off a movie set.
"Hey! What's with your get-up?" he asked, frowning.
I arched an eyebrow. "Have you ever seen someone sleep in a gown?!" I snapped.
"Whatever! You're such a slowpoke!"
"Are you crazy? How would I know you were coming?!"
"Don't shout, Idiot!"
"I'm not shouting, Dumbàss!"
"Whatever!" he huffed, straddling his motorcycle. "What are you doing standing there? Get on!"
"Get on? Where are you taking me?"
"Of course, to Sharina's."
I sighed. With no other choice, I climbed onto the motorcycle behind him.
"Grab onto me."
"What?"
"Grab onto me."
"No way!"
"Ah, you're giving me a headache." He let out an exasperated sigh before abruptly revving the engine.
"Hey! Are you on the run or something?" I shouted over the roar of the motorcycle, but he ignored me.
I had no choice but to clutch his shirt tightly. As the bike sped down the road, I found my gaze drifting to his back.
Have his shoulders always been this broad? Wait—what the hell am I thinking?!' My heart pounded, not from attraction, but from sheer terror. Damn it, why is he driving so fast?!
After a few more minutes, we entered an exclusive subdivision. The moment we stopped, I jumped off, my legs shaking.
"What the hell is your problem?! If you want to die, do it alone! Don't drag me into your insanity!" I snapped, my voice laced with anger.
"Shut up. Why do you always have to shout?" he retorted, pinching the bridge of his nose.
I opened my mouth to argue, but I swallowed my words. "F you!" I huffed, spinning on my heel to walk away.
"And where the hell do you think you're going?"
"To hell, I suppose. It's probably safer than staying next to you."
He smirked, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Oh, my dear mistress, you'd feel like you're in heaven if you truly knew what it meant to be with me."
This dirty talker.
"Whatever. Can we just go to Sharina's place already? Isn't that the whole point of this ridiculous escapade?"
He avoided my gaze, looking oddly sheepish. "Well… I don't actually know where she lives. We're waiting for the three bastards."
I stared at him in disbelief. 'Wow. What kind of suitor doesn't know where his girl lives but knows where I live? Wait—who are the three bastards? No… don't tell me—'
Before I could finish my thought, the glaring headlights of three motorcycles illuminated my face as they pulled up in front of us. I blinked, stunned to see Ren and Tennessee. But my jaw practically hit the pavement when I saw Louren.
Louren? Has Spade lost his damn mind? Why would he bring him? Doesn't he know how his friend feels?
Ren and Ten were about to greet me, but I ignored them, storming straight to Louren. "What are you doing here? Do you even realize what might happen?" I hissed under my breath.
He simply smiled. "Are you worried about me?"
"Don't you know that—" I stopped, suddenly unsure. Was he even aware that Sharina liked Spade? That their feelings were mutual?
I stepped closer. "You like her, right? So..."
Louren's smile never wavered. "I like her as a person."
What? Did I just misinterpret everything? My mind reeled. "You mean, when I asked you back then, this is what you meant? You like her just as a person?"
"Uhm, yeah?" he answered, looking confused.
Damn it, Xyrine. You're really stupid.
Wait. Should I feel happy? No! Why would I be happy? I mean, I don't feel anything. Wait—is this a good sign? Holy crap, is my heart finally going back to normal?!
"What are you guys blabbering about?" Spade cut in, walking toward us. "Anyway, where's Sharina's place?"
"Right, just straight ahead and then turn right. If you see the Zaragoza residence, that's it," I said absently.
"Anyway, I have to go; urgent matter. No worries, I'll be back soon," Louren said, walking away.
'Wait, he's leaving? Ugh, why do I feel weird about this?'
One and a Half Hours Later
"Fvck! My skin. There are so many insects here!" Ten whined, swatting at his arms.
"Where the heck did Louren go? Why isn't he here yet?" Ren grumbled.
"Can you guys shut up?" Spade snapped, his face twisting into a scowl.
I rolled my eyes. "Why are we even waiting for him?"
"Well, he's the one who's going to sing and play the guitar," Ren replied nonchalantly.
I blinked. "Wait—what? Shouldn't that be Spade? Even in courting, does he make someone else do the work?"
"You know what? I don't get it. You two are engaged—so what's the point of all this?" I blurted out.
Ren and Ten burst into laughter.
"Babe, they're only engaged because of an agreement," Ren chuckled, throwing an arm around me. I promptly shoved him off.
Oh, so he doesn't know that Sharina actually has feelings for him, too? And it's not just her—every girl at the university is under his spell. Annoying bastard.
"Don't worry, bro. We've got this," Ten grinned, standing up. "Ren, I'll play the guitar, and you sing."
"Yeah! Serenades are done in groups outside a house. I saw it on TV before!" Ren said, full of confidence.
I had a bad feeling about this.
Ren took a deep breath. "One, two, three—"
"We wish you a Merry Christmas! We wish you a Merry Christmas! We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
What. The. Hell?
I turned to Spade. He looked… proud.
"Hey, you fools! Stop it!" I interrupted, mortified.
"Why?" they chorused, looking genuinely confused.
"Who the hell serenades with a Christmas carol?! Do you want the guards to drag us out?!"
"The fvck?" Spade finally snapped out of it.
"Ren, what the hell were you singing?" Ten groaned, strumming the guitar out of tune. "Fvck, this is embarrassing."
"I swear, I just saw this on TV. They even got money afterward," Ren defended himself.
"Isn't this called a serenade?" Ten asked.
"Of course, bro!"
I couldn't help it—I burst out laughing.
They continued their foolishness, making me laugh even harder. My sides hurt, tears streaming down my face, when I noticed Spade staring at me.
"Ahem." I cleared my throat, forcing myself to calm down. Sheesh, I probably looked ridiculous.
Then we heard barking. Loud, aggressive barking. Our heads whipped toward the house.
"Wait! Why did they let their dogs out?!" Ten yelped, stumbling back.
"Wait… what's Sharina's last name again?" I asked, eyes locked on the residence nameplate.
"Zaragoza, why?" Ren replied.
I pointed at the sign.
"Fvck! It says Aragoza! Where's the Z?!" Ten's voice cracked.
"What the fvck?!" Spade shouted.
"Wait, wait—what do we do?!" Ten panicked.
"What else? Run." Ren bolted.
And we ran for our lives.
Zaragoza Residence
"Fvck that. This is the first time I've run out of breath without being in bed," Ren grumbled, panting heavily as he caught his breath.
Ren smacked Ten on the back of the head. "Idiot! You're such a pervert! But same," he said, shaking his head, and they both burst into laughter.
'They are really lost it.'
"So, what now? Louren isn't here yet. If Ren sings again, we might get chased by the dogs again." Ten complained, still catching his breath.
"Wow, really! You're so mean! You're the one who's trying hard to play the guitar. Don't play again; we might get picked up by the guards this time." Ren defended himself.
I didn't know whether to laugh or get annoyed at their ignorance.
"I'll sing and play the guitar," Spade said, making us all look at him.
"Do you know how?" Ten asked.
He didn't answer and immediately took the guitar from behind him. 'Is he serious? I thought he didn't know how to play the guitar?' We were stunned as he tuned the guitar and moved to the center. None of us spoke as he started strumming.
"Why do you have to dress up? It's just a waste of style. There's always someone who interrupts every time we're together."
I found myself staring at Spade while he sings, my thoughts drifting as I watched him intently.
Bathump
"Why do you need roses when many will offer them to you?"
I thought my heart was okay now?
"I'll just sit and wait, wait for the right time, let them scramble to court you."
Bathump
I thought it was back to normal?
"I'll just serenade you with this song, accompanied by the guitar... I'll just serenade you with the guitar."
Why...
Bathump
It's pounding so fast?!