Xyrine Jean's POV
"Kiss me then."
My body froze, my heart pounded like crazy, and suddenly, my throat went dry.
I had no idea what to do until I heard him chuckle softly. "Hey, calm down, I can literally hear your heartbeat." Finally, he let go of me and closed his eyes again.
Ugh! What the hell? Did I really expect us to kiss?
"I won't force you—at least not now," he said with a grin before quickly reaching for my hand. "I can wait, you know," he added, then gently pressed a kiss to the back of my hand.
My heart raced again, and out of nowhere, I heard Ella's voice in my head.
"People these days can be too aggressive. Some might ask for a kiss on the first date, and others might want even more."
No, Ella. Spade is different. I smiled to myself.
THE NEXT DAY
"Xyrine! Waaaah! Xyrineee!"
"Ugh, Ella, what is it?" I mumbled, half-asleep, as she shook me awake.
"Cuz, wake up already! Hurry! Someone's waiting for you downstairs!" he exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Ugh, tell them to leave. I'm still sleepy." I muttered as I groaned in frustration while grabbing a pillow and burying my face into it.
"What? Okay, fine, if you say so," she said before walking out of the room and yelling, "Spade, she said you should leave because she's still sleepy!"
The moment I heard Spade's name, I shot up in bed. As soon as I fully woke up, I rushed downstairs after Ella.
"Spade?" I said, surprised to see him in the living room, talking to Ella.
The moment he saw me, he smiled.
Damn, I never thought someone's face could be this lethal. He's so fucking handsome!
"Good morning, baby. How was your sleep?" he asked, still smiling.
The second he said baby, my eyes immediately darted to Ella. And I was right—she looked completely insane, blushing and ready to tease me at any moment. lol.
"Wait, why are you here? Are we going on a date again?"
He frowned at my words, his expression shifting as if he couldn't believe what I just said. "Idiot! What date? We have class."
"Heh, calling me baby one second and then an idiot the next," I mumbled as I looked away, embarrassed by my own assumption. Well, our date didn't happen yesterday, so I thought maybe we were going today...
"Hurry up and get ready. I'll wait for you here," he said, gently but firmly pushing me toward the stairs.
With his hands practically guiding me upstairs, I figured I might as well hurry and get in the shower. I rushed through it—mostly for him, and maybe just to get away from his teasing. Once I was dressed, I quickly made my way back down, knowing Spade would be waiting. As I was halfway down the stairs, I noticed him talking on the phone.
"What?! What the hell are you talking about? No! I mean... yeah, okay. Damn it! This is the last time I'm doing this!"
His voice was sharp and tense, his brow furrowed as if he were in the middle of an argument. Who could he be talking to?It looked like things were getting heated.
The moment he saw me, he lowered his phone, a flicker of something softer passing through his eyes.
"Spade! I'm done. Let's g—"
Before I could even finish, he suddenly yanked me into a tight embrace, his arms holding me securely.
"Sorry, Xyrine, but I have to go. I'll see you later at Montreal," he said in a quieter, softer tone, his expression shifting—almost distant. Then, without warning, he kissed my forehead before pulling away and heading for the door.
It all happened so fast that I was left standing there, frozen in place, processing what just occurred.
"Oh, cous! You're still here? Where's Spade? I thought you two left already," Ella's voice called from upstairs, breaking the stillness.
"I don't know," I answered, my voice trailing off, still trying to piece everything together.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"I kicked him to Mars!" I said, half-joking, half-confused.
"Whatever. Just wait for me there. I'm coming down."
I nodded absently, lost in thought.
Seriously, what's with Spade? He appeared so quickly... and vanished just as fast!
Montreal University
"Hey, do you know the new exchange student from the U.S.?" Ella suddenly asked as we stood in the parking lot.
I simply shrugged in response.
"You don't know? I heard she's in Class A too."
I finally turned to her. "Class A?" I repeated.
"Yeah, you didn't know?"
"Well, I don't know."
Ella and I were walking through the corridor when we overheard whispers from other students.
"I think that car belongs to the new Class A student."
"I heard she's the heiress of a well-known business tycoon in the U.S."
"Yeah, it's obvious from her car."
Ella and I both glanced toward the parking lot, which was still visible from the first building's corridor.
"Cuz, I guess that's her!" Ella pointed at a newly arrived car that had just parked.
A petite girl with brown hair stepped out of the vehicle. Well, she kind of looks like Sharina.
Are all students here required to look like goddamn models? Well, I guess not, because Ella and I look like potatoes compared to them.
I was about to look away when something caught my attention, making me freeze in place.
Is this the reason he was in such a hurry to leave the house earlier?
I didn't even know how to react when I suddenly saw the girl wrapping her arms around Spade's.
"Oh my god, cuz! Close your eyes! I can't take what I'm seeing right now! Are they for real?!" Ella gasped dramatically.
I took a deep breath. "Come on, let's go," I said, continuing to walk forward.
"Hey, are you okay? I was just kidding earlier. That girl is probably just one of his 'close' friends."
"I know, and why are you explaining things all by yourself?" I replied, pretending to be unbothered.
"Uhm, it's just..."
Does she feel the same way I do right now? It means she's aware that it's unusual for someone to link their arms like that, even if they're close, especially when the person is already in a relationship, right?
"Hey, chin up, we're already here," Ella said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I chose to push those feelings aside and not let them bother me.
We parted ways since Ella's classroom was only on the second floor, while I walked toward Class A as if nothing had happened.
"Xyrine?"
I looked up and saw Monique, Ten, Ren, and even Louren staring at me with wide eyes.
"Oh, sorry," I grimaced, realizing I had accidentally kicked the door.
I flinched when Monique suddenly brushed past me, bumping into my shoulder as she walked out. "Watch your manners. I don't even know what Spade sees in you," she sneered before disappearing down the hallway.
"Just ignore her," Louren said, trying to console me.
Ren, on the other hand, simply looked away, and so did Ten. I just realized that ever since the pageant and after Spade and I got together, they hadn't really spoken to me.
"You okay? You look like you're about to explode," Ren suddenly said out of nowhere. I smiled, glad that he finally talked to me.
"I must be hungry," I replied. I barely had time to react when Ten suddenly slung an arm around my shoulders.
"Let's go to the cafeteria. We need food," he said, winking playfully.
I was about to agree when someone suddenly pulled me back.
"Hey, moron, under whose permission do you have the right to touch her?"
Everyone turned to look at the person who spoke. I swallowed hard, my gaze shifting away immediately. I didn't understand why, but I didn't even try to push his hand away. I simply chose to ignore his presence—or rather, I acted like he wasn't even there.
"Tsk. What a possessive jerk," Ten muttered.
I glanced at Spade, but the moment our eyes met, I looked away again. Moments later, our professor arrived, preventing him from coming any closer.
"Good morning, VIPs. Today, we have a new addition to our group. Let me introduce the newest member of Class A—please welcome Ms. Althea Buenavista!"
A girl with brown, wavy hair walked inside. It was the same girl from the parking lot.
"Good morning, everyone! I'm Althea Buenavista. I hope we can get along soon, after all... I'm Spade's soon-to-be fiancée," she said without a hint of hesitation.
I almost scoffed at her words.
So, after he broke off his engagement with Sharina, he already has a new one? Is that it?
I was probably seething with rage at this point, but I couldn't show it. I looked calm, but I definitely wasn't okay with what was happening.
The entire room fell into an awkward silence after what she said, but no one dared to speak. I honestly didn't even know how to react, so I just shook my head. I wanted to look at Spade, but I didn't let myself.
"Anyway, since it's Ms. Althea's first day, let's skip class today, okay? Use this time to get to know her better. That's all. Have fun, everyone!" our professor announced before abruptly leaving, as if she was trying to escape the situation.
"Ohhh, have fun, huh? Sounds nice," Monique smirked. "Why don't we give her a campus tour, right, Spade?" she added, looking at him expectantly.
"Pass," Ten, Ren, and Louren said in unison.
I waited for Spade to refuse as well, but he just stared into the distance. I didn't really mind if he agreed, but I couldn't deny that I'd feel a lot better if he declined.
"Hey, aren't you guys being a bit harsh? Anyway, I don't actually need the whole class to give me a tour. You see, Spade is enough," Althea said sweetly, linking her arm around his once again.
I was waiting for Spade's response when he suddenly stood up and gently removed her arm. I almost let out a relieved breath—until he spoke.
"Come on, let's go," he said, looking directly at Althea.
I managed to keep my expression neutral, even as I felt Ten, Ren, and Louren subtly glance in my direction.
Once they were finally out of sight, Louren approached me. "I won't ask if you're okay," he said, patting my shoulder.
"You know what, babe? That's just how Spade is. He's the leader of the Four Kings, the student council president, so he's always the one dealing with new students. That's just Spade for you," Ren said with a reassuring smile.
"Right, right, nothing to worry about," Ten added with a forced laugh, though his smirk didn't quite reach his eyes.
Are they trying to convince me, or are they trying to convince themselves?
I simply smiled at them. "I'm really hungry. I'll be heading out," I said, walking toward the door.
I don't want to feel this way. I hate this feeling, so I pushed away every thought that was threatening to consume me.
CAFETERIA
"Cuzs, where were you earlier?" Ella asked as I looked at her.
"I was at the maze garden, sleeping. We had some free time, so I took the chance to rest."
"That's why Spade and the exchange student were together earlier."
"Wasn't Monique with them too?" I asked.
"I didn't notice her, I only saw the two of them. That girl is so annoying—I wanted to pull her hair when I saw her clinging to Spade. She acts like a spoiled brat and a damn snake! So flirty."
I froze for a moment as an unfamiliar weight settled in my chest, a slow-burning sensation creeping up from within. I wasn't sure if it was frustration, jealousy, or something far worse—something I didn't want to name—but whatever it was, I despised it.
Moments later, the cafeteria buzzed with whispers again. I clenched the spoon in my hand, feeling my heart pounding loudly in my chest.
"Aww, why is the exchange student with Spade and not Xyrine?"
"Yeah, aren't they together?"
"Maybe they broke up. Listen, I heard she's the heir to DYG Company, a massive corporation in the US. And Xyrine? What does she even have?"
I chuckled at the whispers I overheard.
Who am I, really, and what do I even have?
"Cous, just ignore them," Ella whispered.
"Do you really think I'm affected by what they're saying?" I asked her.
"Haha, right! You're Xyrine! What am I even worried about? Stay strong, okay?" she said with a smile.
Ella was right—I shouldn't be like this. I didn't know what Spade was doing, but I trusted him, and I must not let myself feel this way.
After eating, I headed straight to the classroom. A few minutes later, everyone arrived, including Spade and Althea, who walked in together.
I gathered my courage and smiled at Spade. I almost felt relieved when I saw his lips curve slightly, but just as quickly, he stopped himself and looked away.
Louren suddenly held my arm.
Did he see that? Damn, that's embarrassing.
"So, guys, we have nothing to do this afternoon. Any plans?" Monique suddenly asked.
No one answered.
"What if we play volleyball instead?" Althea suggested.
"Pass, I'm heading out," I said as I stood up.
"Same, I'll join you," Louren added, and we exchanged smiles.
We were about to leave when Spade suddenly spoke. "Let's all play the game."
I felt confused when I saw his jaw clench. Is he jealous? Seriously? I almost laughed at how ridiculous that would be if it were true—I mean, what right does he even have?
Since his word was law, we had no choice but to change into our sports attire and head outside for the game. It was strange how many students were gathered to watch, considering it was just a casual volleyball match.
I expected Spade not to be on my team, but something about it felt odd. Once again, I brushed it off.
My team consisted of Louren, Ren, and Sharina—yes, we had no choice but to include her since we were short on players—while Spade, Ten, Monique, and Althea were on the opposing team.
Althea was the first to serve, and I was positioned at the center on our team.
"I've heard she's a famous volleyball varsity player in the US," Ren, who stood to my left, remarked.
I cringed at what he said.
Great, now I'm really regretting being in the center. I don't even know how to play this game.
I looked back at the opposing team and nearly froze when I saw the innocence vanish from Althea's face. strage
"Xyrine, be careful," Louren whispered.
I turned to him, about to refocus on the game, but it was too late—Althea had already served. The ball whizzed past me with such speed that I barely saw it coming. I reached up and touched my cheek, feeling the sting where it had grazed me. The impact was so strong that it left a scratch.
"What was that?! Are you okay?" Louren asked as he rushed toward me in concern.
"Was that even a serve? It almost looked like she did it on purpose to hurt you," Sharina said as she looked clearly flustered.
I stared at the blood on my fingers before glancing at Althea, who was smirking.
I didn't know why, but I felt my blood boil. Something inside me awakened the moment I saw her face.
"Hey, we're just getting started," she called out as she looked directly at me.
Hah, this little bitch.
A scoff almost scape my mouth.
Does she even know when I don't feel guilty about killing someone? A slow, wicked grin spread across my face. It's when I see them smiling.
Since we lost the first round and failed to return the ball, Althea would be serving again. That devilish smile appeared on her face once more. I felt the adrenaline rush through my veins.
I smiled back. Right, let's play your game, my way.
As soon as the game resumed, she served the ball to me with full force, but this time, I received it perfectly, passing it to Louren, who caught it effortlessly and tossed it high.
"Xyrine, now!" Louren shouted.
I locked my eyes on the ball in mid-air, then turned my gaze to Althea.
"Now, you're dead."
BLAG!
Althea collapsed instantly as my spike hit her squarely in the stomach.
"Althea! Althea! Oh my God, call a medic!" Monique screamed as she saw Althea coughing up blood.
I almost felt satisfied—until Spade rushed over. The grin on my face disappeared when I saw the deep frown on his.
"Xyrine, what the hell did you do?!"
I lost my words when he shouted at me. "I-I'm sorry," I stuttered.
"That's bullshit! That spike could have killed her!" He stopped mid-sentence when he saw me trembling.
I looked around. Everyone was staring at me.
"L-let's talk about this later," he muttered before abruptly walking away.
"Xyrine, are you okay?" Louren asked, but I ignored him and started walking away.
"Cuz, where are you going?" Ella called after me.
"Please, don't follow me!" I shouted.
I ran to the rooftop instead of the maze, knowing Louren would probably chase me there. Tears welled in my eyes as Spade's expression replayed in my mind, his voice echoing in my head.
All of a sudden, all the emotions I had been avoiding today hit me at once.
"Damn, I thought I was good at this. I thought I already mastered being unbothered. I'm so pathetic." I winced as my tears traced the fresh cut on my cheek.
I didn't even realize I had fallen asleep from crying until I woke up to the night sky. I quickly checked my phone, hoping for a message from Spade, but there was nothing. No messages or calls. NOTHING
How funny—I had never felt this pathetic before.
"You're such a fool, Xyrine."