Chapter 09: Annoying guy
Celestine stays at Reis Residence for a few more days before going back to their house at Maple Village. She and Kathline accompany each other while the class hasn't started yet.
Celestine spends a few more days at Reis Residence before returning to their house in Maple Village. While the lesson has not yet begun, she and Kathline accompany each other. They bake some cookies together with Lianne and even have a pajama party together.
There’s one more week until the class starts. Thus, they still have free days to roam around and do whatever they want.
Celestine woke up early the following day. It was Monday. The weather was clear and it was a bit hot. Celestine was wearing a yellow sleeveless dress. Her untied hair was swaying as the wind blew.
Today, she's going to the university to take her class schedule. It’s better to go early so that there are only a few students in the university.
Leisurely walking in the hallway of the university, her phone suddenly rang. Familiar with the ringtone, she opens her sling bag and gets her phone. Kathline's name showed on the screen.
"I told you to wait for me. It's still early!" She was welcomed by a complaining voice. Celestine laughed softly at Kathline's reaction.
Celestine left earlier and just reminded the maid to tell Kathline when the girl woke up, that she went first to the university. It was because Celestine saw that Kathline was sleeping soundly, she did not wake up her friend. Celestine doesn't know what time she came home last night and doesn't bother to ask Kathline.
Celestine looked at her watch before saying, "It's already past ten in the morning, Kath. Lunch is coming soon."
"Okay, okay... you win! Wait for me at the canteen."
Celestine even heard Kathline calling Mira before dropping the phone call. She just sighs and shakes her head.
Celestine already got her class schedule. She thought of roaming around the school in the meantime. She visited the clubrooms, as well as the lobby and study area. She even went to the soccer field for a while. Then, later on, she went to the library.
The library is a two-story building and has a minimalistic design. The bookshelves are on the right, while the study tables are on the left. Every table has lampshades for the students who study there at night, especially for students with part-time jobs.
Celestine looked at the library clock. It was past eleven, hence she thought of waiting for Kathline in the canteen. It was not far away from where she was, therefore she also arrived shortly.
***
There's a pathway surrounded by trees that you can walk into when going to different parts of the university. Carmier is the capital city and it's not unusual to see more buildings. Because of that, the environmental temperature was hotter than usual. The trees planted at the university helped the scorching hot, cool down a bit.
As Celestine took a step inside the canteen, she found a place near the window and sat there. From her seat, she can see the view of the garden and it feels somewhat relaxing. Some flowers are in their full bloom and it's pleasing to the eye.
Celestine always has at least one book with her all the time. In case she gets bored and doesn't have anything to do. While she's busy reading, Celestine feels that someone is staring at her. An uncomfortable stare.
She closed the book and looked around. Then, there he is — Zachary, the person who's staring at her from afar. Looking intently as if she's a puzzle. Isn't it good if he's thinking of a realistic painting rather than a mystery puzzle?
As soon as Zachary saw his target, his lips curve unconsciously. Feeling lucky to see it quickly.
It's been weeks since the last time they saw each other, and nothing has changed. He has this usual playful smile on his lips, while she has this calm and collected face that makes Zachary interested in her.
Celestine raised her left eyebrow while looking at him.
His expression changed into a poker face look. He keeps walking in her direction. None of them dare to break their eye contact. Examining each other's faces, not wanting to miss the expression on their face.
He just stood in front of the table where Celestine was.
"What?" Celestine remarked. Her face was serene, but her tone indicated that she was irritated.
"Nothing. I thought... I just need to see you... this close." He casually muttered and then moved his face closer to Celestine.
Celestine was caught off guard by what Zachary did. Before she could react, he retreats his face and stands straight. He even pulls a chair in front of her.
"Can I sit here?" Zachary asked her leisurely.
"Do what you want." Celestine did not want to engage in anything Zachary wanted to do. She could not conclude what Zachary wanted to do and as a result, she was irritated the whole time.
Zachary was amazed by how she looks so calm, yet speaks fiercely. He enjoyed seeing that different expression on Celestine's face and he doesn't have any clue why he feels that way.
Celestine felt some gazes towards her, again.
She looked around and noticed that few people were now looking at them in the canteen. Some of them were whispering to each other, then looked at her. She suddenly feels uncomfortable by their scrutinizing gaze. From their actions, they already judge her.
Zachary, who was near Celestine, felt the changes in her behavior. She keeps on reading, but her demeanor is rather tense at that moment.
Zachary looks around and sharply gazes at everyone who's looking at their side. The people who met his gaze turn their heads and pretend to look in other directions.
Who would want to meet someone's gaze, especially if the person is like him? Almost no one is wishing to experience that kind of feeling.
"It seems you're alone now," Zachary stated to shift her attention. He rather wants her fierce behavior than looking scared and uncomfortable.
Celestine rolled her eyes and thought. 'Agh… Can I have some peaceful time alone?'
"Am I not allowed to be alone?" Celestine was annoyed by his presence.
‘What a great nuisance?’
"Why am I feeling that you don't like me?" Zachary accusingly asks. Her great displeasure to him, somehow, he seemed to enjoy it rather than hate it.
She answered rudely, "Oh? You can feel it? Then why are you still here?"
Before Zachary could retort anything. His phone rang. He looks at Celestine before answering the call. Celestine just ignored him and changed her attention to the book she's reading. Though she can't understand what she's reading because of a certain someone.
She’s always calm, but having him around her makes her show a different attitude.
***
"Where are you? I've been waiting here outside the faculty for half an hour already." Clarence expresses his annoyance.
"Canteen."
"You even thought of eating, while I was here waiting for you that even the grass is starting to grow under my feet!"
"Quit overreacting, I just found something that caught my interest."
Because of Zach's response, Celestine took a little break from what she was doing. She winces when he looks at her. He intently glances at her, that’s why she turns her gaze away.
"Wait for me there," Zach said to the person on the other line, then hung up the call.
Celestine already lost focus on the book she was reading
Zachary put the phone in his pocket. He stands up and puts both of his hands on top of the table – leaned a little – till their face is almost an inch apart.
"I will remember what happened today. And like what you hear, you caught my interest now. Well then, let's end our unexpected meeting here, Milady."
Celestine was taken aback by Zachary's actions. He was amused by Celestine's reaction after he spoke such words.
He walked to the faculty with a smile on his face since he was in a good mood. The smile appears he received something valuable. A priceless thing only for him. It cannot be replaced by money or any other precious item.