I just shrugged my shoulders and looked ahead. I don’t want to argue with him since there are freshmen students around. We might raise our voices and other people might misunderstand.
“Ahm” Daniel cleared his throat.
“What?” I said looking at him
“Is someone going to fetch you? It’s already half-past five and the sun is setting soon.”
“I can walk home alone. It’s not a big deal for me.” I chuckled
“Shall I walk you home? I think Vladimir already went home earlier since they don’t have training today.”
“What does Vladimir have to do with me going home? Why are you mentioning him out of the blue?” I asked
“Because I noticed that you have been going home together. Is there something going on between the two of you?”
“Are girls and boys not allowed to be friends? Why is everyone asking if I am with someone?” I said before standing up and grabbing my bag.
“So you are not together?” he asked as he followed me
“Until when do I have to tell people that we are just friends and nothing is going on between us. I am sure that nothing will also happen in the future.”
“Are you saying that you don’t have feelings for him?”
“What kind of feelings are you talking about? I like him as a person and a friend but if you are talking about something romantic then NO. Why do you keep on asking that question?”
“I am just curious,” he said
“Do you still like me? You don’t seem like you are just curious. Are you jealous of him?” I asked jokingly
“Who? Me? Like you? In your dreams, I’m already over you that is why we are friends.” he scoffed as he pointed to himself
“So defensive,” I murmured
“I am just telling you the truth. Maybe you are the one who still likes me,”
“If I say yes, will you come back to me?” I asked with a serious face
“Gosh! I don’t even want to think about it,” he said as he shrugged.
I pinched him for acting as if he was grossed out by the idea of us getting back together. I feel a little worried because I saw a hint of happiness in his eyes before he shrugged them off.
“Thank you for walking me home. I will see you again tomorrow. Send me a message when you get home.” I said
I blushed when he kissed me on the cheeks before running away and riding on the back of his uncle’s motorcycle which was waiting for him on the other side of the road. I know that he just gave me a “beso” but since we are not used to doing that as a way of saying goodbye, it felt strange.
“What are you doing?” I asked Vladimir when he cornered me at the library.
“Did he confess?” he asked
“I already told you that he didn’t. Why are you asking that question every day? Is it that hard to trust my words?” I said as I turned my back to walk away
“What if both of you wanted to keep it a secret and then reveal it after we are done with the deal?” he said as he get in my way
“Will you stop that? I just want to spend some peaceful time here so stop bothering me. And believe me that you would know if he confessed.” I said as I turned my back again but he extended both his arms and trapped me in a corner.
“Are you trying to get us in trouble or are you trying to spread some rumor so that other girls would leave you alone?” I glared at him
“Should we make him jealous? This would be like shooting two birds with one stone,” he whispered as he leaned in closer.
“If you are trying to intimidate me then that won’t work. We are not in a drama where I would feel butterflies in my stomach as you move closer.” I said smirking
“Are you sure about that? Because you are blushing.” he teased
We both know that I blush easily and I am just worried that someone might see us in this position and misunderstand.” I said as I pinched his cheeks
“Still no butterflies?” he asked
“Why would I feel butterflies when I don’t even like you? Stop teasing.” I said
“You are in the library. That is not allowed.” Shane said
Both of us turned to look and saw Shane blushing while holding a book. I rolled my eyes when I realized the reason why Vladimir mentioned hitting two birds with one stone. I opened my mouth to explain but Vladimir covered it.
“We aren’t doing anything wrong. We are just talking about something private so leaving us alone would be greatly appreciated.” Vladimir said
“What are you doing? Are you out of your mind? What if she will spread a rumor?” I said after he removed his hand.
“Let her do it. Then we can see if Daniel will confess since we only have two days left,” he answered
“Are you trying to get rid of her? You know that she was around so decided to do that.”
“People keep on saying that she likes me and I am not comfortable with that.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be thankful that she likes you?” I asked as I pushed him away
“She is very open about her feelings for me and I am not comfortable with that,” he explained
“Then what do you like? A person who hides how she feels about you. You should be thankful that someone has a crush on you.” I said before sitting down
“I would be thankful if it is you.” he winked
“You’re cute and good-looking but no thanks.” I chuckled
“How can you reject me just like that?” he said with puppy eyes
“Do you want to see me puke? Stop doing that in front of me. I like you but not to that extent so stop acting cute.” I said
“You’re too hard to please. Can’t you just appreciate what I am doing?” he pouted
“Why are you acting cute in front of me? Are you trying to ask some favor? Just go straight to the point because I want to spend my time in peace.”
“I am trying to spend some time with you since we are both busy with practice, academics, and whatever you are busy with,” he said
“You are just trying to annoy me so stop trying me make me feel guilty. What do you want?” I stared at him
He didn’t answer me so I ignored him and started scanning the book that I was planning on borrowing. I sighed and rolled my eyes before I look back at him who was still acting as if he was in a romantic drama while grinning at me.
“If you will not stop doing that then you might get something when I get annoyed. Isn’t it time for you to go and practice baseball?” I asked raising an eyebrow
“We don’t have practice today so I will be walking you home,” he said
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” Daniel said seriously
“Umm yeah. Take a seat. What was it about? Was it about practice again?” I said
“Is it okay if I can talk to you in private?” he asked before looking at Vladimir
“Well, it seems to be a private matter so go ahead. I will wait for you near the gate.” Vladimir smiled before leaving us
“What do you have to tell me in private? Vladimir is not a stranger after all so it would be an issue if he is here.” I said
He didn’t answer and only stared at me as if he is thinking of something deep. I waited for him to speak because he might be composing his words.
“Did you come here to have a staring contest? I thought you wanted to talk about something in private. The library will be closing soon therefore you have to tell me now.” I snapped my fingers in his face
“I’ll tell it to you next time. Vladimir might be getting impatient waiting for you and I also need to catch a ride,” he said
“Well, if you need time then just approach me when you are ready,” I said before picking up my things.
He walked beside me silently which I find odd because he would usually annoy me or talk about our lessons when we are together. Why is he suddenly acting as if we are not on good terms? We are almost near the gate when he held my hand to stop me.
“I am not pressuring you or anything but I just need to tell you something. I still like you,” he said.
“Stop joking around.”
“I am serious. I realized that I should tell you to avoid regrets in the future,” he confessed