After class, she walks outside of the classroom, to ask around about where is the library located at inside the campus. Staying inside feels a bit odd because she always felt like someone keeps staring at her.
One of the students told her where it is, and as she walks in there. She saw a familiar figure walking towards her, he was holding a can of soda, revealing a bracelet. It looks elegant and familiar but she just brushed it off. He was getting near her, he glance at her but says nothing and just keeps walking.
They were in the hallway, she encountered him, her seatmate walking passed her as if she were air. She caught a whiff of his smell, it's refreshing and she feels chills down to her spine. Imagine being cornered, like those in the movies. She shakes her head at the thought.
"What a weirdo," she mumbled quietly, he's so handsome but he doesn't look friendly with how serious he looks. She glances back at him, only seeing his back disappearing into the crowd. She continued her way towards the library.
"..."
"..."
"..."
She opened the door slowly in order to not make noise and close it behind her. Plenty of book were placed neatly on every shelves. There were also a few students inside quietly reading. She headed to the front desk, where the librarian is and sign her name on the attendance.
After signing, she walks towards one of the shelves containing books for general knowledge. She just wants to read anything as she examine each book. Taking out some books and reading a few chapters and putting it back to get another one. As soon as she picked a book, she walks towards the empty table to read it.
"..."
"..."
"..."
While she reading, someone sat across her, it was him again and this time he was wearing glasses while holding a book. Looking so nerdy, she looks up only to meet his eyes and he gave her a polite smile.
"You don't mind if I sit here? Other tables are occupied." He said to her in a gentle voice.
"Not at all!" She glances around and saw that he wasn't lying then she shifted back her attention to the book she was reading. While he, on the other hand, keeps glancing at her while pretending to read the book.
They sat together quietly, books pilling up on the side as they read together and no longer said anything to each other.
A few minutes later, he coughed to get her attention, she looks up to see what's up with him. And he gave her an apologetic smile.
"By the way, you're the new student under scholarship?" He asked.
"I could say yeah.. why do you ask?" She questioned him back.
"Don't get me wrong, but they don't usually accept students unless you're really smart." He said and her eyebrows twitched.
"We're both on the same class, you should have an idea by now." She replied in a teasing manner which made him chuckled.
"Right, I guess I'll see you around more often." He winks at her, and after saying, he stands up to return the books he took from the shelf and walk out of the library.
"..."
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"..."
Maria is sitting alone again at the cafeteria, eating her lunch quietly. She heard some noises around her, the girls gossiping. Suddenly they were screaming excitedly, turns out when she looked around. He was there with a few heartthrobs.
They made eye contact, she raised her eyebrows and get back to eating her food. But he walked over to sit at her table, making the other girls stare daggers at her.
"What do you think you're doing!?" She hissed in a low voice to not gather more unwanted attentions.
"Have lunch with you?" He said as he put down the tray filled with various foods.
She sighed, she couldn't kick him out from her table since it would be rude and it's just eating lunch together. Besides it's school facility and she's a scholarship student.
"Alright suit yourself," she said and continued eating quietly. It feels really awkward, and she could feel glances full of hatred.
"..."
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And so, it becomes his habits, and soon they've gotten closer.
•••
( Maria's pov )
It's been awhile since we've met, a few years to be exact, we do have some casual discussions, not just awkward staring contest. And I'm starting to like him, sometimes he's so gentle and kind. And he's been lingering in my mind ever since we meet. He also feels very familiar, like I have met him before, I just can't remember when or where.
He is like the most handsome boy in campus, not only that he is handsome, he is also rich and is really smart. We've been competing for the top score in every quizzes and exams. It is kinda fun having a friendly competition although sometimes he's very mean and cold. Even ignoring me, it's so frustrating cause I like him a lot. Sometimes it makes me feel sad and I just couldn't concentrate with my lessons because he just randomly pop up in my mind.
But who wouldn't like him, he's a gentleman, and very handsome, he's also class monitor. And most girls in my class likes him, it's really obvious when they give me death stares when I'm having a conversation with him. It's annoying but I just ignore them.
I'm currently in my seat, when I hear some rumors. I just brushed them off and continue reading my book. He is sitting beside me and sometimes we chat a bit then get back to whatever we're doing.
At the library..
Maria's been trying to reach a book, but the shelf is quite high and it's out of her reach. Then someone talks from behind her.
"Need a hand? Here" Hands her the book she was reaching out to, he easily got the book as he was taller than her.
"Thank you," and she head towards an empty table in the corner. He followed her there, he's holding a few books as well. She doesn't mind it, she's actually happy to study with him. They sat together and quietly read the books.
And she'd catch him looking at her, he'd look away and she would grin. Sometimes, you're adorable.
"Is there some dirt on my face? You keep staring?"
"Uhh- no, there's nothing, sorry." And he would not stare at her again if he gets caught, making her feel a bit disappointed. Then he continue reading like nothing happened.
•••
Sometimes, they'd be partner together in a project, because the instructors who handles the subject... ( ships them ). So often that they had become closer, and they would hang out a lot inside and outside campus. He quite a good company. It's like a date, but not, sometimes he would hold her hands, and causing her to be always blushing a lot, so red like a tomato.
••••
And as years went by, their bond has grown stronger. Maria started to discover what he likes, and more personality. He is sweet and caring, sometimes playful and keep teasing her. They have been classmates and seatmates starting first year, and right now, they're in third year.
( You know people are staring at us? ) She whispered to him. They're walking together, he was holding her hands.
And he'd give her a meaningful look, he's clearly teasing her. She'd raised her eyebrows, and he just laughed. People around them would gossip, while the pick me girls would glare at her. If only looks could kill.
"Stop, you're making me embarrassed." Maria playful pinch his waist, and he would let go of her hand to stop her from pinching. It doesn't hurt that much, maybe just a little bit.
"Okay, okay, don't pinch me alright."
"Fine, I won't. Just keep your hands to yourself." They continued walking, silently in the hallway while people continue to gossip. But he always steals glances at her. Edward is also the first to break the silenced.
"What are you planning to do later?" Edward suddenly asked her.
"Nothing much, I'll just go straight home."
"Do you wanna go out and watch movies?" He smiles at her, expecting a positive answer.
"Are you asking me out?" She tease her and he chuckles.
"Maybe," then he playfully grab her cheeks to squeeze and pinched it gently.
"Okay, sure. Can you let go of my face now."
"You're too cute like this," he would pout before releasing her.
Maria would just rolled her eyes with all his teasing. But secretly, thrilled, she's too happy around him. She's even more excited when he asked her to go out and watch movies. That's like their first official date, is it a date though? I really don't want to expect much but I'm hoping..
Maria was so lost in thought that she didn't realize he already let go of her cheeks now beetred with his handprints on her face. She puff her check and glares at him. He just smiled sheepishly.
( Edward's pov )
I finally have the courage to ask her out after all these years, we still have a year left to be together. Until I would have to leave the state for college. I still don't know what or how am I supposed to inform her that we will be separated right after graduation.
He didn't want to leave but have no choice but comply. I just hope I could tell you before I would go. Let's just see how this date goes. If I could find a right time to tell you, but I'm too nervous. I don't want to be rejected, but I could feel you like me. I just hope I'm correct.
He stares at her, she's been silent and look a bit lost. He nudge her and ask, "Are you alright? Is there something bothering you, Ria?" He had given her a pet name, although at first she doesn't likes it and thinks he cheesy, corny or whatsoever. But she doesn't mind it anymore.
She smiles and assured him, "I'm fine, there's nothing wrong. Let's get to class."
Oohhh.. I forgot it's almost time for class. And then the bell rings, they both raced inside the classroom and sit on their usual table. Both of them are panting heavily.
Later that day, after school..
"Are you ready to go?" He said as he opened the door of his car, to let her seat in the passenger seat.
"You know, I'm always ready for anything." She teased him as she get inside. He then went inside, sat on the driver seat and help her buckle up her seatbelts. After that he started the car, driving safely. They went to a mall, they would be watching movies in the 3rd floor.
Once they have reached the entrance, he told her to wait for him and he comes back with two drinks, some food and a giant popcorn.
She originally thought he'd went for the tickets. But knowing him, he wouldn't ask her if he wasn't prepared.
They both went inside, and he was holding her hands tightly.