Chapter 24

“Name drop! Name drop!” they all exclaimed. I became even more apprehensive when they forced Pierre to reveal who he was kissing on that particular day. I merely gazed at Iris, who had her mouth closed as if she were suppressing a laugh.

She knew I was the person Pierre was referring to!

“It’s too private.” The student council fell silent. They were clearly dissatisfied by Pierre’s answer. I inhaled deeply, I thought he would say my name. I was going to kick him out of the house if he revealed my name.

“All right, next!”

We continued to play until everyone was asked truth or dare. That lasted only a few moments until the bottle aimed at me once more.

“Geez,” I mumbled.

“Aurie, truth or dare?” Iris asked. I was not sure whether I’d be happy or not based on her smile. As though she were plotting something heinous.

“Dare.” Her grin became even wider. I was struck by reality a few seconds after and realized that truth should had been my decision. I was sure she wouldn’t ask about my family history.

Aurie, you were far too naive.

“Do a lap dance to the last person you kissed in this room.” The men’s voices boomed throughout the house as the women attempted to guess who the man I kissed was. I came dangerously close to collapsing into my chair as a result of her daring. Pierre did not explicitly state that I was the one he kissed, but I could demonstrate that I was the one if I followed through on Iris’ dare.

I fiercely blew air and took my plastic cup. I was not a fan of the taste of alcohol; it was too strong for me.

“What is that? Aurora refuses to do anything or respond to our questions; the kill joy, she’s simply drinking alcohol!” Jenna, the woman next to Alyssa, grumbled.

I instantly drank the alcohol and grabbed my tumbler. I looked at the members of the student council; they all appeared dejected, except for Pierre, who simply smirked at me. I locked my gaze on him and rolled my eyes.

“Where are you going?” Kai asked as I rose to my feet. I presented him with my empty tumbler and directed his attention to the kitchen.

“I’m thirsty; I’m going to refill.” I didn’t wait for his response and left them there. Despite that I only had two shots, I was already feeling lightheaded.

“Too innocent to do a lap dance, eh?” I almost dropped the tumbler when I heard Pierre’s voice. I let go of the dispenser and stared at him.

“Oh, really?” I exclaimed, a tinge of irritation in my voice. He laughed and took a few steps closer to me. I took a step back, irritated. Was he under the impression that I had forgotten the way he stared at me after he admitted in front of his members that he had kissed a woman in a supermarket? We were nearly noticeable when we were there!

Upon realizing that we were only a foot apart, I shoved him away with my other foot. He took careful steps back till I was pleased with our distance from one another.

“What do you need?” I asked, almost with a sigh. He smirked and rested his arms on the island counter.

“You look like a child in that hoodie, and you should wear something like that a lot. It will complement your personality,” he commented with seriousness. I scowled, wondering whether if he was making fun of me or not.

I couldn’t stop myself from rolling my eyes. “Did you come here to piss me off, huh? What do you think of me, a kid? Or are you just craving for my attention?”

“Psh. You’re being too crabby. I came here to ask you a question, not to tease you.” He rolled his eyes at me, as I had done earlier. I immediately raised one of my brows, this guy had a bad attitude, even worse than mine!

“I also wanna ask as to whether or not we had an assignment last Friday.” I was the one who spoke before him.

“We don’t have any, now, can I ask you something?” I sighed when I heard that. Thank goodness. I was not sure I would be able to do it tonight just in case. My head began to ache gradually because of the alcohol.

“Ask away,” I said as I opened the tumbler and drank some water while I kept my gaze fixed on him. Prior to feigning a cough, I could see him fixate on my face for an extended period of time.

“Would you like to go on a date this Saturday?”

What? Date? What was it for?

“For what?” I asked and wiped the corner of my mouth as I closed the tumbler. I sat it on the island counter and gave him a serious look. I had to laugh. What were we going out for? Wasn’t it possible for him to walk out by himself? Did he came here just to ask me that question?

“I like you.”

My entire body felt chilled because of what he stated. Was what I’m hearing right? He liked me for what? He admired me for what? For what purpose? Was he interested in me as a friend? However, we were not yet friends! Yes, he allowed me to stay at his condo, but that didn’t mean we were friends. That was a resounding nay. He was far too pessimistic to be my friend. If we were not yet friends, did this suggest he had romantic feelings for me? Or was he merely flirting with me?

“You like me?” I asked, frowning. If this was indeed a hoax, I was going to toss him out of the house personally. I enjoyed amusing pranks, but I was not a fan when the prank was all about love or relationships.

“Yes. Will I ask you if I don’t?” I blinked several times in response to the mixed emotions. Was this a playtime? If that wa the case, it would be best for him to stop, because I felt like a bull was chasing my heart due to its rapid heartbeat.

“You like me for what? As a friend? Bestfriend? Human?” He heaved a heavy sigh and removed his spectacles.

“As a woman? As far as I can recall, we’ve never been friends, so I guess I like you as a woman?” My already rapid heartbeat accelerated even faster, as if I were about to have a heart attack.

“What makes you like me?” I asked, concealing my hand behind my back as it began to shiver with nervousness. Seriously? Was this a side effect of the alcohol or a symptom of my condition?

“I don’t know. I prefer tall women, but you’re not as tall as the other girls who like me. I find your height cute, but it doesn’t quite meet my standard. I prefer long-haired women, but your hair is short as fuck and bonus, you have bangs. I dislike women with bangs because they hide their foreheads. I prefer mature women, but you’re as innocent as a child. I prefer girls with morena skin, but you’re whiter than Snow White. Did you drink a bottle of glutathione or what? That’s all I can say,” he said at length, seemingly also confused as to why he liked me.

Despite that what he said was practically insulting, it felt as if a few hundred butterflies remained in my stomach. I wanted to grin but was hesitant to do so in front of him. That would be quite embarrassing.

For a few seconds, I remained silent and appeared to think seriously. To be honest, I didn’t have a say in his confession. It was surprising because how could he regain his composure now that he had expressed his feelings to me? While I, who did nothing but ask, nearly passed out from nervousness, and he was simply chill? This was outrageously unjust. I didn’t saw even a hint of nervousness on his face; he didn’t appear apprehensive at all!

When I saw him avert his look as I stared into his eyes, I stifled a smile. So this was how to get you look away out of shyness, huh?

This was the first time I’d found Pierre Cardinal to be endearing. He looked very intimidating most of the time.

“Are you perhaps insulting me?” I appeared to be serious in order to appear angry, but on the inside, I wanted to burst out laughing as I saw him becoming terrified.

He once took a step closer to me but immediately retreated.

“Obviously not. I honestly don’t know, all right? To clarify, I like you because you are Aurora. You are my sleeping beauty, my Snow white, and my Aurie. There’s no particular reason why I like you. Please don’t ask; I truly cannot think of a sensible answer.” He rolled his eyes and placed his arms on the island counter. Following that, he placed both palms over his face.

“Whatever,” was the only response I could muster. Similarly to him, nothing occured to me. His startling confession flooded both of our heads.

“Psh, you’re being far too cranky. So, what’s your answer? I’ve been waiting for 15 minutes and you haven’t responded to my question,” he stated with a frown. My brows raised in confusion; what did he mean?

“What’s the question? Did you have any questions for me?” He gave me a tired expression before letting out a sigh.

“I asked you if you’d want to join me on a date on Saturday. What’s your answer? Don’t you dare say that you’re still considering it. I can’t wait for another night, sleeping beauty.”

Oh “It depends on whether I’m not too busy. Pray that the teachers do not assign us too many school projects. It’s entirely up to them whether or not we intend to go have a date on Saturday.”

If our teachers assigned us a lot of work, I was sure I wouldn’t prioritize dating Pierre. My first focus was, of course, my studies. If he truly cared for me, he would understand.

“Okay, then. If we have time, I’ll pick you up at 10:00am this Saturday.” He took his arms off the island counter and walked up to me.

“Ouch!” I moaned as he vigorously flicked my forehead. I glared at him, but all he gave me was a smirk.

“Don’t go back to the living room and instead sleep in your room. Your eyes appear to be quite tired, which I’m sure is due to the alcohol. Given your childlike innocence and purity, I’m confident this is your first time. Your body is stunned because of the excessive drinking. Let yourself rest and sleep in your room; I’ll take care of my members in the living room.”

“You’re going to look after them? Why, what are you going to tell them if I don’t go back?” I asked, smirking. He smiled and moved his face closer to mine.

“I’ll tell them that you were weary because of your lap dance on me. They would, I’m sure, understand. Everyone is aware that dancing is exhausting,” he stated solemnly. My eyes widened, and I hurriedly pushed him away.

“Do you want me to slap you?” I lifted my hand, but he didn’t flinch. He raised an eyebrow, as if to further tease me.

I took the tumbler and left the kitchen, irritated.

“Where are you going?” As I moved past the living room, I heard Iris ask. I didn’t stop walking, I didn’t even give them a simple glance.

“I’m tired; I’m going to bed.” I kept walking till I got to my room. I slammed the door shut and leapt into the bed.

“Damn, Cardinal,” I murmured gently. Suddenly, my lips curled into a smile. I never imagined I’d get butterflies in my tummy because of a man.

I knew nothing about relationships, but I knew a lot about crushes. My father used to tease me when I once had a crush on my classmate.

I buried my face on the pillow as I let out a low-pitched scream. I didn’t wanna make any noise since Iris and Pierre might run here.

Time passed until I heard each car drove away. I was sure it was Iris’ guests leaving. It was nearly night-time when they returned home. It was amusing to see Iris interact with them. My concerns about her being alone again when I was gone had diminished.

“Aurie, are you awake?” I heard Iris ask from outside my room. I released my grip on the cellphone and covered myself with a comforter. I was not interested in speaking with her right now; it made me sad that I would have to leave her after months. I’d be gone, leaving her alone.

After a few seconds, I no longer heard a voice. She must have assumed I was asleep and entered her room.

Silly, I hadn’t even eaten yet. How was I going to sleep? I never went to sleep hungry.

However, I was still not hungry. Perhaps there was still time before dinner to sleep? I would go to sleep for a bit. I was ready to close my eyes and drift off to sleep when my cellphone vibrated. I opened it sleepily and read the notification.

It was an unsolicited text message from an unidentified number. Who was this person? I couldn’t remember giving my phone number to anyone. Only Iris and the dean were in possession of a copy.

From : + ***********

What’s your favorite color?

As I read the message, I scowled. What’s with this message? With so many people on the planet, the messenger really chose me to ask that.

To: + ***********

Who’s this?

I locked my gaze on the screen for a few seconds more before another notification popped up. Just like earlier, it was the same number.

From : + ***********

So you’re still awake, huh? I told you to rest and sleep. What are you doing?

( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡° )

Pierre? Was this Pierre? He was the sole person who advised me to go to bed earlier. I pressed my lips together and began typing another message.

To: + ***********

Cardinal, how did you get my number?

Did Iris give him my phone number? But that was impossible; Iris was furious with him, and I was certain she wouldn’t give him my contacts. Iris might even label him a coward for not approaching me directly.

From : + ***********

From your phone? Duh?

My lips curled into a smile as I read his message. Even in the text, I could feel his rudeness.

To: + ***********

I can’t remember giving you mine. To be quite candid, who did you pay to get my number? Or perhaps you frightened the dean?

While I awaited the arrival of his message, I added his phone number to my contacts. It took me a few more minutes to come up with a contact name for him.