"That's absolutely correct, Miss Brooks. You're very smart. "Thank you, sir. "Wow, that was great," Angel whispered as she leaned in. I gave her a grateful smile.
After class ended, Angel turned to me. "Let's head to the cafeteria before the next lecture." Okay, lead the way."
We walked down the spacious corridor, the hum of student chatter echoing through the halls. The cafeteria was buzzing packed with students scattered across tables, some laughing loudly, others glued to their laptops or phones.
"Wow, this place is alive," I muttered, glancing around. Angel chuckled. "Yup. Let's find a spot before it gets even crazier."
I stepped up to the counter. "Two milkshakes and two cheeseburgers, please."The waitress nodded and returned shortly with the tray. I slid one set toward Angel. "Here, you can have one."
She hesitated, a little surprised. "Oh… no, thanks. My mom always packs me lunch."
I gave a soft, almost wistful laugh. "It's just food, Angel. Besides, it'll go to waste."
Her eyes narrowed slightly with concern. "You okay?" I looked away for a second and forced a light smile. "Yeah, just… wishing I had someone to pack me lunch too." I sighed, almost involuntarily.
Before she could respond, a voice cut in.
"Why should it go to waste when I'm here?"
I turned around.
"Hi, I'm Maxwell," he said with a confident grin. I arched a brow. "Yeah. I already know who you are." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I just wanted to say I'm really sorry about earlier. The 'Miss Kisser' thing? That was messed up."
"It's fine. I'm over it."
Angel motioned for him to sit beside her. "Maxwell, sit." He obeyed instantly, still glancing at me every now and then.
"So Maxwell, are you also in medicine?" I asked, sipping my milkshake. He laughed. "Nah, I'm a business student."
"Then what were you doing in a medical lecture?" He turned dramatically toward Angel and declared, "I only came because of one person my sweet girl here."
Angel flushed and hit his arm playfully. "You're ridiculous. "I like your relationship already," I commented with a small laugh.
Then Maxwell smirked at me. "Aurora, can I call you baby?"
My brows shot up. "Only if Angel's cool with it," I replied nonchalantly. "Hey, no need to worry about me," Angel said quickly. "He's always like this. I'm fine."
"Then so am I," I said, grinning. The three of us burst into easy laughter, the tension slowly melting. "Baby," Maxwell called again playfully.
A sharp voice cut through the air. "Why are you calling her that?" We turned. Jake stood there, eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. He looked like a storm barely restrained.
Angel stood up slowly. "And you are?"
"I'm Jake Scott," he replied, his gaze fixed on Maxwell.
"Nice to meet you, Jake. I'm Angel Balowe," she said slowly. "But… why are you acting like Maxwell just cursed out your ancestors? It's just a nickname."
Jake didn't blink. "Why are you calling her baby?" he asked again, this time more forcefully. Maxwell stood his ground. "Because that's what she is." Before anyone could react… smack… Jake's fist landed squarely across Maxwell's face.
"Jake!!" I screamed, shooting up in shock. "What the hell is wrong with you?! Are you my jealous boyfriend now?" Maxwell held his jaw while Angel held him, eyes wide in disbelief. "Dude, chill. My girlfriend is right here, and she's not even mad. Why are you acting like I just declared marriage vows to her?"
"Exactly," Angel added. "He's mine. So, what's the problem?" Jake froze, then muttered, "I… I'm sorry."
I didn't wait for more. I stormed out of the cafeteria, heading to the parking lot. My pulse was racing. My thoughts scattered.
"What the hell was that, Jake?"
I stood by a tree near the parking lot, trying to collect myself. I took a deep breath. And another.
Suddenly, a hand slipped around my waist, and I was pulled back against a warm, hard chest. My breath hitched.
"Aurora," he whispered into my ear. His hot breath brushed against my skin, making me shudder involuntarily. I turned my head and met his eyes Jake.
I opened my mouth to protest, but he covered it gently with his hand. Please… just listen. I'm sorry about what happened with Maxwell. I—I just couldn't stand it. You've been avoiding me. At home, here… everywhere. It's killing me."
I stared into his eyes. They were raw with emotion. No smugness. Just pain. You're hurting me," he whispered. "Please, stop this."
He paused… then said it. "I love you, Aurora."
I blinked.
"I—" I tried to speak, but my voice cracked. I pushed his hand away gently.
My heart was thudding in my chest. And for the first time… I didn't know what to say.