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Putri was still lost in her thoughts when Bayu suddenly appeared, startling her once again. This time, he set the food tray down on the table with a loud thud, causing her phone to slip from her hand and fall to the floor.
"Are you crazy? Why do you keep scaring me like that?!" Putri snapped, glaring at him. She smacked his head lightly out of frustration.
Bayu held back his laughter. He was used to this. Every time he teased her, he would end up getting hit or smacked. Unlike other girls who would usually just pinch or scream, Putri's reactions were always more direct.
"Why were you spacing out anyway? Were you thinking about me?" Bayu teased while unloading the food.
"Ugh, you're so lame," Putri retorted, snatching a piece of batagor and popping it into her mouth.
Once everything was on the table, she quickly pulled the plate of fried rice closer and began eating ravenously. Bayu only sat there, watching her.
"You're not eating? Didn't you order anything?" she asked with her mouth half full.
"I did. I ordered meatball soup. It's still being prepared. They'll bring it soon," Bayu replied casually.
"Oh, sorry, I can't wait to eat with you. I was starving already, hehe." She chuckled lightly before continuing to devour her food.
By the time Bayu's meatball soup arrived, her plate was already spotless. Not a single grain of rice was left. While Bayu busied himself with adding soy sauce and chili, Putri shamelessly scooped one of his meatballs into her spoon.
"I'll just take one, heheh."
"There you go again! Why don't you just order your own? There's still plenty left," Bayu grumbled, stirring his soup.
"I'm already full. I just like messing with you," she said with a mischievous grin.
Bayu sighed and shook his head. "Fine. Anyway, tell me what happened when the professor called you earlier. What was that about?"
So Putri explained everything—the meeting with the professor and the situation with Putra.
As he listened, Bayu's expression darkened. "See? I told you, Put. That guy and everyone around him are nothing but trouble. And don't even get me started on that so-called fiancée of his. Why the hell is she targeting you? Shouldn't she deal with her own boyfriend instead?"
"I don't know, Bay. Maybe that's just what rich people do—making life difficult for the rest of us," Putri replied flatly, frustration lacing her voice. She continued chewing on her batagor as if it could dull her irritation.
After finishing their meal, the two of them walked out of the cafeteria.
"Where are you heading now?" Bayu asked.
"I'm not sure. My class doesn't start until eleven," Putri replied.
"Then let's go to the library. Better than sitting around doing nothing. We can at least read a little," Bayu suggested.
Putri nodded, and together they headed to the library.
Just as they were about to enter, another student suddenly bumped into her, spilling leftover sauce onto her shoes. Instead of apologizing, the girl scoffed.
"Watch where you're going!" she snapped.
Bayu reacted instantly before Putri could say anything. He shoved the girl's shoulder. "Hey! You're the one who bumped into her, so why are you yelling? What's your problem?"
Not wanting to escalate the situation, Putri pulled Bayu back. "Forget it, Bay. Maybe it was my fault. Sorry," she said politely to the girl.
The girl rolled her eyes and walked away.
"Why'd you let her go like that? She was obviously in the wrong!" Bayu fumed.
"I know she was wrong. But I think she did it on purpose. Someone must've told her to mess with me," Putri answered calmly.
"You mean… Putra's fiancée?" Bayu asked sharply.
"I don't know. Anyway, go on ahead. I'll catch up after I clean my shoes in the restroom."
Bayu reluctantly entered the library, while Putri headed to the restroom.
Inside, two girls were fixing their makeup at the mirror. Putri walked into one of the stalls, but her sharp ears caught their whispered conversation.
"Hey, isn't that the girl everyone's been talking about in the group chat?" one said.
"Yeah, that's her. I heard she's only clinging to Putra for fame—or maybe money. Word is, she's poor and only here on a scholarship," the other replied.
"Wow, that's pathetic. Doesn't she realize messing with a wealthy family is dangerous? Especially since Putra is the son of the third-richest man in the country. Not to mention his fiancée…"
Putri's blood boiled. She could hardly believe people were spreading such vile rumors about her when she had done nothing wrong.
Fueled by anger, she shoved the stall door open with a loud bang.
But before she could confront them, the two girls scrambled out in a hurry, leaving her alone. They knew who she was—and they knew they wouldn't stand a chance if they provoked her directly.
Putri turned to the sink, splashing her face with water. She didn't care that her hair got wet too. Unlike other girls who were worried about ruining their makeup, Putri wore none at all. Even without it, her natural beauty stood out—pure, unpolished, yet striking in its own way. Many guys admired her, though few dared to approach because of her tomboyish demeanor.
After calming herself down, she returned to the library and spotted Bayu. With a sour expression, she dropped into the seat across from him.
"What's with that face? You look like you just lost a fight," Bayu teased.
"Shut up," Putri snapped.
She then recounted everything she had overheard in the restroom. Bayu's temper flared instantly. Without thinking, he slammed the table, drawing the attention of everyone around them.
Realizing his mistake, he quickly bowed his head and apologized to the others before turning back to her.
"Seriously, who the hell is that girl? Why does she keep picking fights with you?" Bayu demanded, his jaw tight.
"I don't know yet, Bay. But I'll find out soon. And when I do, I won't just sit back and take it," Putri said firmly, clenching her fists in determination.
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