CHAPTER 6

I quietly watched the Logistic Band perform by the other pool, still unable to shake off what Dawzon said.

"Girl, why are you so quiet?" Japs nudged me with his elbow.

I shrugged, then glanced at Dawzon on the lanai on the second floor, talking to Christine. There seemed to be something more between them, judging by Christine's broad smile while conversing with him.

I took the opportunity to observe him closely. Tall with flowing hair, not as fair as Rexon but rather of average complexion. He had a straight nose, rosy lips, a good physique, and carried himself in clothes that made him look like a model.

His intense gazes seemed to draw me in, urging me to look at him even more.

At one point, he turned to my direction, and I swallowed hard as our eyes locked without blinking.

Finally, he raised an eyebrow and then subtly put his arm around Christine's waist, leaning in as if whispering something. I quickly looked away and focused my attention on Rexon as he continued singing.

There was a stark contrast between the two brothers; Dawzon, the flirtatious one, and Rexon, the quiet and mysterious one. If not for their slight resemblance, I could have mistaken them for not being siblings.

"Lara, let's go closer, come on." I couldn't resist as Japs pulled me towards the crowd. One wrong step, and you'd surely fall into the pool if you're not careful. Although some were swimming while watching the show, I wasn't sure I could swim at this hour. Besides, I'm sensitive to the cold and not skilled in swimming.

"Oh, sorry, didn't see you there!" I raised an eyebrow at Karen, who was amidst the group of spectators.

"Well, your friend has no school spirit here!" She confronted me, standing tall. I did the same and faced her.

"What's it to you? If I didn't see you, don't strut around like you own the place!" I literally raised an eyebrow at her before giving her a once-over.

"You're so arrogant! Who do you think you are?!" I was taken aback as she pushed me, causing a stir among the onlookers.

"What's wrong with you?" I pushed back with force that almost knocked her off balance.

"You're my problem, with your arrogant attitude thinking every guy will drool over you? But why can't you get Rexon's attention? Poor Lara Belle!" She grinned at me, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear.

"Hey, you, who looks like a boob! You've got a sharp tongue, huh! If you're envious of my BFF, just say it out loud!" Japs suddenly interjected, fanning himself with his handheld fan.

"Hey, you, who's trying so hard to be a woman, don't interfere here, because this is girl talk!" She smirked at Japs and raised an eyebrow.

"So, you think you're so great with what you said? Sorry, girl, 'cause I'm not pathetic and a bitch like you to even bother!" Japs retorted.

"Oh well, you two should be best friends, oops, Beast friends rather!" She couldn't help but laugh at what she said.

"Sorry, but we won't stoop down to your level, especially engaging in sex in the utility room! My God, lacking in manners!" She seemed taken aback by my words.

"You probably don't want Dexter to know about this, right?" I smirked widely, thinking I could use what happened between her and Dawzon in the utility room to silence her.

"Fuck you, Lara!" She suddenly yelled before trying to slap me. I was caught off guard, so she pushed me down, but Japs didn't let her get away with it and grabbed her hair, allowing me to retaliate. I slapped her hard, unprepared for her retaliation. She pushed me forcefully, causing me to fall into the pool. The crowd gasped at the scene, and even the band stopped playing. I resurfaced, attracting everyone's attention.

"You deserve that, meddling bitch!" Karen shouted at me.

Trembling, I looked at Rexon, the onlookers puzzled by the unfolding scene. I bit my lip hard, ready to bleed anytime.

"Oh my God, Lara!" I heard Japs shout, but due to nervousness, I accidentally sank deeper into the water.

I tried to resurface, but unable to do so, I felt something fall into the water and hands grabbing me. But suddenly, everything went dark around me, and I lost consciousness.

"Belle, wake up!" I felt a few taps on my cheek, but I couldn't open my eyes.

"Oh God! Belle, please!" It was a masculine voice, and I felt him pressing his lips to mine to give me air, causing me to cough.

"Thank God, Lara!" I heard the familiar voice.

I opened my eyes to see the man in front of me, but he appeared blurry, so I shut them tightly. When I opened them again, Terry was there.

They quickly brought me to the hospital even though I felt fine.

They promptly contacted Mommy, who rushed to the hospital.

"How are you, sweetheart? Do you feel any pain?" Mommy asked with concern as she approached me.

"I'm fine, Mom!" I held her hand that was on my cheek, wanting to cry because I saw how worried they were about me even though they were busy with work.

"Where is Dad, Mom?" I inquired, but a heavy sadness crossed her face.

"He's in Europe right now. I tried to call him, but he's not answering, but I've already texted him; I'm sure he'll read it when he's not busy." She lovingly stroked my wet hair.

"Yeah, maybe.." I slowly nodded.

After a few tests, I was discharged as the results were fine.

"Thanks, Terry, and to you, Japs and Alex." I bid them farewell as we got in the car.

"No worries, to be honest, we couldn't do anything to save you. We were all in shock because we thought you were really going to drown. Luckily, someone jumped in to save you," Japs recounted to me.

"Dawzon saves you, Lara. You won't believe it, he jumped from the lanai to save you!" His eyes widened as he spoke.

"Imagine, he jumped from the second floor to the pool? It's unbelievable!" Japs seemed incredulous at his own story.

I was also surprised by what I learned. I never imagined that in a crowd of people, he would be the one to attempt to save me.

But then I paused. Oh my God! He kissed me? I felt it earlier when he pressed his lips to mine. I quickly turned to them, who were engrossed in their conversation.

He stole my first kiss! The certified playboy in town stole my kiss. My eyes widened at the thought.

"Okay, we'll head out first. Thank you again," Mommy said as she settled into the driver's seat.

"It's nothing, Auntie. Take care on your way home!" They all waved goodbye almost simultaneously.

"Thanks, guys!" I waved to them.

As we drove home, I couldn't help but sigh about what happened. Yes, he saved my life, but that kiss? That was something I couldn't accept. Perhaps it was part of the resuscitation to save me from drowning, but that was my first kiss!

The next day, the incident at Christine's birthday became the talk of the town. Even I was bombarded by gossip from my nosy classmates who just wanted to spread rumors. I chose to ignore them.

"Girl, you're trending now! You outshone the one who had a birthday last night!" Japs whispered to me as we waited for our professor.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yes, I just don't want to make a big deal out of what happened," I replied before shifting my attention to the door where Rexon entered.

I felt shy and looked down as it seemed that his eyes immediately searched for me upon entering the room.

"Hi! I'm sorry about what happened last night. Are you okay now?" he whispered softly.

I couldn't help but part my lips in surprise. I never expected him to approach me and talk to me.

"I-I'm okay now, Rexon. Thank you.." My face turned red as I spoke to him.

But when he flashed a faint smile before leaving, I felt like melting with joy.

Then, Karen's group entered. She raised an eyebrow at me before taking her seat.

"Man, my blood boils every time I see that boob-like girl. You should have reported her because she almost killed you with what that idiot did!" Japs blurted out, clearly making sure Karen could hear, but she remained silent in her seat.

"Just let it be. I don't want to waste time on people like that," I whispered to him.

After class, we all headed to the canteen together for lunch.

The meal and conversation were enjoyable until my eyes landed on a group of new arrivals, causing me to pause mid-bite.

"Oh my, Lara, there's Dawzon, your savior," Japs whispered to me.

I just shrugged at his comment and glanced at their group.

He was wearing only a white T-shirt as he had removed his polo shirt, his broad shoulders on display.

I couldn't help but sip my soft drink through the straw while gazing at his red lips.

"Aren't you going to at least say thank you?" Terry suddenly snapped me out of my thoughts.

"No." I quickly replied. I'm not foolish enough to approach him and thank him; he might misconstrue it as romantic interest.

"What? Oh, sheesh, she saved your life, and you're like that. If it were me who fell and almost drowned, I would have even gotten kissed by Dawzon!" Japs exclaimed, clearly excited.

My eyes widened at the memory of the kiss, feeling my cheeks flush.

"Why are you blushing so much? Don't tell me Dawzon was your first kiss?!" Japs asked in awe, taking me by surprise.

"Was Dawzon your first kiss?!" I paled, feeling like Japs' words echoed throughout the entire canteen.

"Yeah, NBSB, that's why!" Terry added casually, as if it was no big deal to her.

I heard shouts and teasing from their table because of what Japs had said.

When I glanced at Dawzon's table, our eyes met, and a grin crept across his face, sending shivers down my spine.

Damn you, Dawzon! I quickly grabbed my things and left, ignoring my companions.

"Wait, Lara!" Japs called out, but I didn't look back. I was infuriated by how they could do this to me, publicly embarrassing me, especially in front of many people, and especially Dawzon.

But before I could get too far, someone grabbed my hand and pulled me into a corner. Before I could react, he pinned me against the wall with both his hands.

I raised my gaze to meet those dark brown eyes. My heart raced, and my lips quivered in utter shock.

"Dawzon?" I said, my voice trembling.