Chapter - 2

Sam's POV;

A break for lunch.

"Let's go to the cafe! I've been starving since the first hour!" Lia moaned next to me.

"I'm leaving for the library," Clara explained, "so I'll join you guys later."

While Clara was about to leave the class, I stood up saying, "I'm going with Clara because I need a book as well."

"Do you even know where the library is?" Lia teased me.

"Despite the fact that I don't. I still need it. Miss Shelly stated that if I score higher than 70% on the upcoming test, she will reduce my detention period so I'm going to prove that I can score higher in the test. Moreover, it's hella boring in the detention room without you guys."

Luna, "I need a book as well. Could you please get it for me?"

I used the offer and said, "Buy me a drink then!"

Clara and I visited the library. Clara immediately found her book as soon as we walked in because she spends the majority of her time here. Clara later assisted me in locating my book as well. We must now both look for Luna's book. I looked through many rows of classification numbers and eventually found it, but it is on the top shelf. I called Clara for assistance because I couldn't reach the book. She made fun of my height and took the book from the shelf.

We went to the checkout line after we got the books. Because it was the day before the weekend, there was a long line. We were talking about what happened in class today while we waited.

When I noticed Senior Calix passing by, I said to Clara, "Hey! Look who's arrived... the chicken little!" And we both laughed as we stared at him.

Senior Calix paused.

"I think he heard you," Clara said in my ear.

Senior approached us, but not really us... he approached me and whispered in my ear, "I'll be waiting outside!" and then exited the library. It sounded terrifying.

Clara and I exited the library after we checked out. Senior was leaning against the wall, holding a book as if he were reading it. We began to approach him slowly.

Clara's phone began to ring. "I'll be there," she said. She looked at me. This is a disaster. She's going to say something stupid. Please, no. "You can do it!" She bolted after saying that. She abandoned me with him. Traitor.

Senior Calix is a sophomore on the basketball team and one of the coolest guys on campus. I heard he was popular his freshman year, but there was a rumour that something happened and he turned down his Fanclub as a result. All I knew was that he has a bad temper and frequently bullies newcomers. I don't want to be his prey today.

"What did you call me back?" While asking me, his eyes were intense.

Omg! He heard me. What should I say now?

"We... we were... We were conversing…" Before I could finish, he cut me off by saying,

"I've prepared a punishment for you!"

For a brief moment, I was rendered unconscious.

He moved in closer to me as I took my step back. My heartbeat becomes extremely rapid. "Your... your face..." he said, pointing to my face.

"What's the matter with my face?"

I was taken aback.

"Look!" he exclaimed, pointing to his keychain, which contained a mirror.

My face flushed as I looked into it. Why is my face flushed?

He began, "I just need you to relay information to me. This evening at 5 p.m. There will be practice at the basketball court. So tell your friends. I would have done it by myself but I couldn't because my phone died. Don't forget to inform them. " smiled and patted my head before leaving.

I stood there and watched him walk away. Did he crack a smile? I had no idea he had this side to him.

I could take advantage of this opportunity to speak with William. "Got a chance to speak with Mr.popularity!" I texted Clara.

"All the best!" she replied.

To find out where he is, I joined the Williams Fanclub group chat.

There was a candid photo of him drinking bubble tea with Ace and others in Cafeteria. When I walked into Cafeteria, all I could see was William's hair; his face was obscured. There were numerous girls from other faculties surrounding him. How am I going to swim past these thirsty fishes?

I attempted to sneak in between them but was unsuccessful. While I was thinking of a solution, I heard someone calling my name from behind me. I turned to see who it was. It's Ace. One of my irritable classmates.

"Why are you battling with these girls? Isn't just staring at Williams in class enough for you?"

"I'm just passing along information from a Senior."

"What exactly is it?"

"Senior said that all three of you have practice today, so he asked you to be at the basketball court," I said to Ace, abandoning the plan.

"Okay, I'll tell Will and others." He continued, "And from now on, dress like a girl. From behind, you look exactly like a boy in this hoodie and saggy pants." He and Liam laughed and walked away.

This isn't something new to me. Because of my clothing, many people have assumed I'm a boy and teased me calling me a tomboy. I'm a short girl who wears glasses having shoulder length brown hair, and a penchant for hoodies. I can't change for others because this is who I am and I'm too lazy to dress up every day.

I called Clara and informed her that the previous plan had been cancelled, and I asked her to accompany me to the basketball court.

After classes were finished. We proceeded to the basketball court. Clara, Lia, Audrey, and I were all seated in the audience together. The basketball court was completely full with many girls from other faculties. The players have already arrived. As soon as the players arrived, the girls screamed, cheered, and shouted their names.

I was looking for William, who was wearing a hot jersey. The sleeveless jersey revealed his chiselled hands and a portion of his abs.

The players waved their hands in the air to greet the audience. I noticed someone waving at me. Shit! It was Calix, Senior. What is he waving at me for, and why is he smiling? I tried to ignore him, but he was standing right next to Wil, making it difficult.

Clara inquired, "What's the deal with your blushing? Is it Wil's fault? By looking at his fanclub, you must work really hard on it." She made fun of me.

'But it wasn't done by him. However, Senior. Another thing, I'm not blushing; I'm embarrassed.'

She went on, "Hey! Why is our Senior... waving at you?"

Omg! She was aware.

"I don't know... Maybe he was waving to… a girl at the back. Come on, Why would he do that to me?"

'Why are you looking at me!!!'

My phone was already buzzing with notifications of Wil's photos, videos, and gifs in his Fanclub group chat.

The game started. The players were playing until they were completely exhausted. To be honest, every guy looked good in sweatpants. After the game, the girls took their time to rest and photograph the players... I noticed Wil walking alone to the men's changing room and decided to follow him. But I'm not a stalker. I just wanted to talk to him alone.

Ace stopped me as I was about to walk in and asked, "What are your plans? You are aware of the nature of this room, correct? Always sneaking in and out. Don't you have anything else to do? Leave."

I thought I could talk to him in the locker room, but my second plan was scrapped because of Ace. He and my nervousness have ruined half of my plans.

Clara inquired, "What happened? Did you talk to him?"

"NO!" I exclaimed as I took my bag and began to walk out of the court.

"Is it, Ace?" Clara called back.

"Yes! Why does he do this to me all the time? I mean, so many girls follow Will wherever he goes. Ace has never stopped any of them, but he has always stopped me. Does he have a grudge against me or something?"

She hugged and consoled me "Don't worry... we'll take care of it. And there are so many days left... We're still in first year, girl. And you know what day is coming, right?"

"What?"

"Valentine's Day, you moron! There are three days left. Confessing on that day is a fantasy proposal for many girls... and boys, I suppose."

"Something fishy is going on here. Do you have any secret boyfriend behind my back?"

Clara smiled and said, "That's something I'm not sure about... But if there is one, I'll let you know. Trust me on this." And gave me a hug.

"Your words. Don't forget about it."

I returned her hug and smiled before departing for my home.

I came across the gift store while I was on my way home. Should I get William a Valentine's Day gift? I went inside to get some ideas from seeing them while I was thinking about what I should buy and how I should give it to him. What will he like? Does he enjoy chocolates, greeting cards, or flowers? But these sound so girly, right? But a greeting card may be a good gift. It will be simple and cute too. I saw many greeting cards with cute quotes with creative designs.

I took a card and read, "Love doesn't need definition. The only important thing in love is you and me." This card sounds like people who were already in love.

The next card, "Whatever path we choose for love, It'll be beautiful in its way." This card sounds like a complicated relationship.

"No matter how long...my heart will remain the same" I could give this one since it has vibes on hidden love. Wait. I only have a crush on him, not love but I'm not sure about that either. Who knows what the future will bring us?

"I thought you were available," said someone while I was smiling to myself and looking at the card in my hands.

I turned to look but ended up falling into his arms. When I looked at his face, I recognised Senior Calix. "You're blushing again," he says as he strokes my cheeks and smiles at me.

I stood and said, "No! I'm not!"

He smirked and took the card I was holding and read the lines aloud to me "NO MATTER HOW LONG. MY HEART WILL NOT CHANGE! Wow! So cute quote for a cute girl… Do you have any romantic interests? Who did you buy this for?"

He laughed at me so I gave up on fighting for that card and said, "I don't want it anymore!" And walked out of the store.

I was walking down the street. The cold Breeze hit me. Someone wrapped a warm blanket around me. It was Senior Calix who put a coat on me.

I removed it and inquired, "You again… What do you want from me?"

His expression became solemn. Did I just switch on the angry mode?

He came close to me and pushed me against the wall and said, "I want you!"

"What!!!"

"I want you… I mean… I like you." He gave me the card and continued, "Here, take this. I don't want to wait until Valentine's Day to give you this, so take it now."

After giving the card, which I chose to give to Will, he walked away.

'No matter how long. My heart will remain the same.'

Did he just say he likes me!?