Chapter 0008

"All these people everywhere, but my eyes on you." Unknown

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The students took notes while the professor explained the lesson projected on the screen, everyone but Eden and Kian. Eden was opening and closing his pen while Kian watched him with confusion. He wondered why his friend was zoning out a lot lately. Kian grew impatient of looking at him repeat the same action, and he scooted closer to him to whisper: "Hey, what's wrong? You've been silent these last two days."

Eden only shrugged without bothering to lift his head and look at his friend. Kian scrunched his brows and snatched the pen away from his hand. "Seriously, if there's anything, you've got to tell me."

Eden let out a deep sigh and finally moved his head a little to look at his friend's concerned face. "It's the loan sharks. Again."

Kian frowned, "Are you late this month?" he asked, and Eden nodded. "They gave me three days. They said this time consequences will be harsh."

Kian gulped, "What do you think they could do?"

"I don't know," Eden shrugged, "I'm expecting the worst from them."

Kian sighed and moved closer to him. He stayed silent for a long moment, pressing his lips nervously before he said: "I... I wish I could help you, Eden, but I just paid for my mum's treatment this week."

"No, I know," Eden shook his head and gave him a small smile, "I can't ask for your help again, Kian. Your situation is far worse."

Kian slowly nodded and pouted, "Chemotherapy is so freaking expensive."

"How's your mum, by the way?" Eden whispered, "I haven't seen her in months."

"She's unrecognisable," Kian heavily sighed, "Her face is pale, and she's losing her hair. She barely eats now, but the doctor said she's doing better, so we've got to stay positive."Eden smiled, "I'm glad to hear that then."

Kian smiled back and patted his friend's arm. "You know, I could borrow some money if you want."

"No, no," Eden hurried to shake his head, "Please don't. The last thing I'd wish for someone is to borrow money from bastards like those." he looked at Kian with a worried face. "I appreciate what you're doing, Kian, but you need to focus only on your mum's wellbeing. I'll find a way, don't worry."

"Did you try asking the Chairman? He might help you."

"He's on a trip," Eden replied, "There's no way I can reach him."

"How about Harvey Clarke?" Kian lifted a brow, "I'm sure he has thousands in his pocket."

Eden tensed at the name and looked away. The scene he witnessed the day before suddenly surged back in his mind. He didn't see him after he caught him in action. He couldn't believe how calm Harvey stayed when he saw that guy giving him a blowjob. He didn't seem bothered and even casually asked him to deliver a file. Harvey definitely was a one of a kind guy.

"I, uh, I don't think I should ask him." Eden pressed his lips.

"Why not?" Kian furrowed, "The champagne he drinks in one night is a hell lot more expensive than what the loan sharks require."

"I know," Eden nodded, "But I don't think it's a good idea to involve him in my personal life. I'm his bodyguard, and I think it's better to keep our relationship professional."

"If you say so," Kian mumbled, "What are you going to do then?"

Eden shrugged, "I'm going to try negotiating with them."

After class, Eden and Kian hurried to the coffee machine to get something warm to drink as it was chilly outside. But they couldn't drink their coffee peacefully as the students ran in the hallways, forming a crowd again.

"Don't tell me there's another fight," Kian rolled his eyes, and Eden furrowed his brows as he followed the students. Harvey looked like the kind who would always get into trouble because of his nasty and arrogant behaviour.

To their surprise, they didn't hear any shouts nor punches. Eden slightly pushed people to get a look until he found a beautiful girl standing in front of Harvey, holding a baby blue envelope and a chocolate box.

"A love confession!" Kian exclaimed.

The girl got shy because of all the students surrounding her and Harvey. In the corner, her group of friends were encouraging her to make the first step.

"Uh, I always wanted to tell you this," she spoke with a sweet voice that made a lot of boys and girls in awe. She ran her fingers through her long black hair and approached Harvey, who was looking at her indifferently. "I made this for you," she offered him the chocolate box, and to everyone's surprise, he took it, opened it and tried one. "That's good," he mumbled, making the students scream.

"What is he playing at?" Eden mumbled to himself as he watched in confusion. He started to wonder if he mistook Harvey's sexuality. He thought he shouldn't have assumed it after they went to that gay club that night.

"I always liked you, Harvey. You're funny, kind and very handsome," the girl offered him a shy smile, "Please accept my feelings for you." Harvey took another bite of the handmade chocolate as he eyed the girl from head to toe. She made sure to look pretty with her glossy lips and her black eyeliner.

"That's adorable," Harvey said, taking the envelope from her hand. "But I'm afraid I'll have to decline," The girl pressed her lips and looked down as she knew all eyes were on her. "Could you at least tell me the reason? Am I not pretty enough?" she asked with a small voice.

"You are pretty," Harvey nodded with a smile, "I'm sure there are many guys and girls who'd want to snatch you," he said, looking at the crowd arrogantly, "But you're just not my taste."

Harvey kept looking around until he spotted a handsome familiar face watching him in the middle of the crowd. He bit on another chocolate, but this time slowly as his eyes didn't leave Eden. "The reason is..." he paused to chew the chocolate and swallow it, "...my heart belongs to men," he smirked at Eden and winked at him.

Some students gasped, and others didn't look surprised as there was already a rumour about Harvey bringing guys to his house. The girl couldn't say a word as she knew she had no chance. She gave him a polite smile and hurried outside the crowd, and soon her friends followed her.

"What was that?" Kian whispered to Eden, his eyes wide, "He definitely smirked at you."

"Trust me. Harvey does that to every breathing man in this city." Eden muttered as he pushed his friend far from the crowd to finish their cups of coffee.

Later, Kian took the bus as he had to hurry back home and check on his mother. His younger brother wasn't home as he was on a school trip. Eden spotted the shiny black car parked in front of the school building and walked toward it. Harvey was already sitting on the back.

"Hey," Henry greeted him once he took a seat next to him, "How was your morning?"

"Like the rest of them," Eden smiled and looked at Harvey through the rearview mirror. "That girl was pretty," he said.

Harvey scoffed, "Why? Do you want me to introduce you to her?" he rolled his eyes.

"No, thanks," Eden lifted his hand to show him his silver wedding ring.

"Another confession?" Henry chuckled, "The Young Master has a lot of admirers."

"Most of them are girls," Harvey sighed as if he was disappointed, "I'm not interested as long as they don't have dicks," he muttered, making Eden clear his throat and look through the window.

When they arrived at the mansion, the maids welcomed the Young Master and told him someone was waiting for him. Eden recognised Jacob, the guy from the nightclub.

"I missed you," Jacob pulled Harvey's wrist and put his arm around his shoulders, "I haven't seen your room in a while," he smirked at him.

Harvey rolled his eyes and chuckled, "My room or my ass?"

Eden almost choked on his saliva, and he hurried to the dressing room to get changed to his suit. Being Harvey's bodyguard was going to be one hell of a journey.

The next day, Eden walked Leo to school and told him his mum would pick him up at four. As usual, he kissed his cheeks and watched him hug his teacher before entering their classroom. Eden looked around to see if Jack and his men followed them this morning. He was anxious as it was the last day, and he still didn't find a way to get the money. After giving it a few thoughts, Kian's words sounded right to him. He was desperate, and for once, he should give up on his pride and ask for money. Today, he was decided to face Harvey and request his help.

Luck wasn't on his side, it seemed like. Harvey didn't come to class this morning. Unlike him, Eden had to assist all of them. Otherwise, it would be difficult for him to prepare for the exams.

Kian didn't come either. He texted him earlier, saying his mum spent the night vomiting. The chemotherapy side effects were painful.

Harvey woke up until the afternoon as he spent a long night with Jacob. He was used to having sex with him from time to time. Even the maids and the bodyguards in the house knew him well. He didn't feel like having breakfast at home, so he put on a dark purple hoodie, black trousers and a pair of sneakers before he left. He didn't take the car as he wanted to have some fresh air. He ran his fingers in his hair and groaned as he forgot to go to the hair salon. His locks almost reached his shoulders, and he didn't even bother to brush them.

It was four in the afternoon, and he was probably the only one looking for breakfast at this time of the day. He walked between cafés as he checked the menus to find one that would satisfy his stomach. He kept walking in the streets until he spotted a familiar figure.

Harvey scrunched his eyebrows when he saw Leo talking to a man. He didn't look happy at all.

"What the hell?" he muttered and approached them.

"Leave me alone!" Leo yelled at the man. "You're lying. My mum is coming to pick me up."

"I know your mum very well," the man told him, "She's my classmate, and she asked me to pick you up instead because she's busy."

"Liar!" Leo frowned, "Daddy always says not to trust strangers." he crossed his little arms and looked away.

The man wasn't satisfied with his answer, and he looked around before he grabbed his wrists and forced him to walk with him.

Harvey widened his eyes and ran after them, "Motherfucker!"

👔

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