“Nina, over here!” A cheery voice catches my attention as I enter the cafeteria. I look at the corner of the room and there is Clarence, waving his hand at me. I smile, almost hesitantly, giving a slight wave in return. I feel like after I did it, eyes are still looking at me. I’m not sure whether Clarence was right about me being a transfer student or…it’s something more than that. As I make a beeline towards his table, I haven’t expected him to be alone. I don’t usually judge people based on the book of its cover but normally, people like Clarence Benz are usually the center of attention. So he should be surrounded by a lot of friends, right? “I save a seat for you.” “Thank you,” I nod and sit across from him. No matter what I think, maybe my gut feeling is wrong. Clarence might genuinely want to befriend me without anything in return. But the funny feeling I felt earlier is still there when I sit down. “So, are you getting used to the school here? How is it differen
TRIGGER WARNING: Assault Since I’m short, capturing me is an easy feat. Former bullies from Freedomville High take advantage that I am more of an easier target than Gene. So I became more alert at all times, relying more on my feet to get away from them. However, a large hand gripped my arm before I could move another step and immediately dragged me inside. At that moment, I knew I had no chance of escape. My legs won't help me this time. I was stupid enough to let my guard down just because I am now studying in a different school. As I am being forced to get inside, I continue to struggle to loosen the tight grip, my other hand grabs his grip and my nails pierce its skin. “Oh, a nice strategy you got there, Nina.” A familiar voice behind me whispers next to my ear. “Too bad that I have high resistance to pain like that.” I freeze on the spot, my struggling wavers as my mind slowly processes the situation. “Clarence,” I utter his name before turning to face him, whose
I just keep running. I don’t know why I just keep running. Even though Clarence and his friends never attempt a cat-and-mouse chase. Even though Clarence intentionally let me escape, even though I knew deep down that what he did was a scare tactic.But despite that, I run.I don’t know where I am going. I just run straight without stopping. Curious passersby stare at me with wonder and sometimes I almost got hit by approaching cyclists.A few quick apologies here and there if I bump someone but I don’t stop.Once I am finally out of breath, I put myself into a sudden halt. Wobbly legs restrict me from going further and I am panting a lot, as I walk slowly to the wall next to a Japanese-looking restaurant and lean my back on it.While trying to catch my breath, my mind that was once numb from running, like a fleeting adrenaline rush, yet,While trying to catch my breath, my mind was once numb from running, like a fleeting adrenaline rush, yet it reverts me back to my own thou
Warning: implied abuse“C-could you get him, please?”“Daddy says not to interrupt them when they are in the basement.”“P-please, Rupert,” I start begging, as my whole body trembles. “I-it’s important!”“But daddy will get mad at me, too. And Gene deserves it because he didn’t—”“School work!” I suddenly exclaimed as this idea just came spur of the moment. “I need your brother because of school work! We have a school project coming up for tomorrow! Your dad won’t mind if I borrow him, right?”There is a slight hesitation from the other line and I know that I am actually pressuring a seven-year-old kid to do my bidding. But Gene’s safety matters first.Finally, he says, “Okay, I’ll tell daddy.”“Thank you!” And I smile in relief.Then I hear a soft thud of the phone being dropped on something concrete. Sounds of footsteps become distant while Rupert’s voice calls out for his father until it disappears.All I need to do is wait.But…How come Gene is back in the basement? The
“Uh… Gene?” I pale a bit as soon as I hear the phone warning tone informing me that my battery juice is soon going to run out in a few seconds. “I’m not at Luca’s place so we can continue after I charge my phone, okay?”“...sure.” Apparently, our conversation made it worse for his voice.Right after we ended the call, the phone battery died. Perfect timing, I must say.I sigh and I look at the pink shirt that is placed next to me. O-oh, right. I forgot about that. I take off my blazer in a swift moment before putting on the pink shirt. Just as I suspected, it is just like one of my oversized hoodies.Then I put on my blazer back.As I stand up, I give a sideways glance to see the restaurant owner who is wiping the counter with a rag.“I’m sorry you have to witness that.”“It’s okay. I’m just glad that you cried with your heart’s content because you were seriously lost earlier,” the restaurant owner chuckles as he pats on my head. “Glad you’re feeling better now.”“T-Thank yo
It’s strange, really. I don’t normally faint in front of anyone, let alone in front of Gene and my mom.But looking back, I had signs of losing consciousness on my first day of school: with Clarence and his warning, about Gene’s situation and well, Luca.Speaking of Luca, I remember the events before fainting, I made a stupid move, right? Like some kind of soap opera stunt that only happens if it’s intentional...yet, once again, I made a fool of myself landing on him right AFTER he helped me out.I won’t blame him if he finally snaps from any rationality and decides to kick me out. I mean he was forced to be my guardian, right?I finally lift my eyes open, the once blurry vision slowly returns back to normal. And I see an unfamiliar ceiling that doesn’t seem the same as my bedroom.The first thing that registers in my mind is the sound of boiling water then the faint aroma that I find it hard to decipher.“W-where am I?” I ask myself.“Oh, kid, you’re finally awake.”My head
Last night’s talk made me so motivated that I barely even slept a wink till morning. I couldn’t even call Gene when I finally charged my phone. A text message was sent to me hours ago stating that he was feeling sleepy after we had that “call”.I feel really sleep-deprived, the red lines on both eyes clearly provide its proof. And well, luckily with my eye pad, it can hide the other one. Well, unfortunately after the excessive rubbing back at the Japanese restaurant, the bruised eye seems to get worse thanks to that.I have another uniform ready for today’s class, after all, Rodrigo had a set of six uniforms when I arrived. I guess he really has a habit of having things ready. Even before proposing to my mom, even with the school enrollment.Speaking of which, I haven’t talked about Sebastian Jacques to Yu last night. Yesterday’s incident overwhelmed me and I keep forgetting things. I’ll make a mental note to ask him this in person.And when I open the door from the bedroom,
“It doesn’t make sense.” I shake my head. “You hate me because I resemble someone you despise?” In fact, that’s the most immature thing I’ve ever heard.Well, we’re high schoolers. But still…even all of his reasons are nothing but childish. But then again, all of my bullies have been nothing but that.“But now you know,” he simpers, as he stands up.“You said that you forced students to quit this school, the academy w-wouldn’t surely just ignore this.”“Oh, right, of course, you don’t know,” he says as he hums. “Since you clearly have no idea about family names, I guess I’ll explain it to you.”“You know that times have changed and brick-and-mortars are slowly decreasing in popularity due to the great demand of digital marketing.”“But old traditions must continue. After all, it keeps the balance out. Once a problem arises, the beauty of innovation is to take advantage by being the solution.”Clarence seems to enjoy giving monologues, I assume that’s the case after having thr
NINA“Are you sure you’ll be okay, Nina?”I nod as I squeeze his hands. “What’s more important is that you have to check up on her. She needs a friend.”“Thank you, babe,” he says, showing off his dazzling smile. “Should I call Yu to catch up with you?”He shakes his head. “It’s best not to let him know yet. Heather wouldn’t be pleased if I inform Yu about…this.”“Why?”He gives a sheepish smile. “Let’s just say Yu and Heather have some kind of history.”I guess that would mean it is something Luca has no right to intervene between them. “Well, I don’t want to take your time. I h-hope she’s fine, Luca. I really do.”There is a pregnant pause before he gives an upheave sigh. “I sure hope so.”I get off from the car as I am greeted with the apartment that I go to every single day. I know it’s been a week since I’ve seen the place but it brings a nostalgic feeling compared to my home in Freedomville.After I bid Luca goodbye, I head straight upstairs without any luggage as they are all
NINAIn the end, we didn’t leave the ship to see the islands Luca spoke fondly of. Instead, we overstayed in the private suite, enjoying the feeling of sex as I continue craving for it more.I don’t know what got me to do this. I’ve never considered sex as something I would enjoy. Those talks among my peers should repulsed me but now after experiencing it for the first time with the first man I’ve been infatuated with, I relish every single moment of our lovemaking.Because both of us know once we end our week vacation, we have to return to reality. And as time flies fast, we are now at Luca’s private jet heading straight to Dawn City. It will take seven hours to reach there, so we spend our time fooling around inside my room.And after the days spent with our whirlwind of sexual intercourse, we are sprawling on the bed, snuggling under the bed sheet cover as we view the night sky outside of Europe.“From the scale of 1 to 5, how would you describe our trip?” He asks while stroking m
LUCAShe’s so beautiful. Hot.Amazing.And so right for me.Men in Freedomville are foolish enough to break her self-esteem, rendering her oblivious to her own beauty. Because all the flaws I’ve seen in her—her shyness, her clumsiness, everything about her are endearing. She brings the light to my mundane, busy life. Who could have thought that my goal for perfection means nothing when I’m content with her by my side?Nina Caulfield, the original source of my conflict with my family.Yet, here we are: naked, shamelessly exposed under the bright light of the bedroom VIP suite as our bodies entangled together. I continue devouring her lips—to entice, nib, bite and suck–while not letting go even before undressing her.“Hn!” She breaks off the kiss, pulling herself away the moment I bite her lower lip hard. I unlatch our embrace as her heated body drops back on bed, her swollen lips gracefully sunder, catching her breath. As she takes a moment of rest, I take this as an opportunity t
NINA “He disappeared?” I repeat his words as a cold sweat drops from my cheek. The noise of the gym has long in deaf ears as the news slowly absorbs in my mind. “Then his company?” He shakes his head. “His company is being operated by the one which was being sold by Lucille. I don’t know which one, as the Milano family hide everything for the sake of their reputation.” Oh God. All of these happened to Luca before I met him. And to top it all up, my mother’s involvement with his dad took a huge toll on him. “Why are you telling me this, Anton?” Unfortunately, he ignores me as his attention is elsewhere. Anton’s eyes flicker as soon as his eyes wander back to the exit. As I turn, both of us can see Luca’s figure heading back to us. “Anyway, it’s best not to ask him unless he brings it up. But then again, it’s up to you, Nina. If you want to continue dating him, you have to consider all of these…” He pauses before he gives me a worried smile before patting my shoulder. “If his
NINAJust as suspected, Anton is at the sports center playing soccer with other men of different ages. When he sees me, his face brightens as he beams.“NINA!” He bellows. He excuses himself in the middle of the game as he makes a beeline from the crowd of sweaty men as he runs closer to see me.However, when his eyes wander to see the tall figure next to me, he stiffens and his legs unconsciously wobble and step backwards.I shoot Luca a glare. “Are you glaring at him?”“No, but you’re obviously scaring the poor lad with yours,” he says while giving a toothy grin. I sigh as I step forward and get closer to Anton. “Hi, Anton. Luca has something to tell you, if you don’t m-mind hearing him out.”Anton remains hesitant but hasn’t left his spot. It’s a good sign, I guess? But it gives Luca an opportunity to step forward with his long leg, stretches his hand and smiles. “We got off the wrong foot due to my poor judgment the other day, so I am here to apologize for my words.”With reluct
NINA“Are you listening, Nina?”I absent-mindedly nod as I smile, sheepishly. "C-can't we take a break, Luca?”"Not until we solve this formula. It's not that hard."“E-easy for you to say! This one has no numbers at all!”“Quadratic equations is being taught in middle school, we need to learn this first before you dive into Calculus.”Once again, Luca is in his teacher mode. He has been aching to lecture me about it since he has sworn an oath to Yu not to skip lessons while we’re on our trip. Besides, he’s more than happier to retake the mantle as my tutor.The tutorial session is the same as usual. We talk like we used to and he has been both strict and patient during today’s session. Well, except for one thing.Luca's arms wrap around my waist—which I notice he enjoys doing,as his lips give playful kisses on my neck. I shiver the moment his breath touches my skin and moan a bit as his lips touch there."L-Luca! I thought we weren't going to have a break!" The blush on my cheeks be
CLARENCE“Gene Sullivan? I’ve heard that you’re looking for me.” He’s all skinny bones.The first thing that comes to my mind the moment he turns, facing me with bandages nearly covering up his face.Seeing him in a dire state, I visibly flinch, and upon closer inspection, the bruises, especially the cut lip, the dampness of his bandaged head and a visible black eye on his left, are pretty much recent.His uninjured eye gazes at me and I’m visibly surprised that there is this intensity of his stare—instead of a victim of violence and abuse, he has the air of a soldier combating his enemy. A fighter, to sum it up. “Clarence, right? Nina talks about you from time to time.”Ah, this answers my speculation, all right. He is the “fake boyfriend”.I smile before giving an affirmative nod. “Well, I’m glad my name is mentioned from her very own lips. It’s an honor especially that she values you as her best friend. Pleasure to finally meet you, Gene Sullivan.” I extend my hand, implying comm
NINA If there is one way to phrase out how I am feeling, it should have been the feeling of bliss. Pure happiness of experiencing lovemaking from the man whom you were attracted to for a long while. Or so I thought. Sore from down below, I couldn't get up after waking up in the morning. My back even aches and the different positions Luca suggested during the second round was the cause of this. It was a miracle that I could adjust to his size and his stamina but…oh dear Lord, why the heck is he so big? Speaking of Luca, he wasn't around when I woke up. But he has cleaned me, seeing that I am wearing an oversized dress and my body is no longer drenched with sweat and err–semen. Okay, no more dirty thoughts, Nina. You’ve already done the deed last night. And seriously, how did he manage to change the bed sheets? Was I really that deep in my sleep to be unaware of my surroundings? There is a knock before Luca returns with a tray of breakfast and a plastic bag hanging on his wr
NINA It was so sudden. Earlier we were arguing, an unreasonable banter that riled me up until I wanted to be alone due to this sour mood. But now, after his revelation and his desire for me, I couldn’t lose this chance. I would be too embarrassed to admit that since I caught his lovemaking with Heather, I…was envious. And that desire outgrew my envy as relief washes over my guilt. This desire that I wanted from Luca, the man who could bring these emotions within me. Not Yu, not Clarence and not even Gene. Luca is the only one who could challenge me, who could bring out these foreign emotions bottled up in me. My greediness to have him as mine. As we lie on the bed, our passionate kisses heighten the heat right through between my legs. It’s different when I had my first kiss with him—his drunken self not too long ago. This isn’t a drunken mistake anymore. I am being embraced by the sobered Luca right now. His hands wander around my skin, exploring as his warm fingertips