Chapter 006 ~ He is into you

006.

Next day…

Amber, Melissa, and Jack were having lunch in the cafeteria and Melissa didn’t waste time before telling Jack about Axel.

Jack gasped. “I might just be a freshman but the name “Axel King” is gold on campus. Everybody knows him and girls? Fuck, they are always all over him, especially when he plays basketball.”

Melissa giggled. “Not only is he hot and drop dead gorgeous, he is also good at sports and have led this college to numerous victories in his two years of being here,”

Amber smiled. “Axel has always been my golden guy. He is awesome.”

Melissa narrowed her eyes at her. “Girl, you’re swooning.” she chuckled.

Amber sighed.

Just then, Axel walked into the cafeteria, and just like they had said, all eyes were on him in an instant, including hers. There was something about him… about his presence, his aura, that seemed to command the room.

Melissa watched Amber with a smile on her face. No one needed to explain what was going on to her right now. One thing she knew; her best friend has a crush on Axel, her brother’s best friend.

Axel flashed a charming smile as he scanned the cafeteria, his eyes locking onto Amber. Their gazes met, and Amber's cheeks flushed. He winked and began walking toward them.

Melissa nudged Amber. “See? He's got the whole campus under his spell.”

Jack chuckled. “And he knows it.”

Axel approached their table, confidence radiating from him. If one wanted to borrow some confidence, he was a sure plug, because he wears it like Gucci. “Mind if I join?”

Amber quickly shook her head, her ponytail swishing. “No, not at all.”

Axel slid into the empty seat beside her. “Hey, kiddo.” he ruffled her hair, and she bit her lower lip.

“Hey,” Amber replied softly.

Melissa couldn’t help her giggles. “Hi, Axel. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Melissa and this is Jack,” she cleared her throat. “We’re Amy’s best friends.”

Amber raised an eyebrow. She had no idea when her name became Amy, but she kind of liked it.

Axel smiled and shook their hands. “It’s a pleasure to meet you guys.”

Before they could continue eating, Candice walked into the cafeteria, earning looks from the students as well. Immediately Amber saw her, her mood changed and she gritted her teeth.

Now that she had noticed that the lady was also popular, she couldn’t help hating her more. She felt Candice already had everything; popularity, money, connections, good grades-she wasn’t sure about this one but still-a beautiful face.

And the lady had to be so greedy to become Axel’s girlfriend. Her grip on her chopping stick tightened as Candice approached them and planted a kiss on Axel’s forehead.

She turned to face Amber with a smile. “Hello, Amy,” she called, helping herself with a seat.

Amber couldn’t help the bail that rose in her throat. It had sounded sweet when Melissa called her, but it left a bitter taste in her mouth coming from this vixen.

Amber simply nodded and began eating her food. Axel noticed the change in her mood and looked into her plate. There were no shrimps, and he knew she liked them, so he reached into his plate and was about to serve her when Candice held his hand, brought it to her face and ate the shrimp from his fork.

“Mhmm,” she moaned. “This is so delicious, Axel. I want more.” she reached for Axel’s hand, but he slowly pulled away, his entire gaze on Amber, who was trying her best to eat without paying any attention to them.

Melissa noticed the tension and turned to Amber. She discreetly tapped Amber’s lap, and the girl turned to look at her. “Do you wanna get outta here?” she mouthed, but Amber shook her head.

Leaving here wound be admitting defeat, and she wasn’t one to back down from things like this. She was going to make sure Candice regretted every bit of stunt she pulled here today.

“Axel,” Candice whined as she tried to open a canned water bottle. “Could you help me open this? It’s so… ugh!” she groaned.

Before Axel could react, Jack took it from her and opened it. He hated the fact that Candice was making Amber uncomfortable. With a cold smile, he dropped the water in front of her.

Candice’s smile faded immediately, but Axel paid no attention to her. Instead, he looked up to meet Amber’s eyes that were staring at him. He gave her a warm smile. He knew she was yet to acknowledge Candice as his girlfriend-he didn’t want her to either-but this was beyond him.

“Hey, cat eyes, do you wanna come watch my game later?” he asked.

“Of course-“

“Of course I’d love to!” Candice exclaimed. Melissa snorted. This bimbo was annoying, and she was desperately keeping herself from throwing a punch at her face. It was obvious the question wasn’t for her.

Axel frowned. “I was talking to Amber, Candice, and I would appreciate it if you could just eat and stop talking,” he folded his arms. Candice opened her mouth to talk, but couldn’t form any words. She was shocked.

Amber smiled. “Yes, I’d love to come. Basketball, right?” she asked and he nodded. “What time?”

“11:30.”

Amber nodded. “I’ll be there.”

With Candice’s mouth shut, Amber was able to finally enjoy her meal. When they were done, Axel gave her a peck on the forehead and left the cafeteria with Candice running after him.

Melissa turned to face her. “You like him, don’t you?” she asked, an excited glint in her eyes.

Amber was about to talk but Melissa, knowing that she was going to deny it raised her palm to silence her. “Don’t you even try denying it, Amy. It’s written all over you; the way you stare at him, the way you melt when he stares at you, and how jealous you were seeing that stupid bimbo with him… it all comes down to one thing-you are smitten with him.”

Amber bit her lower lip.

Jack snorted. “C’mon, Mel, Axel is her brother’s best friend. There’s no way she’d have feelings for him. They are more like siblings.”

Amber’s smile faded, and so did Melissa’s.

Ouch!

“Shut up!” Melissa scolded him. “Who says she can’t love him? Isn’t he a human being? A hot one for that matter. And they’ve been friends for years. Tell me, wouldn’t you call her a robot if she feels nothing for someone like Axel King?” she chuckled. “Think with your head and not your butt, J.”

Jack rolled his eyes.

Amber sighed. “I can’t deny that I love him, but I wonder if he feels the same way. I shouldn’t even be wondering. He doesn’t feel anything for me. He loves me deeply, but it’s just because he takes me as a sister.” she took in her bottom lip, her expression turning sad immediately.

Melissa shook her head. “You don’t know anything, do you? Don’t tell me that the glasses you wear all the time are preventing you from seeing what is right in front of you?”

Amber raised an eyebrow, confused. “What are you saying?”

“What I’m saying is that he is into you.”

Amber laughed. “Cut the crap, Mel. He has a girlfriend.” she sighed, picking up her books as they walked out of the cafeteria.

Melissa scoffed. “It’s obvious you’re the only one he has eyes for, girl. I saw everything today; the way he looks at you…”

Melissa's words trailed off as they exited the cafeteria. Amber was skeptical, but she was still bent on the fact that he had a girlfriend. If he liked her-like Melissa claimed based on whatever the heck she thought she had observed-he wouldn’t have gotten a girlfriend.

“Mel, he’s got Candice. They’re together,” Amber reiterated, her voice laced with resignation.

Melissa halted, not backing down just yet. “Trust me, Amy. Candice is just a placeholder. Axel’s heart belongs to someone else.”

Amber raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think that?”

“His actions, body language – everything screams ‘uninterested’ when Candice is around. But with you? His entire demeanor changes. He lights up.”

Jack nodded in agreement even though he didn’t want to admit it. “I saw it too. Axel’s different around you, Amber. He is usually so cold to everyone, but he is all smiles with you.”

Amber's doubt lingered. “Even if that's true, he's never indicated romantic interest…and you know why? Because I am his best friend’s sister, so quit the assumptions.”

Melissa grinned mischievously. “Best friend sister, yet he invited you to his game, not Candice exclusively. That's a sign.”

Amber's thoughts whirled. Could Melissa be right? Did Axel truly harbor feelings beyond friendship?

She shook her head to dismiss the thoughts.

“Let’s just go. We’re almost late for lectures.”

~~~~~

THE GAME

Amber walked into the packed gymnasium, scanning for a familiar face. The buzz of excitement filled the air. She spotted Melissa and Jack, waving her over. She had made them leave earlier to secure a spot for her, since she was having a meeting with her advisor.

As she joined them, Axel's team took to the court for warm-ups. Amber's heart skipped a beat watching him move with fluid grace. He was what we call “Perfection!”

“Hey, Amy!” Melissa shouted over the din. “Front row, center! You've got the best view!”

Amber blushed, noticing Candice sitting across the court, her gaze fixed on Axel with an unmistakable pout. She rolled her eyes and looked away, her eyes fixed in only one direction-at only one person-Axel!

The game tipped off, and Axel's prowess mesmerized Amber. Each dunk, each three-pointer, electrified the crowd. She saw the cheerleaders cheering and even saw cards and boards with Axel’s faces on them. Even on the boards, he still looked breathtaking.

She had watched him play basketball with Cole when she was a kid, and had always loved the way he moved, the way his muscles flexed and fuck the way the sweat dripped from his face. Now she was watching him as an adult, and it was even more mesmerizing.

At halftime, Axel jogged towards Amber, sweat-drenched and grinning. “Enjoying the game, cat eyes?”

Amber's cheeks flushed. “You're incredible!”

Axel chuckled, handing her a towel. “Thanks. I've got this for you.” he scribbled an autograph on the towel.

Amber collected and sniffed it. “This is your towel, big guy.”

Axel chuckled. “It’s yours now, little kitten.” he winked at her, causing her to melt in her seat.

Melissa raised an eyebrow, whispering to Jack, “See? I told you. He is such a flirt. It wouldn’t be long before he sweeps her off her feet more than he already has.”

Jack just folded his arms and sighed.

As the second half began, Candice appeared beside Axel, her smile forced. “Hey, baby. You're doing great.”

Axel's response was curt. “Thanks.”

Amber sensed tension. Candice's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking to Amber before returning to Axel.

The game intensified. Axel's team surged ahead. With seconds left, Axel sank a game-winning three-pointer.

Pandemonium erupted as loud screams echoed through the gymnasium. Amber cheered, her eyes locked on Axel's triumphant smile. She screamed louder, jumping to her feet and cheering him on.

As he walked off the court, Candice rushed to congratulate him with a bottle of water, but Axel veered towards Amber, not even knowing she was standing -or maybe he did and just chose to ignore her. “Thanks for coming! You're my lucky charm.”

Amber beamed, handing him the bottle of water she had specially kept for him. “Anytime.”

Candice balled her fists, her gaze fixed on Amber. “Amber.” she seethed and stormed off.