1. How I meet you

Xavion

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The strong wind blew her golden brown curly hair onto my face as she opened the door. I couldn't help but notice her beautiful and unique scent, something that only a woman can possess. 

Although I dislike strong perfumes, Quinn's scent has left a lasting impression on me. Even when my eyes are closed, I can still detect her fragrance.

Every day, as she passed by, I would secretly steal glances at her. Her smile had a way of brightening up my day, and her laughter was like a symphony to my ears. Without a doubt, she was one of the most stunning girls on campus, and her family background had earned her quite a reputation.

"Aren't you sick of watching her from this far?" Hendrix said behind me. And now, the two of us secretly look at her from this distance.

Her familiar friends surround her. The usual ones that I see every day.

"Aren't you going to introduce yourself to her? If you have an interest in her, Xav, it may be worthwhile to introduce yourself. Remember, you are just as valuable as anyone else, regardless of their family background." He said and stood before me, making me unable to see Quinn's face.

"Go ahead and be a man. Do you need me to assist you?" he offered.

I shook my head and took a deep breath. "No thanks, man. It's not really my thing," I fibbed.

As I was about to leave, my attention was drawn back to her upon noticing Dominic Montadamme approaching her direction.

"I see. Now it makes sense," he said, looking in the same direction as me. 

"Don't worry about Dominic, Xav. He's just a bad guy from a low-class mafia family. There's no need to be afraid of him." He laughed.

"I have no interest in getting involved and prefer to avoid trouble. I really don't want my father to go through the trouble of transferring me to another university or, even worse, sending me to the other side of the world."

"Sure," he replied while giving my shoulder a friendly pat. "It's great to have you here in Dalton. It's a relief to be away from our chaotic families." He chuckled.

Upon noticing Dominic's arms wrapped around Quinn, I quickly averted my gaze. Though he had spotted us from a distance, I chose not to acknowledge his presence and turned my focus elsewhere.

ONE time it was raining heavily. I decided to wait until the rain stopped. I looked around while sitting inside my car. Most of the students got wet, but soon enough, they found shelter.

As I looked around, I spotted Quinn standing near the mini-food shop. A few students were with her, but gradually, they all left, leaving Quinn standing alone. From what I can see, it appears that she is awaiting the arrival of the family driver, who will be picking her up.

I remained in my car, discreetly observing her from a few meters away. The tinted windows of my vehicle concealed me from view, and I was uncertain if she noticed my presence.

To make it right, I took my umbrella out of the compartment. It's a foldable one. It will help her not to get wet.

I shut the car door as soon as I'm out. The shower of rain gives me a cold chill. The wind is slightly cold, but I feel warm and nervous. I bit my lower lip, and finally, I stood next to her. She didn't look at me.

"E-Excuse me?" I stammered and swallowed hard when our eyes met. I'm partially wet, and I don't mind it.

Her eyes beamed, giving me an intensifying feeling. I just realized that this is no longer an infatuation. It has come to a different level that I didn't expect to happen to me.

"I-I've got an umbrella. You can use it," I offered.

She looked at it and looked back at me.

"Uhm, it's alright. I'm waiting for my driver," in her soft voice.

"I see. . ." I nodded and looked down at my wet shoes. Her shoes were also soaked, but it wasn't bad compared to mine.

"You can use that. I'm okay. It looks like you need it more than me," she smiled.

"I-I'm fine. I have my car with me," I said, gazing toward my car's location.

She just smiled and nodded. "He's got an emergency. My driver already texted me. I told him that I would wait," she explained. 

Now I understand why she's waiting longer than the days she's here.

"Then, I will accompany you if you don't mind. Do you want some coffee?" I offered. I'm hoping she will take this offer from me.

"Do you have some cash? Unfortunately, I have no money with me. I only have my card, and this coffee shop only accepts cash."

"Yes, I have. It's my treat."

I couldn't help but smile and feel my heart flutter as she shook her head, her own smile lighting up everything around her. It was as if her smile was a radiant sun that made the rain disappear from my world.

"Quinn Isabeau Langley." She stretched out her hand, and I looked at it.

Of course, I already know her name. I've been watching her since I moved into this university. She's four years younger than me.

"Xavion Xavier Mondragon," I said and took her hand for a handshake. Her hand was cold. It's the opposite of mine.

"Shall we?" I continued.

"Sure."

We get inside, and this is how our little secret begins. 

She thought I was the son of the gardener in our mansion. So that's how I introduced myself to her. I need to do it, or she will never pay attention to me. I've heard that she's picky when it comes to selecting friends. She only had one girlfriend, Sasha was her name, and Dominic, with his gang, was the only male I saw most of the time around her.

I'm good at math, in line with my course—a civil engineering student in my last year. Ten more months, then it will be over.

"Can you tutor me? I'm not good as you," she sweetly looked into my eyes. I'm finishing her sketch plan design assignment.

"Sure," I sweetly responded.

She looped her hands around my arm and tilted for a stare.

"I'm so lucky to have a friend like you, Xav. You've got all the qualities a woman wants to have," in her lovely stare.

My jaw tightened with a smile. My heart pounded damn heavy fast as if it would come out of my chest.

"And I'm lucky to have you too," I said in silence, enough for her not to hear what I just said.

She stood up and stretched her body. I looked at her. Her body sways in both directions, and I can't take my eyes away from her.

"You know what. I have a good place for us to meet in secret. It's a little awkward here. Someone might see us. I'm not comfortable with the place."

I cleared my throat and stood up. My right leg started to get numb because of my position. The table was too low, closer to the concrete floor, and had no space to stretch out. We are only hiding on the rooftop of the engineering building. Students are not allowed in this area, but somehow, I found an exit enough for our bodies to get in and out.

"I don't want to get expelled if they catch us. Especially you. You are in your last year. I can't wait to see you finish and be called an engineer."

I shook my head and smiled a little bit. She's sweet and as beautiful as her name.

"We won't get caught, Quinn," I confidently said.

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C.M. LOUDEN