02 - The Ruler's Gaze

Naara taps on Xion's shoulders, inviting disapproving looks from the people currently talking to Xion. She is used to this familiar treatment she always gets from the women enchanted by Xion's friendly charm.

Xion turns then puts his hands on his hips as he stands facing Naara and Hanie.

"Oh my God, where have you been? I nearly died from boredom waiting here," he protests.

Naara snorts in annoyance hearing Xion's words which do not match reality. The guy looks pleased to be able to meet new girls on campus.

"Oh, really? Weren't you having fun with your new girlfriends? Where exactly are you getting bored?" says Naara sarcastically.

Xion awkwardly scratches his neck, while Hanie laughs hearing Naara's quip.

"Don’t sulk. Your face will turn ugly,” Xion teases as he pinches Naara’s nose.

Naara slaps his hand away and rolls her eyes. Xion turns back to the group of beautiful girls he just met, saying goodbyes and promising to talk to them again the next time he sees them around. The girls look disappointed as they stare at Naara in contempt. In turn, Naara ignores the sinister looks she’s getting.

The three of them continue on their mini-tour. They stop by the bleachers of the indoor gym to take a seat. The noisy cheers catch their attention. Xion starts to enthusiastically watch the futsal game, while Naara and Hanie sit to drink and eat the snacks they brought.

Naara’s eyes roam around the large and well-equipped gym. Her gaze stops at a familiar face staring back at her. Naara tries to remember who the man is until her eyes widen.

“Oh, shit!” she cusses as she realizes the identity of the man sitting surrounded by three girls. Xion doesn’t seem to hear her, while Hanie who sits next to her turns to look at her.

“What’s wrong?” asks Hanie confused.

Naara gestures at Hanie to follow her gaze and the blonde girl curses as she understands what Naara meant.

“Shit! Why is Adelrado staring this way with that look? Don't tell me, he’s got his eyes on you,” Hanie hisses.

“You know, when Adelrado Cetta Early stares at you closely and sharply like this, there are two possibilities.” Hanie pauses and Naara frowns as she waits for Hanie to continue.

“What possibilities?” asks Naara curiously.

Hanie sucks her soft drink empty. Then she turns fully to Naara.

“The first possibility, it’s because he hates the person, and he’s getting ready to absolutely demolish them. The second possibility is he wants something from them, which he will get at all costs. He’s a cruel and dangerous player. He doesn’t care if you’re a man or a woman when you have business with him, so be ready to be thrown to hell. I hope you don’t get involved with him, Naara. It’s absolutely terrifying,” Hanie explains in length and detail.

Naara shudders listening to her words. She remembers what happened in the toilet just a few hours ago. She prays in her heart to not get in trouble with the cruel lecher. She’s not ready to fall into hell on earth. The man has a sweet smile on his face, enchanting everyone who looks at him so their brains and hearts stop working properly. It’s no wonder he can easily seduce any woman he wants without even trying, Naara included. The woman has to admit that the handsome Adelrado has his own undeniable charm. Adelrado really fits the nickname of a handsome devil.

“I don’t like his smile,” Naara mumbles, contradicting the true content of her heart which praises the bastard’s handsome face. Xion turns and sits his butt right next to Naara.

“What are you talking about, hm? Whose smile do you not like?” Xion asks curiously.

Hanie answers his question. “Adelrado. That guy over there sitting surrounded by three girls. He’s a campus alumnus and I heard he’s going to get his doctorate. He’s a successful billionaire in Germany. He's the biggest sponsor of this campus. He’s very dangerous, so don’t go looking for trouble with him if you don’t want to be sorry and ruined.” she explains to Xion.

“I don’t even care who he is and I have no interest in getting involved with him,” says Naara as she grips her bottle of mineral water.

“That’s good. I also hope you don’t fall in love with him. It’s better to look for other men-- ah right! Don’t tell me you already have an ideal man who you’re aiming for this whole time?” Hanie teases, her words disturbing Xion who is quietly listening.

Naara glares at Hanie who smiles teasingly at her. Xion looks at Naara closely.

“You have someone you like? Do I know the guy? Why didn’t you tell me?” Xion prattles at Naara.

Naara looks down as she tries to stabilize her rowdy heartbeats. Should she be honest on her feelings for Xion now? But what will happen if she tells him the truth? Their friendship will be ruined if they fight as a couple just like what usually happens to other people, right? Naara doesn’t want to lose Xion. She is even willing to hold back her feelings just to keep this friendship between the two of them.

“No one! Hanie is just teasing me. She’s just joking. Isn’t that so, Han?” Naara prays for Hanie to go along with her, but the girl with cute dimples just remains quiet and smiles mysteriously.

Xion is dissatisfied by Naara’s answer. He feels like his best friend is hiding something from him. Why can’t the girl be open with him regarding this matter?

Xion hates being curious. He’s going to try and find out, look for information on which lucky guy his best friend has a crush on. His heart is disturbed restless, but he chooses to stay quiet.

☆☆☆

Adelrado can’t wait to tease her next plaything. The woman is quite interesting. She has a beautiful face, her lips which are quite thick look sexy, and her body shape is quite proportional. She can easily enter the list of Adelrado’s girlfriend candidates, but before that, he needs to make sure whether she deserves it or she is the same as the other cheap girls who come to him to offer themselves freely.

“So, what time should I go to the hotel tonight?” asks the blonde woman running her hand on Adelrado’s chest.

The man glances sharply at the hand resting on his chest. The other woman sitting below him is caressing the family jewels tucked neatly in his pants. This is disgusting to Adelrado. Too cheap, there is no challenge at all. Their self-respect can be bought with money, or even with a hot kiss. Adelrado harshly jerks away from the women’s roaming hands. He’s starting to feel nauseous and disgusted by their worsening behavior.

“Stay away from me, bitch! Don’t get close anymore, or I’ll destroy every single one of you. You’re sickening me,” Adelrado snaps.

The women stand and swallow hard. It looks like Adelrado isn’t in a good mood. They quickly run off before the man yells again and starts doing horrible things to them.

Adelrado’s hands clench hard as his clear blue eyes stare at his next toy walking away with another man who doesn’t match her in any way.

“I’m going to destroy anyone who stands in my way,” Adelrado hisses. The man stands, he would rather go to his company building than wasting more time sitting on campus.