As I was having a race with my breaths, I was still trying my best to run back to where I met that stranger a while ago. Just thank Lady Luck after Miss Acosta spared me until midnight to pay for my bills!
I need to meet that guy once again in order to reconsider my refusal. I stopped right in front of a Pharmacy since this was the place where that person talked to me. His face could not be seen anymore.
I wandered my eyes all over the place until a familiar voice greeted me from behind. Even my shoulders jumped in surprise.
"You came back here, what a surprise!" he reacted with a single clap. It's obvious that he expected. I walked near him who was chilling on the black car he's leaning at.
"I'm too glad you're still here!" I stated with a relief. He shrugged arrogantly. "You know, I won't just leave here as long as I have a reason to stay longer."
I knitted my brows on him. That just implied that he's still here because this guy's expecting for me to come back.
I pursed my lips. "Anyway, about the wager you're talking about back then? You're offering me, am I right?"
He snapped his finger on my face. "Oh, so you came back to take your words of refusal?"
Eh? As if that's not his reason to stay here. I just cleared my throat and nodded. "Y-Yeah. But do not misunderstand. I'm not the type of person who seeks for money through betting or gambling."
I stared at his plain jetblack eyes seriously. "I just have no choice than to accept this offer you suggested. Bills have been pressuring me and my allowance won't be enough."
His thin lips shaped na 'o' and nodded. "Oh, that sounded really exhausting. By the way, those bills were added to your depression, right?"
I looked away and nodded. "S-Sort of. So mind considering that I accepted this wager you said. If ever this isn't a scam!"
Right! What if this is just a huge fraudulent trip to target the likes of me?! Then my problems will become heavier!
"Oh, no, no!" The guy confidently shook his head with his index finger risen up. "I'm not the type to play tricks on someone who looks problematic like you, Miss. So mind if I hear you out why you wanted to deal with this wager collaboration with me?"
He even leaned down just to level his face into me. I shyly looked away. "I have a lot of payments to fulfill and my necessities in living need to be solved as well. And this betting stuff you offered was the most convenient way for me to look for money."
He then stood up firmly as he motioned his hand to me. "Hm, your reason is somwhat considerable to take this risk of gambling."
"Let me introduce myself by the way." I gazed at him when he said that. "I'm Mezakiel Art Soren. Your reliable conspirator in this Wager Collaboration Contract."
All the things went slow again when I gently threw him a glance of surprise and curiosity. He's serious about this?! A collaboration contract for the bet?!
I accepted his hand, my lips just played a curve by itself. "I'm Karin Ruiz. Willing to conspire with you for this game of betting."
"Well then! Things have been dealt so all we have to do is to win it!" he announced as if he's being flown by happiness. I tilted my head on him. "Then, where are we going to hold the game for winning? You seemed to be sure that we'll win as well."
This guy named Mezakiel was proud of himself for winning. Betting was a kind of gamble or game where players side each of the two choices and whoever wins will receive a reward that has been given by the opponent.
Mezakiel only scratched his head. "Where, what?"
Eh? I faked a smile on him. He's not playing a joke, wasn't he?
"What do you mean, 'where what'? This is a bet so we're going to play it somewhere. We'll win the money!" I explained to him but Mezakiel just crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "That's right. That's how we'll play it but you won't just win the reward today or tomorrow!"
"Whaaat?!" I reacted that even some passersby looked at our direction. "What do you mean we won't receive the reward if we win today?! I need it now!"
Mezakiel didn't bother to answer me yet he calmy walked, heading towards my place. "Tell something, Mezakiel! Just be sure that none of your words were scam!"
He waved his hands on me which made me glare at his back. "Nah, I swear it to you. For now, let me pay your bills in exchange of your continuation to our collaboration."
"What? What's your point of doing that? My reason to participate was to solve my bill-problems and you're going to answer it for me?" I asked and my voice sounded really curious and confused. Mezakiel bowed his head while walking.
"Listen! This wager we dealt about is a long-term play. You wouldn't just start and end it within an hour. So, if you will let me pay your personal bill today, you will be spared by your problems." My shoulders jumped when he pointed me. "In exchange, we'll continue the collaboration."
All I did was to silence myself while thinking. Thinking whether I will take my words of conspiring again, or I won't let him pay my rent for the apartment and the rest needs. Aside from reassuring if this Mezakiel tells no lie, come to think that if I will decline his offer, I will be found sleeping on the street later.
I let out a heavy sigh and glared at nowhere. I should just have borrowed money from my classmates or any acquaintances I know.
Whatever.
"I'll just adopt money from you, then," I whispered to him but I know, Mezakiel heard it.
"Hm?" he exclaimed. You heard it! Don't pretend!
"You know. You're still a stranger so it's not easy to lend a money to someone you just met a while ago. Let's just say I will borrow money from you," I added for the sake of clarifying. While strolling, Mezakiel Art snapped his fingers, still giving deadly glares at nowhere.
"What made you clarify that? Of course the case is you, borrowing money to me for now. And then you'll be able to pay me back once we win the money on the wager!" He's really determined to play on this kind of stake we got involved into. Just how catchy was the reward for someone like him?
"I could pay you in another way! Not on the gambling way!" I informed him but Mezakiel confidently showed his palm to me.
"Na-ah. Then if that's your way. I won't let you borrow my money!" He's really tricky. Mezakiel Art Soren, he's the type of guy who could make the negotiation run under his control.
And right at this moment, I have no choice than to agree. Miss Acosta's waiting for me to come back with my payment. If he will solve my payments, I will just cooperate with this long-term kind of stake and the problem won't be a deal any longer.
I guess I had no other way.
I borrowed a huge amount of money from Mezakiel meaning I won't be sleeping outside. Yet, our deal was our deal.
Just how did Mezakiel carry such a cash with him right now? As if he did bring a lot of money for an important purpose. He's suspicious!
I already thanked him and we're both eating on a fastfood chain. Of course, it should be this guy's treat yet he didn't whine. Look who's giving sudden proper treatment!
I took a sip on my juice as I planted a stare on Mezakiel. "So, would you mind explaing how this gamble works and why does it have to be played in a longer period of time?"
He coughed like how a formal businessman coughs when starting a conversation. My first impression to him was like a type of guy who would never talk to anyone. As if Mezakiel's the person who wouldn't bother himself on talking to unnecesarry people. His deadly gazes were killing people's thoughts off as well!
"We're now participating a kind of stake where the both of us were the gamblers who conspired to win." He raised his index finger. "But we won't just be gamblers by name, we need to take risk and efforts to succeed."
I creased my eyebrows on him. "I know that, but what kind of risks and efforts?"
Mezakiel gently rested his head on his hand over the table and smirked at me. Like something took his excitement, his interest!
"In order to win, you just need to become Mr. Aspen Medina's official girlfriend."
It felt as if I was teleported to the coldest place in the world when Mezakiel told that the gamble was all about me and Aspen ending up together. That's how Mezakiel and I will win."S-Stop lying around me! Are you sure that the name you mentioned will be our target to win?!" I shouted and even slammed the table. I also took some customers' attention. "Why do you know his name?!"Mezakiel shrugged his shoulders, looking like he's no idea. "Why do I know? Me, lying around you? Hey, listen." I automatically shut my mouth and leaned backward when Mezakiel pointed at me with his glaring eyes. "Remember that we're players here. Cooperate and stop reacting into every information I say, Aspen Medina was the mentioned target that you're suppose to end up with."I flinched in surprise and wrinkled my nose at him. I don't get why this guy knew Aspen but it's obvious that Mezakiel discovered Aspen's existence as the game manager mentioned. The pers
Since I took a step inside the Academy, a lot of heavy glances and stares darted on me. They looked at me like it's their first time seeing a newly-discovered creature. But that's not my issue here, they reacted like that with their thoughts that I finally made physical improvements after getting rejected by Aspen.What would I expect? It's impossible for people to ignore me with my red showy outfit. Thanks to that great supporter of this game, Mezakiel Art Soren.While heading straight to the classroom, I could not help but to roam my eyes around just in case Aspen's existence could be reached. I just hope this strategy would work on him."A-AAH! K-Karin?!" I stopped from walking when a surprised girl dashed near me. She was very startled to see me on this dress."A-Are you sure you're fine?! Maybe you're sick," Coraline worriedly consulted as she put her hand on my forehead. I took her hand off and confidently walked ahead.
To be honest, I could still manage to walk and carry the books with me despite committing a bit headache yet here we are. Aspen insisted to bring me at the clinic after we put the books to the faculty."I'm fine. You don't need to waste your time aiding my head here," I repeated but Aspen was lending deafened ears. That ball's impact was not even enough to lose my consciouness off. Although I was slightly walking in zigzag with the books and Aspen was behind me, watching if I ever lose balance.In the end, I succeeded from heading here with him since he insisted. Aspen's too worried, I just wanted to go home and squeal like the luckiest girl in town.I wast sitting on a minobloc chair while Aspen's busy finding the pain reliever ointment from the first aid kit."Here, close your eyes and lean sideward," he ordered with a gentle voice. My lips even trembled in startlement when Aspen leaned closer to my face.I could cle
I started to panic when his knocks on the door became faster. My heart pulsed like it's about to win the race when I didn't know what to do.And what I should settle right now is to hide Mezakiel. After fidgeting my fingers on my lap, I rapidly pulled Mezakiel's wrist while he was busy munching the cookie."H-Hey! You're too rough!" he complained but I marched him towards my bedroom then pushed him inside. He was very shocked that I'll lock him there. "W-Wait, slow down. You're very early for this."What?! What is he talking about?! He's aware that Aspen's here so he must cooperate."Shh! You're too loud and I'm dragging you to hide there, that's all!" I replied with a worried tone but Mezakiel lied down on my bed as he waved his hand."Bye bye, then!" This guy! He's not even worried that Aspen will see him here, in my apartment. I closed the door and immediately opened the main door for Aspen.And, right.
No one talked and Coraline didn't change the mad but curious expression on her face. I was just stucked, thinking what to answer and Mezakiel's waving his brows as if he's now counting on me.Who would expect that we'll get caught by someone who knows Aspen here?! Alright, Karin. Calm down and be practical by just dropping a handy lie.I faced Coraline who was glaring and tapping her foot on the floor. "I thought you're deeply in love with Aspen but you're already having a backup boyfriend!"I performed a facepalm and sighed. She's overreacting by saying that. And I need to explain."And who are you to stick yourself in Aspen and Karin!" Coraline added and Mezakiel even stepped bckward."No, Coraline! What are you saying? Calm down. He's my, my cousin!" I lied and looked at Mezakiel who was really, really shocked. That was the only way she'll believe us!Coraline pouted. "Cousin, huh? He's just
Coraline and I both made it to the Party venue and the bright and loud place welcomed us. There were lots of people and all of them were familiar since most of them were students from the Academy. "You sure you're going to be fine? Just enjoy, now that we're free to attend you know!" Coraline even whipped my back that I got even pushed away. I guess I'll try to enjoy. Especially when Aspen's shadow appears here, tonight. I nodded at her and grinned. "I will, you don't need to worry. Enjoy too!" "Pft, Karin! You're looking for him, aren't you?" I raised my brows on her. Acting like she's wrong but yes, she red my mind. "What? It's not like that. But honestly, I'm expecting for him to arrive." Coraline chuckled loudly as she continued walking. "Nah~ he will absolutely come. Want to look for him?" "No! We went here to enjoy the party!" I responded. But it's a half lie for
I couldn't stand this anymore! We've been frozen in the same position ever since Aspen dragged me in his car with him."What's going---""Shh!" Aspen swiftly covered my mouth with his hand and he hushed, drawing his face near my face. "I'm pretty sure she noticed us earlier so we must be sure that she won't catch us."His face was so close to me, I could almost feel his breaths. And I wanted to take his hand off of my face or else I will be caught burning in hot blushes! This is also embarassing.Still, I gently pulled his hand away from my face and Aspen noticed that he's been covering my it for so long. "Oh, I'm sorry. I jusy overreacted from... from her arrival."I heaved a very heavy sigh when Aspen drew himself farther. At last, a space."Who is she? I mean, why are we hiding ourselves from her?" I asked Aspen and tried to take a peek from the outside. Actually, I was preventing him to see
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Miss Karin Ruiz! My name is Maddison Flores," the nice-looking girl said, properly introducing herself because she's also lending her hand to me. I would look rude if I wouldn't accept it so we shook hands.A volt of electricity struck through our hands when they touched each other. Who would feel so calm here? I am actually facing the real girl I met by the mall. I was introducing myself to that girl who bought the same off-shoulder outfit like what I had bought! Maddison Flores. She's giving me the suspicious vibe.I gulped. "I'm pleasee to meet you too. And your twin sister Amanda," I shyly responded with a chuckle. We looked at the boyish girl or Maddison's twin sister.She's giving me her deadly glares right now. What did I do?"Oh my, pardon for my sister's cold treatment towards you!" Maddison smiled. "Amanda's just speechless because of the fact that we wore the same outfit tonight and she saw