chapter5

When I realized he was longing for me even more than I’d imagined, I pulled away from the kiss and stared at him.

His eyes were still closed, his chest rising and falling, gasping for air. Then,footsteps outside. I tapped his cheek lightly until his eyes flew open.

“That hurts,” he muttered.

“Well, that’s what you get for being naughty and stubborn.”

“You stupid bastard! I hate you so much,” he snapped, panic flashing across his face as he reached for the bathroom door. But I caught his hand before he could leave.

“There are people outside waiting to use the bathroom. If you want them to know we were in here together, go ahead, I’ll gladly tell them everything that happened.”

He pouted, lips pushed forward, looking cuter and angrier than ever. I couldn’t resist. I leaned closer, and when I grabbed the handle, he yanked me back, making me stumble against him.

“I won’t open the door unless you promise to be a good boy,” I said, staring straight into his eyes.

“Who’d want to be a good boy for you? I’d rather be for anyone else.” His frown deepened.

“Say that again, and I’ll kiss you all over again.”

He turned his face away, cheeks burning despite the scowl. From the sound of it, the hallway had grown quiet, everyone must’ve left already.

“I’ll let you go only if you promise to follow my commands. Be a good boy, for me.”

His glare could’ve skinned me alive if it had power. My grip on his waist tightened, warning him what was coming next.

“Fine,” he muttered. “I, Randy, promise Senior Carlson I’ll be a good boy.”

“Good boy. Now smile for daddy.”

He forced a smile, more annoyed than amused, but I let him go. “Now give me your number. If I need you, I’ll text. If anyone messes with you, tell them you belong to me, Carlson. And if I call and you don’t answer, I’ll drag you out in front of your classmates and tell everyone how much you love me.”

Reluctantly, he handed me his number. I knew he wanted me to have it, even if he’d never admit it.

Eventually, I left before him, smirking as I heard him cursing under his breath.

“Foolish Carlson! Who the hell belongs to you? I hate you,why me? What did I ever do for karma to punish me with you?”

I didn’t look back. I only smirked wider.

The day turned out busier than expected, filled with endless practical sessions. We barely had time to eat. By evening, we grabbed coffee and takeout, too tired for anything else.

On the way back, Barry leaned close and whispered, “So… how’s it going?”

I gave him a blank look, letting silence answer for me. He chuckled.

“Man, don’t tell me you’re giving up already. Sometimes it’s okay to quit, you know.”

Anyone else might’ve thought he was concerned. But those who knew Barry could hear the mockery hidden beneath his words.

I shot him an annoyed glance. Dean and the others burst out laughing.

“Relax, I was just kidding.” Barry patted my shoulder, smirking.

We brushed it off and headed to our cars.

Back at the condo, I showered, played a few rounds of video games, and was about to sleep when I remembered I hadn't messaged Randy.

I grabbed my phone, saw him still online, and typed:

Hey. Why are you still awake?

He hesitated. I could practically imagine him glaring at the screen, cursing me under his breath. Then his reply came:

Hello, who’s this?

I smirked. He knew. He just wanted to get under my skin.

Take a guess.

Martin?

Who’s Martin? Is that the one messing with my property? Tell him I don’t share. If I find him, I’ll make sure he regrets it.

The words poured out sharper than I meant, but the anger was real.

Calm down, Senior Carlson. I was just joking. Why so serious? And anyway, I’m not your belonging.

I clenched my jaw and typed back:

Switch off your phone and sleep. You have an early class tomorrow. If you’re late, I’ll deal with you. And you know I can.

His reply came quickly: Hah. I’m not sleepy. And even if I miss class, that’s none of your business. I’m an adult. What do you think you can even do to me?

I smirked at the challenge. Wait till tomorrow. You’ll repeat those words to my face.

Almost instantly, he went offline.

Normally, I didn’t care about other people’s lives. But with him, it was different. I wanted to know everything. Protect him, even.

Or maybe it was just part of the game.

Still, the dare was my motivation. That rare old-model car was on the line,and I wasn’t about to lose.

Besides, he humiliated me. And for that, I’d make sure he fell for me, whether he wanted to or not.