Chapter 7

Cassian’s POV 

I have never felt this frustrated and embarrassed during my living on earth. How can she just brush me off like that?

Was she not supposed to be happy? Not everyone got the chance to even breathe the same air as I did. Did she just throw the opportunity I gave her away like that? Or was she fast enough to realize I have something behind my mask?

Even if she did, she was supposed to be happy.

Throughout the class, my head was a fog of thought, my mind drifting back to how she easily rejected me, like she could just tap me away with her fingers.

The class came to an end. I was really going to stand for her to pass. I don’t want to be so clingy, I don’t want to drive her away, but I was surprised when she jumped over the desk like this was just another easy task she could do with a wave of her hand.

How come I feel so much strange attachment with this weirdo? No girl would want to act reckless like that when I’m seated.

A frustrated breath echoed from my lips as I stood up to leave, but I was suddenly stopped by a shadow lingering behind the desk.

I raised my head to catch Kai who was staring at me with nothing but suspicion.

I knew he was about to push further about what happened, but honestly, I wasn’t in the mood to explain myself.

“The silver-haired girl,” he muttered coolly, sitting beside me. He dropped his bag on the desk like he had all the time in the world to communicate with me.

“What happened to her?” I raised an eyebrow, trying to mask my anger with a calm expression. I honestly didn’t want to talk about this.

“You seem so interested in her,” he stood up, focusing his whole attention on me. “I mean, you walked to class then sat beside her, you wouldn’t let me move closer. Is that how far you’ve gone?” He explained, and I replied with only silence.

I wish I could stop all of it. I don’t really want to have anything to do with her, but the interaction inside the bathroom yesterday gave me a hint that she might, or maybe she is, the one who would help in…

“I’m talking to you, dude!” Kai screamed, followed by him rolling his eyes. He knows too well that I hate being shouted at.

I hate attention, and what he did just now brought multiple gazes to us.

I cleared my throat and stood up. He quickly moved aside, knowing fully well I could punch him on the nose. I glared at him one more time before walking out of the class. I could hear he was following me.

“I didn’t mean to scream at you, but bro! This is unlike you,” he said beside me after we got outside the hall.

“You’re not the one to remind me of that,” I replied, turning my gaze to look at him. “And honestly, I would appreciate it if you could just close your mouth for a minute. I need to get something straight.” My voice came out sharper than I had intended.

I walked away, my mind a misty. I’m not really into hounding ladies, and I’ve never done that before because obviously, they all line up in front of my door, and all I have to do is select the one that fits my preference. But this silver-haired girl would not make it easy for me.

All I want is a chance, to get closer to her, solitary inside a room. I want to corroborate if what I felt yesterday was indeed the truth.

“I mean, Cassian… I want to—”

“Instead of running your mouth like a tap, focus on the assignment I gave you yesterday.” He glanced tensely for a fleeting moment, but maybe what I said just communed.

“Oh! About that… I will.”

“That’s all.” I veered around in another path hoping he wouldn’t follow me, and undoubtedly I stopped hearing his footsteps.

I hadn’t taken more than 3 steps before I met the scene in front of me.

The first thing that caught my eyes was her silver hair, flinging in the direction of the breeze. My legs became rooted when I saw Elara and her friends surrounding her.

She peeked like she was trying to hold back her anger. Her fists were grasped, and she stunk on her lower lip. Elara chuckled like a drunken sharma while her voice obscured my anger.

Normally, I wasn’t presumed to feel anger. This scene didn’t have anything to do with me, but for some reason, I felt a sudden ripple of fury and all I wanted right now was to whack Elara and her friends until they began bleeding, but I knew better than to take an impetuous step.

I cleared my throat, seizing a step closer. They seemed engaged in their taunting act, only her, the weirdo, noticed me. I watched her shift her gaze to the side, and I inhaled loudly.

“What is this scene all about?” My voice fell even before I could stop it, and all their eyes changed direction to me.

They stepped back in dread, including Elara, who glimpsed like she was praying for the ground to wipe her out. 

“Bullying in daylight?” This is unlike me, and honestly, I don’t know what to say next. I’m used to barking orders, not trying to save a girl.

“Cassian…”

“Go!” My voice came out sharper than I intended.

I watched them run away, excluding Elara, who glared at the weirdo girl before walking away.

I stared at her, and I could tell she was trying not to look into my eyes, but I noticed it — the tears that stained her lashes. She tried to mask it, but I was fast enough to catch it.

I leaned down and picked up her bag, stretching it toward her. She took a moment before trying to grasp it, but I held it tight. “This is the second time I’m helping you. I guess I deserve to know your name now.”

That’s not what I meant to say. I just wanted to hand over the bag and walk away, but I couldn’t.

“Drasa.” She murmured, finally grasping the bag from me. “That’s my name. And thanks for helping me for the second time. I will repay you.” She bowed lightly and turned to leave.

“Repay me?” I murmured, and she halted. “In which way?”

I added, and she turned to look at me.

Her eyes searched around for a minute before finally settling on me. “Pay you….. if that’s what you want.”

“You must know who I am. Did you think I’m interested in your money?” I asked, walking closer until I could feel her breath on my skin. My fingers brushed the strand of hair that fell on her face. I wiped her tears with my palm, even though she looked away, clearly embarrassed to be seen crying.

“The only thing I’m interested in…” I let the words drag for a moment, “is being your boyfriend. I don’t want to see you crying.”

She raised her head suddenly, and I let out a small smile. I pushed her gently forward so her head could rest on my shoulder. She stiffened, but I was quick enough to hold her tighter.

“If you accept to stay like this, in my chest, beside me, every time, then no one will dare come close, not to talk of hurting you.”