2. Total Jerk

With a heavy breath and I dragged my body, I walked helplessly toward Lindsay’s apartment. And yes—when she said she would drag me… she literally meant it. Literally!! Here I am now, trailing behind her as we enter the luxurious lobby of her high-rise apartment, heading toward her even more luxurious unit.

I already knew he would be there. Iewhgh! David. Based on what Lindsay said earlier, he was the one funding her entire engagement with Rick. Of course he’d show up. Of course. Geez.

Aww… seriously?

“Cheer up, won’t you?” Lindsay turned to me inside the elevator. “Why do you look like you’re going to a funeral? This is your best friend’s engagement prep!”

I forced a smile. A very, very fake one.

“Wow… I’m so excited,” I muttered flatly.

She squinted at me. “That sarcasm was painful.”

I didn’t answer. Because honestly? I felt like I was walking straight into a battlefield. My worst… arch-enemy. Top Nemesis.

We arrived at her apartment unit. Lindsay strolled in like she owned the universe—dropping her bags and shoes wherever she pleased. No stress, no cleanup worries. Of course, she had staff for that.

Meanwhile me? I live in a tiny rented room near campus. Three by four meters. Somehow I turned it into four “sections”—bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and a mini studio. I know. Genius level. Still… this place always makes me feel like I belong in a different world.

I glanced around carefully. Suspicious. Quiet. Too quiet. I held my breath as I slowly moved from room to room, almost tiptoeing like a thief trying not to trigger a trap. Where is he…?

“Heh, fat girl.” A rough voice came from the kitchen.

My entire body froze. I turned. And there he was. David Robinson. Standing there shirtless, only wearing boxers, holding a spoon like he had all the time in the world. In front of him—cereal in a bowl. He looked at me like I was some kind of annoying bug.

“Wow…” I whispered under my breath. “You’re really here…” My brain screamed *run*, so I did exactly that. I turned around instantly and walked out of the kitchen without a single word. Nope. Not today. Not mentally prepared. I headed straight to the living room.

Lindsay was there with Rick—sitting close, wrapped in each other like a couple already halfway married. In front of them stood a neatly dressed woman holding several design modules.

“Rose, help me choose the venue!” Lindsay called happily. I sat beside her, glancing at the pages.

“Aww… rustic theme, huh?” I said slowly, scanning the designs. “That’s actually trending right now… wow.”

The event organizer nodded politely. “If you want rustic, usually we use dried flowers. But you mentioned you want fresh flowers, right?”

Lindsay pouted. “But I want real flowers!”

Rick didn’t say anything. He just hugged her from behind like a silent agreement machine.

I frowned, thinking.

“Don’t frown,” a voice suddenly came beside me. “You’re already fat. Ugly. Short. If you frown more, you’ll get wrinkles too. That is too perfect defect collection for human kind."

My head snapped sideways. David. Of course.

He had appeared out of nowhere and casually sat next to me like he belonged there.

"Wow…” I exhaled sharply. “Do you teleport or something?” I am trying my very best not to curse my amazing collection of bad words...and taking full restrain for my brain not to make a voodoo dolls to actually curse him..he is my best friend brother.

He ignored me. I ignored him harder. My eyes stayed on the design sheets… but my brain? Completely distracted by the fact that he was shirtless *again*. Ugh. Why does an athlete always have to look like that?

“It’s a mix,” I said suddenly, pointing at one of the designs. “Rustic at the entrance, wooden tableware, dried accents… but inside, romantic elegant vibe with fresh flowers. Lindsay wants both, right?”

Lindsay leaned closer. “Ooh… I like that. Rose, you’re useful sometimes.”

“Wow… thanks,” I muttered. Probably still mad about her birthday.

The EO nodded. “This venue rental is around five hundred million for two to three hours.”

Before I could even process that number—

“I’ll pay for it,” David said lazily, leaning back. “As long as my sister agrees. Money isn’t a problem.”

The EO blinked. And then—oh wow. She actually blushed. Seriously? I scoffed under my breath. “Show-off.”

“What did you say?” David leaned in suddenly, grabbing my chin and turning my face toward him. Too close. Way too close.

I smiled lazily. “Nothing.”

He smirked.

“Fat girl… you’ve gained weight again, haven’t you? You look like a hippo now.”

Aww. There it is again. Classic David. I sighed and looked away like it didn’t bother me anymore. Because it didn’t. At least… that’s what I told myself.

The EO coughed lightly, trying not to laugh. “So… shall we confirm this venue?”

Lindsay nodded. “Yes. Deal.”

“Great,” the EO smiled. “I’ll contact you again if there’s anything else—”

She suddenly turned to David, eyes sparkling. “Sir David… can I take a photo with you?”

She already had her phone ready.

David stood up immediately. “No.” Cold. Fast. Final. Such an unrespectful jerk.

And just like that, he walked toward the guest room without another glance. The EO blinked awkwardly, lowering her phone.

“Wow…” I muttered quietly. “So charming. Truly a national treasure.” Me being sarcastic and rolled my eyes.

From the hallway, David’s voice floated back without stopping:

“I heard that.”

I froze.

“…Oh.” Silence.

Then— His door shut. And somehow… that tiny moment made my heart beat a little too loudly for reasons I absolutely refused to understand. Did he have special spider-sense hearing only to his enemy? and that's me??