Flirt

Vinorca Jona POV 

"Why do you work so much? I've never seen you do anything else other than study and work. Don't you feel you should enjoy it too?" Amanda asked, her brow furrowing with concern.

I smiled and replied, “I just don't find anything more interesting than working and studying.”

The statement was partially true.

I had always loved studying and had never found interest in anything else.

But when it came to working, I couldn't say the same.

It was a necessity, not a passion.

I worked to earn a living, and there was no shame in that.

Whether supernatural beings or regular humans, many people worked for survival.

There was nothing inherently wrong with that.

"I can never believe that, but surely you are different. You're always doing your best in your studies and working so hard. Your parents must be so proud of you," Amanda remarked, her eyes reflecting admiration.

At the mention of my parents, I felt a pinch in my heart. My smile dropped. "I am an orphan."

"What?" Amanda asked, her face filled with shock.

I had never told her this; I had never wanted to share it.

But today, I don't know why, I felt like I should, so I did.

Immediately, I regretted not being able to control the overflowing emotions.

"I'm sorry, I never knew about this," Amanda apologised, guilt written all over her face.

"No, you don't have to apologise. How were you supposed to know when I didn't tell you about it? Don't worry, it's been so long since it happened, so now I am not that sensitive about it," I reassured her, a sense of resignation in my tone.

Despite her kindness, I had been deceiving her since the beginning.

"Who are you living with then?" she questioned.

"I'm living with my guardian, but he doesn't get involved in my life much. And that's fine, he pays for my things. He doesn't even want me to work, but I feel I can't burden someone like this. That's why I love working. Otherwise, he has always hated the fact that I am working." I smiled as I lied, though a pang of guilt pricked at my conscience.

I couldn't believe it was me. When had I become so good at lying that it didn't even show on my face?

"Oh! But please know that you can share everything with me. I am your friend, and I want you to understand that I am never going to share anything you tell me," Amanda reassured me, her sincerity warming my heart. "I am so proud that you are my friend.”

"Now this is over the top. I am not worthy enough for you to be so proud of me." I chuckled, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.

If she knew the reality, she would hate me and be disgusted by me.

"Of course not. I am not lying at all," Amanda said, her eyes sparkling, as she offered me a reassuring smile.

"Thanks," I smiled, feeling grateful to have her by my side.

"So how many members does your adopted family have?" Amanda asked.

"I have one stepbrother, and he is now my legal guardian," I gulped, trying my best to not show my fear and discomfort as I remembered Dante's face. "His parents are dead too, because of an accident.”

"That must be hard for both of you." Amanda put her hand on my shoulder, squeezing it, trying her best to comfort me.

"Yeah, it is, but we are still doing better than ever," I replied, though a twinge of sadness lingered in my voice.

"How's it going, Vinorca?"

‘Dante?’

I turned my head, and the tension dropped away.

Thank God!

It's Amanda's brother, Lewis, and I'm close to him too.

Both brother and sister are very kind and polite. 

Why did I think it was Dante before?

Perhaps it's because he's returned after three years, and his presence at home has heightened my senses.

Silly me, Lewis and Dante even have different voices.

"What are you doing here, Lewis? Why are you disturbing me? I'm having a serious conversation," Amanda questioned, her tone tinged with irritation, making me smile.

I know how much they both fight, but no matter what, they still care about each other and show their love differently.

Dante and I never had this sort of relationship, even though he was once like a brother to me when his parents were alive.

Now, with our parents' death, everything feels dead.

"This is my class too if you forgot. I'm just a year older, and we both have the same lecture." He pulled a chair beside me, not bothering to look Amanda's way.

"Vin, how are you doing?" Lewis put his hand on my forehead. I have to say he is the most handsome man after Dante in this pack.

With his blonde hair, black eyes, and ripped body, he is perfect. I feel so warm with his hand on my forehead.

He is a gentleman, and I'm comfortable with him, just like I am with Amanda.

They are the people who make my university life fun, or else I would have been dying with studies, as other than studies I never feel like doing anything.

"Why are you looking so hot today, hmm?”

I chuckled at his words.

He never can leave his habit of flirting! I remarked in my head.

"Don't you dare to flirt with my bestie?" Amanda removes his hand from my forehead and pulls me toward her.

She hugs me like a bear, showing her protective behaviour.

"Oh please, Amanda, you're surely overacting. She's my friend too. Why not just give me some space too?" Lewis pulls me toward himself.

Both brother and sister squeezed me in between them and glared at each other as if they were about to kill each other.

I find it amusing how childish they're acting.

I don't understand what makes them so possessive of me.

"Leave me, you both." I laughed, as they both returned their attention to me.