Chapter 5

It's already dawn, yet I still can't get him off my head. Every time I try to shut my eyes, all I can see is his eyes, smile, and everything about him! But of all people, why does it need to be him…the substitute teacher I dislike the most?! Like, are you kidding me?

I even asked Aisie why she didn't inform me that the man named Xalent was actually the graduating scholar whom I encountered that humiliating day! Then that girl only answered that she assumed that I already knew him. Like, when did I care about other people, huh? I don't even know some of our classmates.

When I figured it out, I almost made a scene at his busking session because I'm trying to shove the crowd just to get away from there. Even though some are already bringing a fuss about it, I didn't dare to talk back with them. The last thing I want to see is that annoying face again! I knew it, my interest in that voice will remain that way.

Why does his voice sound gentle when he starts singing while his personality doesn't?! Regardless, I still hate that guy!

I throw my pillow out of frustration. "I can't do this anymore!"

I walked out of my room to drink milk. Maybe that can encourage me to sleep. I'm beginning to imagine myself looking like a zombie when I head to school later. When I reached the dining area, I saw daddy who was currently staring at his laptop while sipping tea from his cup.

Here he is again, working. I greeted him hello and got some fresh milk from our ref, pouring it into the glass.

"Can't sleep?" asked Daddy. I saw him glancing at me in my peripheral vision.

"Uhm…yes, a bit."

He just bobbed his head and resumed his job. I pinned a few hair strands at the back of my ear and sat beside him.

Daddy is really pressing himself so much when it comes to our winery. Sometimes, he even forgot his meal because of paperwork and such. If that's the outcome of falling in love and being broken, I won't dare to fall in love with someone. Well, I'm fine with just a crush…nothing more.

Aish! Forget about him, Lushiane. That guy doesn't deserve my attention because he's a jerk!

"Lushiane, what are you planning to do for your one week vacation?" I turned my gaze at dad. "Should I book you a ticket to Manhattan or not?"

"I'm not sure, Dad. Possibly, I'm just gonna stay here and spend my whole week sleeping," I joked but he didn't laugh. "Or…I don't know."

He heaved a sigh. "Alright, just tell me what you want or where are you going."

I just nodded and finished my drink. Afterward, I told him that I'm gonna go back to my room and sleep yet he just smiled at me slightly. Actually, I'm hoping for his goodnight kisses and hugs but it didn't happen so I lazily stepped out of the dining area and went back to my room.

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The next day I was awakened by the abrupt noise of an alarm clock. I felt like I didn't sleep more so I threw out my clock and dozed a li'l more. But seconds later I remember that I have a class and an examination in our history class!

Without any second thoughts, I sprinted away to take a shower that was faster than normal. Then I randomly pull on a shirt and pants and lace my shoes while trying to comb my hair.

I didn't even dare look at my reflection in the mirror because I already know that I look worse.

When I entered the campus, I felt like the students around me were gawking at me with a dreadful look. I didn't mind them and almost flew just to reach our classroom on time which is impossible because it is located on the third floor!

"Guys, Mr. Padernal told me that it's our free time for his subject now. We can rest a bit and review history, which is the next subject!"

My face crumpled as I listened to the announcement of our class president when I came into the room.

"What?!" I reacted so all of their eyes shifted to me.

"What happened to you, girl?"

"Lushiane, you look like a witch. You have a comb in your frizzy hair."

"Did you even sleep, hun?"

I tightly closed my eyes before going straight to my chair. Why did I even forget to brush my hair properly? Another embarrassment unlocked, what an elegant thing to start the day, Lush. Now I understand why the students on the ground floor are eyeing me like a crazy person.

"Gosh! Did something terrible happen?" Aisie asked as soon as I sat beside her. "Look at you, I can't even recognize my bestie anymore."

I shook my head at her exaggerated words, removed the comb from my head, and began to brush my hair.

"I thought I was late, ok? Then there was the president, announcing that we will not have a class at this period," I deadpanned and crossed my arms.

I'm kinda sleepy but I'm not used to napping here in our room, it is uncomfy with the people around me. So all I can do now is to do my best.

An hour later, our teacher in history class entered. She immediately requested us to bring out our papers because we're having an examination about the topic last week until yesterday. It is a useful thing that I constantly read our books which benefits me for having a stock knowledge.

A sudden knock on the door interrupted our teacher who's currently giving us instructions. As soon as she turned her back and opened the door, my classmates started whispering to one another. Probably asking for answers, while I just yawned and proceeded with answering the exam.

"Good morning, Ms. Grendel."

That familiar voice again! I diverted my gaze at the door, and there he was. The guy who made me confused the whole day and night. My fist clenches, trying to calm myself.

Xalent, huh? Well because of you, I didn't sleep well!

My eyes squinted when he slightly glimpsed at me. What is he looking at?! If my eyes could execute him, I will happily do the honor to glare at him until he loses his breath.

"Bestie, you're staring too much at him," Aisie murmured. "Ms. Grendel might feel your eyes on them."

I rolled my eyes.

When the clock strikes noon, the bell rings as a reminder that it is already lunchtime. I immediately grabbed my bag and left the room, not minding Aisie's convoking voice.

I just wanna go to the garden. That's a comfortable spot to take a nap at this time since some students tend to eat at the cafeteria or outside the campus.

When I reached the garden, I quickly sat under the tallest tree and closed my eyes. However, I unexpectedly heard footsteps, and what bothers me is that I felt someone's eyes staring at me.

Is someone watching me right now or am I just imagining things?

"Hey, you should eat."