"Yes," he replied.
Then he added casually, "At the walkway earlier… you didn't even notice me."
I blinked. "Notice you?"
He leaned back slightly, a smug look dancing on his lips. "Wow. I can't believe my handsome face could even go unnoticed."
I scoffed. Did he just compliment himself?
I stared at him in disbelief. "You aren't that good-looking," I said flatly.
A faint smile curved on his lips , slow, and confident.
And unfortunately… dangerous.
My heart did something stupid inside my chest.
"I'm Dylan," he said, stretching out his hand for a handshake. "And you are?"
I quickly stood up instead of taking his hand.
"Don't get full of yourself just because you think you have a pretty face," I shot at him. "You're not that handsome."
I turned sharply and walked away.
Behind me, I could feel his confusion.
But just as I took my second step—
My foot slipped.
Everything happened too fast.
Cold water swallowed me whole.
I fell into the pool.
I couldn't swim.
Water rushed into my nose, my mouth. Panic exploded inside me.
"Help!" I gasped, struggling.
Through blurred vision, I saw him standing there.
Watching.
Looking at me struggle with a satisfied smirk on his face.
"I couldn't believe he didn't even try to hold me as I fall, he just shifted making me to fall into the pool".
"Save me,I begged water gushing into my mouth ".
"I only save pretty ladies," he said lazily.
The two guys standing at the opposite side of the pool burst into laughter.
Was he insane?!
My arms thrashed helplessly. My chest burned.
Oh God.
I was actually going to drown.
In a swimming pool.
Just as darkness began to creep into my vision—
I felt someone dive into the pool.
Strong arms grabbed me.
He pulled me close, looking at my terrified face with satisfaction.
I glared at him.
If you continue looking at me like that, you will be spending the night inside this pool he said with a smirk.
I just bit my lower lips subduing my anger.
He smiled.
I was later pulled out.
Air.
Sweet, burning air.
I coughed violently, sucking in breath after breath.
When my vision cleared, I glared at the person holding me.
"Don't look at me like that," Dylan said. "I wasn't the one who pushed you into the pool."
He smirked. "You should be grateful. Not only am I handsome — I'm merciful."
Unbelievable.
Before I could think twice, I shoved him hard.
He fell back straight into the pool.
This time, I smiled.
Devilishly.
And ran.
Behind me, he stared in shock from inside the water.
At the pavilion.
I sat alone inside the pavilion, my clothes dripping.
Embarrassment clung to me worse than the water.
"Hey."
I looked up.
Dave stood there, holding a bag. His brows furrowed in concern.
He walked closer and gently placed a jacket around my shoulders.
"How did you get wet?" he asked softly.
"I slipped into the pool," I muttered. "It's nothing serious."
His expression tightened slightly. "You should be more careful."
I nodded.
Silence settled between us.
Then he cleared his throat.
"Are you free this weekend?"
"Why?" I asked cautiously.
"We could hang out."
I tilted my head. "Are you asking me out on a date?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks.
"You're very direct, you know."
He chuckled lightly. "You asked me for lunch before. I thought I'd treat you."
Oh.
Oh no.
I had completely forgotten.
Embarrassment hit me like a truck.
"Right," I said quietly. "Yeah… we should hang out."
The weekend came faster than I expected.
Too fast.
I woke up early — way too early — and started trying on outfits.
"Nope."
"Nope."
"Definitely not."
Clothes flew everywhere. My room looked like a battlefield.
After trying what felt like my entire wardrobe, I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling.
Why was dressing up this stressful?
A knock came at the door.
"Come in," I called tiredly.
Helen stepped inside — and immediately froze at the disaster in my room.
"Are you preparing for a date?" she asked, raising a brow.
"And how is that your business?" I snapped before I could stop myself.
Her expression softened. "I just wanted to know if you needed help."
Guilt stabbed me instantly.
"I don't," I muttered.
She nodded and left quietly.
The silence that followed felt heavier than before.
I shouldn't have spoken to her like that.
After a long internal battle, I dragged myself off the bed and walked to Helen's room.
I knocked softly.
I almost turned to leave when the door opened.
"Eh… um…" I scratched the back of my head, suddenly forgetting every word I had prepared.
She just smiled gently.
"Come in."