Don't you know it's against the rules for you to be here? And how did you even get into my room?"
I couldn't wrap my head around what was going on. My eyes drifted to my wardrobe. It was open… messy.
Did he come here to steal or something?
"You know what? I'm done talking."
I turned towards the door, ready to report him to the first school official I saw.
"Emily. My dad owns this school."
His voice was too calm for the situation. That statement alone was enough to make me pause.
And the way he said my name…
What am I even thinking?
"Raymond or whatever your name is, leave my room this minute. And I swear, if anything is missing even a pin, you'll see a side of me you won't like."
He stood up and walked toward me, hands tucked into his pockets.
Too close.
There was barely an inch between us.
I could feel his breath. My heart started racing, faster than it should.
"Your dress complements your beauty perfectly," he said, his eyes fixed on me.
"You said we shouldn't cross paths anymore. If you can't be honest, at least stick to your own words."
I stepped back slightly, trying to breathe properly.
He overwhelmed me in a way I didn't understand.
"What are these pills for?"
He said it like I hadn't spoken at all.
My eyes dropped to his hand. My sleeping pills.
He must have taken them underneath my pillow.
I moved past him, went straight to my bed, and started fixing the sheets, arranging my things like nothing was happening.
"I asked you a question, Emily."
I looked at him. His eyes were waiting for an answer, but I wasn't in the mood.
Why was he so interested in my pills?
Without saying anything, I walked into the bathroom and unzipped my dress, using the mirror as a guide.
When I stepped back into the room, his eyes were still on me.
I walked toward him, stopping just enough to make him uncomfortable… then slowly reached for my dress.
He turned his back immediately.
"What are you doing?"
His voice was louder now. There was surprise in it.
"You're the one in my space."
I adjusted my dress back and smiled a little.
I was pleased with myself. I had shaken him.
"Emily… please. I need to know what those pills are for before I leave."
His tone changed. Softer. Almost sincere.
"They're just supplements to help me sleep. Why are you asking? You've been asking a lot of questions, and I barely know anything about you."
"Stop taking them."
"Why should I?" I frowned. "I won't. And stop telling me what to do. Give me my pills."
I stepped in front of him, and he closed his eyes.
He really thought I was naked.
This boy confuses me.
I took a moment to study his face.
He looked breathtaking… but his behavior kept contradicting everything.
If only he was well-behaved.
"You can open your eyes, dummy. You really thought I would undress in front of you? It's your confidence for me."
He opened his eyes slowly, like he still didn't believe me.
I smiled, and he caught it.
The height difference between us was obvious. My head barely reached his chest, and somehow, it made me feel smaller than I already was.
He leaned forward.
Our lips almost touched.
My heart skipped.
"Come on… I think I'm worth it," he murmured.
His breath brushed against my face.
I got lost in his eyes. Blue. Deep. Dangerous.
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
"Can I have my pills?" I finally said, stepping back until my back nearly touched the door.
"I'll see you at our usual place. 7:30 p.m. Don't keep me waiting, cupcake."
Before I could respond, he was gone.
What does he even mean by "our usual place"? We've only met once… and that was by coincidence.
After checking my things and making sure nothing was missing, I threw myself on the bed.
Too many things were happening at once.
I needed a shower. And food.
By the time Sophia returned, I was already eating creamy pasta with shredded chicken and watching You on Netflix. I never eat without watching something.
"You cooked?" she said, pouting. She looked exhausted… and hungry.
"Go take your bath. I'll dish your food."
She whispered a soft "thank you" before heading to the bathroom.
A few minutes later, her plate was ready. I was already done eating and going through today's lecture notes.
She was surprised I could cook.
Growing up, my parents were often away for work. I had a lot of time to experiment in the kitchen, guided by YouTube cooking videos. Sometimes it turned out amazing… other times, a disaster. But I got better.
"Thank you for the meal. It was really good," Sophia said after finishing.
I watched her quietly, my thoughts drifting.
Should I tell her what happened?
After a moment, I decided not to. Not yet.
"At least not until I hear what he has to say," I muttered to myself.
"What happened with the lecturer?" I asked, clearing my thoughts.
"Girl, you won't believe it…" she started, clearly annoyed. "Someone told me he sent for me, but when I got there, he said he never did. I just wasted my time."
"That's strange. Maybe it was a mistake… or the message got mixed up."
But deep down, something told me he had a hand in it.
"Did you go for the dorm meeting?" she asked.
"No. And there's no way I'm attending that for the first time without you."
We laughed, but I meant it.
He definitely had something to do with that.
And tonight… I was getting my answers.
I must have dozed off because when I woke up, it was a few minutes past seven.
Sophia was asleep too.
I took another quick shower. I didn't feel comfortable going out without one.
I wore black leggings and a blue hoodie. I wasn't in the mood for another dramatic moment in the cold.
Lip gloss on. Hair in a messy bun.
7:45 p.m.
I wasn't in a hurry.
By 8:00, I finally left, sending Sophia a quick text.
The dorm was lively. People were talking, laughing, on calls. I barely noticed anyone.
But when I got to the spot…
It was full of couples.
I almost turned back.
Then I saw him.
Standing in the shadows.
And suddenly… people started leaving.
One by one.
Until it was just us.
"You're late, Emily," he said, stepping into the light. "I warned you."
"For the last time, you don't tell me what to do."
"You're thrilling, cupcake," he said with a faint smile.
"Stop calling me that. And give me my pills."
"No. You're here for a conversation."
I sighed. I needed answers.
"Which pharmacy did you get those pills from?" he asked.
"No, Raymond. That's not how this works. I ask the questions. You answer."
"Alright, tigress. Let's sit."
He was too smooth with his words.
"Give me a minute," he said, walking into his dorm.
When he came back, he had vanilla ice cream and cupcakes.
"My favorites…"
How does he know that?
"Who told you this? Why do you keep invading my life?" I asked.
He didn't answer immediately.
"Emily… that's why you need to stop taking those pills," he said quietly. "I don't know how long it will take, but you need to see things for yourself."
"My mom gave me those pills," I said firmly. "She would never hurt me."
He looked at me like he wanted to say more… but couldn't.
"You said we shouldn't cross paths. So why are you doing the opposite?"
"I thought it was for the best," he said softly. "But I know better now."
Then he took my hand.
My breath caught.
"Look at me, Emily."
And when I did…
"You are my responsibility. My Business. The reason I exist in this world."
Something about the way he said it…
felt real.
"Let's eat," he added casually.
We sat in silence.
When I finished, he handed me my pills.
"I just hope you trust me. Till we meet again."
As I stood up, he held my hand again.
"Tell Sophia I'm sorry. I needed you alone."
I knew it.
I left quickly, but I couldn't help looking back.
He was still there.
When I got back, Sophia didn't ask many questions. We talked a little, then went to bed.
Just as I was about to sleep, my phone rang.
Unknown number.
"Hi, cupcake… this is my number. Since I took your pills, I could replace them. Do you need my services tonight?"
I sighed.
"No. I'm fine."
"Goodnight, Emily."
The call ended.
I stared at my phone.
Is there really a way out of this?