Chapter 5
2261 Words
Genius has his eyes narrowed on me the whole time we were writing our paper. He didn’t believe me when I said that Ryan was someone I just met in the library, who also just happened to be my customer at the café last night.
I don’t even know why I am explaining to him. But like I said, I feel like I am Tracy and my elder brother is getting mad at me because of another man. It’s funny though. But I really appreciate Genius’ concern.
We quietly did our project and occasionally talked only when we needed to be clear on what to write. Even when we were already heading back to class, he was still quiet.
Genius is obviously pissed at the guy in the library but I don’t understand where he is coming from. Ryan Bakers just literally talked to me for less than a minute.
“Hey,” I called him when I couldn’t take it anymore. He stopped but didn’t look at me. His eyes are narrowed at the corridor instead. “Are you mad?” I asked, even when I know it. It’s so obvious. It’s written all over his face.
He didn’t speak for a few seconds before sighing hard. He shut his eyes and his thick brows furrowed so perfectly before turning to me. “Yes,” he replied calmly. “I just didn’t like how that man looked at you.”
My brow shot up while I continuously stared at him, waiting for him to elaborate his statement.
He stared back at me before running his fingers through his hair. He’s tall and his arms are too masculine. So, to see him do that is definitely every woman’s fantasy. He’s loved by most girls. He’s the campus crush and I think he is perfect for that because he’s handsome and intelligent at the same time. Girls throw themselves at him.
Well, except me.
I am good at drawing lines in a relationship. When you’re a friend, you’ll remain a friend. That’s how I draw the line. I know where someone is supposed to be in my life. And Genius…he’s a good friend. He’s been my best friend for years. And I want to keep him that way.
That’s why I feel awkward whenever Moira keeps teasing me about him. He’s not the type of guy that I would ever dream of to be a boyfriend.
“I didn’t like how he talked to you.” Genius was dead serious, but I am glad that he’s trying to explain his side. I don’t like it when he’s trying to hide his thoughts.
I narrowed my eyes in confusion. “He recognized me and that’s how the conversation started,” I explained. “He’s a senior and maybe he thought it was nice because I am also in the same course,” I added.
Genius raised his brow at my reply. “Why would he think it’s nice? All of us are in the same course?” he asked philosophically before walking ahead.
I scoffed as I watched him walking ahead of me. I blinked several times, still confused about what just happened, before finally gotten back to my senses and ran after him.
He didn’t speak even when we were sitting side by side in class. He was quiet the whole time until we finished the class. I feel like he’s mad at me for talking to a senior. But I don’t really understand where he’s coming from.
I mean, I just talked to Ryan. It’s not like we’re already friends or something.
The classes ended without Genius talking to me. I sighed and followed him to the kiosk where he opened his laptop and started with our paper again. I sat beside him before letting out a deep sigh.
“Why are you mad?” I asked, couldn’t help it anymore. If he’s throwing a tantrum, I need to know. He’s my best friend and this is the first time that I couldn’t understand why he’s acting like this. “It’s not like Ryan is interested in me,” I uttered in a small voice.
Genius immediately snapped at me. “Are you sure that he’s not interested in you? That guy is notorious for doing women,” he replied.
My eyes widened. His statement got me all flustered. I have never heard Genius gossip about someone else. He was always on his own. He doesn’t like talking about other people’s lives. He doesn’t even talk to other people. But I wonder where he’s getting all the information about other men.
First, he was able to tell me the bad thing about Tracy’s new guy. And now, Ryan Bakers. I can’t believe he knows a lot about other people.
“He looks like he’s a good person but he’s not, McCarrienne. Don’t even think about getting close to him. I don’t want to have someone crying over loving the wrong man. Again. That’s just stupid.”
My lips parted at his words. Genius is too straight-forward sometimes. He’s too frank and sometimes, I get offended. I have already told him about that but when it comes to my failed relationships, he doesn’t blink an eye to judge me and my decisions.
I frowned at him. “Why are you even thinking in advance? It’s not like I’ll fall for a man like him.”
His brows shot up. “I know you will. You always fall for assholes, Carrie.” He had no remorse when he uttered that and truth be told, I want to smack him in the head for judging my tastes in men.
“I hate you,” I muttered before looking at the screen of the laptop.
“Tss,” I heard him say before we started with the paper again. “It’s just annoying how girls cry after falling for the wrong men.”
I looked at him with a raised brow. “You don’t even know the feeling because you haven’t dated someone else, yet,” I told him.
He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I don’t need to experience it to know. And besides, I already told you. When I like someone, I won’t look at someone else. But I won’t bother looking for someone I love. I know she’d just come. I don’t want to waste my time with someone I know who would not end up with me.” He was so serious and I can hear the sincerity in his voice.
I actually find it noble of him to do that. It’s unlike any other men who would taste everything before finally settling. Genius is the type who doesn’t want to waste his time with the wrong person and I admire that principle of him.
But he’s still an asshole for rubbing my wrong decisions to my face.
“Noble, but mean,” I uttered before typing.
He just chuckled before we began with our paper, finally.
***
Genius was busy hunting Tracy’s new guy that I had to do our paperwork in the library alone instead. He’s done more than half of what we’ve finished so I think he deserves a break. I heard he’s going to the diner near the café I was working on because that’s where that man is right now.
On how he got that information, I don’t know. He has his own ways, I guess.
I have my eyes focused on the screen while I was typing furiously when I suddenly felt the chair in front of me move. I glanced at the person who sat in front of me and my eyes widened when I saw Ryan Bakers smiling at me while holding a thick book.
“You’re so serious,” he told me. “Are you doing a paper?”
I smiled weakly before nodding. “It’s due soon,” I replied before looking at his book. “Criminal law?”
He chuckled silently before nodding. “I’m already reviewing for the law entrance exam,” he replied. “I’ll be taking it up soon.”
Figures. He’s a legal management student so it’s only normal for him to want to be a lawyer. That’s what I want to. I want to be a lawyer someday. And I hope I will.
That’s why I can’t afford to slack on my studies. I have a scholarship to maintain.
Ryan looks handsome to be honest. Staring at him right now makes me realize how women would flock to him. Maybe that’s the reason why Genius told me that about him. Ryan is a notorious playboy. Well, his looks could attest to that.
“Good luck,” I told him before focusing back on the paper I am writing while he got to study for his entrance exam. I wonder where he’s taking up law, though. In my case, I want it here. Maxwell University has one of the most competitive programs for law studies. It would be huge honor for me to graduate here.
I have finished at least two pages when I heard Ryan closing his book. I turned to him and saw him staring at me.
I stopped typing and sat straight. His eyes are zeroed on me and that’s the moment my heart stopped beating. I know this feeling.
“Are you going to the café tonight?” he asked with a huge smile on his face.
My eyes widened. “What?” I asked, unable to let his words sink in me.
He bit his lower lip and leaned his arms on the table. “I mean, are you working tonight?” he rephrased. “I am planning on studying there.”
I smiled awkwardly. “Uh…” I cleared my throat. “Yeah, I will be working tonight.”
He smiled widely before licking his lower lip. Ugh! Why would he do that in front of me?! Genius is right about this man. I hate it!
“I’ll see you there, then,” he beamed before leaving me alone with an uneasy heart.
I tried my hardest to calm my heart but it didn’t. Until Genius came on with a grumpy face. “Are you okay?” I asked him with narrowed eyes.
His hair is messy and his shirt is crumpled. I immediately reached for it and tried to straighten it with my palm.
“Did you get into a fight?” I asked him, concerned as I started studying his face. He’s got a small cut on his bottom lip. “Oh, my god, Genius!” I beamed as I grabbed my bag and got my first aid kit out. I always have it with me because I believe that an emergency could happen at any time. And I’m right.
I can’t believe Genius got into a fight in the middle of the day!
“That f*****g asshole is out there dating someone else when Tracy was calling him. I gave him what he deserves,” Genius said in gritted teeth.
I pursed my lips and stayed quiet. I let him tell me all the things that he wants while I placed ointment on a Q-tip before applying it on the cut on his lower lip.
He winced in pain but he didn’t complain. Instead, he continued talking until he has finally vented everything out. His chest was heaving and I can see that he’s still mad about what happened.
“Did he have more punches?” I asked. “I wish he did. Because he deserves it,” I told him with a huge smile.
He smirked at me before we both laughed at what happened to him. We both know that he’s not the type to get aggressive when it comes to Tracy’s men. So to see him beat one, I know that the man deserves it. Genius is rational. He always thinks before he acts.
“Don’t worry. As I said, I gave him what he deserves.”
I smiled and nodded. “Alright. Now, let’s finish this paper.”
***
We didn’t finish the paper, so Genius and I agreed that he’d come to the café tonight so I could help him whenever I am not busy with the customers.
Moira, as usual, is giddy as she watches Genius seriously looking at the laptop. He occasionally touches and bites his lip and that’s what’s making Moira even more insane.
I just shook my head before fixing the cakes displayed. “You can go and do your project with him,” Moira told me. “I can just call you when I can’t handle the customers anymore.
I frowned at her. “I still have a lot to do. Besides, we’re already on the finishing touches. Genius can handle that and I’ll just check it later.” I explained.
Moira rolled her eyes before shaking her head. She was mumbling something under her breath while she’s wiping the marble counter.
I smiled and shrugged before hearing the chimes ring, signaling a new customer coming inside. I froze on my spot when I saw Ryan Bakers coming inside in his simple white shirt and a pair of cargo shorts. He’s only wearing slipper but because of his height, he stands out. He’s holding his book on criminal law with a wide grin on his face as he walked towards the counter—towards me.
“Good evening,” he greeted.
I smiled back. “What’s your order, sir?” I asked formally even with my insides panicking because of his aura.
“One shot of espresso and a slice of cheesecake,” he replied.
I nodded and punched in his order. I told him the amount to be paid and he handed me his card. “Thank you,” I said as I swiped his card and printed the receipt. “Here you go,” I replied.
He politely accepted it before nodding at me. “I’ll wait for it in my seat, then,” he said, making me nod. “It’s nice to see you, Carrie.”
I smiled awkwardly before nodding shyly. “Same, Ryan,” I replied before my periphery got a hold of Genius’ glare.
Damn it.
- Writer
