Chapter 3: Playing Hard to Get
1101 Words
Carver smiled and said, "Watching someone enjoy their meal can sometimes be quite a pleasure. At least it increases my own appetite."
"Really?" Amaris hesitated, but upon seeing Carver's warm smile, she picked up a dumpling and dipped it lightly into some chili oil. It was just a tiny bit of chili oil, but as soon as she put it in her mouth...
"Hiss! So spicy, so spicy!" She made an effort to swallow, then immediately opened her small mouth, fanning desperately with her hand while her tongue stuck out wildly. This scene was utterly adorable.
"Uh... can't you eat spicy food?" Carver was quite surprised. "Are you a New Yorker by any chance?" Amaris nodded, her nose turning a bit red from the heat, her nostrils flaring as she breathed heavily.
"Quick, have some orange juice," Carver said, handing her a glass of soy milk. Amaris quickly put down her chopsticks and took the orange juice with both hands, gulping it down. Seeing her like this, Carver couldn't help but laugh again. Who said Amaris was cold and aloof? She was really quite cute! And a little foodie too; watching her eat increased his own appetite significantly. Yes, she was a perfect dining companion!
After getting to know her better, Carver realized that Amaris was not as cold and distant as the rumors from his past life had suggested. Instead, she was a little foodie. Carver returned to his desk. As the morning reading session approached, students gradually filed in. However, Chelsea, who was never late, arrived late today with her three roommates in tow. Usually, Carver bought breakfast and brought it to them, and since they started school, they had never bought their own breakfast. This was their first time buying it, and they didn't manage their time well, spending a long time just waiting in line.
When they finally sat down, the four of them were filled with resentment, even reading their English texts with a hint of anger. After a brief English reading session, Chelsea's three roommates immediately started talking.
"Chelsea, didn't you just reject Carver's confession? Is there a need for this? He even took back the breakfast he gave you. How shameless!"
"Yeah! He always said he liked you, but now look at him!"
"Chelsea, this time you can't forgive him so easily. At least make him treat us to supper for a week!"
Chelsea nodded in agreement. "Carver really went too far this time. Throwing a tantrum is not the way to go."
At that moment, Carver got up and started walking towards them. Seeing this, Chelsea and her friends immediately stopped talking, especially Chelsea, who pretended not to see him and raised her head high. They all thought Carver was coming to apologize. After all, it had always been like this before. Whenever Chelsea was unhappy, Carver would quickly apologize. Chelsea had even prepared what to say to him. She wouldn't forgive him easily this time! He needed to apologize at least three times, and it wouldn't count if he wasn't sincere! And he had to offer a gift as an apology, or he wouldn't learn his lesson.
As Chelsea was pondering what kind of gift she wanted, Carver walked right past her without even glancing at her. Seeing Carver's departing figure, Chelsea was stunned, her pupils dilating in shock. Her three friends were equally dumbfounded. The surrounding students also looked at Carver in surprise. What was going on? The ever-devoted Carver was changing his tune?
Everyone knew about Carver and Chelsea's situation. Usually, Carver would stick to Chelsea like glue right after class. And now, hurrying out of the classroom like this—was he in a rush to use the bathroom? Many students looked at Chelsea with amused expressions. Chelsea had often flaunted Carver's affection in front of everyone. Now, being stared at like this, she felt extremely uncomfortable.
Soon, Carver returned, walking briskly past Chelsea again and sitting back in his seat. Chelsea's breath quickened, feeling a bit suffocated. Her friend Christine called out, "Chelsea? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Chelsea took a few deep breaths, but her chaotic thoughts refused to calm down.
"Alright, students, get ready for class," the English teacher said as she entered the classroom. While her friends and classmates focused on the teacher, Chelsea stole a glance at Carver. Seeing him reading a Chinese book during English class, she couldn't help but sneer. Was he trying to play hard to get? Well, let's see who can hold out longer!
Chelsea thought she had figured out Carver's plan and turned her attention back to her English book. She assumed Carver would come to apologize by lunchtime at the latest. But even after evening self-study, he hadn't shown up. Throughout the day, Chelsea couldn't focus on any of the lessons, her mind filled with thoughts of why Carver hadn't come to apologize.
"Chelsea, let's go back to the dorm," her three friends said as they packed up. Seeing Chelsea lost in thought, they called out to her. Hearing them, Chelsea snapped back to reality and glanced at Carver's seat, finding it empty.
"Did he leave early? Is he waiting for me outside the girls' dorm?" she wondered. "After sulking all day, he must have caved in by now. He probably didn't want to lose face in front of our classmates." Smiling at her conclusion, Chelsea quickly packed her things and headed to the dormitory, leaving her puzzled friends behind.
Carver, meanwhile, had already left the school with his backpack. He didn't board at the school and had to go home every day after classes. "I remember riding a new bike to and from school around this time, but where is it?" He looked around the school's bike parking area, feeling a bit lost. His memory was hazy since he had sold the bike shortly after buying it to get a gift for Chelsea. Unsure of its color and appearance, he decided to sit on a bench and wait until most students had taken their bikes, leaving fewer options for him to try.
As he waited, Amaris appeared, her presence immediately drawing everyone's attention. Both boys and girls couldn't help but look at her, most of the boys showing excitement. But the presence of her two burly bodyguards kept everyone at a distance. Amaris noticed Carver and waved at him with a bright, youthful smile. Carver was momentarily stunned but then waved back politely. His response seemed to signal something to her, and she walked over to him.
"What are you doing? Waiting for someone?" Amaris asked softly.
- Writer
