Angel in Disguise (English)

Chapter 3

His tight embrace is like a protective barrier that is slowly fading. I feel so safe in his arms but at the same time, I can also feel his grief.

I don’t know how long did he cradle me, all I know is that my heart is hammering inside my chest, knocking like it wants to go out.

I know I’ll be running late to my class but what should I do? I don’t have the heart to stop him from doing this if this is the only way he’ll find his comfort. I can’t just leave him here after everything I’ve said.

He slowly pulled out after a while, "Sorry..I got--"

"No, it’s okay. Maybe you just need it," I smiled.

He stared at me for a moment and my heart freaked out evenmore. I don’t know how do I look now after what he’s doing to me. I hope I don’t look so red, I hope I look fine.

He looked away, covering his face with his palm. He looks worried.

"A-are you okay?" Did I say something wrong?

He puts his hand on his nape then brushed his hair with his fingers, "It's nothing. Let’s go, I’ll bring you to your class."

I stepped back when he touched my forearm, "Huh? You don’t have to do that Ken,"

"I insist Ayesha, I really appreciate that you talked to me. You’re right, it’s not that easy but I don’t know how you made me feel better. Earl must be right, you are such a comfort."

I stared at his face when I saw a glimpse of smile from his lips. I couldn’t help but also smile, because for the first time, I was able to make him smile, his first smile after Kim's death.

*

"Seriously Ayesha? You’re such a lucky girl.” Ellyse just can’t move on about Ken bringing me to my class. Who wouldn’t anyway? He even apologized to my professor and who would decline him?

Ken is famous at the university, he’s the captain of the basketball team and the handsome vocalist of Golden Strings, a famous band because of its inhumanly handsome members.

Everyone was so jealous a while ago while I was so shy. I don’t know what’s running on their heads now but I hope it won’t create rumors.

"He did that because he felt guilty I was late for my class, he didn’t do that for anything else." I stated.

I honestly don’t believe him when he said I made him feel better because that’s not how it’s supposed to be. It’s not that easy to be okay just because someone wants you to be okay. Nonetheless, I’m happy I was able to say everything that I can. I’m happy I didn’t just stare at him.

He must have realized that he should not take the game for granted. They prepared for it for too long and he can’t just back out. I understand him, I know he’s an intelligent person and I know he's a responsible captain too. I know he knows what to do, grief must have consumed him for the past few days but I hope he’ll be fine soon.

"Hey! My gosh Ayesha, are you even listening?"

I blinked when Ellyse snapped infront of me. I forgot that she’s with me.

“I’m sorry, what is it?”

She rolled her eyes. “As I was saying, why are you so in demand right now? I still can’t believe you really got Ken as soon as that!”

My eyes grew wide. I immediately covered his mouth as I look if there’s anyone who hears us

"Sshh, why do you have to be so loud? And what in demand are you talking about?"

She removed my hand covering her mouth, "Don’t tell me you still don’t know it?"

My forehead creased, "Know what?"

She rolled her eyes like talking to me is draining her energy already. Sometimes, I don’t understand how does she do that, rolling her eyes. I mean, I just don't like the message it gives. But it's not like I’m saying that my bestfriend has no manners. I just don't use myself doing that eye craze.

"Austin and Angelites are trying to get you as a trainee for our on-the-job training. Just imagine, the school should be the one assigning us but here’s two big five star hotels asking for you already. "

I nodded. Austin McBride Hotel and The Angelites are one of the leading five star hotels in the country, aside from having good services, these hotels are also known for high salaries. There is also a big chance for you to be promoted on their branches outside the country.

“What was that? Your reaction is just a simple nod? Aren’t you happy? It’s your goal Ayesha, you told me before that your sister once dreamed to become one of the pastry chef under The Angelites? That’s your chance Ayesha!”

I couldn’t stop myself from getting sad whenever I hear my sister’s name and her goals. Yes, Ate Aly told me before about her dream, to become a professional chef for The Angelites. But now that it’s all within my reach, it’s all making me feel unhappy.

I sighed, Ellyse must have notice the sudden change in my mood. She knows that I wanted to be an engineer, that I never really liked my course right now. I was just forced to take it because it’s what my mom wants for me and my twin. She wants to have a daughter who resides in culinary industry because that was her dream, she was just forced to take medicine because it’s their famiy’s line of business.

Ate Aly loves to cook just like my mom that’s why she pursued culinary. While I was left with no choice because I want my mom to be proud of me someday. I haven’t done anything that made her happy because I can’t do what she wants.

We were never close, I don’t like the things she loves doing. It's Ate Aly who's compatible with her that’s why she loves her so much, they always do things together.

Ate Aly told me that I can shift to other course because she can see that I wasn’t happy at all. She helped me convince mom and she agreed. I was planning to take engineering but everything became complicated when Ate Aly died.

And I was left to become just like her to fulfill my mom's expectations.

"Dammit, I’m sorry Ayesha, I didn’t mean to--“

"No, it’s okay Ellyse, I’m okay. I just miss my sister," I heaved out a sigh.

"Uhh, I just don't like it when you're sad okay? Come on, let’s just go grab something to eat!”

We ordered some clubhouse and iced tea at the cafeteria. We sat on our usual spot and started eating while waiting for the other members to come. We will be having a quick meeting before heading home.

"Hi Ehl! Hi miss pres!" Zia greeted us when she came, she’s our treasurer.

"Hello, are you alone?"

"Nope, they’re buying some snacks." She pointed at the rest of the members.

They arrived with their orders and started asking what happened to my conversation with Ken. Earl said that they were all surprised when he suddenly arrived at their training commanding all of them to start the practice right away.

I felt happy knowing that I must have awakened his system. I’m happy for him and I hope he’ll do good for the rest of the coming days.

We started our meeting after eating. I made sure that everyone’s task is already done so we don’t have to rush things since the foundation week is fast approaching. We dispersed after the short meeting.

"Hey Ayesha, I need to go home early today. My brother is alone at home," I nodded at Ellyse.

Everyone else went home early to do their school projects and to review for some quizzes. I was left with Prince who’s not yet done with the task I gave him. I had to wait for him because I need the files today so I can submit it already to our adviser.

I rummaged through the documents that the other members gave me. I headed to the faculty office to find our adviser but I can’t find her so I decided to go back to the office and wait for Prince.

I was on my way back to the office when I heard someone moaning inside the brooms station under the staircase. I immediately went to check who’s inside but before I could even peek inside, someone covered my eyes from the back. He pulled me away from the door, making me face him instead.

And to my surprise, I saw Kenneth Yu infront of me.

**