Badboy for a Boyfriend

“Be my girlfriend.” My breath caught in my lungs. I blinked rapidly, but it seemed like I was the only one who was surprised at his words. He intently watched me with his usual uninterested face, before turning his attention back on his phone. My chest pounded just seeing him leisurely checking on the device that looked small around his hand. His expression didn’t change one bit. The indifference was quite alarming for me. The school council president had recently reprimanded him to take his silver piercing off, yet; he had it again. His coat was once again missing. It hasn’t been months since he transferred to International High Manila, but he already made it to the school website as a headline. In fact, his first week here was all a headline, according to Sue. I dramatically sighed. I was sure trying not to cross paths with him after witnessing what he’s capable of doing. I couldn’t remember how we ended up in this situation, honestly. I was startled by the wind blowing in our direction. But he did not blink. I’m uncertain now whether I did hear him correctly, or I was just making it all up. I probably feared being caught so much as to hallucinate. I decided to ignore it, but he tilted his head to the side; his brow raised to tell me how much he was waiting patiently for my answer. Alarmed, my lips parted. “What?” I blinked as the wind blew on my face. This was definitely not what I was expecting to hear. I stepped back to take my shoe off the cigarette butt on the ground. We glanced down at it in unison before I kicked it out of our sight. “Or should I post it to the school website instead?” “Y-You’re kidding, right?” I cautiously glanced around to make sure it’s only the two of us on the rooftop. My lips trembled at the thought of anyone finding us here together ― and what exactly we’re here for. “It’s… not what you see. You’re mistaken…” His eyes squinted down at his phone. “I’m sure these pictures can’t lie… Better yet, wait for everyone’s opinion once it’s posted? Bet your parents will immediately hear about it, too.” He’s clearly threatening me! I can't believe this! I shouldn’t fear him. That threat must not waver me at all. But then, with everything I’ve heard and seen about him ― which mostly were terrible, it’s expected of me to shudder with the threat. A threat I would consider lame had he not caught me red-handed. Of all the other students, why does it have to be him? I don’t understand! I thought he left already? My brows furrowed at my lunchbox in his hand. He refused to take it and left, so I went out to give it to those who would appreciate it better. Why does he have it now? What happened to the boy I handled that lunchbox with after he refused it? “Your mom made this for you.” He shrugged as he noticed my curious eyes on it. “Why do you keep throwing it away?” I couldn’t help but scoff. However, it was not right with the situation, so I quickly shut my lips tight. I internally rolled my eyes instead. My mom doesn’t even know how to boil water, let alone cook me lunch. Besides, the lunchbox was not mine. “Are you blackmailing me?” I asked after regaining courage. I looked him straight in the eye, though I could only last a second. He is that intimidating! This must be a remarkable power and sorcery. If not, I don’t know what this is. “I don’t know how this would benefit you. My parents don’t like you,” I deadpanned. It was not an insult. We were both conscious of that fact. To support my statement, he deliberately nodded as if he was aware of it more than I do. I assumed we were fine now. I was wrong. He came back here for a reason, and he’s sticking with that reason. “I heard they’re meeting this afternoon. We’ll meet with them and announce we’re dating.” “But we’re not!” I shivered at just the mere thought of it. How can he say that like it's nothing? My dislike for him was going to a higher level. He dismissed my reaction by refusing to look at me. He casually straightened his body and pocketed his cellphone. At that exact moment, the phone in my blouse pocket vibrated, which I intended to ignore. But he jerked his head towards it. My eyes widened instantly. I did as he silently ordered. It’s an unlisted number. My pictures popped out on the screen the moment I opened the message. I’m indeed caught red-handed! Precisely on the act of smoking, wearing my school uniform. That’s already alarming. He had taken several shots. There’s even a good one of me utterly having the decency to look shocked. My face was pale, with my eyes wide and my lips parted. The last one was when I threw the butt on the ground in panic. “How did you…” How did he get my number? But that’s not the problem now. This surprise took away my breath. I gripped my phone with both my shaking hands and stared at it, wishing I could go back in time to prevent this from ever happening. “You should…” “Let’s come together after school dismissal,” he said with finality before turning around for a grand exit. I was frozen on my track and could only watch him go. My knees wobbled as the door shut behind him. “Silvero…,” I whispered and let myself fall on my knees. … the new bad boy of International High Manila.