Badboy for a Boyfriend

Chapter 5

Thursday came and I had not seen a shadow of the new guy. I expected his presence around me to be often after Monday, but I admit I was not prepared for what he has under his sleeves. He could blackmail me with what he assumed he knew about me. That’s why I was anticipating encounters with him because I must. I must talk to him to find out how much he actually knew. He could be telling false assumptions.

My metal case was proof I was there, but only my friends knew it belonged to me. He could not connect me to the cigarette he found if I feigned my innocence well.

I bit my lower lip as my anxiety grew. Maybe I could win an argument over him. I just have to make a reliable statement without having to involve my friends. Perhaps I should ask him to show me the case first?

But how was I supposed to do that? There’s no way I’d visit him in their building or wait for him after dismissal. And he’s not going around our building, either. Besides, that guy obviously had a strong will. He’s oozing with confidence without even doing anything. What if I fail? I would only be preparing a grave for myself if that happens.

The last thing I wanted was for this matter to spread like wildfire. I was glad my friends were not asking me a thing about it which means no one’s broadcasting a word. I should be at ease had it not only for my case. I needed to get that back.

It started on Tuesday. I decided to join my friends for lunch and study time. They were glad to have me around. Sue even screamed in delight last Tuesday when I sat at their table in the cafeteria. I needed them around because no matter how much I was eager to talk to that guy again, I knew deep inside me I was not prepared to face him again. He screamed trouble, and if it weren’t for my case…

I sighed heavily. It’s finally taking its toll on me. I could hardly sleep. I also decided it’s best to refrain from smoking for maybe a week or two until this situation dies.

But on Friday, I was told to come to the administration building for lunch. My friends already knew about it so we separated ways for a lunch break. I was yet to leave the building when the boy from Monday who offered me his lunchbox stepped in front of me. I instantly recognized the same plain lunch box with a yellow note on top. But of course, it’s a different message and different food content.

Once again, he said nothing. But still reluctant to hand it out to me.

I took the initiative. “I’m heading to the administration office for lunch. You should give that to someone else.”

His lips barely parted. I could not tell which surprised him but he smiled after composing himself. He deliberately nodded and took his lunchbox back to his front. I gave him more time but he stood like a statue in front of me and I needed to be there on time. I nodded to myself and left him there alone.

Outside the building, my steps faltered. One girl was sitting alone on a bench under a tree. She was busy reading a book and on her table was her packed lunch. Each school building had a cafeteria and around the campus. There were also about four coffee shops. There’s definitely a lot of space to eat lunch.

I have no plan to approach her or anything and I thought she was engrossed with her book to even look up at the world. But she turned to me when I propelled again. Both of us halted. It wasn’t my instinct to smile at people, but it would come out a wince when I forced myself. I honestly don't know if the muscles of my face moved at all.

But she smiled.

Mikaya San Pedro.

She put down her book and gently fixed her reading glasses with her knuckle. It was then she realized the wind messed up her bangs so she quickly fixed them. Her hair was tied behind her neck. She possessed that simple beauty. Bare face and no trace of cosmetics products. Unlike me who needed lipstick and some blush on to give life to my face and because I needed to always look presentable. Mikaya was one of the kindest people I knew.

But her kindest to me shouldn’t be known to the world. How we got to know each other should be kept a secret, too. That’s why I could not walk closer to her. We do, sometimes. But people would wonder why we get close if we do it often.

Every time I saw her, I felt guilt creeping in. No one could keep secrets for a lifetime but I needed more time. I was scared.

I quickened my pace to walk past her. I didn’t get to see her reaction but I hope she wouldn’t feel bad. If only I knew how to make friends. If only I knew how to get over that guilt.

The administration building had four floors. Faculty teachers have different facilities and mostly, this building was used for private matters and where they accepted guests since they had their own dining hall and conference room. The top floor was for the board members, including my dad and Mr. Denver Silvero. I usually came when I am told to like today.

“You’re here!” Daniella squealed in delight as a guard outside the two massive doors opened them for me. She was the first one who noticed my presence. In her junior uniform, she departed from her seat with grace and elegance, with her black curly hair tied in a high ponytail behind her head. All eyes watched our little reunion, and I was worried my dad would notice that I hardly put effort into meeting with the Silveros these days.

We're the same height but I was way thinner than her. Besides, she often had that sweet smile plastered on her lips. It made her look young like Dayshawan as if the young-looking face they inherited from their mother wasn’t giving them good looks already.

We kissed cheek to cheek. Her arms around me were tight before she let go, giggling like a little girl.

“I can’t believe it’s like…,” she trailed off as she thought, “I don’t know; when was the last time we saw each other again?”

I shrugged and took a discreet glance at my parents’ seating across from the chairman and his wife, then gave a small smile to Daniella. “I think it was three weeks ago,” I replied uncertainly. Daniella only laughed before we proceeded to the table. I greeted Mr. and Mrs. Silvero by kissing them and my parents as well. Dayshawn was seated across me. He jerked his head with a smile to acknowledge my presence.

I knew dad was watching, so I smiled back.

I was unsure what this lunch meeting was for, but this was often anyway, especially when I heard that the institution was planning for a new project. Food was served at our table. I was a bit late but since I came before the food, it’s not obvious.

“Your examination is coming close. You can keep up with each other after that,” Mr. Silvero said to the three of us. His genuine peals of laughter echoed around the room. His features were strong and intimidating except for his untiring smiling eyes.

I was always in awe to see him laid back. Even when he became the president of the country, nothing about his kindest and hospitality changed. I think being real helps him get the hearts of the Filipinos who feel sad about his decision to leave politics. Though others think he was faking his concern when he started to distance himself from the public. But I knew he had been like that since then. His name, his physique, status, and wealth screamed intimidation. Some people assumed negative opinions.

For me, he’s the coolest father.

I pursed my lips and glanced down at my food. Of course, I love dad. He’s a good father, too.

And speaking of him, I instinctively put down the fork I hadn’t noticed I had been absentmindedly playing when he cleared his throat. It sent me to move. It’s often meant for me to get my attention back to the present.

I only glanced at him for a second. Dayshawn’s voice lingered in my head so I assumed he was the one speaking. I was right. He raised one brow at me while smiling.

“You’re free, right? For dinner this Sunday?”

I blinked in alert but had perfected the art of hiding my surprise at times like this so I nodded and smiled back. “Sure. Let’s do that.” I smiled at their family.

He had mentioned it to me on Monday but he didn’t give a date and I knew he wasn’t sure about it, too. I guess one of the reasons for this lunch was to keep the family connection intact. That’s when I noticed the look of Mrs. Silvero. She looked refined and as flawless and elegant in her white dress as my mom, but she’s not in her usual state. Usually, she would smile and join the conversation. Today, her eyes kept coming down the table.

I was probably spacing out so much because I thought Dayshawn was not in the mood, too. Daniella was the only one who looked lively as usual. Mr. Silvero was cool and I didn’t really know what’s going on in his head because he’s inexpressive.

Their family must really be facing a serious problem. I focused on the conversation but it’s mostly about business and not a single hit of personal issues.

“I talked to the guidance department and they don’t believe the students’ testament,” Mr. Silvero answered as my mom mentioned last week’s incident with the seniors. I sat upright in alert as I recognized the topic. Dad frowned. I thought it was because of my reaction.

“We decided to discuss our own matters separately,” Mrs. Silvero said, emphasizing the word ‘own.’ Daniella’s eyes cast down at the serious tone of her mother. Dayshawn did not react at all. And I was clueless as ever.

I glanced at Mr. Silvero, who nodded apologetically. My father did the same when the chairman turned to him, but it was more like agreeing with Mrs. Silvero.

The lunch ended with a heavy atmosphere but with the conversation dying down about school affairs. I didn’t have a chance to talk to my parents after lunch. Meanwhile, Daniella and her father stayed in the room. Mrs. Silvero was the first to stand on her seat and left after formally bidding her goodbye. Dayshawn and I headed together to our school but parted for each other’s buildings without saying anything.

It was about half an hour early for my next class. I stopped smoking on Monday, but I found my feet bringing me to my last smoking spot because my mind was wandering somewhere. However, I was yet to turn a street to be there when I stepped into someone’s shadow heading opposite my direction.

I waited for the shadow to get out of my way as I didn’t want to disturb my line of thoughts. It took seconds, so I looked up to the towering owner of it. His familiar cologne was like a wind knocking me directly to the face. So does his presence. Just like that, I was completely back in my world, breathless for about ten seconds as I gawked at him. Another second before I rummaged through my head for words I must say.

I have prepared my speech but not my mind. It’s haywired and I knew I was looking like an i***t with every second that passed.

That single silver piercing caught the sunlight. I wondered if it would shine like that to every boy if they’re this brave to wear them. If they would only look sumptuous with it. But then, I wore earrings, too. A white diamond pairs at that. Most girls do. What difference does it make now that he’s wearing one except that he’s openly breaking a rule?

Or was that his way of encouraging the boys to try them on?

I shook those thoughts out of my head. It’s not my problem anymore. I needed important things to discuss with him. However, I had only wet my lip with my tongue in preparation when he walked past me. It took me a complete minute to comprehend what just happened. The guy left me standing on my own under the bright afternoon sun.

It’s not like we were in the middle of a conversation but…

Frowning with utter confusion, I turned around to see him casually heading to their building. He did not spare me another glance or even slow down his pace to let me know he kind of regretted it. No, he continued like he never saw me at all, or we ever had any interaction from the past at all.

Students who witnessed it looked confused, too. They watched the guy retreating back and whispered to each other as if their lips needed to confirm what their eyes saw.

I had never been bothered by anyone walking past me or not striking a conversation with me. But that new guy…

My feet changed plans. I headed to our building instead. I had handled the situation well and without showing my irritation at what I believed was disrespect. Inside, I was infuriated at the audacity. But knowing he wouldn’t not be my problem anymore put me at ease. He wouldn’t bother me with the case and the cigarette, and hopefully, never mentioned my presence from last week in that abandoned school lot.

I thought I only needed to make sure not to cross paths with him again. I was wrong.

The following day, Saturday, we had another meeting with the Silveros in the main office of their real-estate company. I had been there countless times, too, and meetings like this were not unusual as my father was a partner, being our family business was into construction materials. This time, it would be about businesses outside school.

I came early to talk to Dayshawn about our planned dinner tomorrow but he was late.

I couldn’t blame him though. I honestly didn’t tell him about it. I was simply making excuses as I did not want to come here with my parents after hearing they would have to check something in our company first. I am fine everywhere, but not with the company. I feel small knowing almost everyone around there knows I’m not my father’s favorite.

“I understand. I’m leaving now.”

I was sitting in the waiting room on the top floor when I heard that familiar voice. I knew without having to glance it was him because his face flashed on my head like an instinct. He was behind me. In front was the reception desk and there were only five people around, all were employees. At least that’s the number my vision was giving to me because I could no longer turn around at that voice. He’s a plus to the five and me, and whoever he’s talking to. Only, when he spoke again, I realized he was talking over the phone.

“What about your family?” he asked in a nasty undertone.

My brows deeply joined together. The employee, who I knew would offer me something to eat was about to come but I stopped her by lifting a hand to her and shaking my head. She understood what I meant and went back to her post behind the reception desk.

“Since weeks ago, yes. I’m doing great before that. I’d be fine without this meeting,” he reassured the other line with a tone that sounded bitter and sarcastic to me. I was not sure if whoever’s on the other line’s getting it. I think they had something else to say but he ended it with a brisk ‘thank you’ though not sounding grateful at all. I could tell the words came out of his nose.

It’s that new Silvero. I’m positive.

But what is he doing here?

I counted ten until I was sure he left already before discreetly turning around to confirm it. No one’s behind me but a tall, lean guard who briefly jerked his head when he saw me.

The guy had probably left after that conversation. I stood to move for the conference room where we would be meeting with the Silveros. The guard offered to lead me there but I politely declined. I’m not sure if it was a bad or good idea when I turned the corner and nearly shrieked at the guy leaning against the wall, with his arms folded atop his chest. He didn’t flinch at my reaction. If anything, I think he expected that reaction from me.

I couldn’t help but glare, thinking he intended to startle me like that. I almost screamed!

His eyes narrowed, so I lifted my chin and composed myself. His hands fell on his sides. “Are you following me?”

I was yet again startled. Speechless, even.

He read the confusion on my face and tilted his head to where I came from. I blinked in disbelief.

“Excuse me?” I flicked a brow to look him over. Plain white shirt, overwashed pants, and signature brown shoes. Simple yet… charming. I gulped. “You mean, you’re following me?”

He frowned and calmly shook his head. “I won’t tell anyone what I know. Be at ease now.” He shrugged.

“I… I don’t know what you mean, but I’m not following you. Why would I even do that?”

“GD?” he muttered, and I almost got knocked out. Damn it! I thought I had perfected the art of hiding reaction? “Don’t also worry about telling everyone what you know. I won’t mind.” Then he left.

He left me hanging once more. He didn’t even allow me to process his words.

Does he mean what he did to the bullies? Is he giving me permission to tell the guidance what I witnessed and point him as the culprit? Or was he blurting sarcasm?

He was out of my sight when I made out that that’s probably what he meant. Then I realized he headed in the wrong direction because the elevator was in the waiting hall. What’s at the end of that hall was the conference room. I marched after him for confrontation. I don’t want him to misunderstand. Why would he think I’m following him?

I found him standing outside the double doors. That’s the conference room! I sprinted towards him at speed I didn’t know I’d be able to muster just to grab his hand off the door handle and dragged him away from the door. My heart hammered with growing fear and tension. I hadn’t realized how firmed my hands were around his arms until we stared at each other. It felt like an eternity, and I’m aware of how I gawked because I was thinking of many possibilities.

I wouldn’t even let go of him if he only didn’t glance at my hands on him. Before he could think anything about it, I let go and straightened my body. It didn’t help me calm down, though.

“What are you doing?” I hissed and glanced over his shoulder to make sure we’re alone. No one’s in the conference room yet, but the staff was making sure it’s clean. “What do you want? You just said you wouldn’t tell anyone?” I pointed to the hallway to remind him he said that only minutes ago.

The guy had the guts to act confused. Frustrated, I glanced at my wristwatch before pushing him away from the conference and the office of Mr. Silvero, which was at the end hall.

“You should leave,” I told him as he kept his feet planted on the floor. “I’m willing to discuss this matter with you. For now, you need to leave. Please.”

The furrowed brows deepened the line between his forehead. His fingers gingerly pried mine off his arms. “I think we have a misunderstanding, miss. Why do you want me out?”

I scowled. Then I got a closer look at his confused state and the shadow of looming irritation. “Definitely a misunderstanding,” I murmured and stepped away while nodding, more to convince myself. “There’s a misunderstanding here. I’m not following you. You’re not following me, right?”

My fingers consciously tucked the strand of my hair behind my ear.

He nodded. “I’m certain I’m not here because of you.”

Instead of being offended, I took it as a compliment so I could start calming myself. But…

My eyes squinted. “Why are you here then?” It’s on the top floor of Silveros company. I wouldn’t be this suspicious if we met on the other floor and where anyone could roam around alone. It’s not our company, but the employees knew me because of my father. I didn’t understand why they let this guy walk around here by himself unless the Silveros knew him personally.

“Miss Roswell?”

I visibly jerked at the call of the receptionist. This guy must have noticed that and how I forced a smile on my lips before facing the lady.

“Sir Dayshawn just arrived in the building. Where do you want to wait for him?”

“Uh…” I thought of the lobby, but two people emerged from the conference as they finished cleaning. My thumb absentmindedly pointed there instead. “Tell him I’m here.” My voice was smaller.

The lady nodded. I couldn’t be mistaken how she bowed her head not only to me but also to this guy. I narrowed my eyes in wonder. “I’ll tell him.” My thank you came out breathless and inaudible.

I watched as the three employees left.

Words also left me as I didn’t know what else to say to him.

Nervously, I shrugged my bag’s sling against my shoulder. I cleared my throat and moved inside the room before Dayshawn could see me with this guy again.