C L A I R E

My eyes couldn't believe that he was sending me too many messages as soon as I woke up from my slumber. Oh come on, it's too early.

My hands rubbed my eyes before staring at my phone to read the messages. Most of them were just bothering me and telling me to wake up but I read the last one first and he asked me about our meeting.

Ethan | 07:20 am

What time do you want me to meet you? And where?

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at this. I need more sleep than talking to this guy too early in the morning. I can just say I woke up late and just meet him later after classes at school. Yeah, that would be good.

As soon as I was typing, he then sent me another message which made me sigh.

Ethan | 07:23 am

You know, you could just reply and go back to sleep. Your friend called me earlier and told me that your first class was vacant. I'll just meet you in front of the gate.

This guy is really testing me, huh? A long deep breath was all I need before preparing for school. Of course, the normal routine and then greet my aunt before leaving.

Taking a few bites of my breakfast, I then bid goodbye before taking out my phone on the way out and calling Sam. There were a few rings here and there and I finally heard my best friend answering with a cheerful tone visible in her voice.

"Today is a great day, isn't it?" she opened up as I playfully rolled my eyes behind the screen. Oh please, Sam, I know this is your plan all along. Surely, I tried acting like I was oblivious to everything. 

"Oh? How come?" I asked her back and waited for her response.

"I mean, it just is? Why couldn't it be a happy day, right?" I could hear her trying not to stutter at all. My lips curled into a smile as she then tried not to spill anything.

Oh, Sam, you can't even lie to me. You're the type of person who would always tell me every surprise that you have. Let's just see how long you could keep it this time. 

I tried to hold my laugh as I then nodded and teased her. "Alright, fine, don't tell me then."

"Let's just meet at school. I'm on my way there anyway."

---

Taking the cab to get to my school in minutes, my eyes cast over to a guy looking around and standing inside near the school gate. He was a tall guy wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. I couldn't really see his face since he was wearing a black cap and wasn't looking in my direction.

He had his phone in his hand and after a few seconds, he sent a text message. I couldn't help but look at my phone - which vibrated right after he stopped typing.

Ethan | 08:10 am

Are you already on your way?

My lips pursed as I knew immediately that it was Ethan standing there. At first, I wanted to reply that I was still on my way so I could still meet up with Sam first. But knowing that I still have to get through to him to go inside the university, I let out a sigh instead.

Let's just get this over with.

Approaching him and calling his name made him look at me and widen his eyes. He couldn't help but fakely cough as I stood right in front of him with crossed arms.

"Since I still have another class, and I'm pretty sure you have one as well, how do we do this?" I asked him before I continued.

"And let's make it short since I have to meet someone after this."

Ethan then shrugged at me before speaking up. There was a hint of hesitation at first and I knew at that point that he was trying to guess my next move. "I've...done a lot so I'm willing to do anything at this point."

"So, like anything at all?" Ethan couldn't really decide whether to agree with me or not. That was the first time I saw him trying to avoid the situation he was in. It almost looked like he wanted to leave as soon as possible.

"From the sound of how you say that to me, I think I'll regret saying that I'll do anything," he mumbled before shaking his head and covering his face with his right hand. I couldn't help but cheekily smile as he frowned at me.

"You can't back out now," I tried to remind him as he waved his hands - signaling that he already knew.

Sighing out loud in exasperation, he then gave out a nod and a disappointed tune in his voice. "Fine, what is it?"

"Well, we are in need of a laundry boy." His eyes widened as I covered my laugh and watched his reaction. I wasn't supposed to give him this job but considering that most of his incidents were on purpose, I decided to take it up a notch.

When he saw me snickering almost, he tried to make me repeat what I told him. I guess he wanted to reassure himself that he heard the word correctly.  "What did you say? I think I misheard that."

"Yeah, a laundry boy." 

He then disagreed immediately, suddenly turning his back on me. "There's no way I'll accept that."

"You can't say no at this one."

"I can't believe that you're gonna make me your laundry boy. Out of all the possible things," he said as he then closed his eyes to hide the shame.

Looking back at my phone, I saw that I only have 40 minutes for my next class. And I still need to meet Sam right before it. 

Taking a glance back to Ethan, I told him, "Well, I guess you better prepare then."

I then waved him goodbye before walking away.