"We won't be having lunch together then?" I tried to hide the disappointment in my voice but failed. From holding my hand, Vitto yanked me closer and slid his arms around my waist. He was leaning against the passenger's side of his Range Rover in a side walk in front the Sports and Humanities Building. He has to go off campus today to visit various libraries for his thesis.

I concealed my sulking by fixing his already neat black plaid jacket over his simple white shirt which he paired with dark jeans and white sneakers. He was still the simple guy I knew him to be before he introduced me to his wealthy mother's family but the only difference now was that he's already driving his car as he claimed that it's more convenient now that it rains every now and then. And I noticed he's been looking more handsome everyday that he was able to make simple clothes look posh as soon as he wears them.

"Don't forget to wear the specs when you work on the computer." He reminded me with his low soft voice. I looked up at him and fixed the fringes that reached his glasses. He heaved a small sigh as he must have noticed my mood, one hand reaching to touch one of my French braids.

Smiling, he assured, "I promise to be here in the afternoon to get you. Shall we eat out or you want me to cook for you?"

That made my mood perked up, "Cook for me, please." He flashed a dashing smile seeing my mood changed and I thought it wasn't possible to fall even more in love with him but I proved myself wrong once again.

"Then we have to go do the grocery first. Call?"

"Deal." I beamed and looking pleased, he leaned down to drop a kiss on my forehead and as a response, I tilt my head up to kiss him on the cheek.

"I have to go now." He straightened and I almost unwillingly uncurled from him. We rounded the car and reached the driver's side and he was still holding my hand as he opened his door. He faced me. "Call if you need anything."

I only nodded so I won't be betrayed by my mouth and beg him to take me with him. I reluctantly let go of his hand and I was surprised when he bent down to drop a quick peck on my lips. But it only took a moment to recover when I remember I forgot to tell him something. I knocked on his window and it lowered immediately.

"I love you, carrots." I told him happily. He smiled handsomely and my heart throbbed pleasantly.

"I always love you, bunny."

I stood there, happily waving, as I watched his car go. Now I wish for this day to finish fast so I can be with him again.

"Oreo!"

I twirl around and saw Cheska waving at me. With her were Marian, Kate, and the seemingly awestricken Rosenda. Cheska eagerly rushed towards me and the rest followed.

"That was your boyfriend, right? You both were so sweet and cute wearing matching outfits!" She swooned.

"Thank you." I replied smiling. I was wearing a white cropped knitted sweater and a high- waist black pleated skirt that reaches above my knees and a pair of black boots.

"He must have not cared enough to allow you wear skirt like that in this kind of weather." Kate snorted and I heard someone sneered. Must be Marian. But to piss them more, I decided to ignore them.

"Good morning, everyone!" I greeted cheerfully.

"I'm glad you looked fired up working today." Marian said with a fake smile.

"Of course! We went to my boyfriend's optician last night and he gave me an anti- radiation glasses." I opened my purse to rummage for the specs. I removed it from its case and wore it.

"Wow. You look so cute, Oreo!" Cheska's eyes gleam in genuine admiration. I beamed at her in appreciation. She's always nice to me and I promise to give her something once the week's over.

"But I don't think you won't get to use that today." Kate chimed in and I paused in confusion. She shared a conniving smile with Marian and I immediately sensed that they were up to something. She snatched the folders from Rosenda's hold and shove them onto me. "These folders are to delivered to the City Administrative Office. It's about the Outreach Program this Saturday. You have to bring it there and wait for their response."

"What? But it has nothing to do with my major. How would delivering files helpful to make up for my grade?" I tried to shove the folders back at her but she was fast to step aside.

"No more complaints, Oreo. Giro can't do all of these works alongside other stuffs for the SSC. You should help him." Marian said.

"Why me? Rose is here. She can help her boyfriend." I countered.

"Rose's body is too weak for that kind of job." Kate reasoned, "And you don't look like someone who gets sick easily considering you can wear such clothes in a cold weather." Duh, it's only 18 degrees today! And my sweater is enough to warm me up!

"I can go instead of Oreo." Cheska volunteered and I glared at Marian and Kate who were smiling triumphantly.

"Thank you, Cheska. But I will do it."

"I- I'm sorry, Oreo." Rose shivered like I was going to eat her up. What's wrong with this woman?! I felt like she puts me on the spot everytime she has the chance by acting as if I'm bullying her.

"Why are you apologizing, Rose?" Kate went to her and shielded her from me. "Giro told us to take care of you. We don't want the vice president upset." She glared at me.

"Do you want to do it or not?" Marian asked in a hard tone.

"She said she will do it." Cheska impatiently piped in, "What's wrong with you, two? You're from SSC but it's so natural for you to bully people."

Kate scoffed. "Bully? Why won't you ask the person you're trying to defend what real bullying is? Didn't she tell you she used to bully Rose?"

Cheska threw me a bewildered look and I froze. Would I deny it? But it was true.

Rose started to sob and I have no idea why. Marian and Kate comforted her after throwing hateful glance at me. They left with Rose leaving Cheska with me.

"W- Was that true, Oreo?" Cheska asked silently. It took me a moment before I was able to nod. I've always been a proud person. But now, I find it in myself to be ashamed of the things I did to get Giro back.

"Still, it doesn't give them the liberty to treat you like that." She said firmly and I looked at her in awe. She looked at me softly, "I noticed how you pretend not seeing Rose or Giro when we're with them. So, I know that you're not doing it anymore. The thing they accused you of doing to Rosenda."

I breathed deep, swallowing a painful lump in my throat. "I- I used to hate her so much because of Giro."

"And that's normal."

"It's also normal for people to hate me because of my attitude."

"But your boyfriend seemed to love you so much." That made me paused, my heart at peace with the mention of Vitto. "And I'm having fun being with you. You have a likeable personality, Oreo. Only people with insecurities would hate you. Like Marian and Kate."

"Why are you still nice to me? Is it because you have a crush to my cousin?" I squinted my eyes at her suspiciously.

"Your cousin?" She frowned.

"Heaven. Heaven Jeon."

"He's your cousin?!" She looked genuinely surprised. "Like the real Heaven Jeon of the Sports Elites?" I nodded. "Wow, you're really lucky, Oreo. You're surrounded by beautiful men."

"Well, thank you for being nice, Cheska." I said looking away to hide my embarrassment as I wasn't used with thanking people and I was surprised when her smiling face were suddenly in front me.

"Do you have any handsome friends?" She asked and I smiled deviously thinking of my bestfriend Peewee.

"I do. I'll give you his IG handle."

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Feeling drained, I opened the door to the Animation room and I was welcomed by Cheska's excited face.

"Oreo! Your cousin Heaven Jeon went here looking for you. He was with Lourd Ashton and Tennessee Almonte. Can you believe it? I was able to talk to them and your cousin even sent smoothies and pastries for us! I saved yours in the fridge."

"Must be nice to be as famous as them." Yuri sighed from the background.

"Oreo, you're back." Giro appeared from the corner and I walked straight to my table and slump tiredly on my seat.

"I'll go get your snacks." Cheska rushed to the pantry.

"I'm really sorry for inconveniencing you. It's actually not your job to send those files to the City Administrative Office. I already talked to Marian and Kate about this."

I lazily gazed at Giro who was standing in front of me wearing an apologetic expression, then on Marian and Kate who were working on their desks like nothing happened.

"I was calling you but you weren't answering." Giro added.

I heaved a very deep breath as I slide some files across the table towards him. "I went back and forth from offices to offices. They were asking for scanned copies, then went to ask for photocopies. And they're asking me to follow up tomorrow."

"I'm really sorry, Oreo." There was a deep sense of regret in his voice, something that I've already heard before. I glanced at the corner when I saw a pair of eyes watching me. And there was Rosenda who looked like she's going to cry again. In guilt or jealousy, I don't know. And I don't have the energy to care anymore.

A knock came from the door breaking me from my thoughts. The door opened showing a food delivery guy from an authentic Japanese restaurant.

"Magandang tanghali po. Food delivery po for Oreonina Acosta." The guy said.

I rose from my seat and headed to the door to clear the confusion. Did Heaven order food for us again?

"Is it from a Heaven Jeon?" I asked.

"Galing po kay Mr. Blake Vitto Alonzo, ma'am. If you allow us, ipapasok na po naming sa loob ang mga orders."

I wasn't able to grasp any words to say so I just nodded. I felt so overwhelmed as I watched the two guys put the obento boxes inside. Figures why Vitto didn't remind me to eat properly before he left, it's because he already has plans to make me eat properly even without him. My chest was filled with an overpowering affection for him when one of the delivery guys approached me.

"Miss Oreo, this is for you." He said holding another obento and a large cake box. "Where shall I put this, ma'am?"

I blinked, finally recovering from my trance and showed them my desk. From the background, I heard how Cheska cheered excitedly over the food. After muttering a thanks, the food delivery guys left and Cheska approached me animatedly.

"Your boyfriend is really so thoughtful, Oreo. He even ordered food for everyone. Look at these large obento boxes! Let's take a picture so you can send him our thanks." She was able to gather everyone in the conference table, even the grimacing Marian and Kate, to take pictures and sent them to me.

"Ore, please tell Vitto thanks!" Jules happily said as he started eating his share.

"I'm also as cool as your boyfriend, Oreo. I will buy everyone lunch tomorrow!" Yuri announced but no one reacted to him.

"Please tell your boyfriend thanks." Marian said in a clipped tone but obviously pleased with her obento box. She must love Japanese. Even Kate was looking content as she ate hers.

"Oreo, tell Vitto thank you for this. I hope he can eat with us next time. My treat." Giro said in a small smile and I replied with a nod. Rose was just silent beside her.

When finally, everyone was busy with their food, I opened my obento and the large box of carrot cake from Café Uno and took a picture with it to send to Vitto. I'm hesitating to call him since I know that he's in the library so I just sent him a message.

💌Me: Everyone was happy with the food, carrots. Especially me! This is so sweet of you. I will eat everything with gusto so please don't skip your lunch. I can't wait to be with you this afternoon. I love you!

PS. How are you able to convince the delivery guys to fetch me a carrot cake from Café Uno? You're the best!

My phone rang the moment my message sent. Everyone looked at me knowingly and I wasn't able to hide my excited grin. I excused myself and went to a nook for privacy.

"Are you also eating now?" I asked as soon as I picked up. I heard him chuckle.

"I will, after talking to you." His response made my knees weak. I felt drowning with his love and I'm living for it.

"You're the best, carrots. Thank you for the food."

"You should send me a proof that you really finished your obento."

"I'm starving so I'm sure I'll finish it." The other line went silent for a moment so I check if he dropped the call but he was still on the line. "Carrots?"

"Why were you starving? You didn't have a break?" I paused, deliberating whether to tell him the truth or not. I don't want to distract him so I decided to just tell him about what happened today later.

"Heaven sent snacks here. But it wasn't my favorite so I had no appetite." I half lied. He was silent for a moment and I was anxious he was able to get through my excuse. "Did you bribe the delivery guy to do extra job for you?" I asked wishing to divert the topic.

"You've been craving for it last night."

I smiled yearningly. "Please come back early."

"I will, bunny. But for now, please go and eat your lunch. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay." I replied silently then the line ended.

Work continued after lunch and thankfully, Marian and Kate lied low as Giro was there. I was getting the hang of my task and the following hours went by peacefully until Giro has to attend an important council meeting. And because of that, Marian and Kate were more than ready to pester me again. They asked me to hand in a printed report to the Administration building which was 2 kms away and it was so hard waiting for a cab here! And why would they ask me to send a printed report when it was so convenient to just fax it?!

"I will go instead of Oreo. It's enough that she asked you to go out in the morning." Cheska complained for me.

"Didn't you see the files I sent you? You have to finish making reports for them." Kate widened her eyes at her. "Oreo can go."

"If I can go then why can't you?" I spoke up, my irritation doubled with the pain I was feeling on my feet.

Kate raised her thin brow at me, "Because you can't do what I am doing here. You're just working with simple layouts. How could that make you tired?"

"I'll go." Jules and Yuri said at the same time making Kate's nose flared up.

"You two stay here and finish your work!"

"Why won't you just go? You're keeping people from finishing their works." Marian said irritably while typing loudly at her computer.

"I- I'll go with you, Oreo." Rosenda volunteered making my jaw dropped.

"You can't, Rose." Kate countered immediately. "It will make you tired."

"And I will not?" My voice has risen with disbelief.

"You two are ridiculous." Cheska glowered at Kate and Marian.

"Figures why nobody wants to date both of you." Yuri muttered and that started the argument between the three. I'd rather go than watching the chaos here. I have to be thorough with my skin routine tonight to keep the wrinkles that are threatening to invade my face because of stress!

"I will go." I mouthed to Cheska as I rose from my seat. She gave me a sympathetic look then glared at the three persons who were currently arguing. I gathered the files piled by Kate on my desk and quietly left so I was really surprised when Rosenda suddenly spoke behind me.

"Wait for me, Oreo."

"I can go alone." I increased my pace but she jogged to keep up with me. I halted and turn to face her and the action almost made her trip. I groaned. She's really clumsier than me. "Nothing good happens when we're together so just let me be by myself."

"B- But. . . I just want to help." There she is with her shivering and teary eyes again. I felt like she's doing it to intentionally irritate me.

"How can you help? By walking with me? Do you remember the last time we walked together?" I reminded her the night of the tree planting activity where we were lost in the woods. "I don't want Giro and your friends to point finger at me once you fall sick again."

"I won't." She replied almost immediately. "I promise I won't." She then reached her hand gesturing to share the files with her. I heaved a frustrated sigh and gave her one fourth of it. I don't want to waste my time arguing with her.

We silently reached the front of the building waiting for a cab when my sullen mood perked up seeing Vitto's car approaching.

"Carrots!" I felt like crying as I run towards him as soon as he went out the car. I launched myself at him and he caught me in his open arms.

"What happened?" He asked trying to catch my eyes but I buried my face on his chest inhaling his refreshing scent. There's nothing more relaxing than being in your beloved's warmth.

"We have to take these files in the Admin Building. We're waiting for a cab." Rosenda, who surprisingly didn't stutter, said. I honestly forgot about her when I saw Vitto.

"I'll drive you there." He said as he took the folders from me then approached Rosenda to take hers. She must be surprised with his action because she just stood there with her mouth slightly open while staring at him. Feeling displeased, I tailed Vitto and reached for the hem of his jacket to tug it. Used with that gesture, he automatically reached for my hand to hold it.

"You don't need to go with us." I tell Rosenda.

"I will go." She protested and my jaw dropped when she walked towards the car and waited in front the door of the backseat. What's wrong with this woman? She doesn't look like she's afraid of me anymore.

I sighed in relief as my back touched the comfortable backrest of the passenger seat. The car smelled like him so much and it cleansed the toxic air I inhaled from the Animation room. I stretched my feet, groaning as I felt my sore muscles.

I glanced at Vitto as he suddenly leaned towards the backseat and I heard Rosenda gasped in surprise as he muttered an "excuse me" and the natural low register of his voice sounded unintentionally alluring. Disgruntled, I gaped at Rosenda on the backseat who was wide- eyed and flustered, more like mesmerized, while watching Vitto reached for something out back. Finally grasping whatever he's looking from the backseat, he then turned to face me and hand my very cute and fuzzy bunny white slippers. It's another pair he bought for me that stays in his car.

I forgot my displeasure, thinking how he's so sensitive with my needs. I kicked off my boots and he leaned down to put the slippers on the mat.

"Thank you, carrots." I beamed at her and he replied with a warm smile as he secured my seatbelt.

"Please strap in." He reminded Rosenda with his civil voice that still sounded deep and charismatic that I have the urge to make him stop talking to her so she would stop blushing like what she's doing now!

"What did you have for lunch?" I started a conversation as the car accelerated. And I need distraction so I won't salivate watching the part of his arms, that were exposed from the folded sleeves of his jacket, flex as he controlled the wheels. Bad Oreo! Pervert Oreo!

"I had some salad. Do you want seafoods for dinner?"

I nodded. "Large prawns please." I said excitedly making him chuckle and it pleasantly reverberated in the car that I have to snap my attention back to Rosenda to see her blushing while looking outside the window. Why am I having a bad feeling about this?

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

"Oreo, should we drive you back?" Giro asked as I pack away my things from my work desk. It was like an automatic response to check for Rosenda's reaction and it was so unlike her to not pay attention to Giro while doing her own thing on her desk.

"You don't have to do that. Besides, Vitto's waiting for me downstairs." I glanced at Cheska and smiled at her, "I'll see you tomorrow." She smiled back excitedly and I prepared to leave when Giro reached for my arm to stop me.

"Then I'll drive you and Vitto back home."

"Thanks, but he's driving today. So, there's no need. Really." I told him, hoping that he'd stop insisting so I could go back to my carrots now. I noticed how his smiled faltered but he immediately recovered by smiling widely again. So like the Giro I know.

"Why don't we all head out together, then? I should treat both of you to dinner since he sent us lunch today. We should all eat out together." He insisted and I mentally groaned hearing everyone's excitement. It would just be a longer discussion once I tell him that we already have plans tonight so I just chose not to answer and leave silently as they followed behind. Today was so tiring that I only want to be with Vitto, be enfolded in his arms while inhaling his soothing scent, and forget everything around me.

My smile was spontaneous as I saw him leaning against his car while tapping at his phone. I elatedly pranced towards him and it was as if he felt I was coming that he lifted his gaze and smiled seeing me bouncing happily and comfortably on my way thanks to my fluffy bunny slippers. He chuckled as I threw myself at him, inhaled his scent and sighed feeling my fatigue slipping away.

"You worked hard today, bunny. I'm proud of you." He whispered and kissed the top of my head.

"You worked harder today. I wish I was with you." I tightened my arms around his waist and closed my eyes in peace. "I'm going to really study now." I promised to myself and I felt his chest moved indicating a quiet laughter. I pouted as I lifted my head up to gaze at him and I was welcomed by his amused smile.

"I'm going to hold onto your words on that." He gently patted the top of my head.

"You're laughing at me." I glared and he immediately pursed his lips making him looked so adorable I almost forgot that I'm somehow, a little bit, mad at him for making fun of me.

"I did not. I was smiling."

"Same thing." I sulkily tore myself from him but he was fast to grab my arms and my purse from me.

"You're cute, that's why I'm smiling." He playfully poked on the tip of my nose and shrugged off his plaid jacket to slung it around my shoulders. I was engulfed by his soothing scent and my tiny anger was magically swept away.

"You'll be cold." I said as I bridged the space between us to hug his middle when the moment was interrupted by Giro calling our names. I groaned as I reluctantly tore myself from him who automatically twined our hands together.

"The team was so happy with the lunch you sent us. Thank you." Giro said with a smile and it was only Rosenda now who was with him.

"No thanks necessary. I was only making sure that Oreo eats properly while I'm out." Vitto responded calmly and I can't stop my smile as I latched onto his arm burying myself to his side. How can he say something so sweet with that serious face? I was not strong enough to contain my exhilaration.

"Still, we would like to invite you for an early dinner." Giro kept on smiling, the one he always wears while doing business and I started to feel annoyed. Why would he even invite Vitto over if he only felt compelled to do it just so he'd stop feeling owed to him?

"We already have plans tonight." I cut in. Honestly, I don't have any animosity towards him or his girlfriend anymore but I only want them to leave me and Vitto alone. He was almost begging me to keep my distance before so why would he suddenly act friendly now? I don't really get him anymore.

"It's a shame, then." He said in a somehow disappointed tone as he gestured behind him, "The guys are actually hoping for you to come." I looked passed behind him and truly, Cheska, Jules, Yuri and even Marian and Kate were there waiting for us. Cheska smiled at me apologetically knowing that I already have plans with Vitto tonight. I gazed at him and saw him looking intently at Giro.

"Oreo helped me a lot with my work today. So, it's also a way to apologize for what happened this morning." Giro continued and I mentally groaned as I felt Vitto's body stiffened. I glared at him but he was looking at my boyfriend so he couldn't see how I was trying to murder him with my stare.

"Carrots," I whispered as I tugged Vitto's arms, "we will go grocery shopping, remember?" I tried to divert the topic. And I badly want to get out of there already!

"What happened this morning?" He asked me, "Is it why your feet's swollen?"

"She had to go to the City Administration Office in my stead. I really apologize." Giro answered for me and I willed myself not to throw him another set of daggers. Why was he extra talkative and friendly today? Did he forget that his girlfriend is here?

I stole a glance at the girl and saw her just silently watching us which isn't weird. Her calm and unbothered expression was what's weird, though. Normally, she's already clinging to Giro whenever he's acting friendly to me. What happened today? I gazed back at Vitto and smiled at him.

"My feet's somehow better now, carrots. Let's go do the groceries?" I urged and he looked at my face then down my feet as if reconsidering our plans.

"You have to rest your feet." He told me. This is bad. "We can go tomorrow."

"Go with us, then." Giro offered again. "Shall we?"

Vitto rested his lips on the top of my head and whispered, "Do you want to go?"

I paused for a moment, thinking that he was also tired so cooking isn't really convenient tonight. We both need to rest. I tipped my head back to meet his gaze. "I do if you're comfortable with it."

And with his warm smile, I know that it will be comfortable despite what surprise tonight has stored for us. And this wouldn't be my life without one.