The weeks have passed and surprisingly, I've gotten pretty close to the brunette football player. Not once have we argued or acted like enemies. We bonded fairly quickly over eating the cookies I've successfully made and watching hilarious Canadian movies that night.

Even him calling me Princess wasn't as bad.

Nowadays whenever I see him, I would greet him with a wave. As I would've expected, my friends that I shared classes with, who knew my burning anger towards him before, were in shock. "(F/n), you sure do have this wonky relationship with Clyde," My petite friend, Malia, had told me. The two of us had just finished lunch and were on our way to (favorite subject) class that day.

I could only shrug my shoulders at her. "We're cool now," I replied with a small smile.

"At first, you don't even acknowledge each other, and then you have this heated rivalry over I don't know what, and now you two are buddy-buddy," Malia listed while counting each point on her fingers. "This is like a badly written romance novel. Before we know it, you two will be off making out somewhere to let out your sexual frustrations."

I scoffed with a laugh. "Wow, Malia. That's a bit of a long shot, don't you think?"

"Hey, I've read fan fictions like that. It can happen!" She defended herself. "I wouldn't be surprised if he liked you this whole time actually."

That conversation had been playing in my mind constantly since then. Sure, suddenly making out with someone seems a bit extreme but I couldn't help but wonder how well he kisses. I get a few opinions from a couple girls he had hooked up with and all of which have said he was fantastic.

On one hand, I should be disgusted by the fact that he's a playboy. On the other, he was the guy I never would have expected to be. He is surprisingly sensitive. He acts very genuine when he's around his friends. He is considerate. He is incredibly handsome.

What am I thinking?

He's my friend.

"What's up with Clyde, nowadays?" I heard a couple of girls a few rows behind me talk to each other. I had come to my math class early along with a few others. I continued to pretend I was looking through my notes but I paid full attention to the conversation. "He doesn't seem like his usual self."

"I know what you mean! Like, I tried talking to him two days ago and, usually, we would flirt, right? I got nothing."

"Really? I was going to ask him if he wanted to hook up later." I gagged at that. "Wait, shh, there he is. I'll try to ask him." I glimpsed up and, just like she said, Clyde had entered the classroom.

"Oh, Mister Donovan!" Our professor called out to him. The brunette stalked over to him, his hands casually in his pockets. "I wanted to tell you how proud I am. Your grades have improved immensely! Just the beginning of this semester, you were failing every quiz."

"Oh, yeah. But that's because I have an amazing tutor," Clyde answered, his eyes flickering over to me. I grinned to the fact he acknowledged that. Most guys I know would have just shrugged it off like it was nothing.

"I'm glad! Keep up the good work, Donovan. And tell your tutor thank you for me. Maybe she can tutor some other students in this class?" The professor suggested with a hopeful tone.

"Sorry, Prof, but I don't want to share her." My cheeks instantly flared at the comment. Clyde said his goodbyes to the professor and walked up to me with a wide smile. "Did ya hear that?"

"Yeah, I heard," I replied in delight. "I'm glad you're finally getting the hang of algebra."

"Yeah. Oh and, thanks from Prof," he chuckled. God, he's being way too adorable right now. "We're still up for studying later for the upcoming History test, right?" I gave him a nod. "Great."

"Oh Clyde!~" I cringed at the girl calling out for him. The same girl that wanted to hook up with him. "Would you like to do something later?"

I looked up at him. Nothing in his face faltered as she made the offer. "Sorry, no thanks," he answered. Wow, something must have really changed in him if he was turning down possible sex. He then ruffled the top of my head. "See ya after class, Princess." And with that, he went to his seat.

My heart fluttered in my chest.

...

Clyde kept his promise. He did meet up with me after math class. And so, as we were about to leave, we were stopped... By those same girls. Now that I could see both their faces, I realized they were indeed girls that like hooking up with guys left and right (I'm not stereotyping, I've heard this from sources). "Clyde, walk with us?" The raven haired girl cooed while batting her long eyelashes.

"Yeah, you never hang out with us, anymore," her honey haired friend pouted. "You always hang out with her. She's not even as pretty us."

That obviously popped a vein within me. Just as I was about bark at them for rudely insulting me, Clyde beat me to the punch. "You're right..." I stiffened at his reply. I was so close to slapping him smack dab on his face until he continued on with his sentence, "... Because she's ten times more beautiful than both of you combined."

"You got to be kidding me," the dark haired girl huffed, clearly offended. "Why are you so into her? Please tell me you're just using her to get better grades!"

I wanted to punch her lights out, seriously. What's with the insults? "No, I genuinely like her. If you two don't like that then... Sucks to suck." With a hand firmly on my waist, he pulled me away from the situation. "Pshh, I didn't think I'd leave such an impression on them with my monster--"

"Ok, you can stop there," I interjected while blocking my ears. But despite his joking tone just now, I was so flustered. He genuinely likes me. Does he not know how mushy that makes me feel whenever he says things like that? I was not expecting him to stand up for me, let alone compliment me while at it.

"You're looking a little pink, (F/n)," he told me. My eyes widened as I felt my cheeks. For sure, it was warm. "Aww, am I getting you hot and bothered over me?"

I pushed the laughing boy away. "Oh, shut up! In your dreams, Donovan!" I retorted, my blush deepening. "God, I'm not like those girls who are willing to throw themselves at you."

His bottom lip stuck out into a pout. I tensed at the sight. He needs to stop looking so cute. "Aww, why not?" He muttered in a childish manner.

"Because you're Clyde Donovan, ya dork," I answered, speeding up my pace to leave him behind. A laugh followed once again and he hurried his walk to match mine.

"So if I asked you out, you would say no because I am Clyde Donovan?" The brunette asked me, a smirk on his face.

I gripped my bag strap tighter in my hands out of nervous habit. Does he know my heart is pounding? Can he hear it and that's why he's teasing me about this matter? "T-That's right," I replied in my most normal voice but I mentally cursed myself for stuttering.

He hummed with a nod. He threw his hands behind his head. "Alright, I'll try harder then." Honestly, I didn't know if he was telling that to me or just to himself. Either way, it didn't help my knotted stomach or my beating heart.

What did he mean?

Why am I so damn flustered?

~*~*~*~*~*~

Midterm exams were coming up and everyone was cramming. Day in and day out, I tried my best to review and memorize as much things as I could at the time. But, I was becoming more stressed and overwhelmed by everything. Things like sleeping, watching TV, and hanging out with friends were not helping me one bit. I want to pass the exams. I need to pass the exams.

"Roomy, you need to let loose. If you end up being overwhelmed during exams, that's going to be as bad as not studying," Vivian sighed as she zipped up her skirt. It was a Friday and I had been cooped up in the dorm room since 3 in the afternoon. I see why the Latina was concerned. "Come with me to the party, drink a little. You need it."

"But, Vivian-- what are you doing?" I questioned her suddenly when she started rummaging through my closet.

I watched her pick out a few of the nicer clothes I brought along from home. Her eyes shifted back and forth from a blouse and a dress that I own. She glanced down at me and then back at the clothing. “Wear this,” she dictated me, throwing the (f/c) dress at my direction. I easily caught it with my mouth agape. Is she forcing me to go to a party?

“Vi, I don’t know about going to the party,” I told her with pursed lips.

She ran her fingers through her short, light dyed hair, messing it up a bit to an extent that it worked for her. “Chica, when was the last time you’ve been to a college party?” she asked me. She went back to her side of the room and started applying deep red lipstick to her lips. When I didn’t answer her right away, she knew my answer. “C’mon, one night won’t kill you. Plus, I’m positive Clyde will be there.”

I shot my attention fully on her as she said that. A smirk played along her lips. She looked pleased with what she said because she knew she hooked me. I have no idea why but she thinks I have a crush on Clyde.

What a laugh!...

Ok. Maybe I’m lying to myself.

Was I obvious?

“Hurry up. We’ll leave in thirty minutes.”

…

I knew I couldn’t trust her. Vivian had ditched me the moment we made it to the frat house holding the party of the evening. I love her and all, but wow.

I wandered around the house aimlessly, taking in all the sights of the party. The place was overrun by drunk college kids, either dancing or doing the dumbest things. So, it was your typical college party. I’m not new to this, no. I’ve been to a few before but it’s been a long while since I’ve been to one.

“Oh, what are you doing here?” I heard an obnoxious shrill voice scoff behind me. I craned my head and automatically, I let out an irritated groan. It was Trixie and Helga, the two girls that insulted me that one day from math class.

Ever since the day Clyde had shut them out completely, they have been on my case. Just when I thought I was getting the hang of college again, I encounter snobby bitches that can’t take a hint that Clyde is no longer interested.

I take a good look at their outfits and it’s like they’re barely wearing any clothes. “For the party,” I told Trixie with a roll of my eyes. Honestly, why else would I be here right now?

“Oh? It isn’t because Clyde is here too?” Helga spat with an annoying smirk.

“I haven’t seen him in like two days, like I care,” I responded with crossed arms. Ok, I do care but they don’t need to know that and get the satisfaction they crave.

Both of their smug expressions seemed to deepen for some reason. “But you should car, (F/n)!” Aren’t you two together? That could be the only reason he hasn’t been hanging out with any other girls lately,” Trixie drawled while flipping her raven hair over her shoulder.

I scowled. “How many times do I have to say it?” I took a stomp and leaned in dangerously close to them, in which they were taken back from. “Clyde and I are not a couple. You know Clyde. I know Clyde. He’s not the kind of guy to be in a committed relationship.”

“Pshh, you say that but what if he actually likes you and asked you out?” the light haired girl questioned through a shaky breath. It somewhat pleases me that she’s terrified of me.

“Why would I care?” I hissed out a lie. “It’s never going to happen in a million years.” The two girls started to giggle manically. I stared at them in confusion. “Why the fuck are you laughing?”

“Maybe Clyde can finally realize your true feelings for him,” Trixie replied while pointing behind me.

I turned around and instantly, my heart completely stopped.

The very boy we were talking about were close to tears. “Wow, I guess that’s one way of finding out how you really feel about me,” he murmured, his voice cracking in the process. I was speechless. Those bitches have duped me and set me up this whole time, winding me up and making me say something that’s obviously not true. All I wanted was for them to leave me alone. Not this. “I never hated you, (F/n). Even the first time we ever talked,” he continued, the tears now streaming down his cheeks. “I was shocked, honestly. I was fascinated by you… That’s why I enjoyed messing around with you. Very childish, I know.” He hesitated looking away to no longer meet my eyes. “And then, we became friends… I-I guess I’m always going to be that playboy to you, huh?”

He turned his heel and disappeared within the crowd of people. I wanted to run after him but I was completely frozen.

I hurt the guy that I’m so deeply in love with.

I can’t forgive myself.

Why can’t I own up to my feelings and not let anyone get the best of me?

I didn’t care how satisfied Trixie and Helga must have felt. I ran out of the party with tears stinging my eyes.

…

1 a.m.

Again.

This time, I haven’t slept a wink since I left the party. I couldn’t. I was too devastated. Constantly, once I was back in my dorm room and I came to my senses, I tried to call Clyde. I texted him too but none to which he answered.

I’ve been staring at the ceiling in the past few hours, not believing what just happened.

Clyde liked me.

He had changed for me.

Then, he had to hear the lie I told Trixie and Helga so they could finally leave me alone.

I was lying.

I kept lying to myself too.

I’ve tried to bury the feeling I had for that crybaby. I was afraid that he would just leave me in the end for someone prettier and much more worth his time. I want to be with him but if he can’t deliver then what’s the point of trying to be in a relationship with him? Not once did I think I would change him. I started liking him way before I found out he had stopped hooking up with random girls around campus. I had accepted him.

More importantly, he accepted me. We ended up being friends despite the difference we seemed to have. But in the end, we ended up being closer than expected and sometime, I could always turn to him whenever I’m having problems and he did the same.

            And, I hurt him.

            Automatically, I knew what to do. I ended up being in the community kitchen once again with my ingredients to make cookies.

            Yeah, baking will make me feel better… right?

            The process seemed a lot more dull and long than the many times I have done this before. I was sulking and I knew I didn’t give it my 100%. That shouldn’t matter. No matter how long I take to make these, the cookies still turn out fairly good.

            With the cookies now in the oven a couple of hours later, I heard footsteps. I swerved my body around, my whisk in my hand.

            It was him.

            We stared at each other for the longest time, neither of us wanting to break the eye contact that was filled with sorrow. “Clyde,” I murmured out. I set the whisk down and stepped closer to him, cautious enough so he wouldn’t immediately walk away. He still wore the clothes he was wearing from the party but it seemed more crumpled and messed up since I last saw him. “Clyde, do you hate me now?” I asked him the question that had been in the back of my mind. I need to hear his answer.

            If he says yes, fine, I’ll understand.

            “No,” he replied in a groggy tone. “I can never hate you.” He wiped his tear-stained cheeks with the back of his hand. “I overreacted, ok? I just really like you and for a moment, I thought you would like me back. I-I still want to be friends.”

            This was my chance.

            I took another step closer, so I was now right in front of him. “You didn’t let me explain,” I told him in a whisper. I glimpsed over at his lips. Without any much more thought, I tiptoed up and captured his lips with mine. For a moment, I was starting to panic since Clyde didn’t react to it right away. But after a second, he relaxed and wrapped his arms around my waist to pull me in closer. I let my fingers reach up and go through his messy, soft hair, lightly gripping it so I can get even more of his sweet lips.

            Unfortunately, we had to pull away for air but I grinned when I saw that look of awe on his handsome face. “I like you, too, ya dork,” I finally confessed to him.

            His eyebrows knitted together, his glazed eyes looking down at me. “Then why did you say those things to Trixie and Helga?”

            I pouted slightly. “You know how fucking annoying they are!” I defended myself. “They would not leave me alone so when I told them I wasn’t interested, I was hoping they’d ignore me. But then they wouldn’t and they were pissing me off and then I said things I shouldn’t have said and then--”

Clyde abruptly interrupted me with another kiss on the lips. “I got it from the first sentence, Princess.” I groaned a little at the nickname, the very nickname that he hadn’t called me in a long time. He perked his head up, now looking past me. “Oooh, cookies?”

“Yeah,” I mumbled out. “I couldn't sleep so I wanted to bake.”

“Like that one time?”

“Yup.”

“You want to do the same thing like we did last time?” he suggested with a warm smile. I returned it and nodded. “Good. At least this time, I wouldn't be afraid with cuddling with you on the couch. I’ll go off and get the pillows and blankets then.” He winked at before going over to his dorm room, leaving me with crimson red cheeks and my rapidly beating heart.

“God, that jerk. I hate him,” I grumbled with a smile plastered on my face.