As if the university wasn’t enough pain in the arse, a camping and hiking trip was announced.

Students gathered around the bulletin board to read the details. I had already read it when I came early in the morning. The fees were all covered by sponsors of the trip, so everyone had the chance to join. They only needed to fill out an application. Though it was a paid trip, I couldn’t leave my night shifts, or my salary would be deducted.

An arm slung around my shoulder, and a voice inquired, “Mel, you’re coming, right?”

I didn’t understand since when Massie thought she could get casual with me. I wasn’t even keen about creating friendships in a place where I didn’t fit in.

“I’m not sure,” I answered bitterly.

She gave me a tight smile then looked behind us. Kai and Ryan were there. I couldn’t help but look away once my eyes met Ryan’s.

“Kai, Ryan?” Massie pushed.

“Yes,” Ryan said.

“No,” Kai said.

I frowned, observing Kai. The question escaped my lips without my approval, “Why?”

Massie gave me an incredulous look, but we all wanted to know the answer. I pitied her high hopes of being with her friend. I just happened to be the first to ask whether she liked it or not.

He shrugged and tucked his hands in his pockets. “Just not my thing. Besides, I assume Mum would prefer I stay with her, you know.”

No, I didn’t know. Clearly, that wasn’t directed to me; I wasn’t involved in whatever he talked about. It made my interest and curiosity about Kai uncontainable. However, I needed to keep a reasonable distance between us. I needed to remember my hardworking mother.

On my way to work, I was fidgety in my seat. Frank was nice enough to take me to the restaurant that afternoon.

“Frank, do you know where Kai was last year?” I interrogated the driver.

Frank didn’t utter a word.

“I know you aren’t allowed to reveal this too, but I feel as if it would be beneficial for me to know. I promise I’ll keep it to myself,” I encouraged the man to speak.

“I’m not one to mingle in what doesn’t mean anything to me, dear,” the man said in a fatherly tone.

I gulped, feeling him reprimand me for butting in. That still didn’t hold my curiosity back. My gut feeling couldn’t be denied. From the rear-view mirror, I could see the hint of a sad smile on his face, but he managed to look straight still.

“Kingston Jr had some time for himself,” he cut through the silence again.

That spacious mansion, his whole suite, wasn’t big enough for him to feel… alone? Private? The way wealth played with one’s humility was unbelievable.

“Why?” I pressed, clenching a fistful of my skirt.

“I’m not one to mingle,” he repeated.

I felt my toes curl in my boots. Frank wasn’t helpful enough, and I still had a lot to know. If he wasn’t going to tell me, I had no idea who would.

“Do you like him?” he surprised me.

“Uh... what?” I stuttered.

“Does he like you?”

I didn’t even answer the first question. “Frank… it’s not like that.”

The car finally stopped in front of the restaurant, so Frank looked over at me in the backseat. “Kai is a good guy… to everyone. Don’t hesitate to be yourself with him. And if he loves you, he’ll do anything for you.”

Why did people chant that sentence like robots? Did it have a hidden meaning behind it? It didn’t help calm down my curiosity.

“Yet don’t always mistake his kindness with romantic feelings. He still might not be over what happened.”

Fúck it. I knew exactly what we felt.

\

A month ago, if you told me I’d be standing in front of Kingston Jr’s room holding a breakfast tray on a Saturday morning willingly, I would have called you crazy and stormed off. Furthermore, if you told me I would have feelings for him, I would have signed you to the hospital already.

The attraction wasn’t solely about shared likes and dislikes with someone or caring about them: it was about finding that person attractive to you in a unique way you can see no other. Every little detail in Kai made me feel things I didn’t know I could feel, hadn’t felt for anyone before. His looks, his smell, the way his skin heated mine when we touched, the way his lips danced with mine, even his voice awoke new senses in me. I could recognise him speaking among any crowd—my whole body would recognise him.

There I was, tugging on the hem of my overall dress with a breakfast tray occupying the other hand. My white turtleneck felt suffocating when he took more time than needed to open the door. Behind it, I could hear the faint volume of music playing.

Kai finally opened it then gave me a perplexed look. I pushed him and entered in haste. A new rock song started to play. The lyrics confused the hell out of me. Did Kai listen to such songs often?

‘I’m not strong enough to stay away

Can’t run from you

I’d die without you.’

“You took too much time!” I whispered. “Your mum could’ve seen me.” I put the tray down.

“What are you doing in my room anyway?” he inquired, arms folded over his puffy chest. He wore sweatpants and a light green shirt. I doubted he woke up long ago, or worse, I woke him up. “And you have…”—he checked out the tray— “egg wraps!” A smile stretched over his lips. His grey eyes twinkled in the room’s dim light since the light-coloured curtains were closed.

I nodded, smiling timidly. I dusted my spotless dress and itched my nose. “Your mum mentioned they’re your favourite for breakfast.”

The guy didn’t waste any minute to dig in the food and even offered me a seat. I shook my head, explaining I already had my breakfast.

He ate half of the sandwich in one bite. He moaned. “God, you even added cheese and parsley. I love you, Mellie.”

I yelped. When I came to his room, I felt I made the right choice, but I didn’t expect it to be that intense.

He rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean.”

I nodded then mustered my courage to go on with my plan, convincing myself the worst that could happen was receiving rejection, which was his personal choice. Not that bad, right?

“Master.”

Kai laid the wrap on the plate. He took a sip of water and wiped his mouth then looked up at me with a broad smirk. “Music to my ears, kitten.”

I recollected my bravery. “Come to the trip.”

“Why?” He blinked at me. “That came out of nowhere.”

I sighed. “Just do it. I’m willing to take an unpaid vacation for a week from my work to come if you do.”

He smirked, leaning back in his seat. “And if I don’t?”

My eyebrows knitted. “I’ll make you.”

He palmed his face. “Mellie, why? I don’t want to. In fact, I prefer you to spend some time away from me to think better of your decision.”

“I do like you, Kai, but don’t be self-oriented.” I couldn’t hold a glare back. “Have you ever considered my circumstances? Why do I fear getting close besides the fact you need to focus on school?”

He tongued his inner cheek, not looking into my eyes. “Of course, I did… I’m sorry. I just want you to trust I can take care of you and keep our relationship away from my parents if you that’s what you fear. It doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think.”

“It’s not as easy as you think either.” I pointed to myself. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, so any wrong move can ruin both my life and mum’s forever,” I paused to gulp. “Please, don’t make this harder on me.”

He sighed. “What does the trip have to do with this? Will it be your way to spend time together away from everyone? Everyone’s eyes are on me after my absence anyway, Mellie. No rest for the wicked.”

I had to opt for my last card.

“I’ll tell you the end of the book if you come.”

. . .

the song kai had is linked in the media section.

i got a new editor/beta reader! thank you vintagechim for helping this chapter come out in the best way possible ❤ not a graphics person at all, but i tried my best at improving the cover as well.

do you guys expect kai to join that trip? personally, i want him to. lemme know!

i have another question: do you you guys think this book is toooo erotic? should i tune it down, and maybe not start off too intense in c1?

does the story excite you overall? do you look for further updates?

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