We trailed behind our college tour guide, Mr. Samuel, as he led us through the campus, eager to learn more about the school. He proudly showed us various facilities, from the science labs to the sports arenas. As he guided us into a spacious room filled with books, he exclaimed, "And here we have the literature room!"

"Is anyone here interested of taking literature in college?"

Rick, standing beside me, noticed my interest and couldn't help but glance at my uplifted hand. He observed intently as I raised my arm, hand extended.

he scoffed under his breath,
"hm, didn't know you were a nerd Kinsley." he stated.

I rolled my eyes, "Hey, instead of talking shit, how about you listen to Mr. Samuels and figure out what you want to do in your life, I'm sure you're mother doesn't want to raise a bum."

The corners of Rick's mouth twitched, his expression full of irritation.
His jaw clench as he let out a soft grunt.

"I'm sorry, was that too mean?" I said sarcastically. 

Rick's gaze lingered on me, his eyes now squinting slightly as he studied my features intently. It wasn't a typical glare, but rather a more intense scrutiny, as if he was trying to decipher something about me through his observation.

As Mr. Samuels continued the tour, Rick and I trailed behind the group, bringing up the rear. I took a moment to glance around the room, admiring the array of books lining the shelves. When I turned back, I caught Rick's gaze fixed on me, his head tilted slightly as he observed me intently. Feeling uneasy under his prolonged stare, I started to feel a pang of nervousness. I never liked being stared at for extended periods, especially by someone like Rick.

Nervously, I snapped at Rick, my voice slightly raised. "What!?" I blurted out, feeling the anxiety building up inside me.

Rick responded swiftly, his tone nonchalant.

"Nothing Kinsley."

"No there's something, what?" I replied

"I said nothing."

Rick quickened his pace and moved ahead of me, tossing a command my way. "Hurry up," he said, his voice lacking any hint of concern as the rest of the class started to leave us behind.

—————————————————

I settled down into a seat at an outdoor table next to Kennedy, ready to savor my packed lunch. Regan had thoughtfully prepared for me an Italian sandwich, a bag of salt and vinegar chips, and a cool bottle of water to wash it all down.

"I fucking hate this trip." Kennedy stated

"Why?"

"Because their bathrooms don't fucking work."

A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I tried to hold back my laughter at Kennedy's comment. She took a bite out of her apple, an annoyed expression on her face.

"This campus looks cool though, they got lots of things to do here."

"I guess so." Kennedy bit her apple again.

I suddenly and couldn't help but take note of Rick, sitting next to his alleged girlfriend and male friend at a table behind us. Kennedy, sensing my gaze, curiously followed my line of sight and turned around to observe them as well.

"Oh my, it's so fucking obvious." She said randomly

"What's obvious?"

"That your jealous." Kennedy chuckled

"Excuse me!?" I spit my water out.

"Oh come on, you've been staring at him all day and let's not forget that you two have been partnered up too."

"I didn't choose him as my partner though!?"

"You know what I'm saying though, it's still obvious that you like the boy."

"Kennedy! Where is this all coming from?! Rick is a bully I would never like someone like that?"

Kennedy side eyed me with a smirk on her lips,  She knew there was a part of me that harbored affection for Rick, despite his mean demeanor and harsh words. It was puzzling even to me— why would I find myself drawn to someone who treated me badly?

I didn't like him.

I will never like someone like that.

But Despite his less-than-pleasant personality, I had to admit that Rick was still undeniably attractive. His looks were captivating, and it was difficult to deny that fact.

"Hey, can I tell you something?" Kennedy whispered from across the table.

I raised an eyebrow at Kennedy as she leaned across the table, "Sure, go ahead," I replied, my voice also hushed to match hers.

"That girl over there,"

"Is not his girlfriend." Kennedy stated.

My eyes widened in surprise at Kennedy's revelation. "What do you mean she's not his girlfriend?" I asked, the words leaving my mouth in disbelief.

"Oh come on, I thought you would've of known him by now."

I squinted my eyes confused.

"She's his brother's girlfriend."

"They're not committed— actually I don't even think that Rick does committed relationships."
Kennedy said

"I don't even fucking remember his last one, come to think of it." Kennedy said pondering.

"Wait— brother?" I repeated confused

"Yes brother,"

"He died though, last year."

My mind reeled as Kennedy revealed that Rick did indeed have a brother who had passed away. The memories of an older boy from my childhood flashed through my mind, and the realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

I asked Kennedy about Rick's brother's passing.

"How did he die?" I asked, Her eyes met mine as she swallowed a sip of water, her expression solemn.

"Suicide." She stated

"And how do you know all about this?"

"Because I was there,"

"When it happen." She finished her sentence.

As I waited for Kennedy's response, my attention shifted to Rick, who seemed to be staring straight at me. Our gazes met, and I felt a strange shiver run down my spine.

"It happened at a house party, no one knew about his death until they found him upstairs in his room on the ground, it was a devastating scene." Kennedy said

Confusion still lingering, I turned my focus back to Kennedy as I pressed on with my questions. "Then why was the girl claiming to be Rick's girlfriend? That doesn't make any sense," I asked, seeking an explanation.

"Who knows, he probably asked her to say that so you couldn't sit with him." Kennedy shrugged her shoulders innocently.

"He probably had a boner that he didn't want you to see." Kennedy jokes.

"Gross." I said.

"Well Rick never told anyone about this, the people who were there knows but was told not to say a word, I only told you because you deserve to know, you literally live with him. And I do think the incident is the reason of his behavior now."

"But Maybe don't say anything to him about it, just be neutral— because this is a sensitive topic for a boy like Rick."

"yes of course."

—————————————————

After a long day of college tours, the students began boarding the bus for the return journey. I made my way down the aisle, searching for a seat to settle into for the ride back home.

"is it okay for me to sit here?" I asked.

As I walked by Rick, I could feel his gaze drilling into me. He looked annoyed and clearly didn't want me to sit near him. I tried to move on to find another seat, but before I could take another step, his voice rang out. "Sit down." he demanded, his tone authoritative.

I attempted to suppress the smile that was growing on my face, trying to hide my amusement at Rick's behavior. But as I struggled to keep a straight face, I could feel his gaze on me. He had noticed, and his eyes bore into mine, studying my expression.

"The fuck are you smiling for?" he said