8

Cherry

The drive back home was a silent one for me, cause I was lost in thought. I know I used to find Xavier mysterious; that was the reason why my crush started in the first place, cause back in high school I found his personality intriguing and wanted to know more about him, which of course my brother never allowed me to get close to him cause he was super protective, so I had to admire Xavier from a distance.

But then what happened today shocked me and took me unawares. If Xavier can own a black card, then I can already imagine the kind of wealth he comes from. I have thousands of questions going on in my head, but I know I’ll never have answers to them, cause my brother probably does not want to spill Xavier’s identity, and I knew better than to press further. But I know myself; I’m always curious, and this has piqued my curiosity.

We made it back home, and I stepped down from the car to grab the bags, but before I could reach out to them, Xavier already grabbed everything and began to make his way into the mansion.

“Come on, bro, I’m leaving. I thought you’re going to change your mind!” my brother yelled out, but Xavier was already out of sight.

“Bye, sis.” He kissed my cheeks. I watched as he drove off. I sighed and made my way into the house. Mum and dad are not yet back home, so obviously it’s going to be Xavier and I alone in this mansion. The thought of that already got me gulping nervously. What if I fucking do something crazy?

I was hoping to see Xavier in the living room as I got in, but when the living room turned out empty, I knew what was coming next. I took a deep breath, mentally telling myself that I got this. Of course, it’s me; what can I possibly be afraid of? After giving myself the courage I needed, I proceeded to make my way upstairs, but as I approached my room, Xavier was standing outside with the bags in his hands.

I got to him, and all of a sudden I didn’t know what to say. I just stood staring at him without uttering a word. I know I looked stupid right now, so I quickly snapped out of it and pulled my door open.

“Can I come in?” I suddenly heard Xavier asking. I turned and looked at the bag he was holding. There’s no way I can say no to him; at least he remembered to ask for permission today.

I gently stepped aside as he walked fully into the room. He walked towards the table and placed the bag. At that moment, my phone began to ring. It was Alex, one of my male friends in school. I slid on the green icon.

“Alex.”

“Hey, honey. How is your summer vacation going?”

“Boring, I guess,” I mumbled with a sigh.

“Do you want to come over for a sleepover?”

“Really? There’s going to be a sleepover?”

“Hmmm.”

“Then count me in.”

“Perfect.”

“Send me details later.”

“Got you, honey.” He laughed over the phone as the call ended with me smiling, but as soon as I saw Xavier’s cold stare, I flinched back in fear, holding my chest.

“What the hell, Xavier? You fucking scared me.”

Without saying anything to me, he walked to my bed, and just when I thought he was going to sit down, he surprised me by taking off his shoes as he laid down instead.

“Come here.” He patted the space beside him. I know I shouldn’t be getting this close to my brother’s best friend, especially since we are the only ones at home, and it’s my room, but then this is what I’ve always wanted. It’s not a bad thing laying on the same bed with him. It’s not like we are going to do anything bad. I mean, I’m not even thinking it.

“Are you sure……” my subconscious teased me.

I went straight to the bed and placed a pillow in the middle before laying down. I swear I saw Xavier smirking a few seconds ago, but I can’t prove it. I laid on the bed, but I wasn’t really present, cause my heartbeat was all over the place. My mind was running far and wide, and I was fighting so hard to keep my sanity in check. I wanted to peek at him so bad; I’ve always wanted to get a clear view of his side view.

I sneakily tilted my head to the side, and finally I was able to steal a glance. When I say that this guy right here looked like he just walked straight out of a manhwa, I wasn’t even capping.

“Princess,” he suddenly called, snapping me back to reality, but crazily he was still not looking at me; he was staring into space.

“Hmm?”

“Who called you, and what sleepover were you guys talking about?”

“You wanna know?” I wasn’t surprised that he’s interested in my business.

“Hmmm. Will you tell me?” His voice was icy, yet gentle.

“That’s one of my male friends. His name is Alex. He called to tell me about the sleepover his friends are hosting.”

“Male friend?”

“Hmmm.”

“You’re not going, right?”

“Why? It’s not like I have something to do at home. My vacation is already ruined. I think I should go and unwind.”

“How is your summer vacation ruined?”

“Not telling you,” I scoffed.

“What do you want to do?” he asked and suddenly turned. Right now he’s staring at me, his gray eyes piercing into mine. Is he kidding me? How can I talk when he’s staring at me like that?

“Princess?”

“Huh?”

“Tell me, what do you want to do this summer?”

I stared at him, trying to understand his expression, but they were so unreadable.

“Why asking?”

“Cause I’ll give you whatever you want. You just have to say it, and it’s done.”

“I’m not even Gueneve, so why will you treat me well?”

“Do I treat her well?” I noticed the little details of his facial expression as his eyes twitched.

“I mean….. don’t you? Cause I know you like her.”

“Do I?”

“Of course, you both have even kissed.”

“You’re very poor at judgment, Princess,” he mumbled with a sigh.

“What do you mean by that?”

“You haven’t told me what you wanted for summer. I’m still waiting.”

“Why are you so persistent?”

“Cause I don’t want you to go for that sleepover.”