Hey my beloved readers, here's another  chapter for you guys. Please lemme know what you guys think. I really appreciate and learn from the feedback.

Have a marvelous day ahead and God bless all of you. #staysafe

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AJ's POV

I placed my hand over my chest only to feel my ragging heartbeat. What just happened?

What the hell was that?

I didn't know how long I stood there staring into space so when Ms.Winnie walked in, I yelped in shock.

"AJ dear, are you alright?"

"Y..yeah. I'm fine." I said halfheartedly. In truth, I was very uncomfortable with how I felt at that moment.

"Is your friend gone?"

"Yeap, he left just minutes ago." I forced myself to keep talking. Thankfully she nodded in understanding.

"How about I make you some fruit juice while you finish up with the cupcakes?"

"That sounds great thank you." I gave a her a tight smile and continued my work. All the while I couldn't shake off what had happened earlier.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rylen's POV

How I wish that I had kissed those soft lips. She was right there. I could have done it. It was so fucking tempting. I wanted to do it but my action would have been wrong. Her eyes were so vulnerable in that moment. Like she had never been in a situation like that. Despite her rock hard exterior, I was able to see her fragility more than once.

She might have a spitfire tongue and a hard head but there was something more than all that. The little nerd was covered with layers and layers of thick armour.

It was all going to come off soon. I was going to gently peel her off and see her for what she really was. She did a good job of crapping shit about the day before. She was a good liar but not good enough to fool me. I was half expecting her to blurt out the truth or make a small slip but she managed to compose herself quite well. Of course people like her would turn out to be good liars.

Every part of me conviced myself to keep a closer eye on the nerd for my own safety purpose but in reality I knew it was just another excuse for me to stay close to her. I couldn't help it. Even if it was dangerous. Deep down I was somehow assured that the nerd wouldn't open her mouth to anyone. If she did, Cora would be the first and I already tested Cora. If she did not tell her best friend then that only means she understood the importance of her silence.

I smiled at the thought. Since there was this unspoken truth between us, I could scare her some more. Make her feel more uncomfortable by teasing the crap out of her. I almost chuckled at the shocked expression she wore earlier today. When, I cornered her at the bakery, she looked so clueless.

She seemed more intriguing by the day. Wherever she was, there she demanded my full attention. Even when I would pretend not to give a fuck.

I didn't understand what the hell I was feeling. She was the most annoying human being in the whole university but I couldn't stay away from her. I hated myself for wasting my time on some girl that didn't give a damn about me. There were countless other girls who would do  a lot just for me to turn my head in their direction. This one would just scream at my face every  chance she got so why do I still pay attention to her? She doesn't deserve anything from me. I shouldn't spare her a single thought.

So why do I hate her for thinking about Eli? I mean, he was gone and he wasn't coming back here. I thought she would have forgotten all about him by now but I was dead wrong. She wasn't even over him. The nerd was still making cupcakes for him.

That riled me up to no end but I couldn't take it out on her. Taking away that cupcake box from her was like separating Eli and her. That calmed me down a bit.

I don't understand what was happening but I know that that nerd was able to piss me off, stand up to me like she owned everything, arouse my curiosity and make me imagine so many unhealthy thoughts in my head.

Fuck you, you little nerd.

~~~~~~~~~

Next Evening

AJ's POV

"Rylen?" Cora raised a brow. "Rylen Gael Cameron? That Rylen?" I rolled my eyes at Cora. Why the hell did she have to make him sound like some God? He was just another fucking student.

"He took the cupcake from you?"

"It's not about him taking the cupcake. His whole behaviour was off. It felt so odd Cora."

"Maybe the dude's just interested in you. I mean you did yell at his face more than once." I groaned and continued to flip through my biology book. Cora was no help at all. She was obviously preoccupied by something else.

Alpha queen bee wouldn't leave my mind. He was everywhere now. Since when did he start eating at the campus cafe? Since when did he drop by the bakery? Since when did he start popping up everywhere?!

"Whoa AJ! Have mercy on the book!" Cora yelled. I stopped still and realised that I was flipping the pages too fast and I almost tore one of them off. I simply pushed away my book and laid down on my bed. I had no mood to study anyway.

On top of all my uneasiness, I was still missing my cute nerd. I missed all the conversations we had and most of all, just his sweet company. The all too familiar empty feeling still crept through me as I put his cupcake under his desk space earlier today. It wasn't even his desk space anymore. I pouted at the thought.

"AJ how about some ice cream? That would cheer you up!"

And run into the sorority gang again?!

"No thank you Cora. I think I'll just sleep."

"Okay...but we're going out tomorrow. You will not say no to that." She commanded. I groaned and covered my head with another pillow.

~~~~~~~~~

The next day.

Cora's POV.

Boy was I late for psychology! I was never late. I can't start doing that today. With that thought in mind, I ran all the way to my lecture hall, beating my lecturer by a mere few minutes.

The hall was already full when I got there, so I couldn't help but blush as I walked up, looking for a seat. Any seat.

As I was going up the stairs slowly, someone stopped me.

"There's a seat here." A stern voice said. I was surprised to see that it was Rylen again.

Getting the girl through her best friend huh? I almost laughed at him which earned me a puzzled look from him.

As I made my way near the empty seat three seats away from his, Zach's head popped up from one row in front.

"Cora?" He greeted questionably. He looked so blur. Did he just wake up?

"Hey Zach." I have him a polite smile as I waved. I really need to sit.

"Where are you going? Sit next to me." Zach quickly removed his bag from the seat next to him. Since I did not want to embarrassingly squeeze my way into a middle seat, I opted for the one next to Zach. That was a corner seat.

"What the hell Zach?" Rylen suddenly growled from behind. I wanted to tell him to shut his mouth because both of them were attracting too much attention for my liking but Zach beat me to it.

"You could have sat next to me Rylen but you chose a different place."

"You were sleeping like a hibernating bear!" Rylen shot back and they started bickering.

"You guys are really fighting over that thing?" A new voice snorted. The one person I prayed I would not meet today.

"What do you mean Lizzie?" Zach raised a brow at her. I just wanted to dissapear and never come back. Our lecturer had already started the lesson five minutes ago but no one around me was paying attention. I hated this. Should have just squeezed my way into the middle seat.

"Why are you wasting your time on that?" Lizzie pointed directly to me.

"She has a name. Don't call her 'that'." Zach replied with a bored tone.

"Hah, if the incredible hulk and an ogre had a baby that's how it would look like." She giggled to herself.

"Your maturity astounds me Elizabeth. Now could you please concentrate on the lecture?" I gritted out. Zach simply scoffed.

"Cora, honey. She won't concentrate because she won't be able to understand a single word. Do you actually think she's going to understand psychology? When she needs psychological help herself? Let her be." Zach snickered and playfully winked at Elizabeth which earned a few laughs from the students around us.

I could practically see the smoke coming out of her ears. All this time, I assumed that there was no possible way that she could hate me more than she already did.

I was proven to be very wrong.

"Zach stop it already. Enough." I gripped his hand stopping him from saying anything further.

"Cora, she can't treat people as she likes. She needs to learn her place and respect those around her. And you can't allow yourself to be treated like this. If you do, you're at fault as well." He told me in all seriousness.

I gasped at him but said nothing. He was right. However, he couldn't possibly know how hard it was. I couldn't argue back for every single thing Elizabeth threw at me and she throws a lot of insults both verbally and physically. People never understood that. Plus, it's not like I didn't take any action at all. I already complained to the Dean. If she wasn't afraid of that man, who was I to scare her?

"I'll try again next time Zach." I quietly said. He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

When the lecture was over Zach and I took our time packing all our stuff while making small talk.

As I was walking down the steps of the hall, towards the exit, I tripped. It wasn't my fault. I'm not clumsy. Elizabeth decided to stick her foot out. When will she learn to grow up? When will I put a stop to all this nonsense?

This cannot happen again.

I said I would try.

As those thoughts came rushing into my  mind all at once, I did the only thing I could before I completely fell to the ground.

I dragged her with me.

And so we both fell and rolled over the last two steps down. Almost like lovers. That alone made me want to puke. It didn't hurt so much for me though. I guess it was one of the perks of having extra fat.

Oddly, I worried someone else. Zach rushed to my side and quickly helped me up. I laughed as I straightened up my dress. I laughed because that was the first time I actually did something to my tormenter. At that very second, we both heard a groan. We looked down at Elizabeth who up to that moment, chose not to get up.

If she was waiting for a helping hand, it was futile. No one bothered to bat an eye her way. Zach snorted and pulled me out of the hall.

All the way out, I felt her burning glare at the back of my head. I knew this was far from over.

~~~~~~~~

AJ's POV

"Noah, Willow. Let's meet up for dinner tonight. It's been some time since we last did it. Plus, Cora wanted to go out anyway." I said to them as we walked out of campus.

"I kinda want to have some spicy Indian food. I don't know why I'm craving for it." Noah smiled at the thought. I bet he was imagining some food wonderland again.

"You know what? I'm in. Kian, that asshole said he can't make it to date night because he promised a game night with his buddies." Willow stomped her foot on the ground and grumbled.

Such children.

I could only laugh at the two. "Sure. Noah, maybe you and Willow could pick a good place?"

"Already on it AJ. You don't have to worry about that. Just make sure you inform Cora." Willow raised a brow and playfully hit Noah's shoulder.

"Girl, that did not mean I am gonna marry Cora. You need to chill the fuck out." We both laughed at his embarrassment. "You too AJ, knock it off." We stiffled our laughters and parted ways. I could still hear Willow teasing Noah. He could just act normal and we would have stopped  but the thing was, he would blush. That was the main reason why we tease him more and more.

Ooooh, I hope they end up being together. Even their names rhyme.

I planned what flavour cupcake to bake as I skipped to the bakery.

"Peace Mr and Mrs Quinton!!" I smiled at the two and walked to the back, into the kitchen.

"AJ before you start. I would like to request pecan cupcakes. Apparently, the customers here like those." Well there goes my plan for lemon cupcakes.

"Sure thing, Winnie the Pooh." As usual, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and started baking. It wasn't a busy day so I was done by 4.30 in the evening.

"AJ, would you like a-"

"Yes! Strawberry and chocolate please." I cut her off and made my request. I suddenly had a burning desire for something cold and sweet.

I scrolled through Pinterest while Mrs.Quinton made her special milkshake. While I was getting lost in all those amazing cake decorations, she placed my treat on the table. I smiled at her in appreciation as she purposely ruffled up my hair. She knew I hated it. Hence, the need for her to do it.

I took a long sip from the glass while I continued to study the pictures in my phone. Just then the entry bell chimmed and I heard heavy footsteps.

Not again. No way.

It can't be.

The second I looked up, I balled my fists.

What the fuck?!!!

"Evening, nerd." Alpha queen bee grinned at my discomfort. He ordered something at the counter and headed towards my table.

Oh, why me?!

"What are you doing here? Before you answer, since when do you like coming all the way to a bakery for cupcakes?"

"Our behaviour is not always predictable nerdy. Besides, I could always ask why you decided to pay a visit to prison." He stared into my eyes.

Okay, more like my soul.

"What? What does that have to do with anything? We talked about it yesterday. I was accompanying my friend."

"Yes, yes. Guess it slipped my mind-"

"Well, make sure it doesn't slip again because this is the last time we're talking about it."

"Why? Does it make you uncomfortable? Did anything frighten you?" He asked calmly. We both knew he was anything but calm. He was digging slowly.

I guess yesterday was just the first stage. I thought I did well and it was over but nope. Mr.Psychoanalysis here was relentless.

"Nothing scares me alpha queen bee. Now, I'm sure your order is ready so go away."

"Nothing scares you huh? What if I wasn't talking about a thing?" He eased himself on his seat and lazily looked at me.

"What are you doing Rylen? Playing some shitty mind game with me? I'm not into fucking psychology so why don't you ask your questions a little more directly huh? That would save us both a lot of time." I crossed my arms and stared him down, daring him to ask me that one question he so badly wants the answer to.

Deep down I didn't want him to ask because I didn't want to be involved in anything.  I did not want to worry about this dude and his secrets. However, I couldn't just sit by and take the continuous interrogation.

"So, what is it?" I pushed.

He looked at me long and hard before his lips stretched into a cunning smile.

"I just decided that I can actually bear to have conversations with you, nerdy."

What? No.

"As much as I love to prolong this useless talk and ignore the fact that for some weird reason, you suddenly like this bakery and you change the damn topic whenever I ask about it, I am quite busy and your order is R. E. A. D. Y." I spelt it out for him.

His eyes suddenly hardened as he was about to say something. Too bad for him, my phone rang and it was an unknown number, for a video call. Not thinking much of it, I swiped up to answer the call.

When I did that, all the irritation floated away and I was filled with so much joy. I had the biggest smile on my face and I was damn sure that my face was red.

"Eli!!!!" I squealed. Mr.Bernard gave me an odd look before he continued his work.

"AJ!! I missed you so much, how are you?"

"I am great! Wonderful! I mean I've never been better. Not because you're not here. I mean I miss you every single day. What am I saying?" I babbled like a fool and didn't stop until I realise that the tensed figure who was sitting opposite me seconds ago was no longer there.

I looked around but he was already gone.

He didn't even take his order.

"What an asshole. Damn him."

"Whoa what happened?"

"Nothing Eli. Some jerk just came to annoy me and then he forgot to take his order. He just left." I grumbled angrily.

"Does this asshole have a name?" Eli laughed at my grumpiness.

"Yeah, you might know him. Rylen."

The moment I said that, Eli's eyes widened and he didn't speak for a long moment.

"Eli are you okay? What is it?"

"N...nothing. Yeah I do know him. We shared a few classes." Whenever Eli stuttered, it either meant he was lying or he was hiding something. Moreover, I could hear the nervousness in his voice.

"Eli, was he one of those dirtbags who picked on you? Don't worry, you can tell me. I think I might be able to take him down." I said fully determined.

Eli's eyes immediately softened as he gazed at me tenderly. I almost melted into a puddle of rainbows and fluffy clouds.

"You don't have to do that for me AJ. So, um, how long has he been coming there? It's not really a place for people like him you know."

"Exactly!! I would ask him that and he would just change the topic. It's so frustrating!" I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"Really? Huh, that's weird." Eli mumbled.

"You look distracted. You sure that Rylen guy never hurt you?"

"No, no.......at least I don't think so." He awkwardly replied while he rubbed the back of his neck. This dude was a bad liar but I was just going to let it slide. It was probably nothing important.

"So how's the new environment? How's the people? Have you met the queen? I have so many questions."

"Yeap, I can see that. I'll answer one by one." He laughed.

And so we spoke about literally everything that came to our minds. I enjoyed the one hour conversation. I missed this and his call made me miss him even more. That was so fucked up.

AJ! You can't be together so you need to get over it!

"AJ who's order is lying on the counter?" Mr.Bernard asked, bringing me out of my thoughts. I rolled my eyes and walked towards the counter.

"This belongs to a very annoying male which goes to the same University as me." I picked up the silver box and packed my stuff.

"You mean that young lad who came in earlier?"

"That's the one."

"You must give it to him. He already paid." Mr.Bernard said, like it was an important war letter which needed to be given to the president immediately.

"I better go now. Bye Mr.Bernard." I sulkily waved at him and left.

As I held the cupcake box in my hand, I mentally scolded alpha queen bee to no end.

"I really hope you lose your toothbrush and drop a whole chocolate bar in the drain by accident." I grumbled as I headed to the dorms.

This infuriating boy just gave me extra work tomorrow. I have to waste my precious time going all the way to him just to give him this box which he could have just collected.

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What do you guys think of Rylen?