The next week, Zara buried herself in college final papers because what had happened couldn't have happened. There was no way that she had danced with the leader of the Cardenas. She finished writing her exams and sent the answers in. There was no way she could cheat because the test was conducted in Microsoft Forms. Besides, the Professors trusted her.

She was done with college.

But there was one paper that she had to submit in person to the Drama Club head about her not attending the college dance because, well, she couldn't say that she was being held in a mafia house. They needed a formal denial from the card that they had distributed earlier that semester.

After the formal dinner, Zara wished she could ask Adrian to accompany her to the dance but she realised that they had to keep their cover from being blown. She had to think about the near future where the bounty on her head would be lifted. Besides, she had to stay inside the perimeters if she was to get the alert without any network connectivity problem.

And so, she decided to decline the offer.

She was in denial. Adrian couldn't have wanted to kiss her, could he? They did not know each other! Then why hadn't she walked away from him? These were the questions that she was running away from because she was scared to find the answers to them. She hoped that criminology was not this complicated if she were to get a job in the law enforcement now that her masters were over.

Zara jumped off of bed while holding the invitation in her hand. She was going to walk into Adrian's office and she was going to ask for his help without stammering or remembering how her heart started to beat faster when she thought about how close they had stood.

Two knocks.

"Come in."

This was the moment that was going to change her entire life.

"Hey!" She walked inside, coming to her original consciousness because this time, unlike the entire week, she did not hesitate to talk to him.

Adrian was sitting behind his table as usual. He closed his laptop as she walked in, which she noticed but showed no sign to have done so. "It's dinner already?"

"No." She shook her head. "I wanted to ask you for a favour. There is this dance that my college organises at the end of each year. I have been a regular there because apparently it affects the attendance. Anyway," She gripped the back of the chair in front of her. "I have to drop this invite in the drop-box that they lay out."

"Okay, I'll send someone to do it."

Zara had theorised that reply. "Actually, the drop-box is in a location that only students can access. The design committee likes leaving clues for students to revive our knowledge about the subject. I'll have to go down there."

Adrian's face was poised. He shut his laptop completely and crossed his arm across his chest. "No."

Zara blinked at him. Had she heard him right? "No?"

"You heard me. I can't let you go."

She rewinded to the words she had said. "But I have to drop it there, otherwise my friends and the Professors will find it suspicious. I've already attended the final weeks online. They will call the police."

"We'll deal with it. I can't let you go."

"I'll be back soon. I swear. I just have to drop this-"

"I said no!"

Zara flinched. She had never heard him angry before. Adrian got off his seat and started to make his way towards her when she pulled back sharply. She glared at him before walking out of the room.

She did not let her anger be shown but it was hard not to slam the door a little as she locked herself inside her room. She knew she was being childish but she had a strong urge to shoot something. Oh, how she missed Mal!

Zara could not stay here anymore. Seeing how he had reacted to a small request, the reality of him owning her while she lived under his roof came over her. She was going to walk out the door and not look back. She would be on the run if that's what it took, but she wasn't going to stay here anymore.

She would not succumb to male supremacy.

She walked into the closet and started to pack her things. Who was he to tell her that she couldn't leave? She could do as she pleased. If he was so concerned for her safety, he could have suggested letting her go only if Peter or Lei or anyone else accompanied her. Or even Marvin!

Zara hated how she was feeling towards him right now because the words that she had written in one of her papers came back to her. "Anger has different ways of showing itself but it's root cause is always the same." She hated that it was practically being applied to her life.

"Zara."

She had heard him walk into his room on the other side, almost forgetting that the two closets were connected to each other. "I'm leaving. Don't try to stop me. I've had enough." She was glad for her hair on one side to block her face from him because she didn't want to look at him.

"Zara, listen to me-"

She stood up and faced him. "Why?" She asked, hearing the hurt in her voice. "I thought we were....I thought we were building up to something. I thought we were friends."

"Look, I'm sorry about shouting. I did not know what came over me, but I cannot let you leave."

She let out a shaky scoff. "We've played this game for long enough, don't you think? I'm leaving."

"I have an obligation here, Zara. I cannot let you leave like this. You've trusted me so far....in a way, at least. Trust me on this. I need to keep you safe. You cannot leave."

Zara dropped the bag on the floor, tired of hearing those same words being repeated. "Why?" She asked. "Give me the answers for once, Adrian. Give me one good reason. Why should I listen to you right now? Why can't I leave?"

"Because I like you!"

*****

My favourite trope :')
Also, you're welcome