The teasing remarks from Louis and Daniel echo in my mind, causing a blush to creep up my cheeks. The walk to the college campus from his apartment is approximately two minutes, and that’s something I really like. It gives me the opportunity to get up late and still be on time. Though I am late today. I sigh. I love my sleep.
The sun shines bright, casting a golden hue over everything, and I take a deep breath, letting the crisp morning air clear my mind. I love this time of day. I look around at the crowd of students walking on the campus. The place is alive with chatter and laughter.
As I reach the lecture hall, I spot Sophia, her face buried in her phone. I creep up on her silently, and when I am near enough, I suddenly shout, “Boo!”
“Woah!” she exclaims, her hand on her chest. “What the fuck, Anya? You scared me.”
“That was the point.” I smile, taking a seat beside her. I take out my phone to quickly send a text to Daniel.
“You are glowing.” Soph nudges me. I roll my eyes but can’t suppress a grin.
“I know.” I shrug. “It’s called being well-rested.”
“If you say so.” Soph smirks. I note how she doesn’t ask for details and I am grateful for that, because she did once, and I was so flustered. I am not someone who can discuss my sex life openly.
I guess that’s a part of our upbringing. Indians don’t casually talk about sex. I mean, Siya is the one and only person I feel comfortable sharing anything with becausewe have played together and have been together since we were in diapers, but we don’t usually do so unless we are concerned about something.
“Are you ready for this? I hear today’s topic is going to be a real snooze-fest,” I say, changing the subject.
Sophia rolls her eyes, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “As if! I’m always ready, especially if it means I can zone out for an hour.”
I smirk. “You’re the queen of zoning out. I’m surprised you don’t have a crown for it.”
“Maybe I should get one. I’d wear it proudly,” she quips, leaning back in her chair. As the professor starts the lecture, I focus on the slides projected on the screen, taking notes in my notebook for a change. I usually do that when I find the subject or the topic boring because it helps me pay attention; otherwise, I take notes on my laptop.
Halfway through the lecture, my phone buzzes again. I sneak a glance, trying to be discreet.
Daniel:
How’s class? I miss your face already.
Coffee’s brewing for you.
Can’t wait to see you, firecracker!??
I can’t help but grin as I type back quickly.
About as thrilling as watching paint dry.
Wish you were here to entertain me.
Can’t wait for coffee!??
“Tsk, tsk.” Soph shakes her head slowly. I swat her arm. Now,Ihope this lecture ends soon.
∞∞∞
38
DANIEL
“Here you go.” I extend the water bottle toward Anya. She glares at me but drinks it anyway and I mentally applaud myself for successfully making her drink water. “Good girl.” I pat her head and give her the coffee mug. She pulls a face at me and snatches it from my hand. I chuckle. “Don’t be mad, Firecracker.” I pout.
She ignores me and takes a sip. I take her bag from her shoulder. She sighs in contentment and grins at me. “This is heaven. Thanks.”
“Welcome back.” I snigger. “The other personality of yours was being mean to me.” She smacks my arm, but I dodge it, intertwining our fingers instead. The students passing by eye her and I glare at them. A girl smiles and waves at me. I look at Anya. She is staring daggers at her, and I chuckle. She looks up at me, pulling me by my collar, and places a kiss on my lips. I smile against her lips.
She smiles slyly at the girl. The girl coughs, smiles sheepishly, and moves on.
