"Did you see her?" Rumored are going around when a certain someone enter the campus. There are eyes and ears everywhere.

"Yes, I saw. She is pretty as the rumored say."

"So, what? What if she's pretty? She got nothing else other than being pretty. She's rude, ignorant, arrogant, and a slut anyway."

" Are you jealous?"

"What? Who would be jealous of a slut?"

"That is right, what else did she got other than that?"

"Well, I heard she is also smart. Her grades are outstanding"

"Shh! she's walking here. She will hear you."

'I can hear you guys. Not like I care anyway.' I don't know why they dislike me. I didn't do anything to them nor have ever talk to them. Everywhere I am, I always surround by rumored. Useless rumored.

"Larset!"

"Oh hey, Oli." This girl right here is one of my friends. Her name is Olivia. We did not get along in the beginning but as we get to know each other, we became each other's important friends.

"Are you okay? I know you never bothered by what they say but I'm still worried." She always asked me the same question regarding rumored.

"it's okay. I'm used to it." I don't know if I'm actually okay with those rumored going around but well, it's true that I'm used to it.

"Well, it's no use trying to please everyone. Anyway, we are already late let's hurry to the classroom."  Oli dragged me to class. All eyes were on us as we entered the classroom. Professor continue on his lecture without saying anything of our late arrival.

Ellie, one of my friends sitting in the back seat looked at us and shook her head. She was always on time unlike us. We make our way to her and take an empty seat next to her.

"How come you never arrived on time? Is there something wrong with your head that I don't know about?" Ellie leaned close to me and whisper.

"What do you mean? You sound like I have some hidden secret that keeps me from arriving on time." I whispered.

"Oh, I don't know." She shrugged. "Maybe one of your sugar daddies keep you from coming early." She added.

"Ellie!" Oli screamed.

"Are you trying to make me angry, Ellie?" I nudged at her, and she bursts out laughing.

"I will never get tired seeing you get angry. You do know you look scary and cute at the same time when you get angry, right?"

"Shh.. be quiet, guys." Our professor said.

We settled down and before we knew it the class was over. I collectedall my things that were on the desk and hold it to my chest.

"Guys, I'm heading out first." I said to Ellie and Oli. They both waved their hands making sure they got my message, and I left in a hurry. As I walked out of the building heading to my destination, I bumped into someone and fell on my butt. All of my books that I was holding fell on the ground.

"Oh no." I got up on the ground and quickly picked up all the books that fell. I left as soon as I picked up all my books.

"Haaa....it's been a long time since I come here." I said as I stand in front of a comic store. Comic is the only things that keep me from boredom. Actually, there isn't time that I get bored since I have part-time job in the evenings. Class during the day and work at night. It wasn't easy but I manage to get good grades.

I walked around aisle to find my favorite. There's only one comic that I'm currently reading, and the tittle is 'Love Blossom'. There will be 7 volumes in total and only 3 were released as of today.

"There it is." I said as I reached the book. A hand reached out to the book at the same time. As, I was too focused on getting the book, I didn't look at the person behind me. I can see at the corner of my eyes that it is a man. I moved back a little to let him take the book. It wasn't the only book, so I don't mind letting him first. He left as he got the bus he wanted, and I also take the book and left the area to check out.

"Olivia! Ellie!" I called out to them as I spotted them in front of campus.

"Oh hey, you got what you were looking for?" Olivia asked. We walk side by side to each other. It was almost time for our next class.

"Yes, I can't wait to read it tonight." I excitedly said.

"I don't get why you like comic." Ellie sighed.

"Like? No, I love it."

"It's no used getting jealous, Ellie." Olivia said as she nudges at Ellie.

"I'm not jealous." Ellie said with a pouty face.

"Now, now, who is the one that said she's not jealous?" I pinched Ellie's cheek and laughing at her. She is so cute when she's jealous. We talked and laughed until we reached class. After a long period of time, our second and third class over.

"Want to go to cafe?" Ellie suggested. I checked my watch and see that it's almost 4pm.

"Sure, I still have time before work"

..............................

"What would you like to get?" Olivia asked.

"I would like the usual."

"And I would like something sweet, anything that contain sweets." Ellie said as we both take a seat beside the window. Window seats are the best when you are in cafes. I would always choose window seats and look out to the window. Whether it's summer, fall, or winter, the choice of window seats is the best all of.

"Here is yours." Olivia places the cups in front of one of us and took a seat next to Ellie.

"You said you want to enjoy free and normal life, right Larset? What about dating? Dating is also a normal life during college." Olivia said.

"You both know no one wants to date someone like me, right?" I said pointing at myself.

"You are kidding right? With this face of yours, I bet a lot of people want to date you." Olivia said in disbelieve.

"You know that's not what I mean. I'm saying who would want to date someone with all those rumored going around me right now." I said as I took a sip of my Americano.

"Well, then let's try this. Pay more attention to those around you and see if you like anyone. If you like anyone ask that person to be your boyfriend and see what his reply will be." Ellie suggested.

"That's right. You should try that. When you start dating someone who knows your dating rumored will cover all those rumored you are having right now." Olivia agreed.

"Okay. How about a bet?"

"A bet?" Olivia asked.

"Sure, what's the condition?" Ellie looked at me and blink her eyes as if she's telling me she got her full attention on my suggestion.

"I'm going to ask someone out and if that person rejects me then I win but if he agrees then you two win and if I win you two have to buy me a meal. And if you two win I will be errand runner for you two. How about that?" I spoke. They both looked at me and then at each other.

"Sure, let's go with that." Ellie said and Olivia nodded in agreement.

"Okay!" I slap my knees. My eyes searching for someone so I can ask that person to be my boyfriend and get reject. There! Nice! I found a group of man at the other end. I look at Ellie and Oli and I can see they are confused of what I was going to do.

"See those group of 4 there? I will ask one of them to be my boyfriend and see if he agrees. If I got reject, don't mention about boyfriend again, got it.?" I pointed at them and walked toward to their table.

"Hey! Las---" I can hear them call out to me, but I keep walking to those people anyway. One of them caught my eyes as I stopped at their table. They were talking and laughing a few minutes ago and now they all stop as they look at me.

"Ah...excuse me. Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Who do you ask? Him?" One of them answer and point to that person who seat close to the wall on the left. He's handsome and there are flower patels around him as if he's the main character of the webtoon. No wonder they would think that I ask about him.

"No, him." I pointed at the person who sit close to the wall on the right. All of them look at me dumfounded especially the one I pointed at.

"No." He shrunk back to look at what he was doing as he answers me.

"Can you be my boyfriend?" I asked and all of them look at him and see what his reaction will be. He stayed calm and look up to me once again.

"Okay." He answered. I was sure I was going to get reject but what is this? He agrees? He really agrees? I turn my head to look at my friends and they all look shocked. I smile and turn my head back to him.

"You are now my boyfriend. Mark day 1 as of today." I spoke. "Oh no. I have to go now. Let's go on a date this weekend."

........................................

After Larset left the four men sat there quietly without saying a word. They didn't know if they were dreaming or if they witness was real.

"She left just like that after asking someone out?"

"I still can't believe the bad boy got a girlfriend. And here I thought Jayden was going to get a confession."

"Just because I'm popular, doesn't mean every single girl would like me." Jayden said. Jayden is the most popular out of the four of them because he's handsome and he's nice to everyone. Everyone knows him as the nice and handsome boy in the campus, but little did they know he's actually the cunning type.

"What are you going to do now, Max? She asked you on a date this weekend, are you going?"

"Yes." Max didn't know what he's feeling right now. He's neither liked nor disliked the whole situation. He didn't get why she would ask him out instead of Jayden. Every girl he saw or know all liked only one person and it's Jayden. He understood why girls would fall for him, but he didn't understand why such a person would ask him out.

"Max, you do realize that both of you didn't properly introduce yourselves, right? Not to mention contact information." Jayden said.

"Oh, that's right. How would you two go on a date if you two don't have a way to contact each other?"

"Since we are in the same campus it wouldn't be hard to find her, You know all those rumored going about her, I'm sure someone know which class she takes and I can go to her."

"What? Are you out of your mind? She might asked you to be her boyfriend but what if she took it as a joke?"

"Well, if she took it as a joke then I'm going to go see her as a joke."

"This guy is crazy."

The guys know that Max is stubborn and he's rebellion. He didn't care about anyone, and he did anything as he please. He was popular and knows as the good boy when they were in their senior year in high school. There was a time when he took a short-term break during high school but when he was back to finish his school, he's completely change, but none of the guys know what changed him.

.

Four days has passed since I asked a guy out and today is Friday and it's just another regular day and I got up from my bed getting ready to go to class. Last night was a long night. I got home so late that I was too sleepy to go to my room and fall asleep on the couch.

"Larset, come eat breakfast."

"Coming!" I ran to the kitchen in a hurry and took a seat. I got up from my seat after one bite of food and was about to leave when my mom calls me. I stopped what I was doing and look back at her. She faintly smiles as she hesitates on what she was going to say.

"Nothing. Be careful and make sure you don't walk alone at night. I know you work at night but when you are done with your shift, just come back straight home, okay?" I knew what she was worried about, and I felt bad about what had happened but at the same time I'm glad she stays with me.

"I will be careful. Don't worry. Now, I'll be on my way." I waved and gave her a bug smile as I left.

After I arrived at campus, I went straight to art room to check if Oliver and Ellie are there. They always go to the art room before class to hangout. Since I always came to class late, I hardly hangout with them in art room as they did. I peeked through the door to see if they were there but there's no one in the room.

'CLICK' the door make a sound as I slowly open it to go inside.

I walked towards the widow and open it wide. My hair got tangle as the wind hit my face. I fixed my hair as I keep looking outside and I spot a very familiar figure outside.

"Oli!" I waved as I yell, and she look up to me.

"Oh, hey, Larset. What are you doing there?"

"I came here to find you two but as you can see, I'm here alone. Where is Ellie?"

Rustle\~\~\~\~\~ I looked around to see what's the rustling sound. A man in the corner of the room was lying with a jacket over his face. 'He must have sleep' I thought to myself. 'I better get out of this room.'

"Wait for me down there." I said to Olivia, and she nods. I ran out of the room to her and as soon as I reached her, we walked to our classroom. As soon as we reached the classroom door, I feel an urge of throwing up, I left Olivia and run to the restroom as fast as I can.

"Hey, Larset! Where are you going?" I heard Olivia voice yelling through the hallway.

I ran directly to the toilet to vomit and did not pay attention to anyone in there. I can see eyes looking when I enter the restroom. I walked out of the toilet room to wash my hands, but a group of girls stop me from doing so.

"The rumors are true. You are definitely pregnant." One of the girls said. I rolled my eyes at them without saying anything. I'm tired of facing this kind of people. I don't know any of them but why are they doing this?

"Did you just roll your eyes at me?" She yells.

"I did, so what? Whether the rumors are true or not is none of your business." I spoke.

"This girl." Another one of the girls gritted her teeth as she raised her hand to hit me, but I quickly grabbed her hand before her palm landed on my face.

"Let go." She spoke. I tightened my grip and she screamed. I let go of her hand and push her away.

"You believe what you want to believe but do not mess with me." I glared at them, and they flinch as they looked at each other before rushing their way out.

I left out a sigh as soon as they left and look in the mirror. 'I should have finished my breakfast if I know this was going to happen. Every morning if I don't eat breakfast, I would always feel nausea and an urge of throwing up. If I want to avoid this situation, I have to eat breakfast. I haven't felt like this for two weeks since I ate breakfast every morning and totally forgot about this. I thought it wouldn't happen again if I didn't eat breakfast. What a weird way to start my morning.

I wiped my hands with paper towels and left the restroom. I look at my clock and gasp as soon as I see what time it is now.

"I came early so I wouldn't be late to class but look at me. Late again." I said to myself as I rush to the classroom. All eyes are on me as soon as I enter the classroom. My professor looked at me and shake his head but did not said a word. I quickly took a seat beside Ellie.

"Where were you?" She leaned against my shoulder and asked.

"I was in the restroom." I replied.

________________________

"Where are you two going before our second class?" I asked Olivia and Ellie.

"Where are you going?"  Olivia asked. 'Did she just answer my question with a question?'

"I'm going to stop by the library." I answered.

"Then we are going with you."

"Okay." As I tried to gather my books, I faintly heard someone said, 'she's there.' Both Olivia and Ellie stand still without saying anything with wide eyes as they stare at someone. I turn my head to where they were looking at and see someone who I don't recognize approaching.

"It's Max."

"Max? Where?"

"It's really him. Who is he meeting?"

"He walks towards Larset. Do they know each other?"

"I don't know. I've never seen they talk to each other before." People are whispered to each other, and all eyes were all me as they stand and watch. 'Why do I feel like I'm some kind of a zoo animal?'

"I'm here to see you. Are you going to library? Let's go together." What is this guy saying? Since when are we close? And who is he anyway?

"Uh...me?" I pointed at myself trying to confirm if I'm the one he's talking to or if I just misheard him.

"Yes. We got a date this weekend, remember? We need to find a good place to go on a date."

"Don't tell me-- You? The person from the cafe? " I was shocked. The person I met was different. He wore a black saggy shirt and a hat. He looked like the shy type, and he was cute, that's why I picked him. I look around the room and everyone whisper and seem like he's popular.

"Don't tell me you already forgot about me?" He asked.

"No, I don't. I thought you have long forgotten our date." I spoke. I can see everyone look at me, some are shocked, and some are envious.

"What? They are dating?"

"There is no way."

"A popular handsome man like him dating such a girl? No way." I can hear everything they are saying. They acted like they were whispering but they said it big enough for me to hear and I'm sure he heard it too.

"Oli, Elli, I'll leave first. I have business to handle." I said to Olivia and Ellie and they were both nodding their heads in agreement. I grab Max hand and drag him along with me. I let go of his hand as soon as we were out of sight.

"What are you doing? Don't you know what kind of rumors going around me? What kind of a crazy person would want to be seen with someone like me?" I sigh as I brush my hair that are hanging on my face behind my ear. 'What is he thinking going to my classroom like that?'

"Are you worry about my reputation?" He asked.

"Of course. Now that people see you with me, they will talk about you for a while and I'm sure you don't want that" I explained.

"If you care about such a thing then why did you asked me out?" he asked. He has a point. Why did I do such a thing?

"That--- I-- I didn't think that far." I spoke.

"So, you mean you didn't mean it when you asked me out?" He asked and I looked at him with a wide eye. He caught on already. I'm dead.

"That---I'm sorry." I averted my eyes as I can't look at him. Anybody in this situation would get upset and I know he would too. What should I do?

"I meant it when I asked you out. It's just I didn't know you are popular. I thought you are just a normal, cute, and a shy guy, that's why I ask you out." I spoke.

"Okay, if you meant it that's fine. I heard you said you are going to the library. Let's go." He smiles as he said that. Did I do the right thing? What if he later doesn't want to hang out with someone like me?

"We haven't properly introduced ourselves yet. My name is Larset and what's yours?" I introduced myself to him as I walked alongside him. Am I just too short or he's just tall? I look so small beside him.

"Right, My name is Maximillian. You heard what they called me but don't call me what everyone calls me." He suggested. Come to think of it every couple in campus call each other with a pet name. Does he want me to call him using a pet name?

"Ah, yes." I nodded. "Then I will call you Teddy." I added. He looked at me with eyes asking for why I choose that name.

"You want to know what I choose that name? Umm.. let's see. Because you're cute?" I smile and he looks more confused than he was before.

"Ahem.. fine."

We went to library as I wanted. Instead of study we planned for our date for tomorrow. I felt like it was yesterday that I asked him out, but it was already 5 days. I never imagined I would be dating someone after with everything that going around me. I wonder why he accepted my confession. I mean it's not like I asked him out because I like him. I'm sure he accepted out of a whip.

"Are you listening?" He tapped on the table with his index finger as he was looking at me with question.

"Huh? Oh, yes, I'm listening." I said with a wry smile.

"You're not listening but okay. I will pick any place I want to go so just go along with it." He said as he took out his phone in his pocket.

"Give me your phone number." He asked. I gave him my number and my phone ringing.

"That's my number. Save it." He tossed his phone back into his pocket and stand up from his seat. "It's almost time for your class. Let's go. I will walk you to your class." He added.

"No, it's okay. I will go by myself." I said and he looked at me with a face of asking 'again?'

"Are you trying to avoid being seen with me just like back then?"

"Yes." I replied.

"Fine." He left out a sigh and walked away.

---------------------------------------------

I went back to class and before I knew it the class has come to an end. I don't understand what the class discussion was about.

"Let's go get lunch. I am craving for some BBQ bunger!" Ellie exclaimed.

"Yes, let's go get some foods. Larset, are you going with us?" Olivia asked.

"Of course." I replied. We gather our supplies and walk out of the class to the restaurant nearby. As we enter restaurant, we bumped into a familiar people. I look at them and nodded my head as a way of greeting them and they did the same.

"Are you coming to eat?" Ellie asked.

"Ellie, you see them here so of course they are here to eat." I quickly said before the guys could answer.

"Right." Ellie said. "Then do you guys want to join us?" She added. I rolled my eyes at her. There goes with her nosy nature.

"Ellie, why would you asked someone to join you when you don't even know them?" Olivia asked. Yes! There is another person who understands me. I turn my head the other way to find a table for us to sit when Ellie pulled me back.

"I might not know them, but Larset know them." I look at Ellie with a questionable look and pointed to myself asking if she is talking about me.

"Yes, since you and him are now dating. Beside I want to know what kind of person you're dating" She pointed at the person in front of me. I look at him with arm crossed forming an X so he could understand I said no. He formed a smile as he looked at me. 'Why did he smile? Please say no.' I shake my head, but he turned back at Ellie.

"Why not join them? We want to know about your girlfriend too." One of the guys said.

"Yes, what do you say, Max?" Another said.

"Sure, we will join you." He spoke 'I knew that smile was suspicious.'. I left out a sigh of defeat and walk to an empty table close to the window that has only has 4 chairs. I took a seat hoping the girls would sit with me but instead Max did. He took a seat across me, and the others took an empty table beside mine and take a seat. Since the table they took has six chairs it's enough for the five of them.

We ordered our foods and as we waited for our food to arrive the girls and the boys were talking as if they weren't stranger. I looked at them feeling envious as they were talking and laughing. They made friends so easy while I'm here didn't know what to make friends or what to say.

"Did you guys already introduce yourselves?" I asked as I looked at them. They all turned their head to me.

"Yes, we did. I'm Kai and he's Jay. And as for him I'm sure you already know his name." Kai pointed at the person who sat beside him.

"Um, I'm sorry but I don't know." I spoke.

"You really don't know his name?" Max asked.

"Am I supposed to?" I eye him with question.

"He's Jayden, the most popular in campus." Jay said. He gestured his palm up and down on Jayden to show me how he looks.

"Ah I see what you mean. The first time I saw him and all of you was when I went to asked Max out." I said.

"Babe, you don't have to say that, or his feeling might be hurt." Max said. 'Babe? Did he just call me babe?'

"So, are you deciding on what to call me now?" I asked and he nodded.

"You guys already in nickname basic. Since when?" Ellie pouted. Ellie is the jealous type. She doesn't like when Olivia and I talking and befriending someone else other than her. It's not like I would befriend with someone else. Who would talk to someone like me anyway.

"Since this morning." I replied.

"Whether it's fake or real you better treat her good." Ellie glared at him.

"Ellie!" I yelled and she looked at me and mouth 'what?'. I shook my head without saying anything.

They turned back to talking while Max and I sat there quietly until our foods arrived. We didn't say anything through the whole meal. We bid goodbye and went our separate ways. Ellie, Olivia, and I went back to our third class before the class started. I did a little homework and soon after the class started and ended.

-------------------------------------

Evening During Work Time

-------------------------------------

"Larset, I have somewhere to go. Can you please watch over the store? I don't think I can make it back before closing time so can you lock the door before you go?" This man is the store owner. His name is Chase. He's kind and understanding. I've been working here since I moved to this area. Since I worked here, I've never met any of his family. I wondered if he doesn't have any family, but I can't ask him, can I?

"Yes, I will do that.  have a good evening, sir."

"Alright."

Chase is a kind and young man. There are times when a customer or should I say someone I knew came and argued with me on my shift, and he almost got punched in the face because he was trying to protect me.

Ting!

I looked at the front to see someone entered the store and as soon as I saw him my hands start to sweat as if I've done something I shouldn't have. He's Another customer entered the store behind him, so I composed myself as to not show any expression.

"Welcome to The Daily Store." I greeted with a smile on my face. Even though I would like to cuss so bad, I need to compose myself. The other person nodded their head and go on their business and he on the other hand walk his way towards me.

"Long time no see, Lar." He greeted.

"We are not close for you to call me by my nickname anymore, do we, William." I calmly said.

"Lar, I'm not here to argue with you. I'm here to apologize. I know what I did was wrong, and I regretted it. I wasn't in my right mind. I don't know what I did what I did. I don't wish for you to forgive me, but I just hope you don't hate me too much." I've never once seen how desperate he looked. I know everything happened wasn't his fault, but I can't help but hate him as he didn't try to understand me.

"I've heard the same things for the past 4 years. Just like what I said to you every time you came to see me, I don't hate you. I was just disappointed in you." I said as my hands are slightly trembling. I know it's not wholly his fault but at that time I wished he would make a different decision.

Even if he made a different decision, he and I can't be together, but we can be still friends supporting each other. Or maybe we could be close and understanding than ever.

"I'm sorry for making things harder for you." He quietly said. His face sulk as he turned away and leave the store.

I left out a long sigh feeling relieve when I watched him walked away. I wished things were different. It's not good to keep dwelling on the past. I need to get over it soon even though I know it wouldn't be easy. At least that's what I think.