Chapter 13 - I love HIM

Aria's POV

There was a workshop being conducted by Wella College, and since it was related to drama, we could participate. Our drama society head suggested it during the meeting.

"That sounds great," I said enthusiastically, and my friends nodded in agreement.

"But," the head continued, "since this isn't for beginners, no first-year students will be allowed. Only second, third, and fourth-year students can attend."

I was genuinely looking forward to this workshop. It wasn’t just about honing skills; it felt like a perfect escape—a stress reliever rather than a stressor. A ten-day workshop meant ten glorious days without worries. Yayyyyyy!

I was so caught up in my excitement that the "yayyyyy" I was thinking slipped out of my mouth, leaving me feeling incredibly embarrassed. But just as my cheeks heated up, Ray suddenly screamed "yayyyyy" as well—something so out of character for him. He was usually so nonchalant, barely showing excitement for anything.

How was this even possible? I looked at him, shocked, surprised, and amused—all at once. And then, as if to top it all off, he winked at me.

This guy! He always comes to my rescue, even when it's against his nature. I seriously love him mann!!!!!!............ as a friend, of course. I gave him a playful, childish smile.

Following Ray's lead, Elio and Ivy also joined in with exaggerated "yayyyyy" screams, and soon the whole room was filled with echoes of excitement. The head of our drama society stood there, bewildered but amused, thinking we were all excessively thrilled. Truth be told, we were—but not enough to have everyone screaming at once!

_________________

As the workshop was affiliated with our college, my father allowed me to attend. Otherwise... forget it.

Wella College was part of the same university system as ours, but I’d never been there. The prospect of exploring a new campus added to my excitement.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a notification.

Ray: Hello, what’s up, Miss Yayyyyy!

Me: Miss Yayyyyy? A new nickname? I was fine with "Carry," thank you very much, Mr. Saviour.

Ray: Saviour? Nice name but you would’ve done the same if you were me.

Me: Yeah, but…

Ray: What “but”? Shut up.

Ray: Anyway, the workshop starts tomorrow, and the plan is for everyone to go together from the college. I figured you’d miss that bit since you were busy with your lunch.

Me: How well you know me, huh? You’re honestly a threat to my future partner. He’s going to be so jealous of you.

Ray: And what if I am that future partner?

Me: 😳 ...Sleep.

Ray: As you say, future partner. Goodnight ❤️

Me: Goodnight, Mr. Flirty ❤️

Lying in bed, I adjusted my pillow and tried to push his words out of my mind. "Future partner." The thought lingered.

I’d always believed in "one and last"—finding my endgame. But my first relationship shattered that belief. Still, I never let anyone flirt with me. Talking was fine, but flirting? No way.

Yet with Ray, it was different. I couldn’t stop him. I didn’t want to stop him. And the thought of a day when he wouldn’t flirt felt unbearable—like something would be missing.

His flirtatious nature seemed effortless, almost like he was born with it. Maybe he’d practiced in school, flirting with other girls.

That thought stung. My heart ached, and I felt a wave of discomfort. What if…

Sleep, Aria. Just sleep.

With those thoughts circling in my mind, I drifted off.

Ray's POV

I was late. Not according to the time but surely for my group as everyone already was there. Ugh.

As I rushed toward the group, I spotted them already gathered—three of them, actually four, since Belli was also a part of the drama society soo.

"Heyyy," I greeted as I reached them, slightly out of breath.

"You’re late," Elio pointed out, a smirk on his face. He was trying to provoke Aria into scolding me, and it worked.

Aria turned to me, her eyes blazing with irritation. Before she could unleash her wrath, I quickly said, "Hurry up, guys. We’re already late!" Then I moved toward the college bus, signaling them to follow.

Their glares were practically scorching my back, but I pretended not to notice, running a hand through my hair as if I were completely unbothered.

Once everyone boarded, Elio asked Ivy to sit with him. Ivy blushed, glancing at me for approval.

"Of course," I said, smirking. "Who am I to Elio now? It's all you."

Elio blushed too, silently pleading with his eyes for me not to tease him.

That left two seats: one next to Belli and one beside an unfamiliar girl. I had no desire to sit with some girI I didn’t know—I didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable, unintentionally too, especially a girl. So, I chose the seat next to Belli, leaving Aria to sit with the unknown girl.

Our seats were in the same row, and we weren’t by the windows, making it easy for us to talk. But Aria’s expression changed.

I couldn’t tell what was on her mind.

I knew her well, but there were always parts of her she kept hidden, locked away in her complex thoughts. Deciphering her feelings often felt like solving a puzzle, but the pieces she didn’t share remained a mystery.

And yet, that mystery only made me want to understand her more.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***