Chapter 17 - Redness All Around

Ray's POV

"Will you date me?,"

I said, using the most serious voice I had ever mustered. I didn’t know why the words came out so suddenly. My heart was racing as if it would leap out of my chest. Goosebumps prickled my skin. My eyes held steady, serious. All I could do was pray that my cheeks wouldn’t turn red from a slap.

She looked at me, shocked, frozen in place. She didn’t utter a word, as if she wanted to say—yes? Maybe? Trying to decipher her expressions felt like solving a puzzle that never ended.

She gathered all her strength and finally stammered, "R-Rayy…"

I took a deep breath and quickly added, "Fake date. I meant fake. So he doesn’t bother you anymore."

I held her by both shoulders, looking straight into her eyes, but she broke the eye contact, glancing down at the floor. She always did that. Why couldn’t she hold a simple eye contact? It hurt me sometimes.

Gently, I tilted her chin to make her look at me again and said, "Aria, you stopped me from beating him, but now he’s asking you to come back. I’m not getting a good feeling about him. I want to protect you. You never told me much about his cheating, but now you need to listen to me."

"But—" Aria tried to interject.

"No ifs or buts," I cut her off firmly. "I said what I said. I know you’re independent, but for God’s sake, please listen to me this time. I’m begging you. I already feel guilty for not being there when you faced that betrayal, but let me help you now."

"Okay," was all she managed to say.

"Aria, do you trust me?" I asked softly.

"Yeah, more than anyone," she replied.

"Hmm. So now tell me what you think of my offer. If he knows you’re in a relationship with a guy way more handsome than him, he’ll stop bothering you."

Aria chuckled.

"Did I say something funny?" I asked.

"Of course! Are you seriously comparing yourself to that… clown? Being compared to you would be the greatest achievement of his life," she teased.

I puffed up my chest in mock pride just to make her smile.

She smiled and, in a serious tone, said, "You know what, Ray? I’ve always wished to make Darius feel insecure as revenge. And dating you would set him on fire. Not to mention Noki—she always said Darius deserved better than me. But when she finds out I’m dating you, her reaction will be priceless."

"Is dating me really such a big deal?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course! I just don’t say it often because your self-obsession would shoot through the roof," she joked.

"Jokes aside, Aria," I said in a husky voice, "you’re hard to pull. I’d feel incredibly grateful to date you."

She blushed, her long lashes lowering.

I swear, I could die a million times for that look.

Wait—what’s happening? Ray, control yourself.

To divert the moment, I said, "I wonder how he managed to pull you in the first place."

"Long story. It’s not important now," she replied.

"As you wish, Miss Carry. So, the deal is on, right?" I asked.

"Yes," she said, her cheeks flushed. Her "yes" was so mesmerizing, I wished it was real.

Ugh, what’s wrong with me? I really need to have a talk with myself.

Suddenly, Aria held both my hands. Her touch sent shivers down my spine. My heart pounded like a drum. Her hands were so soft.

"Thank you, Ray," she said with a sincere smile.

"Just a good gesture with bad words," I replied, pretending to be disappointed.

"Seriously?" she asked.

"Not acceptable," I said with mock anger.

"Okay, sorry," she said with a small laugh.

"Now that’s better," I said, faking my annoyance.

As she held my hands, I leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "Now you’ve given me a free pass to flirt with you nonstop."

"B-but it’s f-fake," she stammered, her breath uneven.

"Doesn’t matter if it’s fake or real. Dating is dating. So you’d better keep your cheeks permanently red, because I’m not missing a single chance," I said. But as I said the word "chance," my lips accidentally brushed her earlobe.

I froze, my eyes widening. I felt her shiver too.

I stiffened, looking around awkwardly, my hands fidgeting at my sides.

"Hey," a voice interrupted. I turned to see Belli. Thank God she came; otherwise, it would’ve been impossible for me to handle the situation. I knew Aria wouldn’t have been able to either—she would’ve just stood there like a statue.

"Hiii," I said to Belli, immediately starting a conversation to avoid looking at Aria. Just then, my phone rang.

"You bastard! Where are you? We’ve been waiting at the canteen for 20 minutes. Come fast!" Elio yelled on the other end.

"Yeah, yeah," I said, hanging up.

"Aria," I turned to her. "Elio and Ivy are about to explode. Let’s head to the canteen before we become their victims."

She simply nodded, her expression unreadable. I wasn’t sure how she felt—had I embarrassed her or made her uncomfortable?

But I knew her. If she’d felt that way, she would’ve said something. Or maybe, because I’m her friend, she didn’t. Ugh.

As we started walking, I slowed my pace, and Aria matched it, leaving Belli to go ahead alone.

"Sorry," I said, breaking the silence.

"It’s okay, Ray. Why are you so tense? Chill. After all, you’re my man now. Even if it’s fake, does it matter? Like you said—dating is dating," she shrugged.

Her response caught me off guard but in a good way. I nodded like an excited child and said, "Let’s hurry before Elio kills me."

She laughed, and I couldn’t help but think how cute and adorable she looked.

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