Campus Royalties (Kingdom University, #1) | Published under Psicom Publishing

Chapter 13

The situation instantly turned us as the center of attention, forcing me to stand up and drag him where we could be alone.

"What the heck, Darryl?" bungad ko nang makalayo kami sa garden.

"What?" he nonchalantly shrugged. "You said I should beg."

"Not in front of everyone!"

"Oh. Hindi mo naman sinabi."

Napahawak na lang ako sa noo ko dahil pakiramdam ko ay umaakyat na ang dugo sa mukha at ulo ko. What was he even thinking? Gumagawa na naman siya ng scene at dahil do'n ay may kakalat na namang rumors. And I couldn't stand that any longer.

"Okay, look. I'm thankful that you and your family saved me and my sister's lives. But this game between us, or whatever it is, it's getting out of hand."

He must have realized I was serious because the impish smile on his face disappeared.

"I accept your proposal," pagpapatuloy ko. "Let's be partners for this project, but after this, promise me you won't bother me again. Ever."

Darryl was silent for a few seconds. "Alright. Deal."

Nang makapag-settle na kami ay bumalik kami sa garden para i-discuss ang plan namin for the music project. Although it was quite uncomfortable because everyone was stealing a glance at our direction.

We had the same subject, but different prof and schedule. The gist of the project was to film a video playing an instrument, while having an accompaniment. I could play the piano while he said he could play the guitar.

"We need to schedule a practice," he suggested.

Honestly, I was taken aback. Hindi ko alam na grade-conscious din pala ang isang 'to. I thought he was one of those smart kids who don't care about their grades. It turned out I was wrong.

Natigil ang discussion nang dumating sina Alice, and frankly, I had forgotten about our lunch time since we were both focused on what to do with the project.

The three sat right across us and they were looking at me with playful smiles.

"So in good terms na pala kayo ngayon," pang-aasar ni Jess.

"Parang kahapon lang LQ kayo ah?" dagdag ni Alice.

Yna chuckled. "Cuties."

Sinamaan ko sila ng tingin dahil nakuha pa talaga nilang mang-asar habang nasa harap nila si Darryl. Meanwhile, he seemed to be enjoying this because he was trying to suppress a grin.

Thankfully, umalis na rin siya after a while dahil may 1 P.M. class siya. Ang problema lang ay kami pa rin ang naging topic ng tatlo pagkaalis niya.

"I thought you didn't want to be associated with him anymore, Steff?" Tanong ni Jess.

"This will be the last time," I said and explained that the deal we had agreed upon.

"You sure that will work?"

"Hopefully. Napapagod na ako sa rumors."

The day went on smoothly, but Darryl called after class. I was skeptical at first, but he might be calling to talk about the project.

"Hello?"

"Bebe girl."

"I'm hanging up—"

I heard him laughing on the other end of the call. "Joke lang naman. Anyway, let's meet on Friday for a thorough discussion."

Napaisip naman ako kung ano ang schedule ko that day. Bukod sa classes ay wala naman masyadong academic load sa araw na 'yon, although may pasok ako sa make up classes kinabukasan.