I Bet I Would

Chapter 81: Best Friend

PAULENE

"I'm just so excited to take up Modern Political Philosophy next semester," Franz said.

I just looked at him.

I can't help but smile at how nerdy this hot guy is.

"I think McCullough is just lazy to have classes which is why he gave us library work instead."

"I beg to disagree. In fact, he seems very passionate with his work," He commented, his eyes still fixed on the book he is reading.

"Well, everyone has their lazy days."

"Hasty generalization right there, Miss Josiah," He said with a smirk.

I just rolled my eyes at him.

Too smart for his own good he can get really annoying.

We fall silent for a while. 

I can't seem to concentrate.

Somehow, I just want to talk to him more. Even if he can be a smartass scumbag at times.

"Uhm, your girlfriend had been absent in our Psych class lately."

Oh great, of all topics as a conversation starter, why that? 

I want to hit my head with this fat book in front of me which I don't read anyway. Maybe I took it so I could hit myself with it.

"Come again?" He asked, shifting his attention to me.

"Naaahhh. Never mind."

"No. What did you say?" He asked with a crease on his forehead.

He must be mad.

A boyfriend like Franz should be worried about his girlfriend's standing in school. And yeah, I kind of brought bad news.

"Your girlfriend's been absent in our Psych class," I said.

"I didn't know I have a girlfriend. What's her name?"

"Wait, what? I thought Tiffany's your girlfriend?"

"What?! No. No way. No. No, she's not my girlfriend. She's just my best friend. And lately, we haven't been hanging out. I didn't know she was missing her classes. Wait, what? She's not my girlfriend. Who said that?!" Franz looked bewildered.

"I saw you kiss!" I blurted out.

Shit.

Why the fuck did I have to say that?!

"What... are... you talking about?" 

"Nothing. Just forget it," I dismissed.

He closed the book he was reading and grabbed my arms, "How can I just forget that?!"

We stared at each other.

He then let go of me.

"What kiss?" He asked in a serious tone.

"Okay, I assumed that both of you are in a relationship because I saw you kiss at Smashbin one time. Well, okay, now I get it. She's not your girlfriend and she's just your best friend. And cool, I didn't know Americans kiss their best friends like that."

"Oh that," He said.

After a few moments, he exclaimed, "You saw that?! Fuck!"

He went on, "It's not that I didn't want you to see. I mean, of course I didn't want you to see. Shit! What I mean is, uhh, it's not what you think it was. Something happened-- She's sad or worse, and when you're sad, you do things out of impulse. I was comforting her, and you know, but, uhh-- the kiss did not even last for more than 5 seconds."

I don't know what to think or say.

I just stared at him.

"I don't like Tiffany that way. Well, not anymore. I mean, look, she's not my girlfriend. She'll never be. She's just my best friend. That's all it's ever gonna be."

Wow. He is super defensive about all of this.

However, it's a relief that Tiffany isn't his girlfriend.

But his lips are still dirty. I guess I could deal with that, though.

What?

You did not just think about that, Paulene.

You. Did. Not.

"Okay, Franz. I get it now. I'm sorry for assuming," I said.

"We're just best friends. Nothing more to it, okay?"

I nodded.

I kind of feel happy that he really clarified to me that Tiffany isn't his girlfriend.

"How about us, Franz? What are we?"

Oh no.

What the hell is wrong with my mouth, today?!

I thought I was just asking that question inside my head!

"I think I need to go to the restroom first."

And when I got up my seat, he grabbed my arm and pulled me back.

He had a grin on his face.

"What are we?" He asked devilishly.

My heart is now beating so fast.

"We're friends, right?" I answered nervously.

"No. We're much more than that," He responded.

What did he say?!

My heart is beating even faster it could explode in a few moments.

"B-b-best friends, then?" I asked.

"No. We can't be just best friends. I won't allow that."

Be cool, Paulene. 

He's just messing with you.

Be cool.

Franz can be a jerk sometimes too, you know.

I forced out a laugh.

He laughed with me.

Next thing we know, we were both laughing. However, the nervousness I feel is still there.

"Ehem, excuse me, please. This is a library," Mrs. Thompson, the librarian, said.

--

This chapter is dedicated to shoecat! :) Hello there, silent reader! Saw that you have my book in your list. I hope you've been following this story! I hope you're enjoying it so far!

To my silent readers there, leave a comment ;)

To all readers, yay! Glad you're still there. So glad! <3