Unexpectedly Arranged [Completed]

The Badass

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the library tables, painting the quiet space in a warm, golden hue.

I, Maricka, was hunched over my math textbook, a frown creasing my forehead.

The exam loomed, a monstrous beast I had to conquer.

Three o'clock. A time usually reserved for a quick snack or a mental break, but not today.
Suddenly, a shadow fell across my books.

I looked up, and there he was. Zane Radcliffe.

Trouble personified.

He leaned against my table, a cocky grin plastered on his face.

"Hey," he drawled, his eyes locking onto mine.

"Will you go out with me?"

My eyebrows shot up.

"Excuse me? I don't even know you," I retorted, a smirk playing on my lips.

"And if I say no?"

He mirrored my smirk, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

He paused, then leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur.

"First," he said, taking my right hand and surprisingly, kissing my knuckles,

"my name is Zane, Zane Radcliffe."
I pulled my hand away, a fake smile plastered on my face.

"I'm busy. Please leave," I said, turning back to my book.

"Alright," he said, and with a flourish, he bowed, a dramatic, almost mocking gesture.

"As you wish, my lady."

Aisssh! I thought, my concentration completely shattered. I don't have time for this.

***

The exam was finally over. I breathed a sigh of relief, the tension in my shoulders easing.

The thought of a warm biscuit and a quiet walk home was all that kept me going.

My stomach growled, reminding me of my neglected hunger.

The cafeteria was bustling, a chaotic symphony of clattering trays and chattering students.

I made my way to the counter, my eyes scanning the display case for a chocolate biscuit.

"One chocolate biscuit, please," I said to the cashier, my voice barely audible above the din.

As I waited, I felt a presence behind me.

I turned, and there he was again.

Zane Radcliffe, his feet propped up on one of the cafeteria tables, a picture of nonchalant disregard for the rules.

He has no manners, I thought, rolling my eyes.

"You're here," he said, his voice a low rumble.

"Yes," I replied, grabbing my biscuit from the cashier.

"It's a public place. I can be here."
I turned to leave, but he placed his hand on the counter, blocking my path.

He leaned in, his face inches from mine. I could smell the minty scent of his gum.

He looked at my lips, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

My heart pounded in my chest. What is he doing?

He leaned even closer, and I panicked.

In a moment of sheer impulse, I grabbed my biscuit, still wrapped in its paper, and shoved it into his mouth.

"You can have it!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling slightly.

"I lost my appetite!"
I turned and fled, leaving him standing there, biscuit protruding from his mouth, a look of stunned surprise on his face.

Arrrrgh! I can't stand him!

***

Later that evening, I found myself on the terrace, bathed in the cool night air.

The internet signal was stronger out here, and I had a research paper to finish.

The deadline loomed, and I, a self-proclaimed perfectionist, wouldn't settle for anything less than perfect.

"Maricka, go inside. You might catch a cold," Yaya Aning's voice broke through my concentration.

"Just a little more," I replied, not taking my eyes off the laptop screen.

"What time will Mom and Dad be home?"

"They'll be working overtime," she said.

"Don't wait up."

"Oh, okay," I said.

"I'll be in soon."

Thirty minutes later, I decided to call it a night. I went inside and asked Yaya Aning to prepare my bath.

"Should I use the floral or strawberry bath soap?" she asked.

"The floral one," I replied.

I went to my room to put my things away, and then I heard a Facebook notification.

Who could that be?

Zane Radcliffe (Zan-zan) sent you a friend request.

Accept Ignore

I clicked ignore.

Another notification.

Another friend request from him. I clicked ignore again.

A minute passed, and another request popped up.

This continued for what felt like an eternity.

Then, in my frustration, I accidentally clicked accept.

Arrrrgh! I clicked it! How do I unfriend someone on Facebook?!

Then, another notification.

Zane Radcliffe was calling...

Can you call on Facebook?! I thought, my panic escalating.

Before I could think, I clicked respond.
"Hello, my little princess!" Zane's voice boomed through the speaker.