"When I saw you
I fell in love,
and you smiled
because you knew."

- William
Shakespeare

Clara Carter

I chew a gum, tap my heel and look around. Nerds are marching in a row towards university, their heads about to collapse into their fat-ass books. Boys standing under a tree, hitting on girls walking by with pick-up lines while the other girls are taking selfies in arguably sexy poses to attract the attention of the college bad boy, Samuel — with whom I got into an unwanted fight last year.

Everything is now under control, and we try to keep as far away from each other as possible.

In short, same shit, every day.

I walk up to the entrance gate and lower my sunglasses to read the golden glazed name—
'Aerilon University -
Leaders in progress'

Leaders my ass!

I notice the guard on my right and toss my bike keys in his direction. He parks it in my designated spot in the parking lot for me in exchange for free cigarettes. I say, good deal.

Being a student for three years at this well-known university, full of  —  both idiots and scholars —  was an adventure in itself. I look left and right for the dumbass, but he is nowhere to be found

und.

"Are you looking for someone?" a cheerful voice asks. I turn around to see a ridiculously attractive stranger smirking mischievously at me. I've never seen him on this campus before.

"I'm looking for an ambulance," I say. Raising an eyebrow at me, he shows his confusion. "Because, honey, if you mess up with me and have broken bones, I'm not going to take you to the hospital."

If you ask me, I'm always up for making friends who are as humorous and stupid as this guy.

His lips utter a silent chuckle, and he asks, puzzled, "You gotta be kidding, right? I- I must say, great sense of humor, bae."

"Firstly, I am not and will never be your bae, and secondly, you should fuck off right now and try not to cross my path again." I smile.

I turn around and move towards my classroom building.

"Hey! Wait, Clara." I don't stop at the dumbass's quaking voice behind me and walk into the 2A building, where we have Psychology and Medical classes.

A few students who are admirers of my god-knows-what wave at me uncomfortably, and I just smile back.

Tyler blocks my way before I can open the door for my class. "For God's sake, Clara. Will you just stop for a moment? Listen—"

"Where the hell were you? I stood in front of your house for half an hour like an idiot! We had decided to ride to college together today!"

Tyler Hill, the handsome nerd, has been my best friend since childhood, thanks to our parents' friendship. We enrolled at the same college but in different majors. He is a Medical Nerdy, whereas I am a Psychology student.

"Sorry for that. Dean asked to see me at his office early today," He calmly explains. "A new admission has been made. Actually, there are two, but one of them is going to be hard to deal with. Dean has given him the job of maintaining campus discipline, like a head boy." He explains the intensity of the matter by gripping my shoulders. "Dean warned him about you and how much of a pain in the ass you are for the entire college."

"As he should."

I push him out of my way. He hurriedly says, "I'll meet you after class," and walks away.

I enter the classroom, take a seat on the last desk and place my bag behind me. That's the seat where I can fall asleep peacefully. Other students enter the room, whispering something about an upcoming test.

My classmates hate socializing with me, and I hate interacting with them as well, and this has only gotten worse since the fight with Samuel. They think I'm a questionable person to be friends with. If I had to respond in a sadistic manner to this statement, I'd say I like it. The fact that I am intimidating keeps me safe from bullies.

They just want to talk about their tests or the careers they want to pursue, which is why I avoid being near them. Like come on, we are still young, there are so many things to talk about in this world — movies, literature, music, art, travel, and apparently, the head boy.

To be honest, I couldn't care less about the new head boy. In the previous three years, no one has tried to bother me. I will just have to make sure he doesn't kick me off campus with a suspension letter thrown at my face.

I take a look at my wristwatch. The first lecture will begin in a few minutes. I lean back and close my eyes as I cross my legs. It's always a good idea to take a nap before a long lecture.

"Hello, Class. My name is Kate Ovando, and I am your new lecturer." While I'm occupied chewing gum on the last bench, a shockingly brisk female voice says.

"Instead of sticking gums on the benches, I'd love it if backbenchers participated in learning." I hear her once again.

Miss, you chose the wrong person to mess up with.

I move my focus to her and stare while she adjusts her spectacles repeatedly. Again, no one in the class bothered to look in my direction. Is it because they are uninterested in me or because they are afraid of me?

"Sorry, Ms. Ovando. My bad. What you were saying?" I can't help but smirk at her. She chuckles humorlessly. "You see, I hate students who behave in such a manner."

"Miss, I see what you mean. So, if you like, I can ask our esteemed Dean to switch your class." I say, eliciting a few laughs from the students.

I can tell she wanted to be an actress or a stripper based on her attire, but she's stuck with the professor's title.

"Do you find this amusing? Allow me to ask you a few questions. Let's see how much you've studied thus far." She shouts and grabs a book.

She starts with a smile. "Could you please tell us which psychology class Freud championed is?"

"Psychodynamic Psychology. And, just in case you need it, the name's Clara Carter."

"I'm telling you, Clara, you should smooth things out with this guy so he doesn't screw things up and try to suspend you. Because I'm damn confident you're not going to stop doing your infamous deeds." As we stroll down the corridor towards the canteen, Tyler brags convincingly.

I stand in front of him, cross my arms over my chest, and walk backward, completely oblivious to my surroundings. "Will you ever stop talking? Who is he, exactly, huh? A wanted criminal? A serial killer?" I keep walking backward, tapping my heel with each stride until I collide with someone.

My nostrils are filled with the strong scent of mint citrus. Slowly turning over, I notice the most magnificent hazel eyes I've ever seen.

His sculpted face, with its strong jawline carved by heaven's beauty, maintains a steady look that draws my gaze to him. His hairs are ruffled, giving him a sinister appearance.  His powerful aura makes him even sexier.

With his muscular built hidden beneath a black leather jacket and red tee, I'm sure he's mistaken for an underground fighter. He has the look of a devil, but an attractive one.

I am scared of looking him in the eyes, but I'm not terrified of him. I feel comfortable and secure, not to mention pleased.

But, Almighty, bless my eyes!

I notice the same person, who I initially found friendly but then he flirted with me, standing on this sex god's right, grinning. He's such an irritating weirdo!

But the man in front of me is something else. His every detail screams for admiration.

"Clara, he's the new admission." Tyler whispers to me in low voice.

You kidding me? He has the look of a bad boy rather than a head boy.

Anyway, this is going to be so fun!

"Mr. Newbie. It's great to finally meet you! Myself—"

"Clara Carter. Also known as a feisty badass brat who is a pain in the ass. Last year, Psychology." He replies, forwarding his hand, in a gravelly calm voice.

I chuckle and extend my hand forward. "Stefan Peirce. Last year, Company Secretary." He introduces himself without flinching from his hostile stance.

"Stefan, the head boy. Good for you. Because you're new here, it would make me happy if you could stay out of my business while I stay out of yours. Sounds like a good deal?" I offer him in my most peaceful manner.

He stares me down, wondering if he should accept my offer or expel me from the university this instant. Does he have any idea about my previous records?

In a mischievous smirk, the corner of his lips curves.

"I'm afraid I'll have to pass on it." He says, takes his hand away from mine, and walks past me. "I'll meet you soon bae," the same weirdo guy murmurs behind him.

Tyler starts his ridiculous laugh as soon as they leave. What the fuck happened just now?

"Are you sure he's a student?" my astonished curiosity inquires since this Stefan guy looked anything but a student. I stare at his disappearing figure.

Tyler is having the time of his life, as Stefan is the first person to openly reject my efforts at peacemaking.

"Tyler, shut up! I'll have to find a plan to keep him away from me and my suspension." As I run my fingers through my hair, I spat.

What does he think of himself?

Bloody sexy-ass bastard!

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