Chapter 8

• Monday morning came. The teacher hasn't come yet, I wonder why. The classroom was filled with chitchat to one another - a common scenario I don't even mind. While I'm just here in the corner rereading lessons for the class.
• Everyone stopped their chatter when a guy suit on a black jacket with a face mask covering his face followed by our teacher came in. For some reason, my heart throbs faster than usual and I forgot everything about the lessons I've been rereading. A bit nervous perhaps? I'm not certain. But something is not just right. I can feel it within.
• My jaw almost dropped seeing the guy uncover his face. The classroom was filled with nothing but giggles. His eyes, nose, lips, I can't be mistaken! What is he doing here?! He's a damn artist, did he already forget?! Or did he quit his career?
• "Hello, I'm Leonard Dawson also known as Leo Presley of Standard Film Entertainment," he said, looking in my direction.
• Our eyes met and I abruptly looked down at my book to avoid him. I grip my fist as I ease my mind. Two weeks have passed since I last saw him... two weeks of blending in on my life without him yet he's here before my eyes on the most unexpected day.
• "Mr. Dawson will join our class as your classmate this semester," the teacher said. The heck?! It's already been a month since the class started yet he was allowed by our school? If he was just a normal kid, he wouldn't be for sure. But hey, he's the freaking best actor of all time, what school wouldn't want him? "You can sit on the vacant seat behind miss Middleton."
• My world stopped when I heard his footsteps coming closer and closer. I didn't want to look up at him, but my head moves on its own. His eyes were fixed at mine not paying attention to any other things. The only moment our stares broke was when he surpassed me and sat down behind my seat. I could feel his presence from the back and especially his stares. I think I can melt now. I just want to be a ghost as if no one can see me especially him! This is so awkward.
• There was not a moment I felt comfortable nor on moving just by simply getting my book from my bag. Every move I make was very cautious for I know one pair of eyes were looking at me. I'm so eager to ask him why on earth is he here?! Isn't he busy with all his photoshoots? Or shooting scene? Or how about their arranged marriage with his woman Scarlett?!
• My mind was never been at peace. I was troubled to begin with as a whole. I want to smack Leo really bad! Leo was the only one circling my mind. Geez, I feel very guilty for Gin. I'm in a relationship with Gin, now! This is cheating, isn't it? But nothing is in between Leo and me from the moment I motioned a break-up. He let go of me! I'm just starting to forget but he suddenly shook my life in awe! He's full of surprises, I can't think through at all!
• The class had finally ended and it's currently our lunchtime. I abruptly stand up to eat lunch at the cafeteria not looking from behind but our adviser suddenly called my name. I'm not feeling good about this, not the slightest bit!
• "Miss Middleton," she said. All of my classmates have gone outside and then there's me and Leo. "Please guide our new student Leonard around the campus."
• I gulped.
• "But ma'am-"
• "I'll give you additional points on the exam," she added, completely shutting me down. Yeah, additional points are my weakness. Our advisers surely do know where to hit me.
• "Shall we?" Leo asked, motioning his hand to me. I ignored it and walk my way through outside. He was following me from behind, and neither of us dared to speak up.
• Different stares and reactions can be felt from the atmosphere. Mostly coming out of girls adoring him as his fan. Some attempted to approach him for a picture or autograph but he only refused. It's not like I would wait for him if ever he stopped anyway, I would rather go to the cafeteria alone to leave him.
• Because of excessive curiosity, I didn't prevent myself from turning around to face him. He was rather stunned by what I did so I just paused for a second before confronting him.
• "Why are you here?" I asked. His eyebrows narrowed in confusion.
• "To study, what else?" he asked, back. I rolled my eyes in my head. Tsk, up until now he's still as playful as he could be.
• "You don't even need to study, Leo," I argued. Never did it crossed my mind that he would risk studying here. His reputation and all can be put in danger by his reckless actions! Really, I can't understand him. As far as I know, he's homeschooled yet he's here at an average school. Luckily, the teachers put restrictions on approaching him so he wouldn't be bothered somehow.
• "I'm Leonard, miss Dawson," he said, chuckling. How could he manage to chuckle at this situation?! Tsk.
• "Stop it. Just answer me, why are you here?"
• Not that my ego is boosting and all, but I know for a fact why he's here. My instinct just kept troubling me by that thought. Geez, I'm starting to hate my consciousness.
• "I'm here for you," he mumbled. He looked serious, there was no room for a joke, "Is that what you wanted to hear?"
• As I swallowed hard, I can't help but feel guilty about it. Though, I'm quite confident about his true intentions. I know he's here because of me... what else is the reason if it weren't that?
• "Because you're right, I'm here to win back my rose."