My Royal Lesson (Kingdom University, #4)

Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Taking Risks

I couldn't focus anymore.

My arms were getting numb because I held my reading between us and tried to read with that kind of posture. It was especially hard for my left arm because he was on my left side.

This was our setup for a minute now. After that happened, the awkwardness between us skyrocketed and we couldn't look nor talk to each other . . . yet we didn't move an inch from our positions.

I wanted to take a glance at him, but I was afraid he'd catch me looking. It took me few more minutes of wavering before I find the resolve to do it. However, I was stunned to see him leaning over the table, already asleep.

I was too focused on my own that I didn't even notice that he had already drifted to sleep. He must have been too tired that he dozed off in such an uncomfortable position, but the good thing was I could stare at his face without getting too embarrassed.

A smile escaped my lips as I watched him closely. He looked like a puppy. A cute one. His soft and gentle features got accentuated while sleeping. In moments like this, I wish I could stop time and just enjoy this kind of peace.

The first article that was written about us came into my mind. It was when I was sleeping in the library and someone snapped a photo of him sitting across me. Fortunately, my face wasn't seen on that angle and nobody knew who I was.

I quietly took a photo of him and slowly sank next to him, my head resting on my arms as I continued staring at his peaceful face. Sometimes, I wonder how we would be around each other if he weren't a Campus Prince. Maybe I'd still end up liking him . . . and maybe it would be easier to convey my feelings. There would be no pressure and fear of being found because people wouldn't care about us.

But this is reality. Just like Steff and Jess, he's someone who lives in the light.

And I'm close to stepping into that world.

"Nado," (Me, too,) I whispered, remembering the first time I confessed to him while he was also sleeping. "Nado naega joh-a." (I like you, too.)

***

My head was spinning crazily and I regretted pulling an all-nighter last night. I couldn't believe I survived two morning classes without dozing off, but right now, I'm close to collapsing.

"Huy, kamukha mo na sina Steff at Jess," Alice commented as I slouched on the table. "Mukha ka na ring zombie. Anong pinaggagawa mo?"

I couldn't tell her I just wrote several chapters of my story last night because I was burning with ardor after that happened. It had been three days since that incident in the café, yet his words were still echoing loudly in my head. It felt like everything had happened few minutes ago.

"Yna, ano na, may sakit ka ba?! Bakit ka namumula?" She leaned closer and gave me a suspicious look. "Wait, dapat namumutla ka kung may sakit ka. Don't tell me you're drunk?!"

I didn't have the energy to respond and I just weakly shook my head.

"Please . . . let me sleep first."

Before I could hear her reply, I had already drifted to sleep.

***

The moment I opened my eyes, Jess' phone came into my view. It turned out they were taking photos of me because I was sleeping for about an hour already. They arrived few minutes ago while Alice was watching over me.