Scarlet Strings of Love

Chapter 18: Cha mhòr

"Always remember, someone's effort is a reflection of their interest in you."

(Blue Knights Academy, Grade 8)

"Emman!" Emman drew a breath as he heard the footsteps of a small woman behind him. He didn't want to turn around. Natatakot siya na baka kurutin na naman siya ni Czarina.

Maglalakad na sana siya paalis nang biglang sumakit ang braso niya. He wasn't able to get away at nakurot na lang siya ni Czarina. May hawak siyang papel at halos isubsob niya ito sa mukha ni Emman.

"Wha-What the hell are you doing?!" he asked, pushing her away. Her frown turned into a scowl.

"Kore wa nani?!" she said. No one understood her, though. "The teacher told me to talk to you about this. What the hell is this garbage?! Explain yourself, Maxwell!"

Emman swallowed a lump on his throat, "B-but I tried my best this time...? And you didn't have to call it garbage. That hurt."

Czarina wavered for a bit, feeling guilty for what she said. She shook the guilt away and pressed for information about the "below average" work that Emman had passed. Their assignment was to write an essay about something they liked, and Emman never really had anything he liked. He likes women, but he knows he'd get suspended for writing vulgar things. He was still a virgin, pero ano ba ang pake ng mga teacher?

Czarina sighed and sat down beside him, slamming the paper on the table, "You're going to stay after school and write a better essay than this."

Emman was about to protest but he met Czarina's gaze so he had no choice. Fucking annoying. He thought in his mind. If only this little girl minded her own business. He would've been watching things in his room with the aircon on full blast. Him only in his boxers, searching for a video to watch. Suddenly, Czarina's face flashed in his mind and he flushed profusely. Why the hell was he thinking Czarina while he was thinking of fa--

"EMMANUEL!"

"What the fuck?!" sigaw ni Emman. He took a deep breath. "Ano ba 'yon, huh?"

"Were you even listening? I said we'll look for a subject that you can write about."

"I told you, I don't like anything besides por--"

Tinakpan ni Czarina ang bibig ni Emman bago niya pa matapos ang sasabihin niya. He glared at the petit woman in front of him, acting nervous. Czarina looked scared of his glare, but did not waver. She wasn't letting go of him this time. Not unless he gives her, the class secretary, a paper that is good enough for the teacher. She knew Emman could do so much better, so why was he settling for something so disgusting? The topic was all over the place, the grammar is also incorrect. Basta maraming mali sa essay niya, pero proud na proud siya ng pinasa niya iyon.

Weird guy. Czarina thought.

Nang hindi pa inaalis ni Czarina ang kamay niya ay dinilaan ito ni Emman. Nagulat doon si Czarina at hindi alam kung saan ipupunas ang kamay niya. Natawa naman si Emman na makita si Czarina na nagpa-panic.

"Here," someone said. They looked up and it was Orange, on her hand was a pocket tissue that can be bought from the vending machines in the school. She gave them a small smile before walking away with Austin, who was smiling on his phone.

"Why did you have to lick my hand?" Czarina complained as she put a lot of hand sanitizer on her hand and rubbed it on her arms as well.

Annoying. Drama queen. Fucking loud. She's very annoying. Why can't she just leave me alone?

"What is it?" Emman blinked. Was he staring at her too much? Or was he glaring? He shakes his head and gives her a smile that Czarina hates.

"Whatever. You're staying with me until you give me a good essay."