She's Such A Beguiler

07 - Altercations

07 - Altercations

Chastity's POV:

Leaving me no opportunity to speak, it seemed like she doesn't really want me to do a solo presentation. So, I just shrugged my shoulders off. For that just in favor of me as well.

I just stood there watching her read our draft proposal but not until I remembered the look on Kim's face before I got out inside the lecture room.

Hence, I abruptly take a quick glance at the glass pane through which the hallways may see our seat location to somehow check what are they now doing. Weirdly enough, I just caught Kim looking at me with a mix of feared and worried expressions as she vanished from the scene.

Without any delay, my heart starts to beat more rapidly than usual upon having that interaction with Kim. I am now feeling a bit strange... somehow agitated. Making me hark back on Kim's actions since this morning.

When we woke up, she already left the apartment and just text Sipayb that she has gone first to our usual spot at the convenience store where we usually ate breakfast. Arriving at GU, she has been busy on her phone which was an unusual thing for her to do—unusual. Right.

Not only Kim who I noticed that was being unusual today but along Cesar. I know that man too well that when I returned his gift to me, it hurts his ego and pride so much. So much to the point that he'll make my week a living hell.

But then now, he was just busy on his phone. Also, earlier today, that man even released a smirk and has been followed by turning his head to our place wearing his dubious... stares.

Having that thought inside my head, I stopped in my tracks.

"Zaragoza..." I heard someone call out. 

"Hey, Zaragoza..." 

"Zaragoza, are you listening?!" I was brought back to my trance as I heard that shouting voice and immediately returned my attention to who was in front of me.

"You're not listening," she claimed that I didn't oppose, for I really am.

"I am asking you about this topic." She continued in annoyance and encircled more of the part that I suggested to the group. 

Seeing that, I guess my co-members were right all along. That part will be the questionable one in our paper if it cannot be explained well. Hence, I try to divert back my attention fully to the paper and think about our draft proposal first.

Focus, Chastity. Focus.

"What about it?" I nonchalantly asked, pretending to be Socrates and attentive and just really needs more elaborated questions from her for me to answer, which she only smirks at.

"Don't tell me you are spacing out again and didn't hear my question?" She inquired with her cheeky smile. 

Knowing where this conversation between us might go, I pressed my eyes closed and tries to think of a better excuse. 'Cause my Socratic Method is not working on her and heck, I won't let her have a chance to belittle me again just because I space out a little. Not again.

"Miss, I asked not because I didn't hear your question or understand what you were talking about. But mainly because I have to know what specific mistake you have found 'cause we both know that in the tertiary level we no longer do spoon-feed here, aren't we?"

More than aware that my tone was sounding arrogant, I knew for sure she will not let it slide. But to my surprise, she just let out a laugh which made my eyebrows furrow.

"Hearing your answer... guess you are familiar with the Socratic Method. Oh well... after all, you should be really. Since if I am not mistaken it has been tackled before during your senior high school and freshmen years anddd... just so you know I asked those questions just for you to engage in our discussion 'cause again, you're spacing out." She emphasized the latter then let out a smirk again.