Unraveling Hearts

Chapter Eleven.

♡ M I L A ♡

The days fly by in the blink of an eye since I ran into the guys, and I find myself becoming more adept at managing my life as a first-year college student. Growing up with overprotective parents would tend to make anyone a bit dependent, not that it's terrible to rely on them, but my natural independence has always kept me on my toes, and now, I'm on my own handling things, which feels great.

A small smile filled with pride spreads across my lips as I make my way to my post-lunch class after parting ways with Jennie when I notice someone peeking around in the hallway and trying to get in through a window. I briefly frown before I realize what's happening and then clear my throat, "So, what's up with the thief?"

Asher's head snaps towards me, his eyes widening in surprise before he recognizes me, and his expression relaxes. "Oh, it's you. Mila," he says, his voice sheepish as he remains perched on the window sill.

"Hi! Sneaking, are we?" I joke with a snarky smile, adding a slight wave to emphasize my greeting.

"Uh, n-no..." He stutters, then quickly drops to the floor, turning to face me. After a moment of hesitation, he sighs, "Fine, yes. I'm sneaking from the back window."

My interest is piqued. I probe further, "And why is that?"

He shrugs nonchalantly. "I don't like sitting in the front row." As if that explains his action.

My confusion must be evident on my face because I tilt my head and frown deeply. "Uh, I don't get it. I think one can concentrate better when in the front..." but he cuts me off cheekily. "Not when you have to be in a class because of an attendance shortage last semester, and you are sleepy."

The mischievous glint in his eyes tells me that he's not one to follow the rules unthinkingly when he lets out a yawn, rubbing his eyes. He seriously looks like he's about to doze off any moment.

"Okay... why are you sleepy? Did you not get enough sleep last night?" I ask him, trying to make small talk. "

"What do you think?" he responds, raising an eyebrow and smirking at me slyly. I roll my eyes and mock surrender, "Well. I think you shouldn't party so hard, you know."

"I know," he admits with a sheepish smile. Then, he suddenly turns serious and says, "Hey! Do me a favor, please." I raise an eyebrow, curious about what he wants. "Okay, what is it?" I ask him. His grin widens. "Sit with me." I hesitate for a moment, wondering what he's up to. "That doesn't sound too difficult..." I begin to say, but he cuts me off again, "In the back."

"What?" I blurt out, staring at him incredulously. I roll my eyes. "Seriously? I can't. I don't want to. I never sit in the back, and I never will..." But before I know it, protest any further, Asher grabs me by the shoulders and spins me around. "Oh, come on!" he exclaims, pushing me into the classroom. "... there is always a first time for everything. Thanks, Mila."

What the heck!

I shoot him a glare while he blatantly ignores me, and then, with a sigh, I give in and take a moment to scan around the room, feeling self-conscious about being in the back. Almost all the seats are taken except for a few in the back. Aww, shucks! I groan under my breath and plop down onto my new seat, and I must admit that the view is okay-ish. I can see everything going on in the classroom when I feel a certain pair of eyes on me.

Professor Kit's. Is it really not my imagination? I see him chatting with a few students by the podium, but his glare pierces my face. Or not? Chills run down my spine. I shake my head and look away, trying to keep my composure. I extract my notebook before I realize Asher's presence beside me again—the annoying feeling in my chest returns.