Love Beyond Scars

Chapter 5: The Poke-Master 5000

Chapter 5: The Poke-Master 5000

-Liam-

Day 2: Be the annoying jerk she never wanted to have around

"Rose," I called out softly, my voice filled with a hint of longing.

No response.

"Hey, Rosie," I tried again.

Silence.

Unable to contain my desire any longer, I gently poked her cheek, hoping to evoke even the slightest reaction. But her features remained stoic and unmoving, her gaze fixated on our charismatic professor as he commanded the attention of the lecture hall.

"Come on, it's just coffee," I whispered, my voice tinged with a hint of coaxing, careful not to draw the attention of Professor Wilson. With a touch of anticipation, I poked her arm once more, longing for a connection.

Still, there was no response.

I sighed, realizing that my pursuit of her heart was going to be more challenging than I had anticipated. But I wasn't one to shy away from a challenge.

"You know," I murmured, a playful smile gracing my lips, "I'm more than willing to make this lecture unbearable if you keep ignoring me." I continued my persistent poking, daring to test the limits of her patience. And I saw it, ever so subtly—a flash of frustration crossing her face. Good.

Emboldened by her reaction, I decided to take a more daring approach. I had claimed the seat beside her, deliberately asserting my presence in her world. Our psychology class was teeming with students, leaving no alternative but for her to tolerate my proximity.

"So, what do you say?" I questioned with a mischievous glimmer in my eyes. "Will you grant me the honor of accompanying you for that coffee we talked about, or shall I continue my relentless pursuit?" My poking persisted, a teasing dance upon her skin.

"Would you stop that, for Christ's sake!" she finally growled, her voice laced with a mixture of irritation and intrigue, slapping my hand away.

"Mr. Carter, Miss Hayes, is my lecture not captivating enough?" Professor Wilson's voice suddenly interrupted, pulling our attention towards him.

"No, please, do continue," I murmured under my breath, slight annoyance lingering within my words, as if the professor's interruption was an inconvenience. The sarcastic undertone didn't escape the notice of some of our classmates, causing a soft ripple of amusement to sweep through the lecture hall. Rose's face flushed with a tinge of crimson, leaving me to wonder if it was anger or embarrassment that adorned her cheeks. Judging by the fire in her eyes, I wagered on the former.

Professor Wilson frowned in suspicion, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before deciding to let it go and resume his lecture.

"Now, where was I?" I whispered as soon as the professor's back was turned, a mischievous smile tugging at my lips. Resuming my gentle poking, I couldn't resist the temptation. Rose groaned in frustration, her arms falling upon her desk as her forehead sought solace in their embrace, concealing her flushed face. If I had a shred of decency, I might have felt remorse for my actions. But the exhilaration of this playful pursuit was far too intoxicating to heed such concerns.

Did it make me a horrible person, reveling in her vexation? Perhaps. Did I care? Not even the slightest.

An hour later, as the sun cast its warm, golden rays across the campus, we finally received our much-awaited dismissal. Together, we gathered our belongings, our steps in sync as we made our way out of the classroom. I remained faithfully by her side, my presence a comforting shield against the judgmental gazes of the girls and the envious glances of the boys.