Porcelain behind Glass

Chapter 8: Feelings

Marisa never thought a day would come when she would be fed with excessive male attention. Especially when the male concerned was incredibly hot. But unfortunately, that day was today and she was beyond frustrated by Niam's behaviour.

Every morning, he received her at the university car parking, then proceeded to follow her from class to class, carrying her bag for her despite her many protests. He also prepared class notes for her and submitted assignments on her behalf. He served her meals at lunch hour and even kept her company when she had to wait for her friends after class. He was behaving like an annoying boyfriend, and doing a damn good job of it.

Well, it was her fault that Niam was stuck babysitting her. Rachel was super busy helping the Student Council prepare for the upcoming Open House and Monica was stuck overseeing the debate club activities by herself. With her injured right hand, she was unable to help them as she would have liked. To make matters worse she had become a star attraction overnight and the other students had begun calling her 'The Girl that bullied Hans'. Her social media had been flooded with hate comments, so much so that she had signed out from all her accounts. To add to her woes, she often saw unsavory characters attempt to approach her before running away at the sight of Niam. No doubt they were Hans's goons. Thankfully Danish and Milan kept an eye on her friends, so she didn't reveal to them the extent of her troubles.

"Niam," she said with a huff. "I am going to the girl's washroom. You can't follow me there."

Niam folded his hands and stood his ground. "I'm not letting you out of my sight. Danish would have my head."

"Niam, people are beginning to gossip about us, linking us to each other. You should stop this behavior before things get worse," reasoned Marisa.

"I don't care what others think. I have to keep you safe. Not that I am chasing away an army of your suitors."

Marisa frowned; Niam was right. Once the incident with Hans became known, her so-called admirers had backed away so fast it was a wonder they hadn't fallen over each other. Well, her dating life was fairly non-existent now, what did it matter what others gossiped about her and Niam?

Marisa shrugged, "Have it your way, but don't grumble if you're embarrassed."

Niam sighed, "Let's go".

True to her words, Marisa came out of the washroom to find a red-faced Niam waiting for her with her bag in his hands, uncomfortable with the jeering of class fellows as they walked by.

Marisa grabbed his hand and strode off, shooting a glare over her shoulders at those who had dared to call Niam nasty names.

Finally, when they had reached a secluded alley between two lab buildings, she let go of his hand.

Taking a deep breath, she blurted out words of gratitude. "Thank you for blocking Hans from drenching me with a banana smoothie, thank you for helping me to the sick bay, thank you for babysitting me the past few days, thank you for putting up with my temper and facing ridicule from others for helping me. Thank you for ensuring I don't fail because I can't write at the moment. In short, thank you for the past week. I don't know what I have done to earn your favor, I don't know how I earned your friendship, but just know that I am honored to have you by my side."

Niam turned her around and pushed her chin towards him, forcing her to look him in the eye. "Are you sure, you have no idea why I helped you?"

Marisa's eyes widened and she shook her head in denial.

"It seems Monica was right all along; you are quite slow. It's okay though, I can wait for you to figure things out by yourself."

Letting go of her, he stepped back. "It's time for the next class, we will miss the roll call".