Andrew walked briskly through the bustling streets, his expression unchanged. The city was alive with activity, people rushing to and fro, but he remained indifferent to the chaos around him. As he passed a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk, holding out a cup for spare change, Andrew’s eyes briefly met the man’s hopeful gaze.
"Spare some change, sir?" the homeless man asked, his voice tinged with desperation.
Andrew responded coolly, "I don't carry cash."
His words were curt, but he paused, reached into his pocket, and without a word, dropped a few coins into the man's cup. The homeless man's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude.
"Thank you," the man said, his voice full of relief.
Andrew simply nodded and continued on his way, his actions speaking louder than his words. This small ripple of kindness was a fleeting moment in his otherwise stoic demeanor.
The school hallway was crowded, students bustling about between classes. Andrew walked through, his expression as stoic as ever. Suddenly, he noticed a familiar face approaching him. It was the girl he had helped in the park.
"Andrew, thank you for the umbrella. I didn’t expect to see you here," she said, surprised.
"It’s nothing," he replied coldly.
"No, really, it meant a lot to me," she insisted, her eyes full of appreciation.
"I don't need your thanks, but thanks a lot for cleaning the apartment," he said, his tone distant.
As she walked away, a group of students nearby started whispering and pointing at her.
"Isn't that the cute girl who's famous on campus?" one student whispered excitedly.
"Didn't expect her to be talking to that gloomy person," another said, amazed.
Andrew watched the commotion with his usual indifference, his cold personality becoming more pronounced in the face of unexpected attention.
"Hey, have you seen that cute girl with the mysterious guy over there?" one student nudged his friend. "He’s always got that serious face, but what’s she talking to him about?"
"Yeah, what's the deal with them? She's like a celebrity, and he's, well, good-looking but gloomy. I heard he has no friends at school. We always see him eating alone," another student added.
"Maybe he's her secret admirer, trying to win her over with his charm," one speculated.
"Or maybe he's a genius tutor helping her ace all her classes," another chuckled.
As the students whispered and speculated, Andrew remained engrossed in his book, unfazed by the attention.
Later, the girl approached Andrew again, a determined look on her face. She stopped in front of him, causing a hush to fall over the hallway.
"Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you something," she said confidently.
"Again?" Andrew replied calmly.
"Would you mind joining our club? This club suits your actions. You’re kind but gloomy when talking," she said, smiling.
"I have to decline," Andrew said glumly.
"Come on, it'll be fun! You might enjoy it," she persisted.
"I don't feel like being in such a crowd," he said resolutely.
"Oh, okay. Well, if you change your mind, let me know," she said, disappointed.
As she walked away, she turned back, "And anyway, all this talking and I still don't know your name. My name is Jane, by the way."
"Andrew," he said, his voice gloomy.
"I might see you around. Be ready, Andrew," Jane said with a hint of a smile.
"No time to talk. I’m not listening to the nonsense words you speak in school again. And first of all, I guess this is the last talk we’re gonna have," Andrew replied.
"You're rude, you know?" she said, her tone tinged with frustration.
Jane walked away, looking a bit dejected, while Andrew headed to the library, seemingly unaffected by the exchange.
"Did I hear that correctly?" one student asked.
"Yeah, dude. I think I misheard it. He just lost the opportunity," another replied.
"Yeah, if I were that person, I think I’d die now," another joked.
"Dude, damn, lost the opportunity," the first one repeated.
The school library was quiet, with students scattered around studying. Andrew was engrossed in a book at a corner table when Jane timidly approached him.
"Hey, Andrew, can I talk to you for a moment?" she asked nervously.
"What for?" Andrew asked, looking up from his book.
"I... I wanted to tell you something. I’ve been meaning to say this for a while now," she said, taking a deep breath.
"...?" Andrew's curiosity was piqued.
"You’re different from anyone I've ever met, and I’ve admired you since the first day. You're so focused and determined, and it's inspiring to see. I want to say this now... I like you," she confessed, blushing.
Andrew was surprised, but composed. "Appreciate the confidence."
"Does that mean you feel the same way about me?" Jane asked, looking hopeful.
"Sorry, but I have no plan for that," Andrew replied gently.
"Yeah, I understand. I just had to tell you how I feel. I don't want things to be awkward between us. Thank you for your honesty. I have to go," Jane said, trying to hide her disappointment.
Andrew shared a small smile as she walked away, her shoulders slumping slightly. He returned to his book, his thoughts briefly lingering on her words.
Not gonna fall for that trap again. You only confess because you like what you see right now. Once that day comes, you’ll lose interest and find a way to get out.
