Closer to perfection (academic rivals)

Chapter 7 ♡

H E A T H E R
I couldn't believe my ears.
"What do you mean he took me here..?" I stared at Hailey and Emma. Surely they were just telling one of their fake stories. But as Emma chewed her lip and Hailey bounced on the spot, I already knew that they were being as honest as honesty could get.
"Hev, I literally cannot explain it any further. HE TOOK YOU HERE. Even I was shocked." Hailey's eyes suddenly widened, before she leaned in and whispered, "You know maybe this is a good opportunity for you-"
"Am I interrupting someth-"

Now, this reminded me of the time when I told Hailey that Caelan Chemjong always came into the scene at the worst timings possible.
"He can't just ruin your life because he decided to randomly be in the same place as you," she sighed as I complained about the rat.
"Remember the time when I was announced as the year seven spelling bee winner but then he had to mention that I spelt armadillo with two d's?"
Hailey gave me a look.
"Yes, and? That was years ago. We were little then, and when you're little you're obviously petty."
"But it wasn't just THAT time. Trust me Hailey Fernandez. One day, you will watch him ruin my life and you'll realise how right I was"

And this moment is the perfect example of Caelan coming into the picture at the wrong time.

"Yes, you ar-"
"NO. NO YOU'RE NOT!" Hailey beamed a suspicious smile at him before giving Emma of her "looks" and bouncing towards the door. "If you need us call us, but we need to go return these books!"
"We do?" Emma peered over at me.
Hailey uttered a sentence of barely audible words to Emma before they both left.

"But you don't even read and those are mine.." I tried calling out to them but they were already gone.
Caelan stared at me.
"So. Heather? How are you now?"
God, his eye contact was intense.
"Good, thanks for asking."
I looked away, escaping the grasps of his strong gaze, much to his annoyance.
"I think I deserve a thank you after carrying you all the way here."
I turned my head. Seriously? This son of a b wants a thank you?
"Pardon?"
"You were quite heavy. You're heavy for a 16 year old."
Wow.
"Thank you Mr Chemjong, for, as you said, carrying me all the way here! You're such a gentleman." I said to him.
Instead of his usual scoff or a scowl, Caelan stayed silent. He turned away and walked towards the door.
"You're welcome."
He shut the door. Uh rude much? That's Caelan for you. Nonchalant as ever. I couldn't help but laugh a bit. He thinks he's so slick with everything.

Does he think I didn't see his flushed ears as he left?
I guess I have the upper hand in this situation today. Heather wins! Take that Caelan.