CUPID

7.

CHAPTER 7

Natan spent the afternoon focusing on his lessons, especially in architecture. These days, their activities and projects were piling up.

It's only the third year, but the hustle is real.

However, the real reason Natan was immersing himself in his lessons was to forget what had happened earlier behind a classroom, where he had kissed---

Don't go there. Natan, focus on the lesson. Just the lesson, and Bella!

Right. Bella. Bella is the one you love. You shouldn't be affected by that devil.

Natan nodded to himself. He was trying to convince himself that Brian was just a big jerk. He should never be remembered!

Rest in peace, Brian.

Kidding!

Fuck. Brian was on his mind again... nonsense. He should only be thinking about Bella.

Bella.

Bella.

Bella.

Brian.

Fuck shit! Enough. Enough thinking!

"Are you okay, Mr. Dela Cruz?"

Natan was suddenly jolted from his seat, his eyes widening as he looked at their professor.

"H-Ha?"

The professor stared at him sternly. "You've been shouting for more than two minutes. And when I called you multiple times, you didn't respond. Are you sick?"

Natan gulped. Was he really that out of it?

"I'm sorry, Professor. And I'm not sick." He explained, embarrassed, and bowed his head, biting his lip. "I'm very sorry..."

"Then, don't shout again, will you?" the professor asked. Natan just nodded. The professor continued, "If you disturb my class again, I will kick you out!"

Natan didn't move. He looked around, embarrassed. When his gaze met Bradley's, he saw a raised eyebrow staring back at him.

"Are you on drugs?" Bradley asked.

Natan wanted to laugh. "What?"

Bradley repeated the question. "Are you on drugs?"

"What?"

"ARE YOU ON DRUGS?!" Bradley raised his voice.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Natan shouted back.

"You two, get out of my class, NOW!" the professor shouted loudly, his voice filled with annoyance and irritation.

Natan had no choice but to gather his things and leave the classroom. A few moments later, Bradley also left.

But Bradley didn't acknowledge him. He seemed upset.

"Hey," Natan said, but Bradley didn't look at him.

"Hey," Natan repeated. This time, Bradley turned to him with a raised eyebrow.

"You know what? I'm pissed!" Bradley snapped. "Natan, I'm your friend. Your only friend. But why does it feel like you don't trust me enough to share your secrets? You can tell me your problems, like before. But why is it like this now?"

Natan didn't respond.

Why was he so angry?

Bradley sighed. "I've noticed for a while now that you've been acting differently. You're always spaced out. You're never present. And just now, you were shouting and not responding properly. Then, this morning, you splashed water on me! You're acting crazy!"

Bradley continued to rant in front of Natan. Natan couldn't interject because Bradley seemed genuinely angry.

"For me, if you have a problem, I'm here to help you. But when I ask you, you can't even talk to me properly. You weren't like this before, Natan!" Bradley looked at him and grabbed him by both shoulders. "Tell me, Natan, are you really on drugs?"

Natan looked at him angrily. "Do I look like I'm on drugs?"

Bradley sighed in relief. "Good if that's the case." He let go of Natan but continued to stare into his eyes.

Natan just looked away.

His friend was scrutinizing him. Annoying!

But at least Bradley's anger seemed to have subsided. Natan couldn't bear to be at odds with Bradley for long. He considered him like a brother.

"So, what's really bothering you?" Bradley asked again later.

Natan gulped and started walking towards the gym. He would hang out there. It was their last subject of the day, and since they had been kicked out, they wouldn't be able to attend class anymore. He would just wait until it was time to go home.

Bradley followed him. "Hey! I'm asking you!"

Natan paused for a moment. When Bradley caught up, they walked together.

"Nothing."

"There you go again," Bradley said, annoyed.

Natan sighed and stopped walking, turning to face Bradley. "Do you really want to know?"

Bradley looked at him. "Yes!"

"Well! The problem is..." Natan hesitated, then leaned in closer to Bradley's face. "The problem is... Bella!"

Shit. He almost said that Brian was the problem. He would have been in big trouble if he had slipped up. Thank goodness!

Bradley pulled back and smiled. "Is that all?"

"Yes."

Bradley sighed and patted him on the back. "It's okay, dude. She will be your girlfriend soon, so don't worry about it."

Natan smiled. "Thanks."

Yeah, Brad. You should support me with Bella. Hehe.

They walked to the gymnasium, and when they arrived, they sat on a bench. Some people were playing basketball at that time. Natan thought they were varsity players.

A few moments later, the players stopped running and took a break. It's their break time.

Natan's head immediately heated up when he saw Brian, who was apparently one of the players there.

That devil is on the varsity team?

When that jerk looked at Natan's behavior, he raised an eyebrow. It seemed like his eyes were scrutinizing Bradley's hand, which was still on Natan's shoulder even though they were sitting down.

Brian was holding the ball. So, the other players were surprised when he angrily dropped the ball and marched away.

Problematic.

Natan just enjoyed watching the varsity players' game. Brian didn't come back, so he wasn't bothered again.

*