How to Date the Gangster

Chapter 16

Pyra Salazar

I woke up with an aching pain in my head. I'm still pissed at myself for being so careless last night. If Asher wasn't there to help me, God knows what would've happened. I might've ended beaten up or dead.

I haven't told Liam what happened last night, we'll have dinner with my grandparents tomorrow, maybe that's where I'll tell them. This is a serious matter and they need to be informed.

I guess this is the gang that my grandparents were talking about, the only thing that I notice in my opponents is the 'scythe' tattoo on their napes. Grim reaper's weapon. I've never saw anyone with that tattoo before, bakit ngayon lang sila lumitaw? 

I looked at the clock and it's already ten in the morning.

"Shit" I mumbled as I stood up. I'm supposed to be at my Rizal class right now, bakit di ko narinig ang alarm ko?

Considering the travel time from my house to UP, hindi na talaga ako makakaabot sa klase. Hindi na ko nag effort mag madali dahil 12 noon pa naman ang next class ko.

I walked towards the kitchen to look for something to eat. I prepared toast bread and french vanilla as my breakfast, wala din akong ganang mag luto dahil sobrang sakit ng ulo ko.

I was in the middle of my breakfast when I heard my phone buzzed, I picked it up and saw a message from Alexander.

"Wasn't able to attend class, been busy with business meetings. Can we have dinner later? I miss you." I smile as I read his message. He's a really sweet person and he wasn't being subtle about it.

"Sure" I don't have any plans tonight so I agreed. I haven't seen him since the party at their place.

Nahihiya pa din ako sa sinabi ko sa kanya, I didn't expect that I'll bluntly say my feelings. All of these are very new to me, I'm not even sure if I'm doing the right thing by letting him in.

Especially now that there's someone tampering with the balance in the Underground Society.

I just disregarded my thoughts and prepared myself for class.

--

I'm now driving towards UP, medyo traffic na din ngayon dahil tanghaling tapat na. Bakit ba kasi late ako nagising? Ayaw ko pa naman na umabsent sa klase, kahit isang araw lang madami ka na kaagad ma mi-miss out.

I can feel my head aching as I drive, parang nilalagnat na din ata ako. Ayaw ko namang umabsent sa major class ko today, may long quiz kami and mahirap ayusin yung papers para makakuha ng special quiz.

Kailangan ko pa na papirmahan sa college secretary yung medical certificate ko and other stuffs. That's too hassle, kaya ko pa naman siguro.

I arrived at my class at exactly 12 noon. Nandito na din yung professor namin.

"Please settle down. I already informed everyone about the long quiz today. You'll take it for an hour but you can leave if you finish it early." he said as he gave out the papers for our long quiz.

I started answering as soon as I got the paper. Nakapag review naman na din ako dito, competitive din ako pag dating sa academics so this should be easy for me. My eyes getting blurry, nilalamig na din ako kahit na di naman naka todo yung aircon dito sa room.

"Done" I whispered as I put down my ballpen. I took my bag and walked towards our professor who was seated in front.

"Sure ka na dito?" He asked as he scanned my work. He looks amazed that I was able to finish within 30 minutes. I was also the first one to finish.

I nodded as a response.

I walked towards the door and as I left the room, I saw Matthew looking at me. I quickly looked away as I remembered the words he said last night.

"I'll choose you even if it means getting destroyed"

The emotions that I felt last night came surging again. I wanted to not care and just be the heartless Pyra everyone thinks I am, but I can't. Maybe I can fool everyone but not myself, I clearly care about him and that's the reality.

--

I could feel my skin shivered as the breeze of the wind touched my skin.

I'm now walking towards the library, may klase pa ko sa Archery mamaya maya. Maybe I can just rest inside, nahihilo na kasi talaga ko.

Medyo malapit lang ang library sa building na pinanggalingan ko kaya nilakad ko na lang. I can feel my energy easily being drained as I walk under the scorching sun. I should've brought my umbrella.

"Napaka init talaga dito sa Pilipinas" I whispered as I tried to walk faster.

I'm almost near the library when I felt my legs collapsing, nanlalambot na talaga ko. I tried my best to maintain my posture but I failed.

"Miss, okay ka lang?" I heard the voice of a man beside me, he was holding my arm.

God, I hate being vulnerable. I tilted my head to see his face and parang anghel na pinadala din to ni Lord.

Am I just hallucinating or marami talagang pinagpala ni Lord dito sa UP?

"I'll bring you to the infirmary" He insisted. I don't want his help but I can't even walk properly.

I don't even know where the infirmary is, but we just kept walking. Thankful din ako na may good samaritan na tumulong sakin.

"Move. I'll take it from here." I heard a familiar voice. Naramdaman kong may humawak sa braso ko para kunin ako mula dun sa lalake.

"Do you know him, miss?" the man asked. My vision was blurry but I tried to look at who it was.

"Asher..." I whispered as I got a clear glimpse of his face.

Why is he always around whenever I'm in my vulnerable state?

"God, Pyra. You're burning.." he scoffed as he cupped my face. There he goes again with his caring eyes. Why is his eyes filled with overflowing emotions?

"I'll take you home." with a blink of an eye, he carried me with both of his arms. Like how the grooms carry their brides.

"Asher!" I gasped as I felt his arms on my body. Why is he doing this? We're not even that close.

I was about to move when I heard him whisper.

"Please, Pyra. Just this once..."

.

.

.

.

"Let me take care of you"

His words made me stop resisting.

Asher Arrington, why are you always helping me?