The Engineer (Batchelor Series #2)

29

Drakon Da Vinci paced the floor of his cramped dorm room, the shadows of the late afternoon stretching across the walls like a metaphor for his tangled thoughts. It had been days since his embarrassing encounter with Renz, but the memory lingered like a stubborn stain. Renz had returned to his usual self, charming and untouchable, strutting around campus with that infuriating confidence that made Drakon's blood boil.

"Pambihira," he muttered, tossing his backpack onto the bed with a thud. “Bakit kailangan pa niyang maging ganito?” It felt as if Renz was flaunting his Casanova ways right in front of him, chatting up girls and laughing louder than ever with his basketball buddies.

Each time Drakon saw Renz laughing with a girl, his heart clenched painfully in his chest. The way Renz leaned against the wall with that cocky smile made it seem like their conversation about samples had never even happened.

The casualness of it all was unbearable, a constant reminder of the line Drakon was trying so hard to ignore. "You want to be my fuck buddy, huh?" The words replayed in his mind like a relentless drumbeat.

Drakon shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He had a project to finish and couldn't afford to let Renz distract him. But the truth was, he needed Renz’s help. The samples were due next week, and the longer he waited, the more complicated things would get.

A knock at the door broke through his thoughts. He opened it, half-expecting one of his friends. Instead, it was Renz, leaning against the door frame with that infuriatingly handsome smile.

“Hey, Da Vinci. Ready to party later?” Renz asked, his tone light, as if they were just two friends sharing a joke.

“Party?” Drakon echoed, irritation bubbling up. “Ikaw nga ‘tong parang walang ginawa kundi mag-party habang ako, nalunod na sa trabaho.”

Renz shrugged, unfazed by Drakon’s tone. “Come on, it’ll be fun! We can relax a little. You deserve it.” His eyes sparkled with mischief, making Drakon’s heart race against his better judgment.

“Fun? Is that what you call flirting with everyone in sight?” Drakon shot back, bitterness creeping into his voice.

Renz raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Jealous, are we? I thought you were all about that pre-med grind. Ako? I’m just living my life.” He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “Or is it that you miss me?”

Drakon clenched his fists, the tension between them crackling like static electricity. “Miss you? That’s rich coming from you.” The words slipped out before he could stop himself.

Renz’s playful expression softened, turning serious. “Come on, Drak. You know I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I thought we had something. And maybe we still can.”

“Something?” Drakon scoffed, masking the storm inside him. “What do you want me to say? That I want to be just another notch on your bedpost? That I want to watch you flirt with every girl while I pretend it doesn’t bother me?”

Renz's smile faded, and for a moment, his confident facade slipped. “It doesn’t have to be like that. I just thought…”

“Thought what? Na okay lang sa akin yung ginagawa mo?” Drakon snapped, his heart racing. “You don’t get to play with people’s feelings just because you think you can.”

“I’m not playing with you,” Renz replied, his voice lowering. “Gusto kita. I need you to understand that.”

Drakon felt the familiar pull of desire mixed with frustration. “Then why act like this? Bakit mo ako tinatrato na parang isa lang sa mga fans mo?” The anger burned in his chest, but so did the unspoken longing.

Renz sighed, running a hand through his hair, looking more vulnerable than Drakon had ever seen him. “Because I thought you were done with me. Ikaw ang umiwas after the kiss. You didn’t give me a chance to explain. I thought it was what you wanted.”

Drakon swallowed hard, guilt creeping in. “Maybe I was just trying to protect myself.” The words hung heavy in the air between them.

Renz stepped closer again, his gaze locking onto Drakon’s. “What if I told you I want more than just a fling? Na I actually care about you?”

Drakon’s heart raced, torn between the burning desire to say yes and the fear of getting hurt again. “And what if this is just another game for you?” he challenged, though deep down, a part of him was already drawn to Renz's sincerity.

Renz shook his head, determination hardening his expression. “Alam mong hindi ito laro. If you want my help, all you have to do is say yes. Be my fuck buddy. No strings attached, just a simple arrangement.”

Drakon’s breath hitched at the suggestion. “Ganun lang? You think I’d be okay with that?” The heat radiating from Renz’s body was almost tangible, the tension between them thickening with every second.

“Honestly? I think you’re already halfway there. You’re just scared to admit it.” Renz leaned closer, his playful smirk returning, but it felt more sincere this time.

As Drakon stared into Renz’s eyes, the truth hit him hard. He did need the samples. And despite all his anger and hurt, he couldn’t deny the desire simmering beneath the surface. Renz made him feel alive in a way no one else had.

“Fine,” Drakon finally said, his voice low, uncertain. “Fine. I’ll do it. Pero kung maging komplikado—”

Renz grinned, the victorious gleam returning to his eyes. “Don’t worry, Da Vinci. I promise it’ll be fun.”

Drakon couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips, despite the apprehension swirling in his gut. “You better keep that promise, Salarza.”

“Count on it,” Renz replied, his smirk widening. As they stood there, the weight of the decision settled in, and for the first time, Drakon felt a rush of excitement mixed with fear.

This could either be the best or worst mistake of his life. Bahala na si Batman.