[Music Recommendation: "Tiptoe Thru The Tulips" by O'Neill Brothers (instrumental only)-available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

The rest of the day continued peacefully—for the surrounding at least. Inside me, it was full of turmoil. I never liked arguments or stupid misunderstandings especially when I'm involved in it. It's way too upsetting! Ruined my mood every single time.

I tried to breathe in and out to calm myself. Gladly, it helped. Along with the peace of mind that calmness was giving, was a sense of guilt.

'I fought with Kaiden's friend.'

That thought circled my mind over and over.

'No matter how much of a jerk he was, still, he's Kaiden's friend. I shouldn't have been so rude and let myself be overcome with emotions. I'm usually calm but why am I so sensitive lately? Am I getting my period soon? Ugh… I just hope he leaves me alone.'

Hours passed and class ended. Then, we all went back home. For some reason, Callan tried approaching me. Was he feeling guilty, too? Hmf! But I wasn't ready to forgive him yet. Even if I was feeling guilty earlier, I still didn't want to talk to him. I still haven't forgiven him so I ignored him and went straight inside the car.

Of course, everyone would notice that we had some beef going on. But I asked Hora and Crystal to not worry about it. We would figure it out eventually… right? Anyway, that night, I did end up having my period. So that was why. I should really change my username in Armageddon to Mood Swings—very befitting of me. Haaah… if only my hormones would cooperate with me.

Days passed by slowly as I enjoyed my next classes at school. Aside from me ignoring Callan and treating each other as if we didn't exist, everything was normal. I would get calls from mom and dad, my younger brother, and Ken every other night as usual, go to school with Hora and the twins, attend my lessons peacefully, and come back home safely. Everything was perfectly normal. I quite enjoyed it, actually.

Well, it only lasted until Friday, though. As soon as I left the classroom, he was there waiting. I was waiting for his fans to show up since it was the reason why I was able to run from him throughout the rest of the week—because his fans would flock at him whenever they got the chance. And the smart me who still didn't want to deal with him, used that opportunity to escape. But this time, Callan managed to corner me at one of the secluded places at school.

'I shouldn't have run to this part of the school. What if he hurts me?'

"Senara, wait!"

"Haaaah…" I sighed deeply before turning to face him. "What? I'm perfectly fine with us ignoring each other so there's no need for you to try to make up with me or whatever you're trying to do."

I lied. I wasn't fine actually. It's very awkward especially during lunch where we had to eat with each other. I could barely swallow my food. But I'm still angry at him so I ended up saying that. So much for my guilt. I'm really no good at dealing with boys. If only every guy was as kind as Kaiden or Verrill or Ken.

My blood still boiled when I saw him.

"Look, I'm sorry," he said, much to my surprise. "I really am."

I raised my eyebrows at him.

"You're only saying that because Kaiden or Crystal—or both, probably reprimanded you. I don't buy it."

"Come on! Jeez! Women are so difficult. Tsk!"

"Excuse me?"

He sighed and shook his head which made me scoff. Seriously, the audacity!

"Listen to me."

"Fine. What is it?"

"I… haaah… I'm not good at apologizing or acting nice, okay? But I really want to say that I'm sorry. You're right. I judged you too quickly. I shouldn't have done that."

His voice got softer and his face flushed red. He touched the back of his neck and kept on biting his lips. Seeing him nervous, guilty, and apologetic, made me feel a bit sympathetic to him. I guess he really meant his apology.

"It's just that… all this time, the three of us would always end up being approached by stupid girls like that. Flirting, plotting, doing irritating stuff. They would even try to steal kisses or touches! Disgusting! And Kai he—he can't be touched. He… Well, let's just say we're protective of him. Like our baby brother, you know? We just don't want him to…"

Realizing he meant what he said, my anger subsided.

"Kai, he's really kind—a great man. He's also mature for his age. Ugh, what the hell am I saying? Point is, he likes you… a LOT. And you're a girl for friggin' sake. I got overprotective, and anxious because what if you just end up hurting him. He won't care if others hurt him since they're not close. But if it's someone close… ugh. Basically, I just don't want him to be hurt."

"… Did someone close to him hurt him before?"

Callan flinched slightly. My guess was right. Someone did hurt Kaiden before and that was the reason why he's overprotective. Who was it, though? An ex-girlfriend? But Kaiden said he never had one.

"A relative?" I asked again but he didn't respond.

"No. It's best if you hear it from him instead. Once he's ready though. He will tell it on his own so don't go snooping around or asking him stupid question, you got that?"

"Yes. And I'm not stupid. I graduated valedictorian for your information. Also, try and lessen saying rude things and bad words. Your looks are useless if your tongue only knows how to spout foul words." I rolled my eyes. "You should learn some manners from your friends."

'Since he apologized, I won't hate him anymore but that doesn't mean I'll like him in an instant.'

"Yeah, yeah. I will. So, are we good now?"

"No. I don't hate you anymore but that doesn't mean I'll forgive you that easily. You made me cry because of your own misunderstanding."

"Ughhhh… what will it take for you to forgive me?"

"Hmmm…" I pondered for a bit.

Then, a perfect idea crossed my mind.

Looking smug, I told him, "I want cheese flavoured ice cream with tiny cheese chunks in it."

Unfortunately for him, there was no such flavour like that available anywhere in this country. So basically, he would need to do it from scratch. Heh. Suffer, you bratt Callan.