CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN: SHOCKING ACTION MADE BY SAMUEL
"What do you want?" I asked, still processing Gift's words.
"Guess what? I am sitting next to Daniel," she said with a shrug, smiling like she knew the effect of her words.
What?!
My heartbeat skipped as I stared at her, speechless.
"So… have you checked out my seat number?" Daniel asked, glancing at the notice board.
"There's no need. You're number 32, sitting next to Gift," I replied, and turned to leave.
"Who is Gift?" Daniel asked, looking genuinely confused.
I inwardly smiled and glanced at Gift. The expression on her face was priceless. "She's my corner mate," I said calmly, still looking at her.
Daniel straightened and turned toward Gift. "You?" he asked, as if he hadn't expected it.
Gift's face changed immediately, but she forced a smile. "Yes, I am Gift. I thought you knew me—I'm quite popular…"
"I know you," Daniel interrupted with a straight face. "Since Junior School. You're not new at all."
My gaze flicked between Gift and Daniel. Where was he driving this? What was he trying to say?
"Then… why did you ask which Gift?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and a touch of disbelief.
"Because I thought there was another Gift. I didn't know it was you," he said, sounding almost disappointed.
"Am I… did I do something wrong? Why do you sound disappointed?" she asked, teetering on the edge of panic, her eyes darting toward the classroom as if seeking approval from anyone else.
Goodness! She really shouldn't try to embarrass herself in front of everyone.
Daniel shifted his attention back to me. "Where are you sitting, Floral?"
"Beside Samuel," I said with a shrug. Gift's eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting it.
Seems I have nothing to lose.
"You like that?" Daniel asked, his gaze lingering on me, as if silently seeking my answer.
"When there's no choice, besides… I know Samuel and I'm comfortable with him," I replied as I walked toward my seat. "We're in the same class. No need for any more questions," I added softly, giving him a small smile.
He stared at me, digesting my words. "Let's go. The teacher will be here soon," I said, locking eyes with him briefly, noticing the calm warmth in his gaze.
He sighed and looked away. "Okay, if you say so." Then he went to his seat, and I followed, sliding into mine.
"Didn't know you were in class already," Daniel said to Samuel, noticing him seated next to me.
"Nothing stopping me from coming to class early," Samuel replied with a smirk.
"I know, right?" Daniel responded sarcastically, then turned his attention back to me. "See you after class," he said with a nod and walked to his seat.
I placed my bag on the table and settled in.
"You know how relieved I am that you're my seat partner?" Samuel said, breaking the silence, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Yeah… it's better than sitting with someone you're not comfortable with," I said, bringing out my notebook and pen, zipping my bag into the locker.
"But… there's a difference with you," he added, glancing at me.
I raised an eyebrow, my heart skipping. "Difference?"
"You know… the difference hits well because we know each other so well," he said, looking away almost immediately.
Oh…
I closed my locker and rested my head on the desk, trying not to let my heart race.
"What made you choose engineering?" he asked suddenly.
"My dad. He's an automobile engineer," I replied, keeping my head down.
"You want to be an automobile engineer too?" he asked, curious.
"Nah… mechatronics engineer. Mainly to assist him in his company," I answered straightforwardly.
"Oh… that's cool. I heard it's a new course combining multiple fields in engineering."
"Yes. That's why I'm after it," I said.
"Nice!" he said, smiling.
"What about you?" I asked, curious.
"Architectural engineering. I'm going for it," he said proudly.
"Nice! You love to draw?" I asked.
"Why conclude that?" he asked.
"Because most architectural engineering students love drawing," I said.
"Yeah… I love to draw, mostly buildings," he replied, smiling.
"You have your sketch pad with you?" I asked, genuinely eager to see his work.
"Nah, it's in the hostel. I'll bring it for you tomorrow," he said.
Just then, the teacher entered, formally introducing herself and starting the lesson.
Time dragged, and before I knew it, my stomach started aching.
"Can you please come forward and answer number four?" the teacher called out, noticing my distraction.
My heart skipped. All eyes were suddenly on me.
I stood, shifting my desk to pass, when Samuel unexpectedly grabbed my hand.
I froze, confused, as he whispered urgently, "Please… sit down fast."
The class behind us started laughing, and I felt a mix of embarrassment and relief. Samuel's quick action had saved me from what could have been a public blunder.
"Please!" he muttered again, squeezing my hand slightly before letting go.