Smart, quiet, and good-looking… Claude wasn't a stranger to these words used to describe him since middle school. He wasn't interested in hunting girls or being popular, so some boys usually used him as bait. If the girls went out with Claude's acquaintances, they would see him up close. Heck, they could even talk to this mysterious person.
Eugene's demands were nothing new. However, he didn't realize others from their dorm would do the same thing. The only reason Claude didn't think Eugene told them about it was…
"Me, too! I want to go, too!" Eugene quickly swallowed his food and raised his hand in determination. "How could you go without me?"
"Eh? Uh… we thought Lavallee would bring you along naturally. You're the sidekick, right?" Another of those boys teased Eugene, but the other wore a red, puffing face of anger. Instead of getting surprised, the boys at their table laughed harder.
"Lavallee! Tell them! I'm not your sidekick!" Eugene whined and begged to have a teammate in this. Claude frowned at the others. "I'm not even the main character. Why do I get a sidekick?"
More laughter came from the table as Claude and Eugene couldn't help but laugh as well. Children… They had already passed the legal age, but they still argued like children. Regardless, Claude agreed to come since Eugene wanted to go. He didn't mind doing this for his friends… as long as no one got hurt.
…
The group date was on the coming weekend. Claude didn't look forward to it, but he hoped Eugene could at least get something out of his efforts. The guy had bought new clothes and had his hair cut for this meeting. Not that those were enough to get a lady, but Eugene should have an innocent good time at least. As for him… he really didn't care that much.
"I heard you're going out with a few people later at night."
Claude suddenly heard Len speak beside him. They were still waiting for the teacher to come for the last class. Everyone was stuck to their own matters, discussing the first weekend after the school year opened. As for Claude, he just glanced at Len, who had his phone out. Claude could even see how the chatroom screen moved from one message to another.
A sigh came from Claude, glancing at Eugene's vacant seat. He then leaned on the desk and faced Len. "Yeah, they just needed me to keep the girls from leaving them in the first minute. It normally happens. I don't mind doing it."
"Oh… so you're not really looking for a relationship?" Len's brows rose. Claude frowned at him for saying it so casually.
"Look. I don't need distractions. I didn't come here to meet people." Claude turned away and leaned his chin on his hand. "I guess that would be different for you. Rich people didn't have to worry about a lot of things. You can simply fall back on your parents' trust fund if you feel like it."
"Is that it?" Len chuckled and leaned on the desk with both arms. "You don't want me because I'm rich? You can enjoy the lifestyle if you marry me, Lavallee… Claude."
Claude slid his eyes toward the other person. "How did our conversation reach 'marriage' all of a sudden? You're pretty creepy. Do you know that?"
Len didn't dampen his smile. "I'm a man who knows what I want. It doesn't mean I won't be patient, however. It's all right. We have enough time to spend together. Do you need pocket money for that group date? The city takes advantage of the students in this part."
"What the fuck?" Claude laughed instead. He shook his head and turned away. "I already told you to get away from me. If you want to get taken advantage of, seek other people."
"It's all right if you don't need it now." Len pulled back and straightened in his seat. "Just remember. You know where to find me when you need me."
Claude didn't respond anymore. The teacher had arrived, and the class had to start. Everyone was eager to spend what remained of their Saturday in whatever leisure they wanted. Perhaps, even Claude found a reason to look forward to it.
…
The city lights were harsher on Claude's eyes in the dark. Neon lights mixed with the fluorescent yellows, leaving a film of glowing lights on the sea of faces. Lunavida City was not the most prosperous, but the students of Saint Emilien could only go there if they wanted a city to visit. Everyone just went alive after the sun dipped below the horizon.
Various sounds, noises, and music flooded Claude's ears. It was good that he wore earphones to mitigate what he could hear. He, Eugene, and three more guys from their dorm talked about the group date. It was in a big restaurant, and everyone had to pay for the girls' food.
Claude didn't have the money to spend, but he had just received a wire transfer from an unknown number. If Len wanted to force his gifts on him, Claude could only clarify their lack of bearing.
"I'm too excited… I need to look cool and confident…" Eugene whispered to himself as if it were a mantra. He then looked over his shoulder to find Claude. "Do you want to walk in front?"
"Nope, I have to stay at the back. The other guys said I will take too much attention from the women if they see me first." Claude glanced at Eugene while on his phone. On the screen was the restaurant's menu as if he were already thinking about what to get.
Eugene stopped walking to let Claude catch up with him. He looked over the phone screen to pick out what he liked. He then looked up at Claude. "Hey, you're pretty happy tonight. I thought you didn't like going to these things. Did something happen? Did anyone from the girls text you before coming here? Where is that smile coming from?"
Claude pressed the home button and opened the mobile app for his e-wallet. On it was a four-figure amount that was sent in just minutes ago.
Eugene frowned at it before looking up at Claude's face. "Did your grandpa happen into some good money? I don't think he ever gave you that much allowance before."
"Nope, this was from Len." Claude could only laugh and cry at the same time.
"Dammit. How did you even win a sugar daddy without doing anything? Wait, you did do something." Eugene covered his face with both hands. "Dude, can you pay for my share, too?"
"I mean, why not?" Claude chuckled. "He did give me this amount to spend tonight."
…
They soon arrived at the restaurant. It was the fancy kind, but most diners were families and friends. It was not exactly a date site, but the group had gotten a private booth for ten. Upon reviewing their reservation, the receptionist smiled at them. "I'll take you to your booth. Good luck, everyone…!"