His palm still pressed over my mouth, the guy looked straight into my eyes. My heart hammered inside my chest.

“Shhhh…” he whispered at me. Or was he telling it to my panicking heart? As I could bet he could hear its fast-beating at the moment!

His eyes shifted to the window when we heard the familiar footsteps just outside the room. Two? Maybe three? Three running people. I can’t even do the same as the guy completely held me in place against the door.

As the footsteps faded away, I felt his grip loosening. I broke free from him and stepped further away as that is the only way I thought of to bring my composure back. I, then, gripped my chest, hoping it would calm down my heart that’s beating erratically. Why is it even reacting this way?! Towards this stranger whose face was out of the ordinary, but in a good way?

Okay, stop! Not the right time to be complimenting him again.

“What the hell?!” I blurted out once I’ve pulled my composure back in.

“I’m sorry, did I scare you?” And that voice. How could one person have that perfect face, that perfect physique, and have a nice, manly voice as well? Isn’t it illegal?

“Do I look happy to you?” I sarcastically said. What he did was rude, regardless of how perfect he may seem.

“Right.” He absentmindedly said. “I mean, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you, or anything. It’s just that I was being chased and I needed a place to hide, so…”

“So you kind of dragged me into hiding with you?” I finished his sentence for him.

“I’m sorry.” He said with a shy smile.

It's probably because of his smile, but I do believe he didn’t have any more intentions besides hiding as he is no longer trying to hold on to me or anything. And it’s not like he did something really bad towards me in the first place.

I sighed.

“It’s fine. I just got surprised.” I said finally. “Who were chasing you anyway?”

“Prying, are we?” he teased.

“No, nevermind.” What was I thinking asking him? We are strangers to each other! “Don’t answer that. I just---“

“Hey, hey! Relax. It’s fine, I’m just teasing you.” he interjected with a smile. “And you don’t have to worry about those guys chasing me. It wasn’t that serious, anyway. So why are you still here? Classes ended an hour ago.”

The guy did a great job of diverting the subject. I do not plan on pressing him for answers anyway. Remember, strangers?

“Detention.” I quietly answered.

“On your first day? Nice going, transfer!” instead of mocking, he actually looked… amused?

“You know me?”

“Who doesn’t?” he said, matter of factly.

“And you are still here talking to me?”

“Why not?” Haven’t I had this same conversation with someone else earlier?

“Ahm, murderous daughter on the loose here?” I said pointing to myself.

“You were the girl who survived your house fire. What, are you attacking yourself too?” he said shaking his head.

Okay, he is a stranger before. Now, he just turned to a decent stranger in my eyes.

“So what did you do to be sent to this hell hole on your first day?” he asked a few seconds later.

“Caught not paying attention in class,” I answered. “And sorry to disappoint but I’m kind of enjoying the peace and quiet until you came in that is.”

“Hey, can you just forgive me, already? And shouldn’t it an honor that I have graced you with my presence?” he flashed a haughty smile.

Probably?

“Should I be?” I said instead.

“Come on! You’re hurting my feelings. Most of the girls liked it when I’m around.” He grumbled.

“Well, I’m not most girls.” I smiled playfully. “Besides, I don’t even know you.”

“Why not?” I slightly tilted my head as an answer to his question. “Oh right. You are a transfer.” He said after a while.

“mmm-hmm” I nodded.

“I’m---“ he was about to extend his hand towards me when the door in front opened.

“busted, Mr. Thompson.” Our eyes flew to the teacher who is now with us inside the room. Behind him were three huge men in black suits, sweat trickling from their foreheads. Must be because of the heat from the suits they were wearing in this hot weather or just because they were the ones running the floors a while ago. “These gentlemen have been looking for you.” the teacher said while pointing to three men.

“Your parents had been waiting for you at the restaurant, sir. We should leave now.” The men in the middle of the three suddenly interjected in his gravelly voice. Scary.

“I told you, I’m busy.” I got a bit surprised at how frustrated the young man beside me sounded. Was he not scared of these big blokes dragging him out to God-knows-where they need to be?

“I’m sorry sir, but it’s an order.” The man answered.

The young man beside me released an exasperated sigh.

“Fine! I’m going.” And with heavy feet, he walked towards the big men. They were about to leave the room when the young man suddenly turns back at me, smiling. “I’m Liam, by the way. Don’t you dare forget that!”

“I-I’m---“

“Nice to meet you, transfer!” he cuts me. He walked with his guards while waving his hand. Nice! He didn’t even let me introduce myself.

Oh right, he knows my name already.

“Hmmm, Liam?” did I just gain another friend?

“What are you doing Miss Collantes? Didn’t tell you to behave?” I got pulled back to reality when I heard my teacher’s angry voice.

“Sir, I didn’t---“ I tried to explain but was cut off again.

“Just take your seat again and be quiet!”