"Come on, tell me to let go." he teased.
I refused to give him the satisfaction of a response.
"The food is here, guys. What are you two talking about?" Rain asked, noticing Nicolas leaning toward me.
I coughed awkwardly, trying to pull my hand away, but he still wouldn't let go. I bit my lip, swallowing my anger before responding.
"Uh… just talking about the game."
Rain nodded, assuming I was gathering research for my novel, and turned back to her conversation with Aiden.
I lowered my voice, whispering harshly, "Let go."
Nicolas smirked, his grip tightening slightly. "Say my name."
I rolled my eyes, seething. "Don't play games with me. Let go."
"Say my name, sweetheart. Either 'Let go, Nicolas,' or—if you'd rather—'Let go, babe.' I wouldn't mind hearing either from your lips."
The audacity of this man!
My patience snapped. Without thinking twice, I grabbed my glass of juice and "accidentally" spilled it over him. The liquid soaked into his shirt, and his grip instantly loosened. Seizing the opportunity, I yanked my hand back.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, feigning panic as I grabbed a few tissues to help wipe it off before whispering, "Sorry, asshole."
Nicolas merely shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"You okay, bro?" Aiden asked.
"Yeah, it's just juice. I'll head home and change later. No big deal."
I could feel Rain side-eyeing me, but I did my best to ignore her.
"Let's eat." Aiden suggested, and everyone turned their attention to their meals. However, I had lost my appetite entirely. The air around me felt suffocating with Nicolas so close.
I barely spoke, only responding when necessary, pushing my food around on my plate. After a while, I abruptly stood up, drawing everyone's attention.
"Uh… I need to use the restroom real quick."
"I'll come with you." Rain offered, but I shook my head.
"No, you eat. I'll be back in a few minutes. Don't worry."
She hesitated but eventually nodded. I needed space—to breathe, to think, to calm down.
Once inside the restroom, I let out a deep breath. Today had been overwhelming. The realization that Nicolas was in the same university as me, his strange behavior, his persistence—I couldn't wrap my head around any of it.
Just as I steadied myself and stepped out, I nearly jumped when I saw Nicolas leaning against the wall outside.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my frustration evident.
He turned to face me, stepping closer. "Waiting for you."
I clenched my jaw. "Does everyone know you're here?"
"No. I told them I had to take an urgent call."
Of course. Still as good at lying as ever.
"So why are you really here?" I pressed.
"We need to talk."
I scoffed. "Who said 'we' need to talk?"
His expression darkened, and he grabbed both my arms firmly. "Let go of me." I said through gritted teeth.
"Then listen. It's not a request. I won't be ignored anymore. Understood?"
I shoved him away. "Who do you think you are? You don't have a say in my life anymore. We have no relationship—not as boyfriend, not as ex, nothing. We're just strangers. Just strangers. So stay out of my life. Now, do you understand?"
His face remained unreadable, his expression void of any emotion. I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me.
"Fine. Just strangers, huh? Then I'll make sure I become more than that again. And this time, I won't stop."
I clenched my fists and continued walking. But just before I was out of earshot, his voice came again.
"You look beautiful in that dress."
My breath hitched.
Did he know? No—he couldn't. He never saw me wear it back then… right?
Shaking my head, I nearly ran out. Returning to the table, I forced a small smile and took my seat beside Rain.
"What happened? You look tense." she asked immediately.
"Nothing… just thinking about my novel.' I lied.
Rain squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Don't worry. I'm here, remember?"
I nodded, grateful for her presence. A few minutes later, Nicolas returned and took his seat. I immediately tensed, avoiding his gaze.
As everyone got up to leave, I followed behind, giving Rain and Aiden space. Nicolas, of course, caught up to me.
"You really didn't say my name once." he mused. "Is it that unbearable now?"
I rolled my eyes and kept walking.
"Fine, don't speak." he said. "But consider this a warning."
I scoffed. "A warning?"
His lips curled into a smirk. "I'm going to court you again."
I froze for a moment before storming ahead, refusing to let him see the effect his words had on me.